Chronology of Canadian Coins (1990-1992)

Chronology of Canadian Coins

Copyright © 1995-2006 Ken Polsson
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References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed in this file. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2006 September 1.

1842-1889 1890-1919 1920-1939 1940-1959 1960-1969 1970-1974 1975-1977 1978-1981 1982-1984 1985-1989 1990-1992 1993-1995 1996-1997 1998-1999 2000-2001 2002-2003 2004-2005 2006

1990

January 1

Effective this day, any new coins struck feature the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Dora de Pedery-Hunt. [152.18] [758.1]
January 16

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the $100 gold coin mark the International Year of Literacy. [461.501]
January 26

The Royal Canadian Mint announces the theme of the commemorative silver dollar coin for 1990. The coin will commemorate the 300th anniversary of Henry Kelsey's exploration of the Canadian prairies. [300]
February 21

Governor General of Canada Ray Hnatyshyn unveils the Royal Canadian Mint's 1990 $100 gold coin, celebrating the United Nations International Literacy Year. The coin, designed by John Mardon, depicts a native Inuit woman teaching a child to write. Issue price is $245. [72.2] [82.1] [299]
March 31

In New York City, New York, Auctions by Bowers and Merena holds an auction of Canadian coins. Some highlights in rough Canadian dollars: 5c 1872-H SP-67 $10,000; 5c 1881-H SP-67 $10,000; 10c 1901 $10,000; 50c 1872-H MS-64 Proof $28,500; 50c 1904 $15,000; 50c 1908 Gem $20,000. [82.16] [770.25]
April

Two 1967 "diving goose" $1 coins are returned by the RCMP to J&M Numismatic Auction owner Joe Iorio. The coins had been confisticated last September. The RCMP decided there was a possibility that the coins had been legitimately made by accident at the Mint. [771.1]
July 1

Dollar coins with the new de Pedery-Hunt effigy are presented to the Queen. [72.2]
July 27

A Royal proclamation specifies that the designs of the following coins have the respective images: $200 gold with multinational children; $300, $150, $75, and $30 platinum with polar bears; $20 silver with Harvard aircraft and Anson aircraft and cameo of Robert Leckie; $20 silver with Lancaster aircraft and cameo of John Fauquier. [462.3504]
August 11

Auction '90 numismatic auction is held in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Some Canadian coin highlights: 1921 5c MS-65 US$30,800; 1875-H 25c Specimen-67 US$41,800; 1921 50c in MS-65 US$60,500. [124.4]
August 22

At the ANA convention in Seattle, the auction is conducted by Heritage Numismatic Auctions. Some highlights: 10c 1893 roud-top '3' PCGS MS-64 US$15,000; 10c 1902 SP-67 US$10,000. [790.17] [119.16]
August

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils designs for a set of four platinum coins featuring polar bears. Face values of the coins are $30 (1/10 ounce), $75 (1/4 ounce), $150 (1/2 ounce), and $300 (1 ounce). The designs were created by Robert Bateman. Mintage limit is set at 3500 sets. [120.1] [72.2] (September [262.23])
September 12

In New York City, Bowers and Merena conduct the auction of the Robert W. Rusbar Collection. Some Canadian coin highlights: 1921 50c MS-64 US$67,000; 1910 $10 Gem Specimen-68 US$34,100. [118.4] [124.4] [771.17]
September 15

A new series of sterling silver $20 coins with gold cameo features is introduced, the Powered Flight in Canada / The First Fifty Years coin series. The first two coins are issued. One coin, designed by Robert Ralph Carmichael, features a Lancaster 638 Avro bomber and John Farquier. The other coin, designed by Geoff Bennett, features Harvard and Anson planes and Air Marshall Robert Leckie. Issue price of the Proof coins is $52, with mintage limited to 50,000 each. [72.2] [118.1] [661.290]
October

The Royal Canadian Mint issues the first coin of a series of five $200 22K gold coins, the first featuring the Canadian flag and children. The design was created by Stewart Sherwood. Issue price is $395, with mintage limited to 25,000. [72.2] [118.4] [262.23]
(month unknown)

Mark Hyder, a landscape student in Vancouver, British Columbia, informs the Royal Canadian Mint that the 1-cent coin shows one leaf growing from the stem of another leaf, which is not how maple leaves grow. Maple leaves grow in pairs from a common point on the twig. [811.23]
December 20

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the $100 gold coin commemorate the 100th anniversary of the launch of the first Canadian Pacific Steamship, and that the design of the $1 silver coin commemorate the 175th anniversary of the launch of the first steamboat to operate on Lake Ontario. [463.783]

1991

January 25

The Royal Canadian Mint announces the design of the 1991 $1 silver coin, commemorating the first Canadian-built steamship, the Frontenac, to sail the Great Lakes, in 1816. David Craig created the design. [814.1]
January 31

The Secretary of State and the Minister of Supply and Services announce an open design competition for the 1992 25c and $1 coins, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Confederation. Twelve different 25c coins will be issued for circulation. The contest deadline is March 15. [122.4] [123.1] [148.1] [516.14]
February 27

