Bluenose 10-cent Commemorative Coins

Summary#

This order, Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Ten-cent Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Bluenose), authorizes the production of two new 10-cent circulation coins that show the Bluenose ship. It was registered on May 14, 2021 and published in the Canada Gazette on May 26, 2021.

What it does#

• Authorizes the issue of two 10-cent circulation coins under the Royal Canadian Mint Act.
• Specifies the coins’ diameter as 18.03 mm.
• Sets the obverse (front) design to use the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, including the initials “SB”, the Mint mark and beading around the edge.
• Sets the reverse (back) design to show the Bluenose under sail on the Atlantic Ocean, with the inscriptions "10 CENTS", 1921, 2021 and CANADA, and the artist’s initials YB.
• Requires two versions: one with the ocean area shown in colour (blue) and one without colour.

Who's affected#

• Royal Canadian Mint, which will produce the coins.
• People who collect coins or follow new coin releases.
• Anyone who uses cash and handles coins (banks, retailers, vending operators) may encounter these coins in everyday circulation.
• Museums, cultural organizations, or local communities interested in the Bluenose may notice the new design.

Why it matters#

• These are circulation coins, so ordinary Canadians could receive them in change during everyday transactions.
• The coin design includes the years 1921 and 2021, tying the piece to that 100-year span and likely marking the Bluenose’s historic timeframe.
• Collectors may value the coloured version as a special variant, while the general public will see a familiar denomination — 10 cents — with a commemorative image in use.