The new $1 circulation coin was designed by artist Claire Watson, who's based in Tofino, BC. 'Hers is a story that needs to be shown and celebrated on a circulation coin that will be shared by millions of Canadians of all ages.' The design 'What Elsie MacGill achieved as a trail blazing aeronautical engineer, and as a champion of women's rights, made a difference in her lifetime and continues to influence us today,' said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Mint, in a statement. MacGill was appointed to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in 1967 for her lifelong advocacy. Most notably, she was celebrated for setting up the Canadian production of the Hawker Hurricane fighter plane during the Second World War. She was responsible for lots of firsts as a woman studying and practicing engineering. MacGill broke many barriers for women in Canada and the world as an engineer and leading advocate for women's rights. The Royal Canadian Mint is dropping a new $1 commemorative circulation coin on Tuesday, August 1 in honour of history-maker Elsie MacGill. Check your change for any pops of colour this summer - you could be in possession of Canada's latest coin design.
