Iconic Writer Celebrated During RCM Coin Launch

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is releasing a new $1 commemorative circulation coin honoring L.M. Montgomery, one of Canada’s most prolific and widely read authors. The coin—and Montgomery herself—was recognized with a launch party on June 26 in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island (the author’s final resting place).

Born in Clifton, Prince Edward Island (a Canadian province) in 1874, Montgomery published 20 novels, 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays. However, she is best known for penning the Anne of Green Gables series of novels. This classic tale has been adapted into countless miniseries, movies, and radio productions since its 1908 debut. The first novel has sold over 50 million copies and helped popularize Prince Edward Island and Canada to a global audience. Montgomery eventually settled in Toronto, where she passed away in 1942.

The Coin

Mint officials unveiled the coin at Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the setting for Anne of Green Gables. Prince Edward Island artist Brenda Jones created the design. It features a profile portrait of the beloved Canadian author when Anne of Green Gables was written. The author’s signature and the cat drawing she often included when signing her name appear below.

To convey the power of Montgomery’s imagination, the coin design flows from the view of the author putting pen to paper (represented by the portfolio and inkwell) to that of protagonist Anne Shirley gazing out at the Prince Edward Island farmland that served as the real-life inspiration for many of Montgomery’s stories. The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. 

The mint will produce 3 million of these commemoratives, 2 million of which feature colorized enamel. Orders will begin on June 27. To learn more, visit the RCM’s website.