King Charles on Canadian Money: Coins and Current Worth

The period of new Canadian coinage began in 2023, i.e., the first full year after King Charles III’s accession to the throne. Having been preceded by one of the longest-running coinage eras, minted in the name of Queen Elizabeth II, the modern design iteration followed standard monetary traditions and appeared on Canadian nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, 1- and 2-dollar coins, and special editions of higher denominations.

Since the new King Charles Canadian money units have not stood the test of time yet, the prices on the numismatic market usually correspond to the face value of the coin, though precious-metal special editions usually may be intrinsically worth up to €1,221,617 (the bullion value of the The Dance Screen 100,000 dollars coin; added costs are not included).  

But what are the average and extreme prices of a common King Charles coin Canada? When were they released, and which numismatic creations are the most valuable?

Is King Charles on Canadian Money?

One of the most frequent questions coming from those who are not consistently involved in the monetary framework of Canada and the Crown is, "When will King Charles be on Canadian money?" 

In fact, the coin series bearing the portrait of the new monarch has already been launched, and the process commenced in 2023. Yet, so far, the King's effigy appeared on coins only, for banknotes are planned to have been redesigned by 2027.

King Charles Canadian Coin Releases

The portrait of King Charles III took its place on major circulation coins on November 14, 2023. During that period, the Canadian Royal Mint launched the first batch of $1 coins (i.e., loonies), i.e., the first Canadian units of currency to show a new monarch in 70 years.

The earliest wave of King Charles coins included six standard denominations, and the 2023 Classic Uncirculated Coin Set was the first set to feature King Charles III across the full circulation lineup.

“In keeping with the long-standing practice of featuring the effigy of Canada’s Head of State on the obverse side of its circulation coins <...>, the Royal Canadian Mint will produce and distribute coins featuring the left-facing effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Steven Rosati on the obverse of Canada’s 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, $1, and $2 circulation coins…”
— Government of Canada
Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 157, Number 24

The Regular Denominations Released in the Name of King Charles

As mentioned above, the main denomination set traditionally includes nickels, Canadian dimes, quarters, half-dollars, 1- and 2-dollar coins, meant for regular circulation and commemorative initiatives (can be non-circulating, too).

The special-edition new Canadian money King Charles is more diverse, as each iteration features a unique reverse design devoted to the event/occasion/figure of interest. The most extraordinary examples shall include the egg-shaped $250 unit, regularly minted $300, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $100,000 types, struck in silver and gold.

Canadian Coins with King Charles Design

• Artist: Steven Rosati

• Selection method: National invitation-based competition

• Invitations sent: 350+

• Approving bodies: Government of Canada and Buckingham Palace

• Use: Multiple Canadian coin denominations and formats

The new design appears annually on numerous coin varieties in Canada and the Crown's realm, and it remains consistent among different denominations and circulation types. Nonetheless, the introduction of a different obverse portrait was perceived as a rare, sensational change in the local coinage. 

At first, the Mint announced a competition and sent 350+ invitations to participate in such an honorable initiative. The portfolios of those who accepted the call were carefully evaluated, and after the intense selection period, the shortlisted artists received briefs that revealed the standards and requirements of their further work. 

Steven Rosati, a member of the Portrait Society of Canada, won this "monetary competition", and his design was approved by both the Government of Canada and Buckingham Palace itself. 

Are King Charles Canada Coins Valuable?

Although these coins have been released recently, and their prices do not usually exceed the face value, some options are valuable and may have the potential to grow in terms of their worth over time. However, it depends on the denomination, condition, and collector demand as a whole. That said, most numismatic creations of the modern period are not rare by nature, but their market value can rise when they are found in superior grades such as AU or UNC.

General Values by Grade and Denomination

Note: Values may fluctuate, and to keep up with the latest information, do not hesitate to use tools like PCGS, NGC, or Coin ID Scanner. Review the details about the coin, learn more about its background, and see possible price ranges for each unit you scan.

2024 $100,000 The Dance Screen (The Scream Too)

Mintage: 1

Bullion value: €1,227,504

Without a doubt, this is the most valuable Canadian coin released in the name of King Charles III and one of the most expensive numismatic creations in the realm, composed of .9999 gold and weighing an impressive 10,000 g. The mintage is extremely low: there was only one coin produced with the reverse of The Dance Screen (The Scream Too).

2025 $2,500 Mustang Country by Robert Bateman

Mintage: 75

Bullion value: €123,499

The precious-metal market is always open to new valuable assets, especially when they are meant to honor natural wonders, e.g., the wildlife. The reverse showed the painting of the artist Robert Bateman, who depicted the prairie grasslands and a few mustangs, gracefully occupying the central stage.

2025 $500 Heart Diamond

Mintage: 150

Bullion value: €17 848

This can be considered one of the most unusual coins in the entire numismatic history, as it is shaped as a 3D heart and a diamond at the same time, with a 0.23 ct. Ideal Cut Heart Diamond positioned below the portrait.

Is King Charles on any Canadian money? Yes, indeed, and his legacy has already been prominently perpetuated in metal, the worth of which may reach thousands, if not millions, of euros. Long Live the King!

Related Coin Value Guides:

• Canadian 2 Dollar Coin Value
• Canadian 50 Cent Coin Value
• Canadian 5 Cent Coin Value
• Canadian Coin Rolls
• Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coin Value
• Canadian Penny Coin Value