First-year 1996 Canadian Two Dollar coin.

In 1996, Canada introduced the first $2 coin. The coin took the place of the $2 bank note. This was also Canada’s first bimetallic coin. The outer nickel ring is a silver color, while the inner copper-alloy ring is a golden color. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait is the diademed portrait by Dora de Pedery-Hunt that was last used in 2003. The reverse shows a polar bear on an ice floe. This coin is the coveted first-year 1996 issue. The coin was issued only in 1996, so it is over 10 years old. The coin is known affectionately as a “toonie” to match the nickname of the $1 coin featuring a loon (“loonie”). As the first-ever $2 coin and the first-ever bimetallic coin, it is the key to any collection.  The coin is in original Brilliant Uncirculated condition, so it has never been in circulation but is as fresh and beautiful as the day it was struck in 1996.

Displayed in a custom coin case with a Certificate of Authenticity.