Every year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases a variety of special circulation coins that feature eye-catching designs, historical significance, and sometimes even splashes of colour. While Canada mints tens of millions of $1 and $2 coins annually, commemorative circulation coins stand out for their limited mintage and unique themes—making them instant collectibles.
According to the Mint, commemorative coins are minted in significantly smaller numbers (typically around three million), and many are held onto by collectors, which means they disappear from regular circulation quickly.
If you’ve been using coins without a second glance, now’s a good time to check your change. You might already be holding onto a piece of history—and potential value.
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What Makes These Coins So Rare?
The Mint has made it clear: these special coins are not just beautiful, but scarcer than typical currency. Limited mintages, collector interest, and intricate designs all contribute to their rarity. With time, their scarcity in circulation may only increase, and so could their worth.
Rare Canadian Coins You Should Look Out For (2019–2023)
Here’s a detailed list of 15 notable and limited-edition Canadian coins from recent years that could become future collectibles—or already are.
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2021 Bluenose Dime
Canada’s First-Ever Coloured 10-Cent Coin
- Celebrates the iconic schooner Bluenose
- Features dark blue waves on coloured editions
- 6 million coloured and 9 million uncoloured minted in 2021
2019 Equality Loonie
Honouring LGBTQ+ Rights in Canada
- Commemorates 50 years of LGBTQ+ rights progress
- Artwork by Joe Average
- Limited to 3 million coins
2022 Queen Elizabeth II Toonie
A Historic Tribute with a Mourning Design
- First Canadian coin to feature a black-nickel outer ring
- Symbolizes mourning for Queen Elizabeth II
- Nearly 5 million minted
2020 United Nations Loonie
Marking 75 Years of the UN with Colour
- Canada’s first colourful $1 coin
- Red maple leaf and blue UN olive wreath
- 2 million coloured and 1 million uncoloured
2021 Gold Rush Loonie
Commemorating the Klondike Discovery
- Celebrates the discovery of gold in 1896
- Features Indigenous and non-Indigenous figures
- 2 million coloured, 1 million uncoloured
2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day Toonie
A Collaborative Artistic First
- Designed by three Indigenous artists
- Green inner core with vibrant accents
- 3 million total, including 2 million coloured
2021 Insulin Toonie
Celebrating a Groundbreaking Medical Discovery
- Marks the 100th anniversary of insulin’s discovery
- Blue highlights for the insulin molecule
- 2 million coloured, 1 million uncoloured
2022 Summit Series Toonie
50 Years Since Canada’s Iconic Hockey Victory
- Depicts two Team Canada players
- Jersey numbers and coach initials engraved
- 3 million total, including 2 million coloured
2020 World War II Victory Toonie
Featuring Morse Code & Bold Colour
- Purple “V” for victory with a red and orange torch
- Morse code message on the rim: “We win when we work willingly”
- 3 million minted, 2 million coloured
2022 Oscar Peterson Loonie
Honouring a Canadian Music Legend
- Shows Peterson playing piano with notes from “Hymn to Freedom”
- Splash of purple—his favourite colour
- 3 million minted, 2 million coloured
2022 Alexander Graham Bell Loonie
A Tribute to the Inventor on His 175th Birthday
- Features Bell and his inventions with blue streaks
- 3 million minted, 2 million with colour
2020 Bill Reid Toonie
Showcasing Indigenous Art on a National Stage
- Features Reid’s Haida Grizzly Bear design
- Artwork continues from the inner core to outer ring
- 3 million minted, 2 million coloured in red, white, and black
2023 Elsie MacGill Loonie
Aviation Pioneer & Women’s Rights Advocate
- Known as “Queen of the Hurricanes”
- Green and brown-coloured plane in military camo style
- 2 million coloured, 1 million uncoloured
Why These Coins Might Be Worth More Than Face Value
While none of these coins are guaranteed to make you rich, their limited availability, cultural and historical significance, and collectible appeal could increase their value over time. As demand among collectors grows and circulation numbers shrink, even coins found in spare change might become prized possessions.
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How to Spot These Coins in the Wild
- Check for colour accents—blue, purple, red, green
- Look for distinct themes—hockey, historical figures, Indigenous culture
- Read the outer ring—some include Morse code or engraved text
- Use a magnifying glass if needed for small details or inscriptions
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who tosses coins into a jar without a second thought, now is the time to take a closer look. These 15 special Canadian coins aren’t just small change—they’re miniature pieces of national history.