Canada. Unique Shape Features on New Silver Proof Coins Marking a Professional Rite of Passage

As part of the 100ᵗʰ anniversary of the ritual, the coins feature a new numismatic ‘first’ and minting feat of engineering led by the Research and Development team of the Royal Canadian Mint. The unique design resulted in this first coin to feature a faceted edge and rim shaped like the Iron Ring presented to those who take part in the Calling of an Engineer ceremony. A most honourable vocation, the field of engineering draws many of Canada’s best and brightest individuals dedicated to innovation and problem-solving, and improving all our lives. Upon earning their degree, Canada’s engineering graduates are invited to take part in an obligation ceremony, where they are conferred with the Iron Ring that is a symbol of their professional values and responsibilities. That faceted ring, typically worn on the little finger of the dominant hand inspired this coin’s uniquely shaped edge, itself an impressive innovation of engineering.

The idea for the ceremony was initiated by Herbert Edward Terrick Haultain (1869 – 1961) a professor at the University of Toronto, who sought a way to unite the engineering profession in Canada and establish a statement of ethics for new graduates. Haultain collaborated with the author Rudyard Kipling, who drafted the words for the ritual, emphasising the responsibilities of engineers. The inaugural ceremony took place on the 25th April 1925 at the University Club in Montreal, with six engineers taking the obligation. A week later, on the 1st May 1925, another ceremony was held at the University of Toronto, with 14 engineers taking the obligation and establishing the first local chapter or, camp. 

The ceremony involves the presentation of an iron ring to the newly obligated engineers, symbolising their commitment to the profession and its ethical standards. These Iron Rings are awarded to engineers during the ritual, in reference to "their Honour and Cold Iron," a phrase used in the calling. The ritual continues to be administered by The Corporation of the Seven Wardens Inc. - Société des Sept Gardiens inc. through regional branches, or camps, across Canada. The tradition has also been adopted in the United States by the Order of the Engineer, starting in 1970 though with a different ring design.

Designed by Pandora Young, the reverse side representing the diverse field of engineering includes depictions of a computer screen with a robotic hand, set against an AI-inspired dot design, a wire gauge, the chemical diagram for insulin partially shown, a test tube and dropper, a hand holding a pencil, a spur gear next to a compass and the tip of a protractor, a soldering iron and a computer chip. In the centre, the word CANADA appears in blueprint lettering, along with the years 1925-2025 marking the 100th anniversary of the Calling of an Engineer. The raised rim is uniquely shaped to resemble the Iron Ring worn by Canadian engineers as a symbol of professional obligation. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III which is the work of Canadian artist Steven Rosati and depicts the King facing to the left surrounded by the legend CHARLES III D · G · REX. The denomination 25 DOLLARS is placed just under the King’s likeness. 

Immediately available, each coin is specially encapsulated and presented in a black leatherette custom case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.