The Royal Canadian Mint adds to the commemoration of the 100ᵗʰ Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force With a New $2 Commemorative Circulation Coin

 Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mint

As the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) marks 100 years as a distinct military institution defending Canada and preserving its freedoms, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a $2 circulation coin to highlight this historic milestone and recognize the service of all RCAF personnel.  The coin, depicting aircraft that have played significant roles in supporting the RCAF over the last century, was unveiled yesterday at a ceremony held at 17 Wing Winnipeg, at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.  It will begin circulating as of September 18, 2024.

“On the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we pay tribute to the generations of Air Force members who dedicated their lives to defending our country and our freedom,” said The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “I invite all Canadians to join in commemorating this proud history, the people who have served, and to celebrate the bright and promising future of the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

“The Royal Canadian Air Forces belongs to all Canadians and in our centennial year, we are pleased to partner with the Royal Canadian Mint to showcase some of the aircraft that have contributed to training and security at home and around the world,” said Lieutenant General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. “As Canadians go about their day, they will soon carry with them a reminder of the iconic aircraft that have carried our aviators past and present over the last century. Like a new coin, the future of Your Air Force is bright.”

The reverse of this coin, designed by Canadian illustrator Pui Yan Fung, features stylized depictions of aircraft flown by RCAF personnel past and present. The inner core features the RCAF roundel above a Model H of the CC-130 Hercules, which has been the mainstay of the RCAF transport fleet for over 60 years; the upward angle of the Hercules is a nod to the RCAF motto, Sic itur ad astra (“Such is the pathway to the stars”).  The double dates “1924 2024” appear beneath the soaring CC-130H.

Eight current and historical RCAF aircraft appear on the outer ring, from top to bottom: the Finch Mk. II, CSR-123 Otter, F-86 Sabre Mk. 6 and CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5 on the left side; and on the right, the CT-114 Tutor, CC-115 Buffalo, CF-188 Hornet and CH-146 Griffon helicopter. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Steven Rosati.

“The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted to commemorate the RCAF’s first 100 years with a special circulation coin manufactured in Winnipeg, home to our circulation production facility and to one of the first air force bases in Canada,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are proud to have crafted a coin designed to capture many different chapters of RCAF history and helps recognize its members’ past and current contributions to national security.”

The formal creation of the RCAF on April 1,1924, equipped Canada with a permanent full-time air force. In the century since, it has supported Canada’s defence, contributed to international peacekeeping efforts, and fostered innovation in aviation. Additionally, the RCAF continues to support search and rescue operations, serving as a lifeline for those in crisis in Canada and its surrounding waters. It has also supported domestic and international communities in the wake of natural disasters or other emergencies.

Related collector products adding to the celebration of the RCAF’s 100ᵗʰ anniversary include:

• Limited-edition special wrap rolls of 25 uncirculated coins each, both retailing for $79.95;
• A Commemorative Collector Keepsake Card featuring both the coloured and uncoloured versions of the circulation coin, retailing for $14.95.

Precious metal collectibles also issued in celebration of this historic anniversary can be found here.  All these products can be ordered as of today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/RCAF.They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa and Winnipeg boutiques, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.