Commemorative Circulation Program

A Look Back

Special circulation coins were first issued during the Second World War in support of the Canadian war effort. The Victory Nickel, produced from 1943-45, was composed of non-essential alloys and featured a special design intended to rally spirits and reinvigorate the belief that the war could be won. The nickel, the brainchild of engraver Thomas Shingles, featured a design partly inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s famous “V for Victory” sign and was the first coin to be designed, engraved and struck entirely in Canada.

Until 1999, special circulation coins were released periodically to commemorate important milestones, such as the 100ᵗʰ anniversary of Confederation, which featured Alex Colville’s beautiful designs and the provincial and territorial series issued in 1992 for the 125ᵗʰ anniversary of Confederation.

In 1999 and 2000, a commemorative design was issued every month in anticipation and celebration of the new Millennium. In the years since, commemorative circulation coins have been issued almost every year and feature topics featured that encourage Canadians to learn about, and engage with our nation and its history. 

The making of these coins has led to landmark milestones for the Mint and its efforts to innovate the art of minting. These include the production of the world’s first coloured circulation coin in 2004, and the world’s first glow-in-the-dark circulation coin in 2017.