Insulin 100th Anniversary $2 Coins

Summary#

The Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Two-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Insulin): SOR/2021-105 lets the Royal Canadian Mint produce two special $2 circulation coins (one coloured, one not) to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. The order was registered on May 14, 2021 and published in the Canada Gazette on May 26, 2021.

What it does#

• Authorizes the Royal Canadian Mint to mint two versions of a commemorative $2 circulation coin: a coloured version and a non‑coloured version.
• Sets the coin size at 28.03 mm in diameter and follows the coin characteristics listed under the Royal Canadian Mint Act.
• Specifies the obverse (front) design: the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt (initials “SB”), plus standard inscriptions including “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS.”
• Specifies the reverse (back) design: an insulin ribbon diagram and scientific images (vial, Erlenmeyer flask, mortar and pestle), red blood cells, insulin and glucose motifs, a maple leaf, the years 1921 and 2021, the words “INSULIN” and “INSULINE,” security marks, and the artist’s initials “JK.”
• Directs distribution through financial institutions and public coin exchanges, with a portion reserved for collectors and exchanges.
• Notes the Mint will absorb program costs and no extra costs for Canadians or businesses are expected.

Who's affected#

• Cash users and everyday people who might receive these coins in change. Some will stay in circulation; many will be collected and removed from change.
• Coin collectors and dealers who track commemorative releases.
• Diabetes communities and organizations, such as Diabetes Canada, Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Banting House National Historic Site, and the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association, which were consulted and supported the design.
• The Royal Canadian Mint, which manages production and distribution.
• It does not identify any broad impacts on businesses or Indigenous rights.

Why it matters#

• These coins publicly mark a major Canadian medical contribution — the discovery of insulin — on its 100th anniversary.
• They raise awareness about diabetes and Canadian medical history in a visible, everyday form (money).
• Because many people collect special circulation coins, these pieces could become keepsakes rather than staying in regular circulation, making them of interest to the public and collectors.