FIFTY years ago, what began as a high‑rise telecommunications project evolved into an architectural wonder that has since captured the hearts and minds of Canadians and visitors from around the world. Canada’s engineering excellence reached new heights with the building of the CN Tower, establishing it as a defining symbol of national ingenuity and technical achievement.
The CN Tower’s 50th anniversary is commemorated on a new $2 circulation coin that was unveiled on the attraction’s Main Observation Level, a fitting vantage point from which to honour this iconic landmark. The colourized version of the coin is also enhanced with a glow‑in‑the‑dark effect, only the second circulation coin to feature this Royal Canadian Mint innovation. It began circulating on Tuesday.
“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 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.”
“The CN Tower is an enduring symbol of Canadian pride, engineering excellence and innovation. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary year, we honour its legacy and a future of infinite possibilities,” said Stéphan Déry, President and CEO, Canada Lands Company. “Canada Lands Company is proud to partner with the Royal Canadian Mint and provide Canadians with an opportunity to learn more about the CN Tower and its lasting impact.”
In the 1960s, downtown Toronto’s rapidly rising skyline created major challenges for radio and TV transmission. To solve them, a dedicated group of Canadian engineers and visionaries developed the CN Tower. In just two years, more than 1,500 workers rotating through 24‑hour shifts completed the concrete structure and topped it with a massive steel mast, bringing its height to 553.33 metres. The result was a landmark of collaboration, determination and Canadian ingenuity. This new $2 coin features glow‑in‑the‑dark details that reflect the innovative spirit behind building Canada’s tallest freestanding structure.
“The Royal Canadian Mint has a proud tradition of celebrating Canada’s greatest achievements through coins that uniquely tell and preserve our nation’s stories,” said Simon Kamel, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “For 50 years, the CN Tower has stood as a beacon of Canadian vision, innovation and know‑how, defining both our country and its home city of Toronto. We hope that our coin celebrating an unforgettable landmark that welcomes and connects people from across Canada and around the world, will delight and inspire everyone who finds it in their change.”
Designed by Canadian illustrator Carl Wiens, the coin’s reverse marks the 50th anniversary of the CN Tower’s official opening on June 26, 1976. Its inner core features the CN Tower rising above Lake Ontario and today’s Toronto skyline, contrasted with a 1976 outline below. When activated, the coin’s glow‑in‑the‑dark technology reveals the CN Tower and skyline illuminated at night. Additional silhouettes on the outer ring highlight five decades of architectural growth, from the 1976 skyline on the left to Toronto’s 2026 cityscape on the right. The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Limited to a mintage of three million – one million uncoloured versions and two million colourized versions – the new $2 commemorative circulation coin began circulating on March 31. Canadians will find it in their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
Both the colourized and uncoloured versions are available in a two-piece Collector Keepsake Card, presented in an ornate folder. Special Wrap Rolls of 25 coins − in coloured and uncoloured formats – are also available, as is a Special Wrap Roll Box Set of both types of rolls, featuring encapsulated examples of the colourized and uncolored coin. A rectangular fine silver collector coin that brings the CN Tower to life with black light technology, as well as an exclusive pure gold coin add their own special lustre to the celebration.
These collectibles can be ordered now by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s boutiques, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
More information on the history and significance of the CN Tower can be found at www.mint.ca/cntower50.
