WATCH: Canadian Mint unveils new commemorative coin for 2026 FIFA World Cup

VANCOUVER — Next time you get your change, take a closer look. You might just be holding a piece of history.

The Royal Canadian Mint announced Thursday that a new coin commemorating the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been put into circulation.

A total of 3 million coins will be minted, including 2 million colourized versions.

The coin was unveiled during a special ceremony at BC Place in Vancouver. Among those in attendance were Royal Canadian Mint Interim President and CEO Simon Kamel, Chair Phyllis Clark, FIFA Vice President Vittorio Montagliani, and FIFA Canada 2026 Chief Tournament Officer Peter Montopoli.

Also present was artist Glen Green, whose design graces the new Loonie.

"I've been working with the Mint since the 2010 Olympics," he told Sitka Media. "I did several quarters, so I'm on their list to be asked every so often. They'll ask several artists to come up with a design."

Green explained that both the Mint and FIFA provided "a number of ingredients" that had to be included.

"I literally put it into the best design that I can, and I won," he added.

When asked about the red centrepiece, Green noted that "whenever you do a Canadian sport-themed coin you usually somehow tie the maple leaf in if you can."

Here's a closer look at the coin: