Magnificently reproduced on this 99.99% pure gold coin, the Victory Nickel’s flaming torch has been rekindled to ensure a legacy of honour carries on. Its iconic “V for Victory” design was an extraordinary expression of solidarity when it first appeared in 1943. Then, when the Second World War ended in 1945 – a victory seemingly foretold by the coin’s coded inscription – the Victory Nickel instantly became a lasting memento of a war that transformed Canada, and the sacrifices that paved the way to peace.

The Design:

The reverse features a modern-day reproduction of the celebrated Victory design by Thomas Shingles, as seen on Canada’s five-cent coins issued between 1943 and 1945. A flaming torch represents the sacrifices made by Canadians at home and on the battlefields during the Second World War. Behind it, a big “V” has dual meaning: it alludes to Sir Winston Churchill’s famous “V for Victory” sign, and is also the Roman numeral that represents the denomination (5). There is a maple leaf on both sides of the V, while a bilingual version of the original Morse code inscription (“WE WIN WHEN WE WORK WILLINGLY LA BONNE VOLONTÉ EST GAGE DE VICTOIRE”) appears in place of traditional denticles. The obverse features the historical effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.