Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 2 Dollars 2024, Canada, Charles III, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force
  • 2 Dollars 2024, Canada, Charles III, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force
  • 2 Dollars 2024, Canada, Charles III, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Keepsake card
Description

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) serves as the air and space branch of Canada’s military, with a mission to provide relevant and responsive airpower to the Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the RCAF operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles, supported by over 12,000 Regular Force members, nearly 2,000 Reservists, and civilian staff. The RCAF plays a critical role in enforcing Canadian airspace security, supporting naval and army missions, and partnering with the U.S. under NORAD to protect continental airspace. It also leads the National Search and Rescue Program.

Established in 1920 as the Canadian Air Force, it received royal sanction in 1924, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF has participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, as well as numerous peacekeeping and NATO operations. Though amalgamated into the unified Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the RCAF regained its historic name in 2011. Over the years, it has adapted to modern threats, contributing to international efforts in Libya, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe.

Obverse

Depicts a left-profile portrayal of King Charles III, clad in a shirt and tie without a crown, encircled by a Latin inscription, with the engraver's initials located on the neck and the issue date on the bottom.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King

Engraver: Steven Rosati (SR)

CHARLES III D·G·REX
SR
2024

Reverse

Highlights 100 years of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) history, featuring stylized images of aircraft flown by RCAF personnel, both past and present. At its center is the RCAF roundel positioned above a CC-130 Hercules, a cornerstone of the RCAF’s transport fleet for over six decades. The Hercules’ upward trajectory symbolizes the RCAF’s motto, Sic itur ad astra (“Such is the pathway to the stars”), while the dates “1924 2024” mark the RCAF’s centennial. Surrounding the core are eight aircraft, representing both current and historical models. From top to bottom on the left are the Finch Mk. II, CSR-123 Otter, F-86 Sabre Mk. 6, and CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5; on the right are the CT-114 Tutor, CC-115 Buffalo, CF-188 Hornet, and CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

· Finch Mk. II: The basic training aircraft at 12 Elementary Flying Training Schools during the Second World War. At the end of the war, it was placed into storage or used as instructional airframes.

· CSR-123 Otter: Could be outfitted with floats and skis and was first used for general transport duties. It was also used in support of four UN peacekeeping operations.

· F-86 Sabre Mk. 6: A fighter aircraft with six variants, two of which were equipped with Canadian-designed and built engines. The RCAF employed it in both Europe and Canada.

· CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5: The only Canadian-designed interceptor aircraft to go into production, its all-weather capability and reliable twin jet engines made it the standard RCAF interceptor in the 1950s.

· CT-114 Tutor: The RCAF's primary jet trainer until 2000. It has also been used for air demonstration teams such as the Golden Centennaires and the Snowbirds.

· CC-115 Buffalo: Intended to serve as a light tactical transport, it became best known for its search and rescue role. It also served on the Canadian contingent of the UN Emergency Force II.

· CF-188 Hornet: A multi-role fighter aircraft that is fast, light, and maneuverable, making it ideal for military operations.

· CH-146 Griffon helicopter: Supports tactical transportation, search and rescue, surveillance and reconnaissance, evacuations, and counter-drug operations.

Engraver: Pui Yan Fong (PYF)

1924
PYF
2024
CANADA 2 DOLLARS

Edge

CANADA * 2 DOLLARS *

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Nickel Plated Steel
Center Brass Plated Aluminium Bronze
Weight 6.99 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # RCM# 247175, RCM# 247177, RCM# 249079, RCM# 249080
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

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