The Royal Canadian Mint is releasing a new $1 commemorative circulation coin honouring L. M. Montgomery, one of the most prolific and widely read authors in Canadian history.
On the 150TH anniversary of her birth, this coin pays tribute to Montgomery’s talent and enduring contributions to Canadian and world literature, as well as her role in popularizing Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Canada through her timeless Anne of Green Gables novel series and other memorable works. This coin will start entering circulation on June 27, 2024.
"The Anne of Green Gables novels are iconic works of Canadian literature, and have captivated millions of readers in Canada and around the world," said The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. "This new coin in tribute to L. M. Montgomery and her literary masterpieces will help keep the story of Anne in our pockets for generations to come."
The coin was unveiled at Green Gables Heritage Place, the family house and farmstead administered by Parks Canada that Montgomery used as the inspiration for the setting of her novel Anne of Green Gables.
Its artwork is the creation of Prince Edward Island artist Brenda Jones. It features a profile portrait of the beloved Canadian author (1874-1942) around the time Anne of Green Gables was written, along with the author’s signature and the cat drawing she often included when signing her name.
"The life and legacy of L. M. Montgomery is the kind of story that belongs on the first circulation coin to celebrate an author," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "With her iconic tales of Anne Shirley still being translated into dozens of languages and adapted for stage and screen, we are proud to have represented Montgomery’s story on a coin that will be shared and treasured for generations."
To convey the power of Montgomery’s imagination, the coin design flows from the view of the author putting pen to paper (represented by the portfolio and inkwell) to that of Anne Shirley gazing out at PEI farmland – the real-life inspiration for many of Montgomery’s stories. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
"I greatly admire my grandmother, for her contribution to Canadian literature and culture, her strength of character, and the love, pride and sense of responsibility she gave to my family," said Montgomery’s granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler. "For her to be commemorated on millions of circulation coins is an unimaginable honour and I hope Canadians will cherish it as much as I do, not only for the stories she told, but for the woman she was."
Born in Clifton, PEI in 1874, L. M. Montgomery published hundreds of short stories and poems, in addition to 20 novels, including the famed: Anne of Green Gables stories. She eventually settled in Toronto, where she died in 1942. Montgomery was finally laid to rest in PEI’s Cavendish Cemetery – a last return to the island she so cherished.
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million are coloured, this new
$1 circulation coin begins circulating on June 27, 2024. It will reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their coin inventories.
Other collector products adding to this commemoration include coloured and uncoloured special wrap rolls of 25 uncirculated coins each, as well as a fine silver coin.
These collectibles can be ordered as of today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/LMM. They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa and Winnipeg boutiques, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.
In spite of all the positive references regarding the many achievements of this author and the enduring popularity of her writings, I nevertheless cannot seem to allow myself to take an interest in acquiring this Canadian coin. Just not up my alley.
Kaiser Wilhelm,
Although I probably wouldn’t pursue this at the RCMint, It might have been in interesting find in loose change. However I live in the US and not Canada. On a trip to Canada I got a fairly new glow-in-the dark Toonie as change from a ticket vending machine.
Vinnie C,
I’m with you there. In fact, whenever I peruse the RCM website I see all manner of interesting, appealing and unique coins that were I not by default so to speak connected with and “loyal” to U.S. coinage I might otherwise indulge myself in. By the way, good for you for picking up a glowing Toonie as change!
Kaiser, I agree with you. And I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t feeling well of late. For my own situation I’m reminded of my Dad telling me “Son, don’t get old” when I find myself saying the same thing to my son. I hope you feel better soon!
Major D,
How very thoughtful of you to send your obviously heartfelt good wishes; they are very much appreciated indeed! I just happened to get caught between an unavoidable change (due to drug supply shortages and overly long delays) of my Type 2 Diabetes medication which resulted in a couple of weeks of significant transition difficulties and the more recent revelation that the disease has irrevocably damaged my liver. God, here we are sitting in our rocking chairs discussing our latest ailments…I suppose it had to happen sometime!
Women are taking Ozempic for dieting, we have several friends taking it AND I read about the shortages of that particular medication and how it’s for diabetes folks and now they are/were having shortages. I actually tried subtly to make them feel guilty, lol! One of our friends that was taking it now has bad stomach issues. My wife’s an RN and she told all of the gals taking it about the side affects. Very sorry to hear you had problems getting them. That My Friend really sucks to put it plainly. I hope your doing better very soooon!!
