Canadians can start watching their change for a new $2 coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion.
The Royal Canadian Mint released the new commemorative circulation coin on Aug. 24, with both coloured and uncoloured versions entering circulation through banks and businesses as they replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
Only three million coins are being issued — two million coloured and one million uncoloured — giving collectors two different versions to search for in circulation.
The coin marks a century since an Act of Parliament incorporated The Royal Canadian Legion in 1926. Today, the Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization, assisting veterans, still-serving military and RCMP members and their families, while promoting Remembrance and supporting communities across the country.
Designed by artist Vlada Pashchenko, a 2023 winner of the Legion Youth Remembrance Contest, the coin’s reverse centres on an adaptation of the Legion’s crest surrounded by the Latin motto Memoriam Eorum Retinebimus — “We Will Remember Them.”
The non-coloured version of the Royal Canadian Legion centennial $2 coin carries the same design as its coloured counterpart. One million non-coloured coins are being released into circulation, bringing the combined mintage to three million.
In the foreground are silhouettes depicting a Legion member offering a poppy to a child accompanied by their mother. The imagery reflects the Legion’s efforts to ensure the tradition of Remembrance is carried forward to future generations.
The design also incorporates the double date “1926-2026” and an adaptation of the Legion’s poppy logo, positioned between the coin’s micro-engraved security marks. The obverse features Canadian artist Steven Rosati’s effigy of King Charles III.
“This coin truly commemorates our milestone anniversary, and we thank the Royal Canadian Mint for creating this remarkable keepsake piece,” said Legion Dominion President Berkley Lawence. “We hope Canadians will see this beautiful coin in their change and appreciate the imagery that reflects key aspects of our identity, including ensuring the next generation carries Remembrance forward in Canada.”
Royal Canadian Mint Interim President and CEO Simon Kamel said the Mint has long produced coins honouring generations of Canadians who risked or sacrificed their lives in defence of the country.
“For a century, The Royal Canadian Legion has played an important role in supporting our nation’s veterans and active military,” Kamel said. “It is fitting that we are acknowledging the Legion’s steadfast commitment to Remembrance and community service on a new commemorative circulation coin.”
For collectors who don’t want to wait to find the coins in their change, the Mint is also offering the coloured and uncoloured versions together in a two-piece Collector Keepsake Card. Special Wrap Rolls containing 25 coins are available in both formats, along with a Special Wrap Roll Box Set featuring both types of rolls and encapsulated examples of the coloured and uncoloured coins.
The circulation issue follows several precious-metal collectibles released by the Mint earlier this year to commemorate the Legion’s centennial. They include a 2026 $100 Pure Gold Coin, 2026 Fine Silver Proof Dollar and 2026 Fine Silver Proof Set.
For more details, visit mint.ca.