2025 SPECIMEN SET CONSERVATION STORIES MONARCH BUTTERFLY

In the fall, the monarch butterfly embarks on one of the longest known migrations, pollinating and supporting diverse ecosystems as it travels from its breeding grounds in Canada to its wintering habitats. The 4,000-kilometre-long journey is fraught with danger, but even within Canada, this winged wonder—like many other pollinators—faces a myriad of challenges that threaten its survival, from climate change to habitat loss.

The endangered monarch butterfly and its sole host plant, milkweed, are highlighted on the 2025 Specimen Dollar. Flying on patterned wings that captivate and inspire, this well-known butterfly is the ideal poster species for pollinator decline, and for conservation through habitat restoration—an important step to help ensure monarchs and other pollinators will continue to add grace and colour to our world for years to come.

Irreplaceable: The monarch butterfly has landed on the 2025 Specimen Dollar.

Special features

• Sixth in the series. This is the sixth specimen set in a series that is helping to raise awareness of wildlife conservation and species recovery efforts in Canada.
• Hyperrealism. We took great care to ensure the markings on the monarch’s wings were accurately re-created in order to provide a realistic portrait of this well-known and well-loved pollinator.
• A world exclusive. We are the only mint that issues an annual set of coins in a specimen finish (brilliant/frosted relief against a lined background). This Specimen Set continues to be one of the most popular sets produced each year by the Royal Canadian Mint.
• For nature and wildlife lovers. Inspire a child to collect coins: this affordable set’s educational theme makes it a great gift for animal lovers of all ages, and its educational theme makes it the perfect starter set for a new collector.
• Limited supply. Mintage is limited to 30,000 sets.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

Packaging

Your specimen set comes in elegant book-style packaging, with a removable lens that allows for easy viewing of your coins.