The History of Canada’s Loonie and Toonie Coins
- Publish date: Tuesday، 13 May 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
These coins not only serve as currency but also symbolize Canadian culture and heritage.
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Canada’s coins are more than just pocket change—they’re national symbols with stories worth telling. The Loonie and Toonie, introduced in 1987 and 1996 respectively, didn’t just replace banknotes—they reshaped how Canadians see their money. From a lost voyageur design to a polar bear making headlines, these coins have become icons of Canadian culture. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind the Loonie and Toonie, why they were created, and how they became part of everyday life—and even Olympic folklore.
🪙 The Loonie ($1 Coin)
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Introduction Year: 1987
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Design: Features a common loon on the reverse side, designed by artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael.
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Composition: Originally 91.5% nickel; now a multi-ply brass-plated steel.
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Nickname Origin: Named "Loonie" due to the loon depicted on the coin.
🪙 The Toonie ($2 Coin)
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Introduction Year: 1996
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Design: A bi-metallic coin featuring a polar bear on the reverse side, designed by artist Brent Townsend.
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Composition: Outer ring of nickel and inner core of aluminum bronze.
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Nickname Origin: "Toonie" is a portmanteau of "two" and "Loonie."