Order Authorizing the Issue, Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Design of Six Circulation Coins (His Majesty King Charles III): SOR/2023-231

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 157, Number 24

Registration
SOR/2023-231 November 3, 2023

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ACT

Order Authorizing the Issue, Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Design of Six Circulation Coins (His Majesty King Charles III)

P.C. 2023-1108 November 3, 2023

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, under sections 6.4^{footnote a} and 6.5^{footnote a} of the Royal Canadian Mint Act^{footnote b},

• (a) authorizes the issue of a two-dollar circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 1^{footnote c} or 1.1^{footnote d} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 28.03 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict, on the inner core of the coin, the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials “SR” on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel and on the outer ring, the inscriptions “CHARLES III” and “D∙G∙REX” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, and, at the bottom of the outer ring, the inscription of the year of issue,
  • (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict, on the inner core of the coin, a polar bear standing at the edge of an ice floe surrounded by water and other ice floes, the artist’s initials “BT” on the lower right-hand side of the ice floe on which the polar bear is standing, and, centred at the top of the outer ring, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines, and at the bottom of the outer ring, two security marks, each consisting of a maple leaf within another maple leaf within a circle, with the number “2” between the two circles and with the inscriptions “CANADA” and “DOLLARS” appearing to the left and right of the circles, respectively, and
  • (iii) the edge is to show the inscriptions “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS”, with a maple leaf before and after the inscription “CANADA”;
• (b) authorizes the issue of a one-dollar circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 2^{footnote c}, 2.1^{footnote e} or 2.2^{footnote f} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 26.5 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials “SR” on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel, the inscriptions “CHARLES III” and “D∙G∙REX” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, the inscription of the year of issue beneath the effigy, and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression is to depict a common loon at rest on a lake with an islet in the background to the left of the loon, the artist’s initials “RRC” to the right of the loon, a security mark consisting of a maple leaf within another maple leaf within a circle above the loon, the inscription “CANADA” above the security mark and the inscription “DOLLAR” below the loon, and beading around the circumference of the coin;
• (c) authorizes the issue of a fifty-cent circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 3^{footnote c} or 3.1^{footnote g} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 27.13 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials “SR” on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel, the inscriptions "CHARLES III" and "D∙G∙REX" to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression is to depict the Arms of His Majesty the King in right of Canada with the inscription of the first two digits and the last two digits of the year of issue to the left and right of the Royal Crown, respectively, with the inscriptions “CANADA” and “50 CENTS” to the left and to the right of the Arms, respectively, and with beading around the circumference of the coin;
• (d) authorizes the issue of a twenty-five-cent circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 4^{footnote c} or 4.1^{footnote h} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 23.88 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials "SR" on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel, the inscriptions “CHARLES III” and “D∙G∙REX” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression is to depict the profile of a caribou head and neck, with the inscription “25 Cents” between the antlers, the inscription “CANADA”, between two four-pointed stars to the left of the caribou, the inscription of the year of issue preceded by a four-pointed star to the right of the caribou, the artist’s initial “H” to the bottom left of the caribou, and beading around the circumference of the coin;
• (e) authorizes the issue of a ten-cent circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 5^{footnote c} or 5.1^{footnote i} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 18.03 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials “SR” on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel, the inscriptions “CHARLES III” and “D∙G∙REX” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression is to depict the Bluenose under full sail on the Atlantic Ocean, with the artist’s initial “H” to the left of the Bluenose, the inscription “CANADA” above the Bluenose and the inscription “10 CENTS” below the Bluenose, in the water, with the inscription of the year of issue to the right of the Bluenose, and beading around the circumference of the coin; and
• (f) authorizes the issue of a five-cent circulation coin, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 6^{footnote c} or 6.1^{footnote j} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 21.2 mm, and determines the design of the coin to be as follows:
  • (i) the obverse impression is to depict the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati, with the initials “SR” on the bottom right-hand corner of the lapel, the inscriptions “CHARLES III” and “D∙G∙REX” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression is to depict the profile of a beaver sitting on a beaver dam surrounded by water, with the artist’s initials “K·G” to the left of the beaver, the inscription “5 CENTS” between two maple leaves above the beaver, the inscriptions “CANADA” and the year of issue below the beaver, and beading around the circumference of the coin.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

Issues

In keeping with the long-standing practice of featuring the effigy of Canada’s Head of State on the obverse side of its circulation coins, and in light of the decision provided by the Government of Canada on May 6, 2023, the Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) will produce and distribute coins featuring the left-facing effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati on the obverse of Canada’s 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, $1, and $2 circulation coins.

Background

The Mint produces and distributes circulation coins in support of trade and commerce.

Since 1953, the obverse designs of Canada’s circulation coins have featured a right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2003, standard circulation coins have borne the obverse effigy by Susanna Blunt, with only the year of issue changing. In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, the Government of Canada announced that the future obverse design of circulation coins would bear the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.

In response to the announcement, more than 350 artists from across Canada, as well as Mint engravers, were invited to express interest in the competition creating the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Interested artists’ and engravers’ portfolios were evaluated by the Mint, and a short list of artists and engravers were invited to submit designs via a brief outlining mandatory design requirements. Submissions were evaluated by a Mint review panel for aesthetics, technical requirements and suitability for manufacturing. The winning design, created by Steven Rosati, was then submitted to Buckingham Palace for approval, and subsequently recommended by the Mint to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance for consideration by the Governor in Council. Steven Rosati is a nationally recognized and award-winning portrait artist who studied fine arts, portrait painting and graphic design in Montréal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. He lives in Montréal.

