Last updated on April 6th, 2021 at 01:36 am
Last Updated on April 6, 2021 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
The Second World War involved almost every country in the world. It’s considered one of the bloodiest wars in history, as well as one of the largest wars ever. Politically, WWII is considered a watershed moment, one that shifted power from Europe to the Soviet Union and the United States. Many Canadians bravely stepped up to support the Commonwealth’s efforts. The Royal Canadian Mint recently released a special-edition coin and medallion set that reflects this era and honours those veterans who served.
6 Coins Included With This Set
Make this Royal Canadian Mint coin set a part of your collection. Here’s what is included in your set:
- A leather-book style packaging to protect your coins
- Medallion with Charles Comfort’s CVSM design, made of 99.99% silver (not available separately from this set)
- Newly minted and uncirculated $2, $1, 50-cent, 25-cent, 10-cent coins
- Colourized tribute 5-cent coin of the Victory nickel (available only in this set)
The coins are newly minted but also struck at a lower speed than traditional coins, which makes them have a unique finish that is almost mirror-like. The coins have been colourized, making them even more special to remember the 75thanniversary of the Allied victory.
The History Behind This Coin Set
In 1943, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was established to honour the Active Service members from World War II. Any military member who served 18 months of service from Sept. 3, 1939, to March 1, 1947, was eligible for this medal. In 2001, eligibility was extended to individuals who served in auxiliary services, such as merchant mariners, Salvation Army personnel and more. Two years later, members of the RCMP who served during WWII were also eligible to receive the medal.
An amazing 650,000 medals have been awarded to the brave veterans of this war, even though over 1 million Canadians served in forces for the Commonwealth. Canada was the only country in the Americas to enter the war prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, which drove the Americans to war.
Although many Canadians served on the home front, protecting Canada’s borders, 42,000 Canadians died in the war. Another 55,000 were injured. The war affected Canada culturally, politically and economically, although no battles were actually fought in the country itself.
Charles Comfort designed the original medal. He was a Scottish-born artist who came to New York to study but was transferred to Toronto, where he made a home. Comfort served as an official war artist. His records tell the story of Canada’s war effort. He would go on to contribute to many of Canada’s organizations that supported art in society. Comfort served as the Director of the National Gallery of Canada in the 1960s. He is part of the fabric of art in Canada.
Thomas Shingles was a master engraver with the Royal Canadian Mint. He designed the special Victory nickel at the request of the Mint. Unlike most coins, which are designed on a large scale then shrunk to fit on the coin, Shingles designed this nickel in miniature. He was a pioneer in coin design in Canada.
Coin Collecting Gives You Insight Into History
This Royal Canadian Mint coins set tells a story of the brave veterans who served during the Second World War. Comfort and Shingles are artists that bring life to history that many people have forgotten. Sadly, WWII veterans are ageing. Not many veterans remain to tell the history of this epic conflict.
Shop for this beautiful set that represents an era of brave men and women who gave up so much for global freedom. You don’t have to appreciate history to enjoy this set of coins that remembers the past and speaks to the present.