The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled the first image of King Charles III to be on Canadian currency and striking the first coin to bear his image.
A news conference was held today, Tuesday, November 14th, for the official unveiling at the Winnipeg-based facility which is responsible for making and circulating all Canadian coins and bills.
This is the first time in 70 years that a monarch, other than Queen Elizabeth II, will have their image on our money.
“Since 1953, the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth has graced the obverse of Canadian coins,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
“Today, 70 years later, a new chapter in Canadian history begins with the introduction of the first Canadian coin bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.”
Renowned Canadian portrait artist, Steven Rosati is responsible for the effigy. He is a celebrated master of his craft, specializing in oil on canvas.
Some of Rosati’s most well-known accolades include designing the 100th anniversary Toronto Maple Leafs, a version of the loonie that celebrates the Leafs centennial and a series of quarters that showcase the goaltenders from the ‘Original Six’ NHL teams.
Rosati’s painted effigy of King Charles III will don all Canadian coinage as well as the $20 bill.
Following the design being completed, it had to be approved by Ottawa as well as the King himself.
The Mint says this new design has been in the works ever since the King’s coronation.
“What people may not know is that it takes between a year and 18 months to create and circulate a new design on coins,” Lemay explained.
According to the Mint, coins bearing the new monarch will be in circulation beginning before the new year.
The occasion of the effigy being revealed also lines up with the King’s 75th birthday.
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