1997 Canadian $2 Polar Bear Toonie Specimen Coin

1997 Canadian $2 Polar Bear Toonie Specimen Coin

Face Value: $2
Mintage: N/A
Composition: Outer ring of 99% nickel and inner core of 92% copper, 6% aluminum and 2% nickel
Weight (g): 7.3
Diameter (mm): 28
Finish: Specimen

The 2-dollar coin, or 'Toonie', as Canadians have named it, features the image of an adult polar bear in early summer on an ice floe. It was designed by wildlife and landscape artist Brent Townsend. The 2-dollar coin was first introduced on February 19, 1996, to replace the 2-dollar bill. The 'Toonie' has a life span approximately 20 times longer than paper currency and is manufactured using a distinctive bi-metallic coin locking mechanism patented by the Royal Canadian Mint.

All Canadian $2 dollar specimen coins originate from Specimen Collector Mint Sets.

Design:

When introduced in 1996, the two-dollar circulation coin showed a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Canadian artist Dora de Pedery-Hunt. This image of Her Majesty appeared on all Canadian circulation coins from 1990 to 2003. The iconic Polar Bear design on the reverse is the work of renowned wildlife artist Brent Townsend.