Honouring Tradition Through Transition: A tribute to Canada’s modern monarchs

Sep 12, 2024
History
3 min read

As Canada’s Head of State from 1952-2022, Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of continuity. She played an integral role in the life of our nation and was the only sovereign most Canadians had ever known. She saw much of our country on her 22 Royal Tours, from east to west and into the north, and joined Canadians in celebrating some of our biggest milestones and achievements.

Upon her passing in September 2022, His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the Throne and was officially proclaimed Sovereign of Canada in a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. In May 2023, His Majesty’s coronation, the first formal investiture of a new monarch in 70 years, took place.

Soon after, the Government of Canada officially announced that The King’s portrait would be placed on the obverse of Canadian coins. This kicked off a comprehensive design process where the Mint tapped into their pool of 350 coin artists and stable of talented engravers. The tradition of the reigning Monarch gracing the obverse of our coins dates back over a century, as Canada has followed this tradition since the Mint started coin production in 1908.

This historic transition has been captured in one of our most exciting new offerings; the Treasured Maple Leaf Silver Maple Leaf (SML) Effigies 3-Coin Set (Premium Bullion). This first-of-its-kind set features three 1 oz. 99.99% pure silver Treasured Maple Leaf bullion coins—one from 2022, 2023 and 2024—and features obverse designs that trace the transition from the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II to that of His Majesty King Charles III.

Unboxing The Treasured Maple Leaf: Effigies 3-Coin Set (Premium Bullion)

From one royal era to the next

Our 2022 SML features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt. It recalls the effigy of George VI, who also chose to be portrayed without a crown. This effigy can also be found on other Canadian coinage dated 2003 through 2022.

For 2023-dated collector and bullion coins, a transitional obverse was created and features the same portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, accompanied by a special marking consisting of an inscription of the dates “1952” and “2022”, separated by four pearls. Each pearl symbolizes of one of the four effigies of Queen Elizabeth II that have graced Canadian coins since 1953.

This transitional obverse served as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and a bridge between Canada’s two modern monarchs until our comprehensive design process finished in November 2023. At an unveiling unlike any other, the new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III was revealed, and Canadian artist Steven Rosati was introduced as the designer of this historic portrait.

While very few 2023-dated Canadian circulation and numismatic coins can be found with The King’s effigy, the majority of 2024-dated coins, including bullion coins, do feature His Majesty’s portrait. And you’ll also notice The King is facing left, while Queen Elizabeth II was facing right. This is yet another tradition that dates back centuries, where the reigning Monarch faces in the opposite direction of their immediate predecessor.

A New Royal Era : The Making of a New Royal Effigy

A set for the ages

These historic changes have renewed an interest in Canada’s royal connection with many Canadians taking the opportunity to learn more about our constitutional monarchy and how we can embrace our time-honoured traditions through momentous transitions.

The new Treasured Maple Leaf SML Effigies 3-Coin Set (Premium Bullion) captures that history and pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign and legacy of service influenced many chapters of Canada’s story, and to the accession of His Majesty King Charles III. Add it to your collection today.