Canada: New Design Introduced For Classic Gold And Silver ‘peace’ Dollar Series

The idea of portraying an allegorical figure representative of peace on circulation coinage was first introduced in the United States. The silver dollar design released into circulation in 1921 was meant to mark the end the Great War and featured a softer, more life-like image of an allegorical female profile which was the work of engraver and artist Anthony de Francisci. The coin was struck annually from 1921 to 1928, then again in 1934 and 1935 before being discontinued.

In 2019, The Royal Canadian Mint produced a very successful series of silver medals entitled ‘Peace & Liberty’. It was the first time ever that artists from the Royal Canadian Mint and United States Mint collaborated to design a medal. Retired RCM Senior Engraver Susan Taylor designed the obverse portrait depicting ‘Peace’ while former USM Chief Engraver John Mercanti designed the exquisite interpretation of ‘Liberty’ holding a torch and sword on the reverse. For 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint followed up with brand new gold and silver coins based on this medallic series and Canada’s first-ever ‘Peace Dollar’ was released to collectors.

In a departure from the close-up head and shoulders version of previous Peace Dollar designs, the reverse design for 2025 is the work once again of retired RCM Senior Engraver Susan Taylor whose interpretation of Lady Peace features a full-body portrait, the personification of Peace or ‘PAX’. Inspired by the allegorical figure atop the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Lady Peace is dressed in a flowing robe and crowned with a wreath of maple leaves and olive branches expressing Canada’s core value of peace. Her serene countenance exudes poise, strength and quiet confidence as she extends her right arm, as the peace wreath she holds is an offering to all. Lady Peace is standing on the shoreline and supported by a platform of maple leaves that are symbolic of Canada, while the national motto A MARI USQUE AD MARE (From sea to sea) appears above the primary design along the upper rim. The word PAX (peace) is placed to the left and the year 2025 is seen to the right. In the sky above, the sun’s rays break through the rain clouds and form the shape of a maple leaf. The obverse includes an effigy of HM King Charles III designed by engraver Steven Rosati with the legend CHARLES III CANADA D G REX placed above the portrait. The denomination 200 DOLLARS (gold) 50 DOLLARS (large silver) and DOLLAR (silver) is shown below the King’s likeness.

Each gold and silver proof quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a RCM-branded custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.