1988 – 1 Dollar Loonie Canada

The 1988 Canadian one dollar coin, known as the “loonie,” is distinguished by its 11-sided, gold-coloured appearance, made from 91.5% nickel with an 8.5% bronze plating and weighing 7 grams with a diameter of about 26.72 mm. The obverse features a bust of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription “ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA,” while the reverse, designed by Robert R. Carmichael, depicts a single loon floating on water with an island in the background, surrounded by the words “CANADA” and “DOLLAR” and the year of issue, marking the coin’s role as the nation’s first widely circulated $1 coin after replacing the paper bill and quickly earning its iconic nickname for the bird displayed.