Canada is getting a colourful new $1 coin and it might be the prettiest loonie yet

Check your change, coin collectors! Canada is getting a new circulation coin this week and the brand new loonie pays homage to a Canadian icon.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Royal Canadian Mint confirmed that a brand new $1 coin would be entering circulation in Canada as of Thursday, June 27 — which means you could have it in your wallet as soon as the weekend.

The new loonie honours L.M. Montgomery, who the Mint describes as "one of the most prolific and widely read authors in Canadian history." Although perhaps most prominently recognized by Canadians for her Anne of Green Gables novel series, other memorable works from the iconic author include Emily of New Moon, A Tangled Web and Jane of Lantern Hill.

In total, she published 20 novels, in addition to over 500 short stories, 500 poems and many essays.

Designed by P.E.I. artist Brenda Jones, the pretty and colourful new coin features a portrait of L.M. Montgomery during the time period Anne of Green Gables was written in the early 1900's. Flowing from the pen in her hand is a picture of Anne Shirley gazing out at P.E.I. farmland. Alongside them both is the author's signature with the cat drawing that often accompanied it.

On the flip side you'll find a portrait of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati — the standard obverse since 2023 when Canadian money began to transition to feature the new monarch.

The colourful loonie featuring L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables. Right: The all-gold version of the same coin.Royal Canadian Mint

In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland said, "The Anne of Green Gables novels are iconic works of Canadian literature, and have captivated millions of readers in Canada and around the world." She added that the new coin tribute would "help keep the story of Anne in our pockets for generations to come."

In fitting style, the latest coin to enter circulation in Canada was unveiled at Green Gables Heritage Place, famously considered the inspiration for the setting for Anne of Green Gables.

Coin collectors hoping to get their hands on this brand new loonie are in luck, as millions will be entering into circulation. You'll have a better chance of picking up the coloured version, of which there's a mintage of two million. If it's the gold version that's got you excited, keep your eyes peeled for one of the million remaining gold ones.

The Mint says the coins will reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their coin inventories in the coming days and weeks.

According to the Mint, this pretty new loonie is the first coin of its kind in Canada, as a circulation coin has never celebrated an author before.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.