AKBob, While that issue of people taking Ozempic for weightloss is in fact a bit of a sore spot for me, in my own case it was in fact the drug Trulicity that was for all practical purposes “hijacked” out of my reach by the “quick and easy dieters”, an event which essentially called a sudden halt to my longstanding diabetes regimen. At that point my endocrinologist suggested I go for whatever first became available again and it just so happened to be a supply of Ozempic, with me luckily having gone to near the head of the line to… Read more »
Hang in there, Kaiser! Liver issue for me, too. It does explain the ads I get. I’ve been pondering your deep question about “time”.
Thanks so much for that solid support, Major D, and likewise good wishes to you in your own dealings with this issue. I’ll be getting a scan next month to see what condition my liver is in at the moment. As for the time question, there’s no hiding the fact that as I approach eighty the whole idea of mortality is so much in the forefront as to make the concept of time, principally as in “time allotted”, a tediously obsessive cause of speculation for me. On the other hand and as a really good distraction, I often bury my… Read more »
Kaiser, back to lyrics I think one of the best is from Pink Floyd: The sun is the same in a relative way But you’re older. And for a more expansive perspective, how about Monty Python’s Galaxy Song? Ok, now my take on the question you posed earlier: “if the material universe were to no longer exist, would that mean the end of time also?” My answer is yes. What is “time” anyways? I’d say it’s a measure of change (in events, in movement and in energy). Consider how an atomic clock works. So, if the material universe were to… Read more »
Ach du Lieber, mein Freund Major D! These lyrics you are recalling and sharing are mind altering in a very close sense to the implied and/or express meaning of that formerly much vaunted “reality”! The sun is the same in a relative way But you’re older. Pink Floyd at their deepest. And don’t get me started regarding Monty Python’s Galaxy Song! Absolute genius in the concept, the composition, the presentation and the choice of the most wonderful presenter/singer, Eric Idle, my favorite Python ever! I do believe you are correct in your belief, Major D, that there is no space without… Read more »
Although not quite in the same category as Einstein, a few names pop up of some worthy candidates for great, scientific thinkers. and in no specific order…
1) Neil deGrasse Tyson
2) Carl Sagan
3) Michio Kaku
4) Stephen Hawking
And the list goes on and on no doubt…
That is without a doubt a stellar array of incredibly astute thinkers, Rick. Thanks for the reminder of how many times over we have been blessed by the existence of such individuals.
Kaiser, if you’re not already familiar check out John Archibald Wheeler (Participatory Anthropic Principle) and Roger Penrose (connection between fundamental physics and human consciousness).
Major D,
I will take those suggestions to heart and follow up on them. Thanks!
Yesterday E1 said, “Ok, that’s one insane piece. You gotta like it! I think you’re on a roll Rick. Another Rock Star Coin in the Box. “You see what you have done to me E1?” Yes, you’ve become an expert and you’re having a great time. The great escape. Isn’t it awesome! Back in the day, I remember buying coins and stamps from mail order catalogs and magazines. Sometimes making purchases over the phone. My dad would take us to the Westchester Stamp and Coin show once a year as kids. Today, we’ve got eBay, Great Collections, TV Coin Shows,… Read more »
“…I’ve learned not to complain when I can tune everything out and enjoy myself.”
A quote for the ages (in my case the aged) from E 1 by way of Rick. Thanks, guys!
We’re going to need to remember that one. I could use it on occasion.
It’s totally E1, and an instant classic.
Absolutely the case, Rick. When I come across a quote of such significant note as this one I call it a “plaque”, meaning that it gets affixed in a very prominent place in the pathways of my mind for handy future reference.
Kaiser,
If I can give just one person in this world a little bit of joyful wisdom, then I have made a difference.
Plaque at it.
Cheers
E 1,
You have unquestionnably made a very positive difference, not just with that stellar quote but with your ongoing contributions to this special little site of ours in general.
Hi ho, hi ho, a-plaque-ing I will go!
That’s a big gamble Rick. I would cross it if they can guarantee a 7. If it crosses to a 7, then I would have it conserved with a guarantee of the same grade or better. If it comes back 7+, then you hit big time pay dirt. If it comes back a 6, then you have a very painful lesson. I’ve had a few. Exercise topflight communication throughout the process. Risk nothing. It might be safer to have NCS/NGC do the conservation with a grade guarantee avoiding the cross-over risk. Also, I think that coin has been conserved before.… Read more »
E 1,
While I consistently try my best to keep up with these extremely erudite discussions in order to be able to better understand the intricacies involving cross-overs, re-grading and re-encapsulating, I have to admit there are times some of the aspects and particulars tend to, for me at least, verge slightly into “It’s all Greek to me territory.” Not that I find that in any way to be a hindrance or a discouragement, since I firmly believe all coin knowledge is worthwhile.
