On March 8, 2023, International Women’s Day, people around the world will celebrate the contributions of women to society. The Royal Canadian Mint remembers some of the most iconic women in Canada’s history with these very special coins.
Women’s Right To Vote
The right to vote was a turning point for women’s equality. In 2016, the Royal Canadian Mint issued this 5-coin set of $1 coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Each coin depicts a woman casting her vote while her daughter watches on. This coin reminds us not to take the right to vote for granted. It was a hard-fought victory. It would take another 40+ years before Quebec women could vote, and it wasn’t until 1960 that First Nations women would have that privilege.
Nurse Georgina Pope
In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint honoured Georgina Pope with a $5 fine silver coin. Pope commanded the first group of nurses who volunteered to serve overseas in the Second Boer War. She would go on to serve in England and France during World War I. She received many honours for her military service, being the first Canadian to receive the Royal Red Cross. This special coin features Pope wearing her military uniform and the Royal Red Cross. Three servicewomen are pictured behind her. Pope paved the way for women to proudly serve their country, not just as nurses, but as soldiers.
Fictional Canadian Woman Anne of Green Gables
Even though Anne of Green Gables is a fictional character, she has inspired many Canadians in a positive way. Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the series focuses on life on Prince Edward Island. Today, the original novel has been translated into over 20 languages for children around the globe to enjoy. This 25-cent coin celebrates Anne’s character with a brightly coloured image of the child. Of course, Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse of the coin. Anyone who grew up reading the delightful books will appreciate this stunning coin.
Laura Secord
Laura Secord is considered one of the heroes of the War of 1812. The Royal Canadian Mint issued multiple coins featuring this legendary woman. In 2013, a special set of $4 silver coins were released to commemorate the bicentennial of the War. Secord is the only woman featured. Secord allegedly rushed to her husband’s side after a very serious battle in which he was severely wounded. It’s said that she offered her own life to American soldiers to save her husband. She later warned the British troops about a potential attack by the Americans, much like Paul Revere did for the Americans. It’s said that she walked 32 miles alone and unprotected through the area. The British forces were able to defeat the Americans, which prevented them from gaining control of the area.
Some historians believe that her story has been embellished over the years, but she still serves as an inspiration to women everywhere for her bravery during the war. Secord was a female heroine at a time when Canadian women needed someone to look up to.
Coins Make Great Gifts
When you’re looking for a gift for the woman in your life, shop with Colonial Acres for Royal Canadian Mint coins for sale. The amazing Canadian women depicted on these coins will inspire your own loved ones to keep on working for what they believe in. Second and Pope did not know what their legacy would be. Each of these women just did what they thought was right. These coins celebrate the women of the past who changed history.