She had a soaring spirit, fierce determination and remarkable talents. She put Canada on the map for several significant female “firsts” in engineering and was a tireless champion of women’s rights.
Her name was Elizabeth Muriel Gregory “Elsie” MacGill (1905–1980). She became known as “Queen of the Hurricanes,” having led the Canadian production of the Hawker Hurricane combat plane, which played a pivotal role in World War II.
And on August 1, 2023, the Royal Canadian Mint released a $1 commemorative circulation coin, introducing millions of Canadians to this remarkable feminist and aeronautical trailblazer.
“Inspiring Canadians through stories of exceptional achievement is one of the most important functions of commemorative circulation coins,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “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.”
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MacGill, born in Vancouver, BC, was a force to be reckoned with. Raised with feminist values, she went to university for electrical engineering. She went on to break barriers in her field and also in gender equality — all while experiencing the effects of polio, which never impeded her fierce drive and determination.
Here are some more of MacGill’s inspiring accomplishments:
- The first woman in North America to earn a master’s degree in aerospace engineering (1929)
- Hired as the first practising female engineer in Canada as Chief Aeronautical Engineer at Canadian Car & Foundry and elected to the Engineering Institute of Canada as the first female member (1938)
- Became the first female aircraft designer in the world (1938)
- Appointed to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women (1967)
- Became an Officer of the Order of Canada (1971)
- Inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (1984) and the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame (1992).
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The Commemorative Coin
The coin, designed by artist Claire Watson of Tofino, B.C., was selected from among several options submitted by female artists across Canada, then vetted by engineers, historians and MacGill’s family members for accuracy. Watson says she wanted to portray MacGill as a “confident, strong individual.”
And it worked. MacGill features prominently on the right side of the coin, looking skyward, poised and sanguine. She is surrounded by elements that reflect the major achievements of her life and contributions to Canadian aerospace engineering and women’s rights.
- Hawker Hurricane
One of MacGill’s most notable achievements, the Hawker Hurricane, flies to her right. During the Second World War, MacGill pioneered a brand new modular construction system that enabled the production of over 1,450 Hawker Hurricane aircraft. The British single-seat fighter plane played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain.
MacGill’s efforts were playfully celebrated in a 1942 comic book series, “Queen of the Hurricanes” — which also became MacGill’s nickname.
- Maple Leaf Trainer II
MacGill was one of the first women in the world to design and produce an aircraft. Flying above her is that remarkable feat of aeronautical engineering: the Maple Leaf Trainer II. MacGill created this plane while working as the Chief Engineer of Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay).
- Blueprints
The two rolls of blueprints clutched under MacGill’s right arm represent her extraordinary influence in both the engineering and aviation fields in Canada throughout her long career. The rolled-up design documents also embody MacGill’s driving ambition and creativity.
- Engineer’s Iron Ring
MacGill was one of the first women in the world to design and produce an aircraft. Flying above her is that remarkable feat of aeronautical engineering: the Maple Leaf Trainer II. MacGill created this plane while working as the Chief Engineer of Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay).
- Lapel Pin
MacGill’s left lapel bears a significant pin that illustrates her significant advocacy for women’s rights. It represents her tenures as provincial (Ontario) and national presidents of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.
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The 2023 Elsie MacGill commemorative $1 coin has a mintage of three million; two million are coloured. The limited series will be available as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of loonies.
Some collectible options:
- Set of two uncirculated coins, coloured and uncoloured
- Set of two mint rolls, coloured and uncoloured
There is also a commemorative Collector Keepsake Card featuring both versions of the circulation coin and packaged with uncirculated versions of 2023 classic circulation coins (5-cent to $2), plus other collectible options from the Mint.
Start your own collection of historic Canadian coins
If you’re interested in starting your own collection of Canadian and international coins, we can help. Century Stamp & Coin has a huge collection of coins and a knowledgeable and experienced team to support you with building your very own coin collection.
