Description

Victory in colour: Own a coin and medallion set that evokes the spirit of 1945!

Now in its third year, our coin and medallion set is the only annual set to feature Canada’s circulation coin designs in colour and in 99.99% pure silver.

You’ll find those classic designs in the 2020 edition but the 5-cent coin is an exclusive colourized tribute to Thomas Shingles’ Victory nickel. Shingles originally engraved the design on the medallion too: it’s a faithful reproduction of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, which was awarded to more than 650,000 Canadians in recognition of their voluntary service in the Second World War.

This set perfectly embodies the nation’s spirit in 1945 and in 2020, as we honour those who contributed to the Allied victory 75 years ago.

Order today!

About the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal

With the creation of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) in 1943, Canada became the first country in the Commonwealth to recognize voluntary service in the Second World War.

The medal was crafted in .925 silver and engraved by Master Engraver Thomas Shingles. The obverse by war artist Charles Fraser Comfort was based on photographs of seven marching members of Canada’s army, air force, navy and nursing service. The Reverse features Canada’s Coat of Arms used between 1923-1957.

At first, the medal was only awarded to members of Canada’s military forces and merchant navy who “honourably completed 18 months total voluntary service from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947.” Eligibility was later expanded to include members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as various civilian and military support organizations. A total of 650,000 medals were awarded.

KEY SPECIAL FEATURES

• A faithful reproduction of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal: An early set of dies that would have been used when the medals were first struck, were recently located. These dies were scanned to ensure the accuracy of Shingle’s original engraving.
• Our third colourized coin and medallion set: Your set features Canada’s 2020 circulation coin designs in 99.99% pure silver and accented with colour!
• An exclusive: A “V” for “Victory” takes the place of G.E. Kruger-Gray’s classic beaver design on the 5-cent coin. This is the only set in 2020 that includes a colour version of the Victory nickel issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-E Day.
• The medallion in this set is a faithful reproduction of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), which honoured volunteer service (1939-1947) in the Second World War. This medallion is only available as part of this set – it is not available separately.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL FEATURES

• Etched in history: Both the Victory nickel and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal were engraved by Thomas Shingles, former Master Engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint.
• A traditional finish: The medallion in this set features a brilliant uncirculated finish that is true to the actual medal.
• Proof finish: All six denominations come in their standard size. These coins have been struck at a lower speed than your typical circulation coins; the result is a stunning, mirror-like proof finish that plays up the colour.
• A popular addition: The 2018 set sold out within its first month and the 2019 sold quickly too!
• Canada now and then: This set is for history enthusiasts and collectors of Canadian coins that speak to our past… and our present!

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Royal Canadian Mint has struck decorations, medals and other awards since the early 1930s. Its medals branch is practically a mint within a mint: it has its own separate presses and an award-winning team of engravers and engineers dedicated to creating the highest quality medals.
• All the medals for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games were struck at our Ottawa facility on Sussex Drive. Some of Canada’s most prestigious national honours are also struck in the same facility.
• Thomas Shingles (1904-1984) joined the Royal Canadian Mint in 1939 and became Master Engraver in 1943. For the Victory nickel, Shingles prepared the matrix entirely by hand – in fact, this was the first time master tooling was made in Canada.

DESIGN

This medallion is a faithful reproduction of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947) and features the obverse design by Charles Comfort. The seven marching figures represent the Royal Canadian Navy, Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Canadian Women’s Army Corps, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), RCAF Women’s Division, and Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Around the rim is the inscription “1939 CANADA 1945 VOLUNTARY SERVICE VOLONTAIRE”. The reverse features the Arms of Canada, as seen on the original medal.

PACKAGING

Your set of Canadian coinage and medallion are safely enclosed in a leather-style book packaging that provides an elegant presentation for repeat viewings or permanent display.

SPECIFICATIONS

Item Number: 177255
Mintage: 7,000
Composition 99.99% pure silver
Packaging: Book-style packaging with removable lens
Finished Size: 190 mm x 125 mm
UPC: 6-23932-10243-9

Medallion

$2

$1

50 cents

25 cents

10 cents

5 cents