I've mentioned before that I am not a fan of colourized coins that are basically flat planchets that have been "painted" - i.e., added colour with no engraving. This is the primary reason why I do not own (and likely never will) the 2024 King Charles III Coronation Silver Dollar ("SD"). It features the official portrait of KC III in full-colour; KCIII is shown seated, wearing a Royal Crown and Robe, holding the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign's Orb. The "Engraver's Art" was pushed aside in favor of a flat, painted surface. Such "short cuts" are not why I enjoy collecting coin and medals.
On the other hand, I tend to find coins that enhance their engraved relief designs with selective added colour attractive - not always, but often. Case in point, the SD included in the 2020 Victory in Europe Day ("V-E Day") 75th Anniversary Special Edition Proof Set.
The SD's commemorative reverse depicts two Royal Canadian Navy ("RCN") sailors and one member of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service ("WRCNS" also called "Wrens") standing at the bow of a Canadian destroyer (Tribal class). Behind them, in colour, is the Canadian (British) White Ensign that was used by the RCN in the World War II era (and up to 1965). The coin's design is the work of Maskull Lasserre.
The Mint web site quotes Lasserre:
"For this design, I drew upon my own experience aboard naval ships as a member of the Canadian Forces Artist Program. The White Naval Ensign symbolizes the common cause and purpose that culminated in V-E Day. I hope its colour and movement will draw the viewer into this moment inhabited by these three members of the Royal Canadian Navy."To my eyes, the Ensign's colours are a good use of the field on the SD and enhance the overall narrative being depicted. IMO, the design effectively delivers on its intention to honor those men and women who served in the RCN or WRCNS during World War II. The SD's combination of multiple finishes on its engraved devices are set off nicely (IMO) by the colours of the Naval Ensign in the background.
The obverse of the SD features a left-facing portrait of King George VI; design by Thomas Humphrey Paget, the English artist/medallist. (King George VI was the reigning British monarch during World War II.) The obverse also includes a "Victory" privy mark near the 7 o'clock position; this was added to multiple coins by the Royal Canadian Mint to signify that it was part of the Mint's special World War II commemorative program.
2020 V-E Day 75th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Historical BackgroundAt the start of World War II, the Canadian Navy was a small force, numbering about a dozen combat ships. It grew substantially during the War period, however, and by the War's conclusion, Canada's Navy fleet size was 430+ and was served by ~100,000 officers and sailors (men and women).
During WWII, the RCN played a major role in protecting merchant convoys from German submarines (and other attackers) as they sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to bring much needed supplies to Europe. The RCN also supported the Allied landings at Normandy (France), Sicily (and other locations in Italy) and North Africa.
The RCN had a large role in ensuring the "V" for Victory in "V-E Day".
Mintage FiguresThe Mint published a Maximum Mintage figure for the Special Edition Proof Set of 20,000 units. The Set proved to be popular with collectors, and appears to have come close to "Sold Out" status; I've seen conflicting reports, however, regarding its "Sold Out" status. The Set had an Issue Price of $99.95 CAD. Today, it is regularly available on the secondary market for prices in the range of $110 to $130 CAD (though some sellers list it at higher prices).
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Canadian stories, see:
Commems Collection.
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Posted 09/29/2025 1:49 pm
