Battle of Atlantic Two-Dollar Coin Released to Commemorate 75th Anniversary

The Royal Canadian Mint revealed a new two-dollar circulation coin today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

The coin was unveiled at a special ceremony, that included veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic, aboard the HMCS Sackville in Halifax, the last of the 123 Canadian corvettes to sail in the Second World War.

“The Government of Canada is proud that the Mint is issuing a circulation coin which recognizes that 75 years ago, Canada emerged as a leader in the Battle of the Atlantic, to protect the shipping lanes essential to the Allied war effort and help ensure victory in the Second World War,” said the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance. “Through the honourable tradition of issuing remembrance-themed coins, the Mint is ensuring Canadians never forget that the peace and freedom they are privileged to enjoy today were hard-won by the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

The reverse side of the coin features the artwork of Canadian maritime artist Yves Bérubé. The artwork depicts various characters that played a role in Canada’s victory in the Battle of the Atlantic including an anti-aircraft gunman positioned on the deck of a Corvette; an Allied aircraft hunting enemy submarines; along with a merchant ship whose cargo is protected by a nearby navy vessel on convoy duty.

“The Mint is privileged to be able to use its coins to share the inspiring stories of our veterans’ selfless defense of our values,” said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “On the 75th anniversary of a turning point for Canada in the Second World War, our new two-dollar circulation coin is giving millions of Canadians yet another story worth holding onto as we remember how our veterans, in the armed forces and the merchant navy, helped win the Battle of the Atlantic.”

The coin has a limited mintage of five million coins and will available in general circulation. These two-dollar coins will also be available at the Mint’s Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver boutiques, or through an online coin exchange.

Visit the mint’s website to learn more or to obtain a coin.