•    Canadian coins express a high sense of nationalism – the obverse or “heads” of the coin displays the image or portrait of the current monarch, thus showing honor to their government.

The reverse, on the other hand bears images of natural treasures such as wildlife that are endemic to Canada, the Canadian coat of arms, and the historical Bluenose – a sailing vessel which is the symbol of Nova Scotia, a province in Canada.

•    There are seven denominations in the Canadian money coins that are circulating today. All of which bear the image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse

•    The Royal Canadian Mint started to issue commemorative coins in the year 2000.

•    Canadian commemorative coins are known all over the world for their spectacular eye appeal and highly innovative designs. Such coins are considered real treasures by numismatists.

The Royal Canadian Mint made history in 2004 when it issued 30,000,000 pieces of world’s first colored circulation coin. Aside from colored coins, the mint also produces triangle coins and tokens for limited mintage. 

Face Value	Reverse	Composition	Weight	Diameter	Edge
1 cent (penny)	Maple leaf	Steel, nickel, and copper plating	2.35 g	19.05 mm	Plain
5 cents (nickel)	Beaver	Steel, copper, and nickel plating	3.95 g	21.2 mm	Plain
10 cents (dime)	The Bluenose	Steel, copper, and nickel plating	1.75 g	18.03 mm	Milled
25 cents (quarter)	Caribou	Steel, copper, and nickel plating	4.4 g	23.88 mm	Milled
50 cents(half dollar)	Canadian Coat of Arms	Steel, copper, and nickel plating	6.9 g	27.13 mm	Milled
1 dollar (loonie)	Common loon	Nickel with bronze plating	7 g	26.5 mm	Plain (eleven-sided)
2 dollars (toonie)	Polar bear	Ring: nickel Center: copper, aluminum, nickel	7.3 g	28 mm	Intermittent milled / smooth

The 1947 Maple Leaf

As said, the Canadian coinage is in itself historical journey; one proof to this is the mintage of the 1947 Maple leaf.

Canadian coins minted in 1947 had the words engraved on the surface "GEORGIVS VI D:G:REX ET IND:IMP" or Dei Gratia Rex et Indiae Imperator which means George VI, By the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India.
The “ET IND:MP” wording on the currency had to be removed when India gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.  Canada, being part of the Commonwealth Realm and sharing the British monarchy, was affected by such change in coinage.

But the 1948 coin dies (metal stamping tool used to engrave a coin design) were not readily available.  At this time, there was a great demand for coins from the public.

To answer the demand, production of coins had to resume but using the 1947 coin dies.  Engraving a maple leaf by the side of the stamped date distinguished the 1948 pieces from the earlier coins. As soon as the 1948 dies arrived, normal coins were produced.