Canadian 1-Dollar Coin (Loonie)

Country of Origin: Canada

Year of Issue: 1987-present

Denomination: 1 Dollar ($1 CAD)

Composition: Bronze-plated nickel (1987-2011); Multi-ply brass-plated steel (2012-present)

Canadian 1-Dollar Coin (Loonie)

Brief Description

A gold-colored eleven-sided coin featuring a common loon floating on water on the reverse and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1987 to replace the one-dollar paper bill, the coin became colloquially known as the 'loonie' due to the bird on its reverse. It is a fundamental part of the Canadian currency system and its success led to the introduction of the 'toonie' ($2 coin) in 1996.

Estimated Value

$1.00 CAD (Face value); collector versions or rare errors can be worth more.

Care Instructions

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning with abrasive chemicals or cloths, as this can damage the finish and reduce collector value. Use PVC-free coin holders for long-term storage.

Created At: 2026-04-02T05:41:17.113108