2011 Canadian $2 Boreal Forest Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

2011 Canadian $2 Boreal Forest Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

The two-dollar circulation coin celebrating Canada's boreal forest coincides with the United Nations declaration of 2011 as the International Year of the Forest.
The boreal forest is the world's largest ecosystem, which covers over half of Canada's landmass, from New Brunswick to the Northwest Territories and Yukon. As depicted through artistic interpretations of different tree species on the reverse of this circulation coin, the boreal forest landscape is defined by coniferous and hardy deciduous trees adapted to long winters and short growing seasons.

Some 15% of our total population – including 80% of members of Canada’s First Nations – live within the boreal forest, along with countless species of flora and fauna.

Our boreal forest’s size and qualities as a habitat make it an indispensible resource for the conservation of Canadian wildlife: its soil absorbs and holds more carbon per hectare than any other ecosystem in the world. By keeping carbon dioxide – a harmful greenhouse gas – from escaping into the atmosphere, our boreal forest plays an important role in protecting our global environment and preserving habitats for living beings everywhere.

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.

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.

Packaging

All Canadian circulated $2 dollar circulation coins originate from an original roll and are in brilliant uncirculated condition. 

Specifications

Face Value: $2
Mintage: 5,000,000
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