The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new $2 commemorative circulation coin marking the 25th anniversary of the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.
The coin, unveiled during the annual Veterans’ Week Candlelight Tribute in Ottawa on Nov. 4, honours the soldier’s return from France in May 2000 and the creation of a national resting place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
Designed by British Columbia artist Mary-Ann Liu, who sculpted the bronze reliefs on the tomb, the coin’s reverse depicts a street-level view of the site with four sentry silhouettes representing Canadians who serve or have served in uniform. A red Poppy appears on the coloured version, symbolizing remembrance. The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The uncoloured version of the Mint’s $2 coin honours the 25th anniversary of the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier. Of the three-million-coin mintage, one million are uncoloured and two million feature a red Poppy.
The coin has a mintage of three million pieces, including two million coloured versions. It will begin circulating on November 5 as banks and retailers replenish their inventories of $2 coins. Both coloured and uncoloured pieces are also available in a two-piece Collector Keepsake Card, and Special Wrap Rolls of 25 coins in each version are being offered.
The coin complements several collector issues inspired by the same theme: a $100 pure gold coin, a 2025 proof silver dollar, and a selectively gold-plated 2025 fine silver proof set, all titled Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (2000–2025).
The remains of the Unknown Soldier were returned to Canada from a First World War cemetery near Vimy, France, in May 2000. After lying in state in Parliament’s Hall of Honour, the soldier was laid to rest with full military honours on May 28, 2000. Since then, the tomb has become a national symbol of remembrance for more than 120,000 Canadians who lost their lives in service.
Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, said the new coin continues that legacy. “We hope Canadians who find these coins in their change will be inspired to reflect on the courage and commitment of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or placed nation above self in defence of Canada.”
Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight called the tomb “a powerful symbol of the more than 120,000 Canadians who gave their lives for peace and freedom,” while Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the coin “reminds us of the profound courage and commitment demonstrated by all who have served.”