This Special Edition fine silver proof set combines the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest collector quality, exceptional selective colour, a low mintage and an exclusive silver medallion to create a unique and highly collectible complete set of Canada’s most significant 2020 coin denominations. While each year the Royal Canadian Mint issues a fine silver proof set with a mintage of at least 15,000, this captivating Special Edition colourized set has a mintage of just 7,000, making it one of the lowest mintage proof sets ever issued. Similar sets issued in recent years have sold out quickly and can now be difficult to find in the secondary market.
The Design:
All the denominations from the five cents to the $2 coin are presented with designs in full colour, set against a brilliant silver or gold over silver background. At the top centre of the collection, the medallion marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a re-creation of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947) designed by Charles Comfort. The seven marching figures represent the Royal Canadian Navy, Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Canadian Women’s Army Corps, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), RCAF Women’s Division, and Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Around the rim is the inscription “1939 CANADA 1945 VOLUNTARY SERVICE VOLONTAIRE”. The reverse features the Arms of Canada, as seen on the original medal.
The five cent coin is also a tribute to those who contributed to the allied Victory in WWII. The design on this coin is based on the original 1943-1945 Victory nickels which circulated in Canada, now struck in fine silver with the double date 1945 / 2020. The V is represents both the Roman numeral for 5 (cents) and Victory.
The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal:
With the creation of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) in 1943, Canada became the first country in the Commonwealth to recognize voluntary service in the Second World War. The medal was crafted in .925 silver and engraved by Master Engraver Thomas Shingles. The obverse by war artist Charles Fraser Comfort was based on photographs of seven marching members of Canada’s army, air force, navy and nursing service. The reverse features Canada's Coat of Arms used between 1923-1957. At first, the medal was only awarded to members of Canada’s military forces and merchant navy who “honourably completed 18 months total voluntary service from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947.” Eligibility was later expanded to include members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as various civilian and military support organizations. A total of 650,000 medals were awarded.
