You may have come across a $2 coin commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force when getting your change in the last month.
Alex Reeves, senior manager of public affairs with the Royal Canadian Mint, spoke with Discover Moose Jaw about why the coin was created.
“It’s important to recognize this specific branch of the Canadian Armed Forces and the role that they’ve played in defending Canada and preserving its freedoms over the last 100 years.”
Pui Yan Fong’s design concept was selected out of six submissions from Canadian artists. “It’s about what design looks best on a small surface, [and] has the most impact,” explained Reeves.
The coins have been circulating since September 18th, and feature eight iconic RCAF aircraft along the outer ring. The middle features an RCAF Roundel and a Model H of the CC-130 Hercules flying over a boreal forest.
Reeves said the CC-130 Hercules is the linchpin of the fleet. “It really is the workhorse of the RCAF. Various models have been in service for a good 60 years of its 100-year history, playing a role in terms of logistics, search and rescue, peacekeeping and so on.”
He added that the aircraft is taking off, symbolizing the continuous ascent of the Air Force through time and into the future.
The eight surrounding aircraft include the CT-114 Tutor (flown by the Snowbirds), CC-115 Buffalo, CF-188 Hornet, CH-146 Griffon helicopter, Finch Mk. II, CSR-123 Otter, F-86 Sabre Mk. 6 and CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5.
You may not have come across the coins yet, as not all 3 million made were released at the same time.
“What’s important to understand about the way coins circulate – they don’t appear all at once over the country when they’re released. They’re made available to banks and businesses who will order these coins gradually as they need to replenish their stocks of $2 coins.”
The Royal Canadian Mint holds public coin exchanges for those who want to get their hands on specific coins. Though none are planned in the Moose Jaw area, you can find more information on their exchanges here.
Other commemorative coins and sets have also been created to mark the milestone 100th Anniversary of the RCAF, and you can find more information on their website here.