This limited edition 2017 “Celebrating Canada 150” medal is the final issue in a series of three important historical pieces commemorating Canadian Confederation. Each medal features a historic milestone in the story of our nation: Canadian Confederation in 1867, the 1927 Diamond Jubilee, and Canada 150 in 2017. The medal has been produced on the occasion of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, and has been approved by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday, the tradition of ultra-high relief 76 mm table medals introduced in 1867 continues with this new design by talented Canadian artist Rebecca Yanovskaya. The obverse features a new effigy of Her Majesty by Susanna Blunt exclusively designed for this medal and officially approved by Queen Elizabeth for this medal.

The imagery centres on an allegorical personification of Canada. “Canada” is presented as a youthful woman who is also strong and confident. She is flanked by a polar bear, symbolizing strength, power, natural beauty, and our reach to the northern most parts of the continent. Canada holds a shield with a maple leaf. The maple leaf is one of Canada’s oldest and most recognizable symbols, while the shield represents Canada as a place of safety where we enjoy law and order, freedom of expression, and the ability to practice our own beliefs and religion. In Canada’s right hand she proudly holds a familiar representation our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which helps to define us as a modern free nation. A fur is draped over ‘Canada’s right shoulder, recognizing the historic fur trade which brought many of the first Europeans to British North America, and to the relationships forged with the native peoples. The central figures stand proudly on a pedestal marked “Canada 150”, with the country’s history behind it and the future awaiting. The updated Latin motto “A MARI, AD MARE, AD MARE”, translates to “FROM SEA TO SEA TO SEA”, representing the expansion of Canada to the north.

At the bottom right CP Engine 371 is featured, the first to cross the country in 1886. An image of the Empress of Britain ship is included representing the link to England and immigration from Europe. The spherical lines emphasize Canada’s historic connection to Great Britain, France and other countries of the ‘old world”, as well as the modern connection of new immigrants to nearly every country in the world. A modern airplane represents the more usual way new Canadians arrive today.