August 2025 – Canada to issue two commemorative $2 coins in 2025.
In 2026, the Royal Canadian Mint will issue two special $2 circulation coins, each available in both colour and non‑colour versions, commemorating two powerful facets of Canada’s heritage: the trailblazing Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig, and the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These coins are part of Canada’s longstanding tradition of marking important national themes through widely circulating commemorative designs.
Daphne Odjig Coin
This coin celebrates Daphne Odjig (1919–2016), an influential Anishinaabe (Odawa‑Potawatomi) artist whose vivid, story‑driven style helped reshape the presentation of Indigenous art in Canada. The design merges elements from her iconic works: the inner core features a rendition of Folk Singer, while the outer ring echoes the fisher motif from her landmark piece The Indian in Transition (1978). The inscriptions “DAPHNE ODJIG,” “CANADA,” and “2 DOLLARS” encircle the imagery. Designed to spark public engagement with her legacy, it will be launched in advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, though circulation will extend into 2026. This coin marks the first $2 coin to honour a female First Nations artist.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Coin
This coin commemorates the 25th anniversary of Canada’s Unknown Soldier’s entombment at Ottawa’s National War Memorial—a site that has become the focal point of Remembrance in Canada. The reverse depicts four Canadian Armed Forces members saluting the Tomb, with a poppy placed beneath. Around the rim are bilingual inscriptions: “TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER,” “LA TOMBE DU SOLDAT INCONNU,” plus “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS.” Both colour and non‑colour versions will be produced and released in the lead‑up to Remembrance Day 2025, with circulation continuing into 2026. Public research in June 2024 showed 96% approval for the design.
June 2025 – Reasons to attend a coin show.
The Advantages of Attending Coin Shows
Coin shows are a valuable hub for numismatists, collectors, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned coin dealer or a curious beginner, attending a coin show offers a range of advantages that go beyond simply buying and selling coins.
One of the main benefits is direct access to a wide variety of coins. From ancient currency to modern mint errors, coin shows showcase an extensive selection not easily found in local shops or online. Collectors can inspect coins firsthand, verifying condition and authenticity without relying on digital images.
Another major advantage is the opportunity to interact with experienced dealers and collectors. These events foster a learning environment where attendees can gain insights into market trends, coin grading, and investment strategies. Conversations with experts can significantly deepen a collector’s knowledge and appreciation of numismatics.
Coin shows also offer competitive pricing and negotiation opportunities. Because so many dealers are present, there’s room to compare prices and potentially secure better deals than those available online. Some vendors may even offer exclusive show discounts or accept trades.
Additionally, many coin shows host educational seminars, workshops, and exhibits. These programs often highlight rare coins, historical themes, or the art of coin production, providing enriching content that appeals to all levels of interest.
Finally, coin shows foster a sense of community and connection. Meeting fellow enthusiasts helps build relationships, exchange collecting tips, and even discover local clubs or societies. For many, these social interactions are just as rewarding as the coins themselves.
In sum, attending a coin show is more than a shopping trip—it’s a chance to grow as a collector, expand your network, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of numismatics.
May 2025
The Timeless Hobby of Coin Collecting
Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that attracts enthusiasts of all ages around the world. More than just a pastime, coin collecting offers a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and artistry of different civilizations. Each coin tells a story—of rulers, economies, and pivotal historical events—making the act of collecting them a form of historical preservation.
Many collectors start by saving coins from everyday transactions, gradually expanding to more specific areas such as ancient coins, commemorative issues, or coins from a particular country or era. Some focus on rare coins with high market value, while others enjoy the thrill of finding a missing piece to complete a set. The hobby ranges from casual collecting to serious investment, with some coins fetching thousands—or even millions—of dollars at auction.
Coin collecting also develops important skills such as attention to detail, research, and historical analysis. Collectors often learn to assess coins based on condition, rarity, and provenance. Professional grading systems help determine a coin’s value, providing consistency and trust in the market.
The rise of online marketplaces, forums, and digital resources has made coin collecting more accessible than ever. Newcomers can easily connect with seasoned collectors, join clubs, or attend coin shows to deepen their knowledge and expand their collections.
Ultimately, coin collecting is more than just acquiring currency—it’s about exploring the world through the lens of money. Whether for personal enjoyment, educational interest, or financial investment, numismatics offers a rich and enduring way to engage with history and culture, one coin at a time.
