Canada’s “Allegory of Peace” Named 2023-dated “Most Inspirational” Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint won the Most Inspirational Coin category in the Coin of the Year (COTY) Awards for 2023-dated coin. Its Allegory of Peace coin is a double-sided tribute to peace. “No matter which side of the coin you view, Peace lies at the heart of this Canadian ode to those who promote peace in our world, which is protectively cradled by the winged figure that expresses hope for the future,” the mint writes.
The coin itself is 99.99% pure silver with antique finish. The inner core, which features a 3D allegorical figure of Peace, is cast in 99.9% fine silver and plated with gold.
According to the Royal Canadian Mint, the coin’s design was inspired by the allegorical figure that stands atop the National War Memorial in Ottawa, which has come to symbolize the sacrifice of all Canadian Armed Forces personnel, whether they have served their country in a time of war or in the cause of peace.
The Allegory of Peace coin was designed by Rebecca Yanovskaya. On the reverse, a 3D winged allegorical figure of Peace is positioned at the center of the coin. Peace wears a crown of maple leaves, cradles a globe in one hand, and an olive wreath in the other. The outer ring of the coin, which is comprised of pure silver with an antique finish, features a repeating motif of doves carrying olive and maple leaf branches.
The allegory continues on the obverse, with a rear view of the allegorical figure of Peace and the same outer ring. The effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt appears at the top. The obverse also includes a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign (“1952” and “2022”).
The coin measures 65.25 mm in diameter and weighs 157.6 grams. Mintage is limited to 1,250 pieces.