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Elizabeth II Modern (1968-2022)

Complete 1968–2022
Designer: Arnold Machin, Dora de Pédery-Hunt, Susanna Blunt (obverses)

Modern circulation coins from 1968 to 2022, the longest era in Canadian coinage. Marked by the transition from silver to nickel/copper-nickel (1968), introduction of the loonie (1987), toonie (1996), multi-ply plated steel (1999+), and elimination of the penny (2012). Four different Elizabeth II obverse portraits span this era.

0
In Database
55 years
Year Span
Notes
Key events: 1968 (silver to nickel), 1987 (loonie), 1996 (toonie), 1999 (plated steel), 2012 (last penny). Four portrait types used across denominations.

Collector Research Notes

Modern circulation coins from 1968 to 2022, the longest era in Canadian coinage. Marked by the transition from silver to nickel/copper-nickel (1968), introduction of the loonie (1987), toonie (1996), multi-ply plated steel (1999+), and elimination of the penny (2012). Four different Elizabeth II obverse portraits span this era.

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Related Series

King Charles III Era (2023+)
Circulation coins bearing the portrait of King Charles III, who acceded to the throne in September 2022.
Edwardian Era (1902-1910)
Circulation coins from the short reign of King Edward VII (1902-1910). Silver coins remained.925 sterling.
Elizabeth II Silver Era (1953-1967)
Circulation coins from the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II when silver was still used in Canadian coinage.
George V Era (1911-1936)
Circulation coins from the reign of King George V (1911-1936).

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1968-2022 era starting point
Start with the first year of this series and branch into the surrounding annual releases.

Series summaries on this page follow our Editorial Policy, Research Methodology, and the sourcing notes published by the Editorial Team.

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