2003 Canadian $2 Polar Bear/New Effigy Toonie Proof-like (PL) Coin

2003 Canadian $2 Polar Bear/New Effigy Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

Face Value: $2
Mintage: 11,244,000
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: Proof-like

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.

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.

2003 was the last year the Dora de Pedery-Hunt design of Her Majesty's effigy appeared on the two-dollar circulation coin. In June 2003, the Government of Canada announced that an updated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would appear on all Canadian circulation coins in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Queen's coronation. This design is the work of artist Susanna Blunt, whose prior experience with Buckingham Palace included painting a portrait of Prince Edward. It is by no mistake that two-dollar circulation coins dated 2003 show both the "crowned" and "uncrowned" effigy of Her Majesty.