The process to create a new design for the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III is complex and involves many steps:
What will the effigy look like?
In keeping with long-standing tradition, His Majesty King Charles III’s profile will face left. This is the opposite direction in which the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was depicted. The initials of the winning artist will also appear on the obverse.
Why didn’t we use the British effigy since it is already finished and approved?
Canadian coins have featured a royal effigy designed by Canadian artists since 1990 (Dora de Pédery-Hunt from 1990-2002 and Susanna Blunt from 2003 to the present). It is important that we continue to showcase the talent of Canadian artists on coins that will circulate by the millions across Canada for many years.
When will we see the new effigy?
We hope to be in a position to show Canadians the new effigy design in the fall, once the design process had been completed and the necessary approvals obtained.
When will I find one in my change?
We cannot provide an exact timeline as of yet but details will be shared when the new effigy is unveiled.
Why is The King going on our coins?
The decision on the permanent obverse lies exclusively with the Government of Canada. As Canada’s coin manufacturer, we will apply our considerable skill and expertise producing royal effigies on Canadian coins to the important and historic task the Government has assigned us.
Will coins bearing the image of The Late Queen need to be taken out of circulation/replaced with coins featuring The King?
All coins currently in circulation remain legal tender, regardless of the fact that our monarch has changed. As coins have a life span of over 20 years, Canadians can expect to see “Queen” coins in circulation for many more years.
For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II dutifully and gracefully served as Canada’s head of state. And, until her passing on September 8, 2022, she was the only sovereign many Canadians had ever known.