The Royal Canadian Mint recently released these stunning coins
The Royal Canadian Mint releases coins that are more than just currency — they’re small works of art that tell the story of Canada.
Each new coin from the lineup is no exception, showcasing some of Canada’s most iconic symbols. The latest coin designs highlight everything from a Canadian steampunk fantasy to glowing maple leaves. Another coin features an adaptation of a painting by Daphne Odjig, the first First Nations woman artist featured on a Canadian coin.
Some of these designs are exclusive, while one that’s made purely out of gold comes with a very hefty price tag. But although they may not all be wallet-friendly collector’s pieces, they’re certainly beautiful works of art that capture Canada’s diversity.
Here are five coin designs with fascinating stories behind their design.
A Whimsical Tale: Steam Locomotive
Royal Canadian Mint
Face value: $50
Price: $474.95
It may not tell the story of Canada’s history, but this coin’s intricate design by Canadian artist David Oram paints a picture of what could have been. A Whimsical Tale: Steam Locomotive showcases Canada’s imagined future as envisioned in a bygone era, which offers a glimpse of how people once envisioned 2025 might look. The design features a travelling steampunk train leaving behind a retro futuristic skyline, complete with a blimp. It’s a playful glimpse into the future as it was once imagined long ago.
Multifaceted Maple Leaves
Royal Canadian Mint
Face value: $200
Price: $8,049.95
What’s a more iconic symbol of Canada than the beloved maple leaf? Summer may be over in Canada, but this new coin design brings the warm season to life. The coin features a cluster of maple leaves engraved to evoke the gleam of the sun’s golden rays. In contrast to the naturalistic leaves, a stylized maple leaf adds a modern touch to the design. Made with 99.99 per cent gold and with a price point of $8,049.95, this coin would certainly be the pride of any coin collection.
Gilded Elegant Maple
Royal Canadian Mint
Face value: $20
Price: $209.95
In contrast to the summery aesthetic of the Multifaceted Maple Leaves coin, the Gilded Elegant Maple is a much darker design meant to capture “the fleeting beauty of autumn and in perfect stillness.” The matte black rhodium-plated field provides a striking contrast to the single shining golden maple leaf. At $209.95, it’s certainly a more affordable design compared to the Multifaceted Maple Leaves coin.
Remembrance Day
Royal Canadian Mint
Face value: $20
Price: $159.95
The Remembrance Day design features a vivid red poppy — a powerful symbol of the respect and gratitude for those who gave their lives in defence of freedom. Among the three poppies, one in particular stands out — a bright-red version inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields, which was written by Canadian John McCrae 110 years ago. The Royal Canadian Mint states that it releases a Remembrance Day coin each year to honour those who have served and continue to serve Canada in times of war and peace.
Folk Singer by Daphne Odjig
Royal Canadian Mint
Face value: $20
Price: $149.95
Acclaimed Canadian First Nations artist Daphne Odjig is celebrated for her minimalist sketches and large-scale paintings that stand out for their bold, vibrant colours. According to the National Gallery of Canada, her work explores themes such as colonization, the displacement of Indigenous Peoples, and the status of Indigenous women and children. This year, she became the first First Nations woman artist honoured on a Canadian circulation coin. The coin’s design is adapted from her painting Folk Singer, which shows a large bird wrapping its wings around a female figure holding a drum.