Canadian black ring $2 coin honouring the Late Queen Elizabeth II

The Royal Canadian Mint has released a unique numismatic tribute to the Late Queen Elizabeth II in the form of a memorial $2 coin with a black outer ring. The new $2 circulation coin features a black outer ring to honour Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s service to Canada during her historic 70-year reign. Dated 2022 and bearing all the same design elements of a standard $2 coin, this new special version is distinguished by its black outer ring reminiscent of an armband worn by those in mourning, echoing the loss felt by millions of Canadians upon the passing of their beloved Queen.

The new $2 coin features the traditional reverse design first seen with the coin’s introduction in 1996, a polar bear created by Brent Townsend. The obverse side includes the effigy of the Late Queen created by Susanna Blunt. While the metal composition of the coin remains unchanged, the outer ring is plated in black colour. The Royal Canadian Mint has advised they are currently developing a coin program that commemorates the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning with this coin.

Nearly five million coins will enter the national coin distribution system in December and will begin appearing gradually as banks re-stock their $2 coin inventories. Additional volumes may be produced, depending on marketplace needs.