Canadian Coins: Type Collecting

Canadian Coins: Type Collecting - One Dollar

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A dollar coin was proposed for 1911, and trial strikings were made. Two silver and one lead pattern/trial are known to exist, and have become Canada's highest priced numismatic items.

1935

The first circulating dollar is also the first commemorative, marking the 25th anniversary of the accession of King George V.
Coins struck in 0.8 silver; weight 23.33 grams; diameter 36 mm.

1936

The reverse remains the same, but the obverse portrait was created by a different artist. Also, the legend is changed to the same words used on smaller coins. Interestingly, this obverse is identical to that used for the 1911 pattern dollars. Owning a 1936 dollar coin is like holding a very valuable 1911 dollar in your hand!

1937-1938,1945-1947

Obverse depicts King George VI.

1939

Reverse commemorates the royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939.

1948,1950-1952

Obverse legend modified omitting "ET IND: IMP:".

1949

Reverse depicts the ship Matthew, the ship in which John Cabot is believed to have discovered Newfoundland in 1497. The coin commemorates the entry of Newfoundland into Canada.

1953-1957,1959-1963

Obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II.

1958

Reverse commemorates the 100th anniversary of establishment of British Columbia as a crown colony.

1964

Reverse commemorates the 100th anniversary of the meetings in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, leading to Confederation.

1965-1966

Obverse depicts a new portrait of the Queen.

1967

The reverse designs of all Canadian coins were changed for 1967 to celebrate 100 years since Confederation. The dollar depicts a Canada goose.

1968-1969,1972,1975-1976

Coins struck in pure nickel; weight 15.62 grams; diameter 32.13 mm.

1970

Reverse depicts a prairie crocus, and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the entry of Manitoba into Canada.

1971

Reverse depicts the coat of arms of British Columbia and dogwood blossoms, and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the entry of the province into Canada.

1973

Reverse depicts the legislature building of Prince Edward Island, and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the entry of the province into Canada.
The obverse is slightly different from previous years, with a smaller portrait, and fewer rim beads farther from the rim.

1974

Reverse commemorates the 100th anniversary of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

1977

The reverse is a major alteration of the 1976 canoe design. Rim denticles are replaced by beads. Lettering is smaller and farther from the rim.

1978-1986

Another change to the regular dollar coin. The obverse returns to a portrait similar to that used in 1968-1972, but with lettering and beads similar to 1973-1977; the reverse appears close to the 1976 design, but with the distinctive raised lines in the sky like the 1977 issue.

1982

Reverse commemorates the new Canadian Constitution.

1984

Reverse commemorates the 450th anniversary of the landing of Jacques Cartier at Gaspe, Quebec.

1987-1989

Due to the rising costs of producing one dollar bank notes, and the fact that the large nickel dollar did not actually circulate, a smaller dollar was introduced, and the dollar note was withdrawn. The new dollar is smaller, lighter, eleven-sided, and a distinctive color.
Coins struck in 0.915 nickel, 0.085 bronze; weight 7 grams; diameter 26.72 mm.
Starting 1988, the diameter is 26.5 mm.