Loonies

Loonies is a colloquial term for Canadian one-dollar coins. The term originated shortly after the coin's introduction on June 30, 1987, and is derived from the depiction of a common loon, a bird native to Canada, on its reverse side. The coin replaced the Canadian one-dollar bill.

The loonie is characterized by its gold colour, produced by its composition of 91.5% nickel, 8.5% bronze plating. Its obverse side features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The coin's introduction was notable as a measure of cost savings, with coins typically lasting longer in circulation than paper currency. The loonie has become a symbol of Canadian currency and identity, often used in everyday transactions and as a souvenir. It is also frequently featured in colloquial expressions related to money or luck in Canada.

The coin was initially intended to feature a voyageur design, but the master dies were lost in transit, leading to a hasty redesign featuring the loon. This unplanned change contributed to the coin's immediate popularity and distinctiveness. A newer version of the coin with enhanced security features, introduced in 2012, is sometimes referred to as the "super loonie."