March 2025
President Trump Decides to Halt Production of the U.S. Penny
President Donald Trump announced that the United States would halt the production of the penny, a coin that has been a staple of American currency for over 200 years. The decision, which marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to coinage, has sparked a mix of reactions from both supporters and detractors. As the country grapples with the implications of this move, it’s essential to understand the reasoning behind the decision and the potential impact on American society and the economy.
The Case for Ending the Penny
The penny, valued at one cent, has long been the subject of debate due to its decreasing utility and rising cost of production. In recent years, it has become increasingly expensive to manufacture the coin. According to reports from the U.S. Mint, each penny costs approximately 2.1 cents to produce, which means that for every penny minted, the government loses money. With over seven billion pennies produced annually, this cost has added up to millions of taxpayer dollars.
President Trump’s decision to stop the penny’s production comes as part of his broader efforts to reduce government waste and streamline operations. In his announcement, he cited the growing concerns over the inefficiency of minting a coin that is worth less than the cost it takes to produce. “We’re wasting money, folks. We’ve got to stop it. The penny is an outdated and inefficient coin that doesn’t make sense anymore,” Trump stated during a press conference. “It’s time for America to move forward and embrace a smarter, more efficient system.”
The Economic and Practical Impact
While the end of penny production will save the U.S. government millions of dollars, the decision also raises several practical questions. What will happen to the pennies already in circulation? Will their value decrease? And how will the public adapt to the absence of a coin that has been in use since the early days of the Republic?
For starters, the U.S. Treasury has assured the public that existing pennies will remain in circulation and continue to hold their full value. The Treasury will also maintain the ability to exchange pennies for other forms of currency, ensuring that no one loses money due to the coin’s discontinuation. However, businesses and consumers will have to adjust to a new reality where pennies no longer enter the marketplace.
Some have argued that the absence of the penny will lead to rounding issues, particularly in cash transactions. The proposed solution is to round prices to the nearest five-cent increment, which could cause minor inconveniences for both consumers and merchants. On the other hand, digital transactions, which are becoming increasingly common, are unlikely to be affected by the penny’s disappearance, as rounding generally does not apply in electronic payments.
The move to stop penny production could also have a symbolic impact on the U.S. economy. The penny, while often seen as a trivial coin, has a rich history and has been a part of American culture for generations. Its removal could mark the end of an era, signaling a shift toward modernizing the nation’s currency system.
Public Response: Mixed Reactions
The response to President Trump’s announcement has been a mix of support and criticism. Proponents of the decision argue that the penny is an outdated relic that serves little purpose in today’s fast-paced, digital economy. Many point out that the penny is often discarded or ignored by consumers, and it frequently causes logistical challenges for businesses and banks. The push to end penny production has gained support from various advocacy groups, which has long argued that the cost of producing the coin outweighs its practical value.
On the other hand, opponents of the decision argue that the penny still holds sentimental value and is important for certain charitable causes. For instance, many charities rely on the penny as a simple and accessible way to fundraise. Others argue that eliminating the penny could have negative consequences for lower-income individuals, who often rely on small coins for transactions.
In addition, there are concerns about the potential for inflation. While rounding transactions to the nearest five cents might seem like a minor adjustment, critics worry that businesses could use this as an opportunity to round prices up, effectively raising costs for consumers. This concern has led some to call for further regulation and oversight to ensure that businesses do not take advantage of the new system.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for U.S. Currency?
The end of penny production is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the future of U.S. currency. While it’s unlikely that the dime, or quarter will face similar scrutiny in the near future, President Trump’s decision could pave the way for further changes to the nation’s coinage system. It remains to be seen whether other coins, such as the nickel, will also be phased out or replaced by digital alternatives.
In the meantime, the U.S. government has vowed to continue exploring ways to modernize the monetary system, including the potential for digital currencies or other innovations. President Trump has hinted that this move is just the beginning of a broader effort to modernize the nation’s financial infrastructure.
As the nation moves away from the penny, the debate about the future of U.S. currency is far from over. While some see this as a bold step forward, others believe that it could be the start of more significant changes to America’s financial landscape. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the penny’s days are numbered, and its disappearance marks the end of an era in American coinage.
In the coming months and years, the U.S. will continue to evaluate the best path forward for its currency system, and the penny will likely remain a subject of debate for many years to come.