Bluenose 100th Anniversary Dime

Summary#

This order lets the Royal Canadian Mint issue a special 10‑cent circulation coin that features the Bluenose and marks its 100th anniversary. The coin’s size, the Queen’s portrait on the front, and the Bluenose design on the back are all specified. The order was made on May 14, 2021 and published in the Canada Gazette on May 26, 2021.

What it does#

• Authorizes the issue of a ten‑cent circulation coin under the Royal Canadian Mint Act.
• Sets the coin’s diameter at 18.03 mm.
• Specifies the obverse (front): the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, with initials “SB”, the Mint mark, inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “D•G•REGINA”, and beading around the edge.
• Specifies the reverse (back): the Bluenose under full sail, the artist’s initial “H”, the dates 1921 and 2021, the inscriptions CANADA and 10 CENTS, and beading around the edge.
• The regulatory statement that accompanies the order says the Mint planned related Bluenose dimes (including coloured and non‑coloured versions), and that public outreach such as a launch and coin exchanges may be used.

Who's affected#

• Royal Canadian Mint — responsible for producing and distributing the coin.
• Coin collectors and numismatists — new commemorative dimes are likely to be of interest.
• Banks, businesses, and the general public — these coins will circulate through cash transactions and can be collected or removed from circulation.
• Cultural and maritime heritage groups (e.g., those consulted) may notice the commemorative recognition.
• It’s unclear from this one order alone how many coins will be minted or exactly which versions will reach circulation; the accompanying statement describes multiple related coins but this order names a single design.

Why it matters#

• You may start seeing a new Bluenose dime in everyday change, and collectors can expect a commemorative release tied to the 1921–2021 centenary.
• The coin highlights a piece of Canadian maritime history and is intended to raise public awareness of the Bluenose.
• There’s no expected cost to Canadians beyond normal use of cash; commemorative circulation coins are issued at face value and often end up in collections rather than remaining in circulation.