On June 10, 1982, the Royal Canadian Mint struck a pure nickel one-dollar circulating coin to celebrate the new Canadian Constitution. This marked the very first time in the Mint's history that both a commemorative dollar and the traditional "Voyageur" dollar were issued for circulation within the same year.

The reverse features a faithful reproduction of the celebrated painting The Fathers of Confederation. Honoring this major milestone in Canadian history, the design includes the inscription "1867 CONFEDERATION" arched above the artwork, and "CONSTITUTION 1982" anchored beneath it.