1957 – 1 Dollar Loonie Canada

The 1957 Canadian one dollar coin, part of the “Voyageur” series, features a design by Emanuel Hahn on the reverse showing a First Nations man and a voyageur paddling a canoe with bundles including one marked HB for the Hudson’s Bay Company, symbolizing Canada’s fur trade history. The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II wearing a laurel wreath, designed by Mary Gillick, with the inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, the Queen.” This coin was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint with a composition of 80% silver and 20% copper, weighing 23.33 grams with a diameter of 36 mm and a reeded edge. It had a relatively low circulation mintage of 496,389 coins, contributing to its collectible status today with melt value around CAD $29.77 as of mid-2025. The coin combines rich national symbolism with precious metal content, reflecting its era both artistically and economically.