Royal Canadian Mint To Honor The Late Queen Elizabeth With Black ‘Toonie’ Coins

Since Queen Elizabeth’s death in September, there have been numerous tributes in her honor to mark 70 years as the head of state for the UK and the Commonwealth. One of the countries that still hold the British monarch as the head of state, Canada, is paying tribute to her by designing a black coin to represent her passing.
 
The 2 Canadian Dollar coin, colloquially known as a ‘toonie,’ is a play on the nickname ‘loonie’ given to the one dollar version, which features a loon bird.
 
The unique piece may look like any other coin at first glance, but it sports a black outer rim around the middle of the nickel meant to symbolize mourning armbands. The dark hue is achieved thanks to a chemical treatment that turns it black.
 
In the center of the piece is a portrait of the late queen by Susanna Blunt. On the opposite side is the traditional Brent Townsend polar bear.
 
Five million of these coins are slated to go into circulation by the end of the year.
 
 
 
[via Hypebeast and Reuters, cover image via Royal Canadian Mint]