Second World War Private featured on new Royal Canadian Mint coin to commemorate D-Day 

The Royal Canadian Mint is maintaining their tradition of issuing an annual silver dollar to commemorate a Canadian Military story or great significance. 

This year, the Mint is honouring the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Inspired by a real-life moment seen in original war film footage, the 2019 silver dollar shows respect to the sacrifices and the achievements in Canada’s pivotal role in the successful Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

On the coin, multiple engravings of the letter “V” for victory in Morse Code illustrate the incredible moment in military history.

“The Royal Canadian Mint has a long history of commemorating the service and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans,” says Jennifer Camelon, interim president and CEO, Royal Canadian Mint. “As this year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we are proud to have dedicated our 2019 Proof Silver Dollar to the brave Canadian soldiers who, in the face of incredible peril, won in a pivotal battle on the shores of Normandy and paved the way to the victory of the Allies in the Second World War.”

Designed by Tony Bianco, the coin was consulted by the Juno Beach Centre throughout the development process. The Centre also provided the Royal Canadian Mint with historical footage of the landing, a scene which became the inspiration of the design. It also inspired the Juno 75 Logo.

Alexandre Reeves, senior advisor, external communications, Royal Canadian Mint says that with the help of the Department of National Defence, and the Juno Beach Centre, the Mint was able to identify the soldier looking back towards his comrade as he is preparing to disembark.

“His name is Private George Baker.  He survived the war and returned to Canada (Nova Scotia) and lived to an old age.  He’s now deceased but is survived by his daughter,” says Reeves.

For more information about the 75-anniversary silver dollar and other collections, please visit the Royal Canadian Mint website.