What do a loon and a hockey skate share in common? How about a polar bear and a canoe? They all stand as iconic symbols of Canada, featured on the 50-cent piece within this exclusive 6-coin set. This set proudly represents Canadian identity and heritage, with the unique 50-cent coin boasting a captivating mosaic design adorned with patriotic red and white colours.

Although these icons may appear vastly different from one another, they collectively embody Canada and its diverse experiences. These symbols unite to form the most renowned Canadian emblem of all: the maple leaf.

This affordable and enjoyable set provides an excellent starting point or expansion for your coin collection. The six coins, all dated 2023, offer a distinctive way to commemorate special moments this year, be it a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or even your first visit to Canada.

Good to know

Qualifies for free shipping
Canada’s 2023 collector’s edition non-circulation coin
Limited supply

About the Canadian Icons set

In a rare opportunity for 2023, this set showcases beloved classic Canadian coin designs, now imprinted with the year "2023" in a non-circulation format. As we pay tribute to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), the Mint will not release any Canadian circulation coins for 2023 that feature the traditional reverse designs along with Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Instead, we have crafted a limited collector's edition for each of the six Canadian coin denominations ($2, $1, 50¢ - special edition, 25¢, 10¢, 5¢), and you will find one of each within this special set.

About the 50-cent coin

Exclusively for this set, the traditional coat of arms design on the 50-cent coin has been substituted with a mosaic featuring iconic Canadian symbols, symbolizing a proud expression of Canadian identity in 2023. Please note that this unique 50-cent coin is exclusively available as part of this set and cannot be purchased separately.

About the icons

This set's 50-cent coin beautifully showcases a diverse array of icons representing Canada, Canadians, and the Canadian experience. These icons draw inspiration from nature, history, geography, and our way of life, making them powerful visual representations of our nation, its values, identity, and culture. Among them, the beaver stands out as a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, having received official recognition as an emblem of Canada. Other popular images, while not formally designated as official emblems, are widely regarded as distinctively Canadian, further enriching our cultural identity.

About the design

The six coins are arranged in an artfully scattered pattern and are securely sealed and presented in a folder that's ready for display, thanks to the convenient pop-out easel feature on the back.

The front of the package features the reverse of the coins nestled in a white and grey-toned design with striking red accents. At the top, the package is shaped like the top of a maple leaf. It features a prominent red maple leaf set against a greyscale depiction of a globe. Towards the lower right, you'll find "Canada" and "Mosaic of Canadian Icons" text, topped with red icons of a moose, beaver, and a Canada Goose in flight.

The back of the package is primarily white and features the rear of the maple leaf shape and the obverse side of the six coins.

The coins feature traditional Canadian coin elements, some with an exciting addition. The polar bear ($2), loon ($1), and moose (25¢) designs are all enhanced with the addition of a small, double maple leaf icon. The sailboat (10¢) and beaver (5¢) designs remain the same. The 50-cent piece boasts a notably distinctive appearance.

The 50-cent piece: Coin obverse

The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign. 

The 50-cent piece: Coin reverse

The special-themed reverse design by artist Alisha Giroux showcases a mosaic of stylized Canadian icons arranged in a pattern reminiscent of the Canadian national flag. Starting clockwise from the top, these icons include a polar bear, a hockey skate, a canoe with oars, a beaver, a toque, a moose, a curling stone, and a snowy owl. In the center of this design, careful use of red colouring accentuates specific elements such as the moose's antlers, a Canada goose, a mitten, a loon, and the log held by the beaver. When combined, these red and white coloured icons come together to form the shape of another iconic Canadian symbol: the maple leaf.

Adding a vibrant touch, the 50-cent coin's unique reverse design also incorporates selective applications of red and white colour to the stylized icons. Together, they unmistakably create the beloved shape of Canada's iconic maple leaf.

Product # 245942

Mosaic of Canadian Icons - 6-coin set (2023)