2018 $25 FINE SILVER COIN
LEST WE FORGET

n 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns finally fell silent across the Western Front. A century later, the Royal Canadian Mint commemorates the anniversary of the Armistice with its most unusual coin yet: a poignant symbol of remembrance shaped like the steel helmets worn by Canadian combatants in the First World War.

Resembling the 1916 Mark I model worn by Canadian combatants, the combat helmet-shaped coin is the result of a careful collaboration between Royal Canadian Mint engravers and engineers. The coin’s unprecedented, extreme curvature allows for a realistic re-creation (on a much smaller scale) of the bowl-shaped headgear issued to Canadian troops and all British Empire forces in 1916. The reverse provides a view of the top of the now-iconic steel helmet, whose battle-worn appearance is the result of engraved “cracks” and “markings” beneath the antique finish that gives it all a distressed look. Along the brim that helped protect soldiers from airborne debris, the heartfelt assurance “LEST WE FORGET N’OUBLIONS JAMAIS” is flanked by engraved poppies, while the double dates “1918” and “2018” mark the centennial of Armistice. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt engraved deep in the recessed circular crown, while the legend and face value are engraved on the brim.

REMEMBRANCE DAY - LEST WE FORGET - 2018 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 18- MILITARY and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.