General knowledge

The Royal Canadian Mint: Royal faces

Autor: Rolf van Zanten

Date: 20 March 2023
Update: 20 March 2023 Reading time: 5 min

As part of the Commonwealth, Canada has put the image of its reigning monarchs on its coins since the Royal Canadian Mint began production in 1908.
There are even four different coins of the previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, issued in 1953, 1965, 1990 and 2003. A special 50-cent gold anniversary circulation coin was also made in 2002. This features the effigy of Elizabeth II as it also appeared on the 1953 Canadian Coronation Medal.

Monarchs on Canadian coins through the years

Edward VII was the great-grandfather of Elizabeth II. The Latin inscription surrounding him reads “EDWARDVS VII DEI GRATIA REX IMPERATOR” (or D:G REX IMPERATOR, depending on the denomination). In either case, this means “Edward VII, by the grace of God, King and Emperor.”

George V (1911 – 1936)

George V was the grandfather of Elizabeth II and appeared with the Latin inscription “GEORGIVS V DEI GRA:REX ET IND:IMP”, which means “George V, by the grace of God, the king and emperor of India.” For part of 1911, coins were minted without the “DEI GRA” portion of the inscription. These coins became known as the “godless” coins.

George VI (1937 – 1952)

The father of Elizabeth II appears with his likeness on Canadian coins until his daughter's coronation in 1952. Until 1947, the inscription accompanying his face read “GEORGIVS VI D:G:REX ET IND:IMP” or “GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA REX ET IND:IMP” (depending on the denomination). After India gained independence in 1947, “ET IND:IMP” (“emperor of India”) was removed from the coins.

Elizabeth II (1953 – 1964)

The image of Queen Elizabeth II first appeared on Canadian coins in 1953, when she was 27 years old. The side view of the monarch depicted here was used until 1964, with the inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, the Queen."

Elizabeth II (1965 - 1989)

This updated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II appeared with the inscription “ELIZABETH II D G REGINA,” a shortened form of the original.

Elizabeth II (1990 - 2002)

A new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled in 1990, when she was 64 years old. This was the first design designed by a Canadian, Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The coin retained the inscription “ELIZABETH II D G REGINA.”

Elizabeth II (2003 - 2023)

Another Canadian artist, Susanna Blunt, designed the most recent effigy of Elizabeth II, again accompanied by the words “ELIZABETH II D G REGINA.” Blunt's version is reminiscent of the effigy of George VI, who also chose to be depicted without a crown.

Charles III (2023 - present)

Charles III (2023 - Starting in 2023, Elizabeth II's son, current King Charles III, will make his debut as a portrait on Canadian coins. The inscription accompanying his image will read “CHARLES III D G REX F D” or “CHARLES III DEI GRA REX FID DEF” (depending on the denomination). In either case, it means “Charles III, by the grace of God, king and defender of the faith.”
On Sept. 8, 2022, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. Britannia coins from the United Kingdom have used her image on them for many years. In 2023, Brittania coins will come with an image of King Charles.present)