Last Updated on November 11, 2025 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
In 2025, the Royal Canadian Mint invites Canadians to reflect on sacrifice, service, and remembrance with the release of the $2 Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier Commemorative Circulation Coin and the Commemorative Collector Keepsake Card.
Designed by Mary-Ann Liu, the sculptor of the bronze relief on the actual Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this beautifully crafted coin marks the 25ᵗʰ anniversary of one of Canada’s most profound moments of remembrance, the repatriation and entombment of Canada’s Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Now available at Colonial Acres Coins, this special coin and keepsake honours not only one fallen soldier but all who have served, a timeless tribute to courage, sacrifice, and national pride.
Honouring the Unknown Soldier: A Story of Sacrifice and Symbolism
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds a singular place in Canada’s heart. Beneath its granite surface lies the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who fell during the First World War, chosen to represent the 116,000 Canadians who have died in service to their country.
The soldier’s remains were repatriated from the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, France, in 2000. The tomb itself was completed and sealed on May 28, 2000, in a solemn national ceremony attended by thousands.
What makes the site even more symbolic is the soil interred with the casket, earth gathered from every province and territory in Canada, along with soil from the original gravesite in France. Together, they represent the unity and sacrifice of a nation.
The coin commemorates 25 years since that powerful moment, ensuring the story of the Unknown Soldier and the ideals they represent continue to live on through art and remembrance.
Design Details: A Call to Remember
Created by Mary-Ann Liu, the artist who designed the original tomb relief, the 2025 $2 Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier coin captures both solemn beauty and national gratitude.
Reverse Design
The coin’s inner core depicts a street-level view of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. This perspective invites viewers to stand alongside the monument, as if participating in the act of remembrance.
The outer ring frames the design with the inscriptions:
“TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER / LA TOMBE DU SOLDAT INCONNU”
These words are engraved in the same font used on the tomb itself, creating an authentic connection to the memorial. Surrounding the tomb are four silhouetted sentries, representing all Canadians who serve or have served in the military. Their quiet watch evokes courage, duty, and national unity.
Completing the design, a poppy bright red on the coloured version, rests in the foreground as the flower of remembrance, symbolizing both the cost of war and the gratitude of those who live in peace.The coin’s outer edge includes the inscriptions “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS,” along with two maple leaf security features.
Obverse Design
The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. The proof-like finish and crisp detailing reflect the Mint’s exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring both reverence and refinement in every strike.
Two Versions: Colourized and Uncoloured
Collectors and Canadians alike can choose between two versions of this meaningful coin, each offering its own distinct appeal:
- Uncoloured Version – A finely engraved $2 circulation coin that highlights the craftsmanship and precision of the design. Available individually or in a Special Wrapped Roll of 25 coins, this version reflects timeless simplicity.
- Coloured Version – Features a vivid red poppy on the reverse, bringing the national flower of remembrance to life. This design adds emotional impact and visual contrast, reminding us of the enduring symbol worn by Canadians each November 11.
Both versions are beautifully showcased together in the 2025 Commemorative Collector Keepsake Card, making it the perfect display or gift option for collectors, educators, or anyone wishing to honour Canada’s military history.
The Artist: Mary-Ann Liu
Few artists are as deeply connected to this national symbol as Mary-Ann Liu, the British Columbia-based sculptor who created the bronze relief that adorns the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.
Her work bridges art and remembrance, ensuring that Canada’s military history is preserved not only in stone but in spirit. In designing the 2025 commemorative $2 coin, Liu revisited her original creation, distilling its power into miniature form.
The result is a coin that is both reverent and accessible, a tangible connection between art, memory, and identity.
The Keepsake Card: A Collector’s Tribute
The 2025 Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier Commemorative Collector Keepsake offers an elegant way to preserve and display these meaningful coins.
Each card includes:
- Two $2 coins — one coloured and one engraved only version.
- A thematic design featuring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Educational background information about the tomb, its creation, and its lasting significance.
Perfect for gifting or collecting, this keepsake captures the heart of Canadian remembrance in a compact, beautifully designed presentation.
25 Years of Remembrance: Why This Coin Matters
This release marks 25 years since the Unknown Soldier was brought home — a moment that unified the nation in reflection.
The tomb and the annual Remembrance Day ceremony that takes place before it have become central to Canada’s collective memory, reminding us that peace is not free, and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
The 2025 coin and keepsake continue that tradition, calling Canadians to “Reflect, Honour, and Remember.” It stands as a lasting testament to the soldiers whose names we may never know, but whose courage built the foundation of our freedom.
Why Collectors Choose Colonial Acres Coins
At Colonial Acres Coins, we believe that coins are more than currency; they are stories struck in metal. With over 30 years of expertise, we proudly offer collectors across Canada and beyond access to the latest Royal Canadian Mint releases, including this special 2025 commemorative issue.
Why shop with Colonial Acres:
- Authenticity Guaranteed: All products are sourced directly from the Royal Canadian Mint.
- Extensive Selection: Find the latest commemorative, circulation, and collectible coins — including colourized and uncoloured versions.
- Canadian Heritage Experts: Celebrating the people, places, and moments that shape our nation.
- Collector-Friendly Service: Professionally packaged, authenticated, and shipped with care.
Explore the complete 2025 Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier collection today at colonialacres.com.
A Nation’s Gratitude Preserved
The 2025 $2 Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier Commemorative Coins are more than numismatic treasures; they are symbols of gratitude, remembrance, and unity.
With two versions to collect, plus a beautifully designed Commemorative Keepsake Card, these coins allow every Canadian to hold a piece of our shared history in their hands.
Whether you collect for passion, education, or patriotism, this release stands as a reminder that remembrance is timeless and that through art and craftsmanship, the Royal Canadian Mint keeps Canada’s stories alive.
