Royal Canadian Mint circulates $2 coin honouring Elizabeth II

Royal Canadian Mint has issued a two-dollar circulation coin to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II. Dated 2022, the coin will begin circulating later this month.

Bearing all the design elements of a standard $2 coin; such as the traditional polar bear on one side and effigy of Queen Elizabeth on the other, this new coin is distinguished by its black outer ring, which the company says is meant to be reminiscent of a mourning armband. The ring comes as a result of a black nickel finish, however the metal composition of the coin remains unchanged, the company says. 

Nearly five million coins will enter the national coin distribution system in December and will begin appearing gradually as banks restock their $2 coin inventories. Additional volumes may be produced, depending on marketplace needs. 

"Queen Elizabeth II served as Canada's head of state for seven decades and for millions of Canadians, she was the only monarch they had ever known," said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Mint. "Our special $2 circulation coin offers Canadians a way to remember her."

For more information, visit www.Mint.ca.