2007 Canadian 1-Dollar Loonie Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is an world-renowned crown corporation known for high-quality circulation and collector coinage, based in Ottawa and Winnipeg, Canada.
Pattern: Standard Loonie design; Common Loon reverse by Robert-Ralph Carmichael.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is an world-renowned crown corporation known for high-quality circulation and collector coinage, based in Ottawa and Winnipeg, Canada.
Material
Aureate-plated bronze on steel (base metal coin). Note: This specific circulation item contains no silver content despite its golden appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 6.27 grams.
Description
The Canadian 1-dollar coin, known colloquially as the 'Loonie', is a gold-colored Canadian coin that was introduced in 1987. This specific 2007 example features the iconic Robert-Ralph Carmichael design. It is a workhorse of Canadian commerce, known for its distinct shape and durable plating.
Key Features
Hendecagonal shape (11 sides), aureate-plated finish, iconic loon imagery, and Susanna Blunt's portrait of Elizabeth II without a crown.
Material & Composition
Aureate-plated bronze on steel (base metal coin). Note: This specific circulation item contains no silver content despite its golden appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or circulation finish with a 11-sided (hendecagonal) shape. Reverse features a common loon floating on water with a pine island behind it. Obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'CANADA 2007' and 'DOLLAR' on reverse. Obverse features 'ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA'. Includes a small maple leaf mint mark or 'RCM' logo depending on specific die used.
Construction Details
Multi-ply plated steel technology (MPPS). The core is steel, electroplated with layers of nickel, then bronze (copper/tin) to achieve the 'aureate' gold color.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender circulation currency with distinctive 11-sided edge for tactile identification by the visually impaired.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; Numismatic item.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial machine striking. Precise electroplating ensures the golden finish adheres to the steel core through years of heavy handled use.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive 11-sided shape and magnetic properties (due to steel core) are primary indicators of authenticity for this year's issue.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (High-volume circulation minting facility).
Era & Period
Modern Canadian (Post-1987 Loone Era). The loonie replaced the dollar bill in Canada in 1987.
Age Estimate
Dated 2007; approximately 17 years old.
Cultural Significance
The Loonie is a fundamental symbol of Canadian identity, even lending its name to the Canadian currency's exchange rate in global markets.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows significant circulation wear, surface scratches, and light oxidation/dirt. The aureate plating is dulled from use.
Value Estimate
Face value: $1.00 CAD. Market value for a circulated 2007 specimen is typically $1.00 to $1.25 CAD.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, no cleaning is recommended as it preserves the original surface; store in a dry place to prevent bronze disease (oxidation).
Similar Pieces
1987-2011 bronze-plated nickel loonies; 2012-present brass-plated steel loonies; various commemorative silver loonie collector sets (which contain actual .999 silver).
Interesting Facts
The coin was originally intended to feature a voyageur canoe design, but the dies were lost in transit, leading the RCM to quickly pivot to the 'Loon' design to prevent counterfeiting of the lost dies.