Keep an eye on your spare change over the coming weeks, because there’s a new toonie in the mix, and it includes a pop of colour.
The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new $2 commemorative circulation coin marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, and unlike a lot of commemorative coins that end up tucked away in display cases, this one’s actually going into circulation.
What the coin celebrates
The coin marks the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion, incorporated by an Act of Parliament back in 1926 and now Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization. It began circulating Monday, August 24, and Canadians should start seeing it in their change as banks and businesses restock their supplies of $2 coins.
A new $2 coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.Royal Canadian Mint
Simon Kamel, the Mint’s interim President and CEO, said the coin recognizes the Legion’s “steadfast commitment to Remembrance and community service” over the past century. Legion Dominion President Berkley Lawrence called it a fitting tribute to the organization’s milestone, adding that he hopes Canadians will notice the coin in their change and connect with the imagery behind it.
The design
The coin was designed by Vlada Pashchenko, a 2023 winner of the Legion’s Youth Remembrance Contest. The reverse side features an adaptation of the Legion’s crest, encircled by its motto, Memoriam Eorum Retinebimus (“We Will Remember Them”), along with silhouettes of a Legion member handing a poppy to a child and their mother.
A new $2 coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.Royal Canadian Mint.
The design also includes the double date “1926-2026” and an adaptation of the Legion’s poppy logo worked in between the coin’s security markings. On the front is the effigy of King Charles III, created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
A new $2 coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.Royal Canadian Mint.
How many are out there
The coin has a mintage limit of three million, split between one million uncoloured versions and two million colourized ones. Both versions are also available through collector formats, including a two-piece Collector Keepsake Card, Special Wrap Rolls of 25 coins, and a Special Wrap Roll Box Set featuring both types together.
Earlier this year, the Mint also released a handful of precious metal collectibles tied to the Legion’s anniversary, including a $100 pure gold coin, a fine silver proof dollar and a fine silver proof set.
Anyone interested in the collector versions can order through the Mint by phone (1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S.) or online at mint.ca, as well as in person at Mint boutiques or through its network of dealers, distributors and participating Canada Post outlets.
But for everyone else, no need to go looking, this one should end up in your pocket sooner or later..
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