The 2023 $1 commemorative circulation coin celebrates one of the most exceptional and inspiring Canadians of the 20th century: Elsie MacGill (1905-1980), aeronautical engineer and champion of women’s rights. MacGill’s accomplishments and desire to uplift others were driven by her unrelenting belief that we can all soar higher. Reverse design pays tribute to the “Queen of the Hurricanes,” whose life story and achievements continue to inspire.
Special features
- Make the inspirational story of Elsie MacGill a part of your collection. The 2023 $1 Honouring Elsie MacGill coin honours an extraordinary Canadian whose life and achievements are among the most exceptional and noteworthy Canadian stories of the 20th century.
- Features the transitional effigy. The 2023 Honouring Elsie MacGill coin is one of the few 2023-dated circulation coins to feature the transitional effigy and be destined for general circulation.
About the Coin
Designed by artist Claire Watson, the $1 coin’s reverse features a portrait of Elsie MacGill (1905-1980), an aeronautical pathbreaker and champion of women’s rights, indicated by the lapel pin she wears representing her tenures as provincial (Ontario) and national presidents of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. The sky backdrop highlights some of MacGill’s historic engineering achievements, including the Maple Leaf Trainer II (top) – the first aircraft to be produced and designed by a woman – and her key role in the wartime production of Hawker Hurricanes, which is highlighted on the colourized coin. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.