New Toonie Honours Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th Anniversary

The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new $2 coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Courtesy of The Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a special $2 coin in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The coin features images of aircraft that have played significant roles in the RCAF over the last century. It began circulating as of Sept. 18, according to a release from the Mint.

“On the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we pay tribute to the generations of Air Force members who dedicated their lives to defending our country and our freedom,” Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in the release.

Lieutenant General Eric Kenny, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said he was pleased the coin showcased a part of Canadian history, a reminder of the iconic aircraft that have carried aviators of the past and present.

The Royal Canadian Air Force “belongs to all Canadians and in our centennial year, we are pleased to partner with the Royal Canadian Mint to showcase some of the aircraft that have contributed to training and security at home and around the world,” he said in the release.

Stylized depictions of aircraft flown by RCAF personnel that appear on the coin were designed by Canadian illustrator Pui Yan Fung, according to the release.

Inside the centre of the coin, the RCAF roundel is seen above a Model H of the CC-130 Hercules. The aircraft has been part of the air force transport fleet for more than 60 years, the Mint said.

The upward angle of the Hercules is a nod to the RCAF motto, “such is the pathway to the stars.”

Beneath the CC-130H, the double dates of 1924 and 2024 appear.

In the outer ring of the image, eight current and historical RCAF aircraft appear. The left side includes the Finch Mk. II, CSR-123 Otter, F-86 Sabre Mk. 6, and CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5. The right side features the CT-114 Tutor, CC-115 Buffalo, CF-188 Hornet, and CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

On the other side of the coin is an effigy of King Charles III, designed by Steven Rosati, the release said.

The coin was unveiled at a ceremony at the Mint in Winnipeg on Sept. 18.

President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint Marie Lemay said the city was home to the circulation production facility, and has one of the first air force bases built in Canada.

“We are proud to have crafted a coin designed to capture many different chapters of RCAF history and helps recognize its members’ past and current contributions to national security,” Lemay said.