Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest honours. It exists to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, this fine silver coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Order of Canada by paying tribute to its honoured recipients, whose extraordinary contributions reflect the Order’s motto: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). This is the third coin in a new Canadian Honours series: This large (40 mm), exquisitely engraved coin has been uniquely painted to recreate the complex enamelling of one of Canada’s highest honours.
The reverse presents a faithful recreation of the Companion of the Order of Canada insignia, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of one of Canada’s highest honours. Designed in 1966 by Bruce W. Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D., the insignia of the Order of Canada is shaped in a stylized, hexagonal snowflake that is a fitting symbol for Canada’s northern climate; it is also strongly symbolic, since every snowflake is as unique as each recipient’s contribution to their country. Here, the coin’s reverse recreates the six symmetrical points that lead to an annulus at the centre, where a red-coloured maple leaf indicates the Companion rank. The Order’s motto, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”), is circumscribed around Canada’s beloved national symbol, which is surmounted by the Royal Crown. Like the prestigious insignia itself, the coin is struck in fine silver; the application of colour on this numismatic piece also mimics the complex and colourful enamelling of the iconic insignia that symbolizes Canada at its best. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
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