A New Royal Era
On September 8, 2022, upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales acceded to the Throne and became His Majesty King Charles III. King Charles III is Canada’s first new monarch in 70 years.
A historic transition
Though his reign began upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, His Majesty King Charles III was officially proclaimed Head of State and Sovereign of Canada two days later, on September 10, in a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa where the following statement was officially read:
Whereas our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second, passed away on September 8, 2022, by whose death the Crown of Canada vests in His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George;
We, the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, assisted by His Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada, proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the death of our late Sovereign, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we acknowledge faith and allegiance. Given at Ottawa, this tenth day of September, two thousand and twenty-two.
Long Live the King
The Process
The process to create a new design for the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III was complex and involved many steps:
- Following the Government of Canada’s announcement, an email invitation was sent to more than 350 artists in our database as well as to our Mint engravers.
- Each artist and engraver who responded with a notice of interest and a required portfolio of portrait work was evaluated. Each shortlisted artist and engraver received an artist brief outlining mandatory design requirements.
- Design concepts were evaluated by an internal Mint review panel that judged submissions based on aesthetics, technical requirements and mass-production suitability.
- The winning design was submitted for necessary government and Buckingham Palace approvals.
- The Mint then began the engraving and tooling process where dies were created to strike the coins.
- Production, or striking, of new circulation coins then began.
- Striking of the new effigy on numismatic and bullion coins are following.
A life’s purpose fulfilled
After a lifetime of preparation defined by duty and service, Canada’s new monarch fulfills his destiny.
The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Charles Philip Arthur George was born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace. The young prince was just three years old when his mother acceded to the throne in 1952—thus began his remarkable journey as the longest-serving heir apparent.
His Majesty undertook numerous official visits to Canada, his first in July 1970, and his most recent in May 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. His Majesty has long been known for his keen interest in all areas of public life, having worked closely with organizations in Canada and around the world to promote understanding of issues such as conservation and sustainability, in addition to publicly supporting causes related to architecture, the arts, education, healthcare, among many others.
His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the Throne and became Canada’s Head of State upon the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 have applied our considerable skill and expertise producing royal effigies on Canadian coins to the important and historic task the Government assigned us.
When will I find a new circulation coin in my change?
Some coins will start circulating in 2023, and more will follow as banks and businesses draw down their inventory of existing circulation coins.
Who designed the new effigy?
The new effigy was designed by Steven Rosati, a Canadian award-winning portrait artist and member of the Portrait Society of Canada.
When will the new effigy be featured on bullion and numismatic coins?
We will prioritize 2024-dated bullion coins and begin with specific numismatic coins early in 2024, until all coins are converted to the new effigy by May 2024.
Why does the King’s portrait face left?
The King’s portrait faces left to keep with the longstanding tradition of depicting the portrait of the new monarch in the opposite direction of their predecessor.
Will coins bearing the image of the 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.
