Coin, stamp honour ‘The Hero of Upper Canada’

It was on this day in 1806 that Isaac Brock was appointed to command the British forces in Upper Canada.

Known as “The Hero of Upper Canada”, Brock has been honoured over the years with stamps and coins issued by Canada Post and the Royal Canadian Mint, respectively.

Brock was born at St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, Oct. 6, 1769;

On September 30, 1811, Brock was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada; 1812 July 6 proclaimed a State of War; 1812 responsible for quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit; but was killed by an American bullet at the battle of Queenston Heights Oct. 13, 1812, during a successful defense of Upper Canada against American attack.

In 2012, both Canada Post and the Mint released special stamps and coins to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

On June 15, 2012, Canada Post released a stamp honouring the two most important leaders during the War of 1812: British Major-General Sir Isaac Brock and War Chief Tecumseh. The two-stamp issue, the first in a series marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812, depicted the two men face to face.

In the two-stamp se-tenant format, illustrated by Suzanne Duranceau, the two men are seen in profile. Their facial expressions depict mutual respect. Alain Leduc, stamp design manager explains, “The stamp is printed in lithography but with an intaglio feel, a technique that gives the two men equal weight.”

brockstampThe background of the Brock stamp shows a European settlement, as it would have looked circa 1812. Chief Tecumseh is shown with encampments scattered around him, indicating that more than one tribe has taken to arms under his command. Stamp designer Susan Scott notes that, “The setting is a visual representation of the motivation for each man—this is what they were fighting for. And the body of water speaks to the dominance of the British naval power.”

That same year, the Mint released a four-hero series of coins to market the anniversary. Brock was honoured as the first hero in the series with a $4 denomination fine silver coin. download (11)

Limited to 10,000 coins worldwide. the coin features Major-General Sir Isaac Brock against an intricately engraved background consisted of the words “The War of 1812” in both English and French. Artist Bonnie Ross used various image sources of Brock to design the ideal image. Also featured in the design is the engraved and painted Government of Canada War of 1812 logo: it is composed of stylistic 1812 typography encompassed by a stylized maple leaf with ecru swords crossing behind it.

 

 

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