Kaiser,
True, there are intricacies in this hobby held by few, but cannot be denied.
E 1,
I really like and appreciate the kinds of discussions here which allow me to better understand the whole coin “business” and thereby help me take the level of my own competence in this field that much higher.
Rick, thanks for sharing. I had no idea that the 1970-D Kennedy was worth so much in MS67 and that the NGC population is only 23 with nothing higher. In looking at other years I see that 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969-D, 1971, 1974 and 1984-D are not too shabby in MS67 as well. I really need to examine all of my special sets and uncirculated sets for those years to see if I have any contenders.
Major D you should take a look. It’s worth it if you find something. There’s many more of those nicer set coins out there just waiting to be discovered imo. True estate, online, & garage sales, etc.. It’s those pickers like yourself that deserve the payoff for the work. Good luck! I’m more of an auction picker & upgrader sometimes, but not all are bargains & winners. The 1970-D in that grade was not cheap by any means, nor terribly too much($3900). With around 20 at NGC, and 20 at PCGS it is a bonafide grade scarcity. It has room… Read more »
From being aware of the price you paid for the MS67 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar it is apparent to me we are operating in different orbits of the coin universe. However, since I have over the decades become rather comfortably accustomed to my own particular dollar level of coin acquisition and ownership, it appears to me as though our paths are for all practical purposes in effect parallel, the result of which is there is really no reason whatsoever for me to feel less than numismatically speaking.
Even Steven my friend. You are never lesser of anything in my book. More likely more than, in more ways than one(what did I just say?)✓ My spending varies quite a bit. Lately it has been on the increase, but only after liquidating much Silver, just like what AKBob has been doing. I am just a blue collar construction guy believe it or not. My whole life….. Some of my fancy new coins seen as of late are actually purchases going back several years. The 2009 UHR, Indian & spouses as an example. They seem new because of my ‘OGP… Read more »
In a previous thread, regarding the NA$, Rick wrote: “BTW these coins are now being introduced into circulation along with the AI coins and have been for a bit as far as I can tell? The product limit faithful guys keep scratching their heads, but it really isn’t necessary at all. You can spread & circulate the NA$ and AI$ around to your heart’s content.” Rick, I wouldn’t say I’m one of the “product limit faithful guys” as I have absolutely no faith in the Mint honoring anything when it comes to limits. But the Circulating Bulk Purchase Program, that… Read more »
Major D,
I’m not sure this question is technically of relevance to your comment, but I have to say I can’t help but wonder exactly how whoever buys one or more of these one ton plus pallets goes about selling the 140,000 coins each inside of them, as in what format and for what collecting need.
Yes, Kaiser you got me there! If there was any demand at all I guess you’d have a really big dealer act as a distributor to divvy up a bunch of pre-orders from other mid-dealers, who then in turn sell to smaller dealers until you cascade down to the end customer– with each one tacking on their fee to the next one.
Major D,
That’s an interesting series of cascading coinfalls indeed in that a coin that begins its life at face value (plus “a small fee in America”) ends up costing the final customer what is surely a lot more after it has made its circuitous journey from the full pallet bag to the single raw or slabbed piece.
Major D, back about 10-15 years ago, the US Mint stopped allowing the purchase of those pallets of pennies using a credit card. There were people purchasing them using their credit cards in order to get miles. Then once they received the pallet of pennies, they’d just return it to a bank or a Fed place and get refunded for what they paid for it. After this was going on for a few years, the Mint wised up to it and stopped that. You know, if there’s a way to cheat, there are people out there that will, just a… Read more »
AKBob, now that you mentioned it, I do remember hearing about that. I can’t image trying to return a palette of 140,000 dollars, and credit cards now will deduct cash-back points for refunds so there’s that. But to have that kind of high credit limit on a card likely means you wouldn’t sweat cash-back points. But 2% cash back on $151,900 would be $3,038. Almost enough to buy a 1-oz gold coin.
Good point regarding the cash-back point reductions for credit card refunds, Major D. Under the current rules that scheme is no longer viable.
AKBob,
Did we ever see that mass cheating phenomenon in full-blown form during the multi-billion dollar handouts as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the land! Yikes!