2006 (1996-) Canadian $2 Churchill Polar Bear 10th Anniv Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

2006 (1996-) Canadian $2 Churchill Polar Bear 10th Anniv Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

Face Value: $2
Mintage: 35,319,000
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: BU

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of its introduction, the two-dollar circulation coin was produced in two versions: the first honouring the traditional Polar Bear design of artist Tony Bianco and the second featuring his updated pose of the bear looking up at the dramatic lines of an Aurora Borealis.

It is important to note the position of 1996-2006 double date on each coin: the traditional bear design shows the date beneath the effigy of Her Majesty, while the updated bear shows the date above the effigy.
 

Design:

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.