Royal Canadian Mint releases collector coin in remembrance of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel

On Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual Memorial Day, the Royal Canadian Mint is remembering the province’s veterans and fallen of the First World War with a fine silver Forget-me-not collector coin.  

The Mint proudly unveiled this coin on Monday at a ceremony hosted by Her Honour, The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador at Government House in St. John’s, NL.

“I am honoured to host the ceremony for the unveiling of the Royal Canadian Mint’s silver Forget-me-not commemorative coin,” said Foote.  “Featuring the caribou, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s emblem, as well as the forget-me-not flower, which holds special meaning for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and is worn in remembrance of those soldiers who served in the Great War, this coin is sincerely appreciated.” The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador at Government House in St. John’s, NL

Canadian artist Derek C. Wicks designed the coin that features a trail of forget-me-not flowers flowing along the rugged coastline and surrounding the caribou emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. 

The caribou symbolically faces east towards Beaumont-Hamel, in tribute to the tragic battle of July 1, 1916, which is remembered every year across Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The obverse features a laser-engraved pattern of forget-me-nots and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

“The Mint is proud to have recognized the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on previous coins commemorating the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, which gave rise to the tradition of first observing Memorial day every July 1st in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  

“Today, we are pleased to add a coin dedicated to the forget-me-not, the province’s unique  symbol of remembrance, which pays respect to all the men and women who risked or gave their lives in defence of our values in the Great War, and continue to do so today.”