The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled new $2 circulation coins marking the 50th anniversary of the CN Tower, one of Canada’s best-known landmarks. Revealed on the tower’s Main Observation Level, the coins celebrate both the structure’s enduring status as a national symbol and the engineering achievement behind its construction.
With a mintage of three million coins — one million uncolored and two million colorized — the new $2 commemoratives entered circulation on March 31. Canadians will begin finding them in their change as banks and businesses replenish their $2 coin supplies.
"For half a century, the CN Tower has stood as a world-renowned landmark, instantly recognizable across the globe as a symbol of Canada’s ambition and innovation. More than an engineering marvel, it has become part of who we are, welcoming millions of visitors over the years," said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue. "As we mark its 50th anniversary, this new circulation coin gives Canadians a chance to carry a piece of that history with them."
Adding to their appeal, the colorized version includes a glow-in-the-dark effect, becoming only the second circulation coin to feature that Royal Canadian Mint innovation.
Designed by Canadian illustrator Carl Wiens, the reverse of the new $2 coins mark the 50th anniversary of the CN Tower’s official opening on June 26, 1976. Their inner core shows the CN Tower rising above Lake Ontario and today’s Toronto skyline, contrasted with a 1976 outline below. When activated, the glow-in-the-dark technology reveals the tower and skyline illuminated at night. Additional silhouettes on the outer ring trace five decades of architectural growth, from Toronto’s 1976 skyline on the left to its 2026 cityscape on the right.
The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The Mint is also offering related collectibles, including a two-piece keepsake card, special wrap rolls, and a box set. Also available are a rectangular fine silver collector coin that brings the CN Tower to life with black light technology and an exclusive pure gold coin celebrating the landmark’s anniversary.
More information on the history and significance of the CN Tower can be found at www.mint.ca/cntower50.