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1991 $100 gold coin, commemorating the maiden voyage of the Empress of India from Yokohama, Japan, to Vancouver, BC. Mintage of the 58.3% gold Proof coin will be limited to 55,000. Issue price is $245. [301] [798.1]
March

The design contest for 1992 25 coins ends. The Ministry of Supply and Services has received 11,003 entries. [799.1]
April 11

A Royal proclamation specifies that the designs of the following coins show the respective images: $20 silver with Silver Dart aircraft and cameo of Frederick Baldwin and John McCurdy; $20 silver with De Havilland Beaver aircraft and cameo of Phillip Garratt; $300, $150, $75, and $30 platinum with snowy owls. [464.1618]
April

The government displays 3,000 of the 11,003 designs submitted for 25 25c coins and one $1 coin, at the Ottawa Congress Centre. [263.33]
May 13

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the $200 gold coin depict hockey in Canada. [465.1976]
May 16

The Royal Canadian Mint releases the third and fourth $20 silver/gold coins in the Powered Flight in Canada / The First Fifty Years coin series. The third coin depicts the Silver Dart. The fourth coin depicts the de Havilland Beaver. [661.291] [302]
(month unknown)

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces a system of coin depots across Canada, where bulk coins from circulation are sent, sorted, and rolled, then shipped back out to large volume users. The depots order new coins from the Mint when demand exceeds their supplies. This system allows less new coins to be struck. [857.1]
August 13

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the 1992 $175 gold coin and two 1992 $15 silver coins commemorate the centennial of the Olympic Games, in 1996. [466.2996]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "New Brunswick" on the reverse. [466.3002]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "New Brunswick" on the reverse. [466.3004]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 $1 silver coin depict a 19th century stagecoach scene. [466.3006]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 $100 gold coin commemorate the 350th anniversary of the City of Montreal. [467.3406]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the designs of the base metal 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, and $1 coins show the dates "1867-1992". [466.3008]
August 14

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils a set of 0.9995 fine platinum coins featuring snowy owls, of denominations $30, $75, $150, and $300. The denominations correspond to weights of 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 ounce. Designer is Glen Loates. Mintage is limited to 3500 sets; issue price is $1970 for the set of four. [126.1] [303]
September 5

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1991 $200 0.916 fine gold coin celebrating youth in Canada, with a design by Stewart Sherwood depicting children playing hockey. Issue price is $395. Mintage is limited to 25,000 coins. [304] [803.1]
September 26

A Royal proclamation, effective December 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Northwest Territories" on the reverse. [467.3398]
A Royal proclamation, effective December 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Northwest Territories" on the reverse. [467.3400]
A Royal proclamation, effective January 1, 1992, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Newfoundland" on the reverse. [467.3402]
A Royal proclamation, effective January 1, 1992, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Newfoundland" on the reverse. [467.3404]
November

The Royal Canadian Mint announces that it will raise the fineness of $1 silver collector coins to 0.925 starting with the 1992 issue, and will issue a set of silver Proof editions of the 1992 25c coins. [129.1] [148.1]

1992

January 9

In Fredericton, New Brunswick, the federal Minister of Supply and Services unveils the first 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program, honoring New Brunswick. Designer of the coin is Ronald Lambert. [131.1] [148.1] [661.113] [307] [365.11] [516.18] [804.1]
February 6

In Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, the second 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled. [132.1] [661.113] [307] [516.18] [805.1]
February 24

The Finance Minister announces that the government is beginning a review of the Royal Canadian Mint to determine if it should be privatized. [75.2] [133.1]
February 27

A Royal proclamation, effective March 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Yukon" on the reverse. [468.1184]
A Royal proclamation, effective March 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Yukon" on the reverse. [468.1182] cannclt
A Royal proclamation, effective March 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Manitoba" on the reverse. [468.1186]
A Royal proclamation, effective March 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Manitoba" on the reverse. [468.1188] cannclt
March 5

In St. John's, Newfoundland, the Minister of Supply and Services unveils the third 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled. Designer of the coin is Christopher Newhook. [134.1] [661.113] [307] [516.18] [805.1]
March 17

The Royal Canadian Mint releases the first coins in the International Olympic Committee Centennial Coin Program, a 22K gold coin with face value $175, and two 0.925 fine silver coins with value $15. [134.4] [135.1] [148.7]
March 24

A Royal proclamation, effective April 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Alberta" on the reverse. [469.1351]
A Royal proclamation, effective April 1, specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Alberta" on the reverse. [469.1349]
April 6

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1992 0.925 fine silver dollar coin, commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Stagecoach service between Kingston and York. The design was created by Karsten Smith. Price is $23.95 for Proof quality, and $17.50 for uncirculated. [136.1] [305] [437.263]
The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1992 $100 14k gold coin, commemorating the 350th anniversary of the founding of Montreal. The design was created by Stewart Sherwood. Issue price is $239.85; mintage is limited to 55,000. [136.1] [305] [437.262]
April 7

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the fourth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled. The design was created by Muriel Hope. [136.1] [661.113] [307] [516.18]
May 7

In Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, the fifth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled. Elizabeth Dulac created the design. [136.1] [137.1] [661.113] [516.18] [806.1]
June 4

In Edmonton, Alberta, the sixth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled. Mel Heath created the design. [136.1] [138.1] [661.113] [516.18]
June

The Royal Canadian Mint begins accepting orders for 13-coin sets for $129.45 in sterling silver, except for the $1 coin. [516.18]
June 16

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Prince Edward Island" on the reverse. [470.2641]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Prince Edward Island" on the reverse. [470.2639]
June 29

On Parliament Hill, Paul Dick, Minister responsible for the Mint, unveils the Canada 125 commemorative $1 coin. Rita Swanson created the design, showing the center block of the Parliament buildings. [139.1] [232.D8]
June 30

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a $20 silver coin depict a de Haviland Gipsy Moth aircraft and cameo of Morton Seymour, and a $20 silver coin depict a Curtiss JN4 aircraft and cameo of Sir Frank Baillie. [471.3082]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a $1 bronze-plated nickel coin depict three children and the centre block of the Parliament Buildings, and show the dates "1867-1992". [471.3083]
July 1

The circulating dollar coin commemorating Canada's 125th anniversary (showing the parliament buildings) is issued. [74.2] [148.7] [516.14] (July 2 [437.282])
July 7

The seventh 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Prince Edward Island. Nigel Roe created the design. [140.1] [661.113] [809.1]
July 18

A 10-foot high loon dollar replica monument is dedicated in Echo Bay, Ontario. [411.21]
July 31

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin and 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Ontario" on the reverse. [472.3509]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a set of $300, $150, $75, and $30 platinum coins depict cougars. [472.3506]
August 1

At the Canadian Numismatic Association Convention in Montreal, Quebec, the Royal Canadian Mint announces the Coin Exchange Program. Holders of non-circulating legal tender will be able to receive a face value credit toward purchases of current Mint products. [159.1]
August 6

The eighth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Toronto, Ontario. Greg Salmela created the design. [141.1] [661.113]
August 13

The 5th and 6th $20 silver/gold coins in the Powered Flight in Canada / The First Fifty Years coin series are issued. The fifth coin depicts the Curtiss JN-4 Canuck and Sir Frank Wilton Baillie. The sixth coin depicts the De Havilland Gypsy Moth and Murton Seymour. Mintage is limited to 50,000 coins each. Issue price is $54.35 each. [661.291] [142.1] [308]
September 9

The ninth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bruce Wood created the design. [143.1] [661.113]
September 16

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 $200 gold coin depict Niagara falls. [473.3819]
September

The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the design of the 1992 $200 22K gold coin, featuring a design of Niagara Falls by John Mardon. Issue price is $389.65; mintage limit 25,000. [810.1]
The Royal Canadian Mint announces it will sell a Brilliant Uncirculated set of 13 double struck Canada 125 commemorative coins for $17.25. [810.1]
September 29

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin and 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on the obverse, and "Quebec" on the reverse. [474.3966]
October 1

The tenth 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Quebec City, Quebec. Romualda Bukauskas created the design. [144.1] [661.113]
October 6

In Toronto, Ontario, the Royal Canadian Mint launches the 1992 Platinum series coin set featuring cougars. Coin denominations $30, $75, $150, $300 correspond to weights 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ounce 0.9995 pure platinum. Mintage limit is 3500 sets, with issue price about $1700. [145.1]
October 7

The Royal Canadian Mint begins selling 13-coin sets of the year's commemorative 25c coins and a special version of the $1 coin. Issue price is $17.25. [661.229] (September [426.6])
November 5

The eleventh 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Regina, Saskatchewan. Brian Cobb created the design. [145.1] [146.1] [661.113]
November 9

The twelfth and final 25c issue in the Canada 125 Coin Program is unveiled in Victoria, British Columbia. Carla Egan created the design. [145.1] [146.1] [147.1] [227.A6] [233.B4] [661.113] (November 5 [147.1])
November 18

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin and 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "British Columbia" on the reverse. [475.4632]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1992 25c nickel coin and 25c silver coin have "1867-1992" on obverse, and "Saskatchewan" on the reverse. [475.4636]
December 16

A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1993 $1 silver coin commemorate the 100th anniversary of hockey's Stanley Cup. [476.5376]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1993 $100 gold coin depict vintage automobiles. [476.5372]
A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of a 1993 $20 silver coin depict a Lockheed 14 Super Electra aircraft and a cameo of Zebulon Leigh, and a 1993 $20 silver coin depict a Fairchild 71C aircraft and a cameo of James Richardson. [476.5374]

End of 1990-1992. Next: 1993-1995.

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1842-1889 1890-1919 1920-1939 1940-1959 1960-1969 1970-1974 1975-1977 1978-1981 1982-1984 1985-1989 1990-1992 1993-1995 1996-1997 1998-1999 2000-2001 2002-2003 2004-2005 2006

A list of references to all source material is available.

Other web pages of interest:

Chronology of Canadian NCLT Coins

Canadian Coins: Type Collecting

Ken P's Today in History