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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
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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 D·G·REX |
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Reverse
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The history and aviation fleet of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) are symbolized by four key aircraft (from left to right): the De Havilland DH-82C Tiger Moth, representing the early years of the RCAF; the McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet, representing its fighter fleet; the Lockheed CC-130 Hercules, representing its fixed-wing aircraft fleet; and the Boeing Vertol CH-147 Chinook, symbolizing its helicopter fleet. Three of the aircraft leave contrails that merge into the RCAF tartan, but all four aircraft are connected to the RCAF roundel, with a skyborne maple leaf in the center, representing Canada’s Air Force. The future of the RCAF, along with its space division, is depicted through planets and orbit rings, with the outermost rings crossing the maple leaf to mark the centennial years “1924” and “2024” and the achievements in between. The stars pay tribute to the RCAF’s motto, Sic Itur ad Astra (“Such is the pathway to the stars”). At the bottom, the flaming parrot tulip—symbolizing “Rescue”—is one of four tulip varieties chosen to commemorate the RCAF’s Centennial in gardens across Canada and at the Canadian Tulip Festival in 2024. From the laser-engraved RCAF tartan to the brilliant relief, a mix of carefully executed frostings make the engraved design come alive. CANADA |
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1 Dollar
KM# 3428 RCM# 244866
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