It should be noted that the 50-cent coin has been approved to ensure that all of the circulation coin denominations are current, but that no current plans exist to produce 50-cent coins for the purposes of trade and commerce.

The new obverse effigy will appear on Canada’s circulation coins, going forward, with only the date of issue changing. Previously struck coins bearing the obverse effigy of Queen Elizabeth II remain current.

Objective

The objective of this Order is to authorize the Mint to produce circulation coins (5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, $1, $2) featuring the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III as the central element of the obverse and to combine the new obverse design with the existing reverse designs of Canada’s circulation coins. This Order will enable the Mint to produce and distribute coins bearing these designs in forthcoming years with only the date of issue changing.

Description

In keeping with the tradition of the reigning monarch’s portrait facing in the direction opposite of their predecessor’s, His Majesty King Charles III’s profile will face left.

5-cent

The reverse design features the standard design of the profile of a beaver sitting on a beaver dam surrounded by water. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: the artist’s initials “K·G,” “CANADA,” the year of issue, and “5 CENTS” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. Beading will appear around the circumference on both sides of the coin.

10-cent

The reverse design features the standard design of Bluenose under sail. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: the artist’s initial “H,” “CANADA,” the year of issue, and “10 CENTS” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. Beading will appear around the circumference on both sides of the coin.

25-cent

The reverse design features the standard design of the profile of a caribou head and neck. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: the artist’s initial “H,” “CANADA,” the year of issue, and “25 Cents” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. Beading will appear around the circumference on both sides of the coin.

50-cent

The reverse design features the standard design of the Arms of His Majesty The King in Right of Canada. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: “CANADA,” the year of issue, and “50 CENTS” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. Beading will appear around the circumference on both sides of the coin.

1-dollar

The reverse design features the standard design of a common loon at rest on a lake with an islet to the left in the background. The reverse will also bear a security feature of a maple leaf within a maple leaf within a circle. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: the artist’s initials “RRC,” “CANADA” and “DOLLAR” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” the year of issue, and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. Beading will appear around the circumference on both sides of the coin.

2-dollar

The reverse design features the standard design of a polar bear standing on an ice floe surrounded by water and other ice floes on the coin’s inner core. The reverse will also bear two sets of security features: at the top of the outer ring, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines; and, at the bottom of the outer ring, two security marks consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf, each within a circle. The coin’s obverse design will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty will be facing left, and the following elements will appear on the design: the artist’s initials “BT,” “CANADA,” and “2 DOLLARS” will appear on the coin’s reverse, while “CHARLES III,” “D·G·REX,” the year of issue, and the artist’s initials “SR” will appear on its obverse. The edge of the coin featuring this design will also show the inscriptions “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS,” with a maple leaf before and after the inscription “CANADA.”

Regulatory development

Consultation

This Order has been exempted from prepublication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, because coin designs do not have a regulatory or legislative impact on the Canadian public and changing circulation coin designs has no impact on day-to-day transactions.

The Mint developed the new obverse designs in response to the decision provided by the Government of Canada. The obverse effigy of His Majesty was approved by Buckingham Palace through the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada.

These coins will be supported by communication with stakeholders representing organizations whose work requires significant coin use, such as the National Coin Committee (which includes major Financial Institutions), Retail Council of Canada, Canadian Parking Association, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association. Broader public awareness will be generated and supported by a news release, an unveiling event, and information on the Mint’s website to ensure Canadians are similarly aware that these new coins are current, and perform the same function in trade and commerce as coins bearing the previous obverse design, which also remain current.

Modern treaty obligations and Indigenous engagement and consultation

The proposal is not expected to impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights, which are recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Instrument choice

Pursuant to sections 6.4 and 6.5 of the Royal Canadian Mint Act (the Act), the Governor in Council may, by order, authorize the issuance of circulation coins of a denomination listed in Part 2 of the schedule of that Act and determine the design of any circulation coin to be issued. This Order is the only instrument choice available under the Act to authorize the issuance of circulation coins and approve their design.

Regulatory analysis

Benefits and costs

Updating the obverse designs ensures that Canada’s coins reflect the change in Canada’s Head of State, and implements the decision provided by the Government of Canada provided on May 6, 2023. The new obverse designs continue the long-standing Canadian tradition of featuring the current Head of State on Canada’s coins.

The Mint will incur some upfront costs related to the creation of the new obverse design, as well as the creation of new master tooling necessary to produce new circulation coins. These costs are not significant and will be managed within the Mint’s budget. Costs related to the production and distribution of these coins will be consistent with those of producing and distributing coins bearing the previous effigy. No additional costs for Canadians, businesses, or other stakeholders are anticipated.

Small business lens

This Order does not impose new administrative or compliance costs on small business. Therefore, the small business lens does not apply.

One-for-one rule

This Order does not impose new administrative costs on business. Therefore, the one-for-one rule does not apply.

Regulatory cooperation and alignment

Given that this Order authorizes the issuance of new obverse designs for standard circulation coins, there is no regulatory cooperation or alignment component associated with it.

Strategic environmental assessment

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, a preliminary scan concluded that a strategic environmental assessment is not required.

Gender-based analysis plus

No gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) impacts have been identified for this Order.

Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards

This Order will come into force upon its approval. Upon approval of the Order, the Mint will produce and distribute these coins for general circulation. There are no compliance and enforcement requirements associated with this Order.

Contact

Simon Kamel
Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Corporate and Legal Affairs
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G8
Telephone: 613‑993‑1732
Fax: 613‑990‑4665
Email: kamel@mint.ca