One coin, six portraits: Tracing history through Canada’s effigies.

Bridging the past and present, this 5 oz. 99.99% pure silver coin features six well-known effigies, one for each of the reigning monarchs[1] whose likenesses have appeared on post-Confederation Canadian coinage. Surrounded by stately botanical emblems, these royal portraits are portals into the past (and present), and each one represents change: from the Queen Victoria diadem portrait seen on the first coins issued by the Dominion of Canada 155 years ago, to the first image of Queen Elizabeth II’s historically long reign, and the effigy introduced in 2023 – that of His Majesty King Charles III.

Royal portraits, past and present.

[1] No Canadian coins bearing the effigy of King Edward VIII were issued during his short reign.

Good to know

Six effigies on one coin. This 2025 collectible brings together effigies of the six monarchs whose likenesses have appeared on Canada’s coins.

A royal first for us. This marks the first time we’ve featured His Majesty’s coin effigy alongside those of his predecessors dating back to Queen Victoria, and all on one coin.

Symbolic flourishes. The effigies are surrounded by flourishes of acanthus leaves, as well as the floral emblems of the United Kingdom (Tudor rose, shamrock, thistle and daffodil) and Canada (maple leaf).

Fine silver. Your coin is crafted in 5 oz. of 99.99% pure silver to provide a larger canvas for the engraved intricacies of a design that’s heavy on visual and historical details.

Rarity and prestige. A must for lovers of regal designs and royal themes, your coin is one of just 1,900 that have been minted and made available to collectors worldwide.

Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

No GST/HST

Did you know?

A longstanding tradition, each new monarch’s effigy typically faces in the opposite direction to that of their immediate predecessor. In January 1936, George V (whose portrait faces left) was succeeded by Edward VIII, who broke with tradition by insisting on a left-facing portrait, but no coins with his effigy were issued during his 326-day reign. His brother and successor, George VI (His Majesty’s grandfather), opted to have his portrait facing left, as if Edward VIII’s would have faced right according to protocol, and the tradition continues today.

Behind closed doors

"The design concept of this newly minted coin is rooted in circular symmetry, symbolizing continuity and the enduring legacy of the monarchy. At the heart of the design is the new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, facing left, which will now be permanently displayed on the obverse of all newly minted Canadian coins. Surrounding this central effigy are smaller portraits of previous reigning monarchs, dating back to Queen Victoria, arranged in a semi-circle. This semi-circular arrangement not only balances the composition but also represents the unbroken lineage of the monarchy—a full circle of continuity, tradition, and heritage that links the past to the present and the future. Each monarch has played a significant role in shaping the history of the Crown, and their inclusion in this design honours their contributions while symbolizing the enduring nature of the monarchy.

The edge of the coin is adorned with an elegant decorative border—a continuous circular wreath featuring acanthus leaves intertwined with traditional royal heraldic symbols. These plant badges—the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, the shamrock for Ireland, and the daffodil for Wales—are also repeated within the coin's interior design, accompanied by the iconic Canadian maple leaves. This intricate border not only enhances the visual appeal of the coin but also serves to connect Canada’s national identity with its historical ties to the United Kingdom, highlighting the shared heritage of the Commonwealth realms."

– Anna Bucciarelli, Artist

"I am grateful to have been involved in the process of creating His Majesty’s Canadian effigy, it was a tremendous honour to be a witness to that historical moment. With this 2025 collectible, I was pleased to have the opportunity to re-visit other effigies that represent so much of this nation’s history since Confederation, images that have cemented the legacy of the Canadian Crown on our coins."

– Mélanie Luis, Product Manager

About the design

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

The reverse design by artist Anna Bucciarelli features a circular arrangement of current and historical effigies, one for each reigning monarch whose likeness has graced Canada’s coins since Confederation (from top, counter-clockwise): the effigy of Queen Victoria (1870-1901) by L. C. Wyon; the effigy of King Edward VII (1902-1910) by G. W. De Saulles; the effigy of King George V (1911-1936) by Sir E. B. Mackennal; the effigy of King George VI (1937-1952) by T. H. Paget; the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II (1953-1964) by Mary Gillick; and the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III (2023-present) by Steven Rosati. This collection of royal portraits is surrounded by the emblems of the United Kingdom (Tudor rose, shamrock, thistle and daffodil) and Canada (maple leaf), and elegantly bordered by flourishes of acanthus leaves. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Product # 246142

$50 Fine Silver Coin - Legacy of the Crown (2025)