In 2024, Canada marks a significant milestone as it commemorates a century of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), an institution deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and identity. Established as a guardian of liberty and sovereignty, the RCAF has served the country through times of conflict and peace, embodying courage, sacrifice, and innovation.
To honour the dedication of RCAF personnel spanning generations, the Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled the 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin – The Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial. Crafted by artist David Moore from Edmonton, Alta., the coin’s reverse pays tribute to the RCAF’s storied legacy and its promising future. The design features iconic aircraft representing both the past and future of the RCAF, including the F-35 Lightning II symbolizing the next generation, alongside historic planes like the Spitfire and Sopwith Camel. These aircraft, instrumental in pivotal moments of history, proudly display the RCAF motto “SIC ITUR AD ASTRA” and the enduring maple leaf-adorned RCAF roundel, with the years “1924-2024” inscribed below. On the obverse is King Charles III’s effigy, created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Limited to a production of 12,000 pieces, the silver coin joins a series of numismatic tributes launched earlier in the year to mark the RCAF Centennial, including the 2024 Proof Silver Dollar, the 2024 Fine Silver Proof Set, and the 2024 $100 Pure Gold Coin. These commemorative pieces serve not only as collectors’ items but also as symbols of appreciation for the RCAF’s century-long commitment to the defence and security of Canada.
The release of the RCAF silver coin is part of the Mint’s April lineup of new coin releases, featuring a diverse range of numismatic offerings including:
• The 2024 Specimen Set – Conservation Stories – Northern Leopard Frog, featuring a special $1 coin designed by Julius Csotonyi;
• The 2024 $1 Fine Silver Coin – Emanuel Hahn’s Original Sketch – Parliament;
• The 2024 50¢ Fine Silver Coin – Tribute W Mint Mark – Coat of Arms;
• The 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Dancing Ammolite – Elements of Nature, designed by Mariya Olshevska;
• The 2024 $300 Pure Platinum Coin – Maple Leaf Forever, featuring the work of Mint engravers;
• The three-dimensional, diamond-shaped 2024 $50 De Beers Cushion Diamond and 2024 $500 De Beers Ideal Cushion Diamond; and
• The 2024 line of bullion coins in premium packaging, featuring the W. Allan Hancock designed 2024 $5 one-ounce silver coin and the 2024 $5 1/10 oz. gold coin – The Majestic Polar Bears, also available in special First Strikes editions.
For more details, visit mint.ca.