2017 Order of Military Merit Coin | Edmonton Collections

2017 $20 Canadian Honours - Order of Military Merit Pure Silver Coin 2017 $20 Order of Military Merit Silver Coin

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) unveiled the new $20 Silver coin under the series “Canadian Honours Collection” to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Order of Military Merit, one of Canada’s highest honours. Since its creation in 1972, more than 4,700 men and women of the Canadian Forces have been appointed to the Order of Military Merit, who have demonstrated dedication and devotion to their country which represents the Order’s motto—Officium ante commodum (“Service before self”). Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the governor general is its Chancellor and a Commander, and the chief of the Defense Staff is its Principal Commander.

This $20 1oz Fine Silver Coin is an exquisite reproduction of the real insignia and it is the second coin in the Canadian Honours Collection, which honours key anniversaries for some of the highest honours within the Canadian Honours System. The reverse of this fine silver coin presents a near-faithful re-creation of the insignia bestowed upon those appointed to the highest rank of membership: Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.). Blue translucent colour re-creates the rich colour of the straight-end cross patée, with its four arms narrowing at the centre. Surmounted by a colourful St. Edward’s Crown, a red annulus bears the inscription “MERIT. MÉRITE. CANADA.”, whose yellow colour mimics the gold of the original insignia. At its centre, the red maple leaf helps distinguish the insignia of Commander from that of Officer or Member, which would feature a gold and silver maple leaf (respectively). The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt. The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian maroon clamshell case. It is protected by a black beauty box. The coin measures 40 mm in diameter and having a very low mintage of 5,500 coins being produced worldwide, making these already unique coins a little extra special.