The Canadian loonie, one of Canada’s most iconic coins, has been in circulation since 1987. Made of a bronze-plated nickel alloy, the loonie features the image of a common loon, a symbol of Canada’s wilderness and natural beauty. While the coin is often used in everyday transactions, it has also become a popular collector’s item, with rare and valuable versions fetching high prices at auctions and coin shows.
One of the most famous rare Canadian coins is the Terry Fox coin, which was released in 2005 to commemorate the Canadian hero’s Marathon of Hope. The coin features an image of Terry Fox on the reverse side, and has become highly sought-after by collectors and fans of the late runner and cancer activist.
Other rare Canadian coins include the 1936 “dot” penny, which is valued at over $250,000, and the 1911 silver dollar, which can sell for upwards of $100,000 at auction. These coins are highly prized by collectors and investors alike, and are considered to be some of the most valuable coins in Canadian history.
In addition to the loonie, Canada has several other iconic coins, including the toonie, which was introduced in 1996 to replace the two-dollar bill. Like the loonie, the toonie is made of a two-toned metal alloy and features a distinctive design on its reverse side.
Despite the popularity of the loonie and other Canadian coins, the Canadian penny was officially retired in 2013, due to the rising cost of production and the decline in its use in everyday transactions. Today, the loonie remains one of Canada’s most recognizable coins, and is often seen as a symbol of Canadian identity and pride.
For those interested in seeing a giant loonie, one can be found in Campbellford, Ontario, where a 3.5-meter tall replica of the coin stands as a tribute to Canada’s currency.
As of the time of writing, the exchange rate from Canadian dollar to US dollar (CAD to USD) is approximately 0.80, meaning that one US dollar is worth about 1.25 Canadian dollars. While the loonie may not be as valuable as some rare coins, it remains an important part of Canadian culture and history.
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