The toonie turns 30: Uncover the coin’s untold origins

It has become a staple of every Canadian’s pocket change, but few collectors know the full story behind the creation of Canada’s $2 circulation coin – the toonie. As the coin marks a major milestone this year, Canadian Coin News takes readers back three decades to when the first plans for the toonie began to take shape.

What started as a government effort to save taxpayers millions quickly grew into one of the most recognizable coins in the country. From design competitions to political debates, the journey to the toonie’s 1996 launch was filled with fascinating moments that are only now being fully explored.

Our latest issue uncovers rarely told details about the coin’s early development, including unique test pieces, international involvement, and how a small Ontario town cemented its place in Canadian numismatic history with a massive tribute to the polar bear design.

Learn why certain toonies from the coin’s first year of issue remain highly sought after by collectors today. To read the full story and discover more about this Canadian icon’s surprising beginnings, subscribe to Canadian Coin News—your source for in-depth numismatic features and market trends.

Click here to subscribe now.

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Canadian Coin News is Canada's premier source of information about coins, notes and medals.

Although we cover the entire world of numismatics, the majority of our readers are Canadian, and we concentrate on the unique circumstances surrounding collecting in our native land.

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