Obverse. Photo © Royal Canadian Mint
  • 25 Cents 2004, KM# 510, Canada, Elizabeth II, Remembrance Day
  • 25 Cents 2004, KM# 510, Canada, Elizabeth II, Remembrance Day
Description

Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918.

The red poppy stamped on the reverse with pressurized ink and a fluorescent security coating was the world’s first colored circulation coin and quickly became a collector’s item. The coin was later named Most Innovative Circulation Coin at the Mint Directors' Conference (MDC) in Paris, France.

In an isolated incident in the United States these coins were briefly reported as a possible 'spy tool' by some US Defense Contractors unfamiliar with the odd-seeming coin and raised espionage warnings until the situation was clarified.

Obverse

Fourth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 77 years old, facing right and surrounded with the inscription.

Letter P below the portrait is a composition mark for plated.

Dei Gratia Regina (often abbreviated to D. G. Regina and seen as D·G·REGINA) is a Latin title meaning By the Grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Susanna Blunt

ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA
SB
P

Reverse

Depicts a red remembrance poppy in the middle of a maple leaf surrounded by the legend.

The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. After reading the poem, Moina Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, wrote the poem, "We Shall Remember," and swore to wear a red poppy on the anniversary. The custom spread to Europe and the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth within three years. Madame Anne E. Guerin tirelessly promoted the practice in Europe and the British Empire. In the UK Major George Howson fostered the cause with the support of General Haig. Poppies were worn for the first time at the 1921 anniversary ceremony. At first real poppies were worn. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I; their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

Engraver: Cosme Saffioti

CANADA 2004
25
cents
REMEMBER
SOUVENIR
CS

Edge

25 Cents

4th portrait
KM# 510 Schön# 533.1
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 4.4 g
Diameter 23.88 mm
Thickness 1.58 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (P)

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