Canada's Two-dollar Circulation Coin Turns 30
February 19, 2026
Thirty years ago, Canadians were introduced to a new two-dollar circulation coin that replaced banknotes of the same value. Following the successful transition to a one-dollar circulation coin in 1987, Canadians quickly warmed up to their new bi-metallic, polar bear-themed coin which they soon nicknamed the Toonie. Since February 19, 1996, over one billion Toonies, featuring an iconic polar bear reverse (or tails) design, as well as a multitude of commemorative versions, have circulated from coast to coast to coast.
From Royal Canadian Mint