Canadian Mint Introduces New Queen Elizabeth II Numismatic Coin

The Royal Canadian Mint has begun a four-coin series honoring Queen Elizabeth II. The series will feature the various portraits of the queen that have appeared on Canadian coins throughout her reign.

The first coin in the series features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that was originally created in 1952 by British sculptor Mary Gillick. The portrait appeared on Canadian coinage from 1953 until 1964. The effigy of the then 27-year old queen was created for use on the coinage of several British commonwealth countries.

Adorned by a laurel wreath, the profile of the queen shows her draped in a flowing garment and is encircled with the inscription, "Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina" which is Latin for "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen."

The reverse of the coin holds another symbol of Canadian identity, the sugar maple leaf and bears the inscription of the year, "2014," and a face value of "10 dollars." The botanical engraving was done by Celia Godkin.

Packaged in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box, the coin retails for C$ 649.95 and contains 7.8 grams of 99.99% pure gold. Of special interest to numismatic collectors will be the limited minting of the coins. Only 1500 of each coin will be struck.