A $2 circulation coin honouring the Canadians who 75 years ago landed in Normandy, France, where they helped establish the Allied foothold that led to the liberation of Western Europe, was unveiled today by the Royal Canadian Mint.
The unveiling ceremony was held at the Moncton Garrison, home to the 37 Brigade of the North Shore Regiment (New Brunswick), whose troops were among the 13 Canadian regiments landing at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
“Canadians proudly uphold the tradition of remembrance so that we may never forget the sacrifices of our veterans in defending our freedoms and values,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of Veterans Affairs and associate minister of National Defence.
“By issuing a circulation coin honouring the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Mint is helping all of us remember brave Canadians who risked everything, or made the ultimate sacrifice, so that the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 could succeed and help end the Second World War.”
The word ‘CANADA’ is engraved along the edge of the newly unveiled $2 circulation coin.
SOLDIERS’ SOLEMN ANTICIPATION
Designed by Canadian artist Alan Daniel, the reverse of the new circulation coin conveys the anticipation of Canadian soldiers approaching Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
A compelling perspective at the core of the coin shows three soldiers peering from their landing craft. On the outer ring, engravings of ships and aircraft illustrate the massive air and naval operation which supported the troops taking part in the largest seaborne invasion in military history. “D-DAY/LE JOUR J” is engraved above the soldiers’ helmets.
At the bottom, the words “REMEMBER/SOUVENIR” appear on either side of the coin’s 2019 year-date.
The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt in 2003.
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will feature colour, the circulation coin is now entering general circulation. The public should see them gradually appear in their change as bank branches and businesses begin replenishing inventories of $2 coins.
Over the coming months, the Mint will also hold a number of public coin exchanges at its boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, in addition to other locations around the country.
“Like all Canadian soldiers landing at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, the North Shore men fought valiantly and suffered heavy losses in securing their landing objectives at the end of D-Day,” said North Shore Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Renald Dufour. “The D-Day landing was one of the most significant events in Canadian military history and our regiment was at the centre of it, along with three other assaulting units. Honouring and recognizing nationally our soldiers’ legacy and their families’ sacrifices on the eve of the 75th anniversary with a commemorative circulation coin is a remarkable gesture.”
NEW COLLECTOR OFFERINGS
The unveiling of the new $2 circulation coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day included (from left) Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Royal Canadian Mint CEO Marie Lemay, North Shore Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Rénald Dufour and D-Day veteran Alphonse Vautour (seated).
The Mint is also issuing “several new collector products” to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Special wrap rolls of 25 $2 circulation coins featuring the same artwork found on the reverse of the coins will be offered with coloured (15,000 rolls) and non-coloured versions (5,000 rolls).
A $3 quarter-ounce Fine silver coin designed by Glen Loates is also available and features a lone imprint of a soldier’s boot on the sands of Juno Beach. It’s dated 1944-2019.
Finally, a six-coin set features the coloured and non-coloured versions of the $2 D-Day coin plus Canada’s current $1 and five–, 10- and 25-cent circulation coins. This 2019-dated “Commemorative Collector Keepsake” has a mintage of 100,000 sets.
“Ever since our very first Poppy coin in 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint has proudly issued special circulation coins to help Canadians remember the service and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans and active military,” said Marie Lemay, Mint president and CEO. “D-Day lives on as one of Canada’s greatest military achievements of the Second World War and our veterans’ role in this crucial Allied victory will be remembered for generations through our new $2 circulation coin.”
These coins can be ordered beginning today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada; 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S.; or online at mint.ca/dday. They are also available at the Mint’s boutiques and through its global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.