-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 55771
Checkout
The 2019 Canada Proof Set commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day is a poignant and masterfully crafted numismatic tribute from the Royal Canadian Mint, released to honor Canada's role in one of the most critical military operations of the 20th century. D-Day, which took place on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. Canadian forces played a vital role in the assault on Juno Beach, and their bravery and sacrifice were instrumental in securing victory. This proof set captures the essence of that historic moment with a selectively gold-plated $1 coin at its center, combining artistic reverence and technical excellence in its presentation.
The focal point of the 2019 Proof Set is the commemorative $1 coin that features a powerful wartime scene, selectively plated in 24-karat gold. Designed by Canadian artist Alan Daniel, the reverse of the coin depicts Canadian soldiers disembarking from a landing craft and charging onto Juno Beach under enemy fire. One soldier is fully gilded, drawing the viewer’s attention and symbolizing the bravery of every individual who served during the campaign. Behind the advancing troops, the steel ramp of the landing craft is visible, framing the intense moment as they move into the surf and sand of Normandy. Above the image is the word “CANADA,” while below appears “DOLLAR” and the dual dates “1944–2019.”
The design is both dramatic and reverent, presenting a scene that is deeply etched into Canada’s collective memory. The selective gilding is not just a decorative element—it is used to highlight the valor and sacrifice of the soldiers. The composition emphasizes movement and determination, with the forward momentum of the troops serving as a metaphor for Canada’s role in shaping the modern world through courage and unity. The choice to frame the scene within the mechanical structure of the landing craft gives the coin a sense of immediacy, immersing the viewer in a moment that changed history.
The complete 2019 Proof Set includes all seven standard Canadian coin denominations: 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, standard $1 (loon), $2, and the commemorative gilded $1 coin. The 1-cent coin is excluded, as it was withdrawn from circulation in 2012. Each coin is struck in sterling silver, except for the bimetallic $2 piece, which includes a golden inner core and silver-colored ring. These coins feature their traditional designs, including the beaver (5 cents), the Bluenose schooner (10 cents), the caribou (25 cents), the Coat of Arms (50 cents), the loon (standard $1), and the polar bear (toonie). The D-Day commemorative coin replaces the usual loonie as the featured piece in this proof set.
The coins are produced with the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest proof standards. Each planchet is hand-selected and polished before being struck multiple times with specially prepared dies. This process creates coins with sharp, frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields. The 24-karat gold plating on the D-Day $1 coin is meticulously applied to ensure clarity, consistency, and resistance to tarnish. The end result is a collection of coins that exhibit breathtaking detail and artistic refinement, making the set as much a collectible work of art as a historical artifact. The use of precious metal and gilding enhances the aesthetic impact of the set while underscoring its commemorative significance.
The 2019 D-Day Proof Set was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility and released with a limited mintage of 15,000 sets. This lower-than-usual mintage for a national commemorative set adds to its desirability among collectors, especially those interested in military history or Canadian participation in World War II. Each set is presented in an elegant black clamshell case with a custom outer sleeve bearing the Royal Canadian Mint insignia and the official D-Day anniversary emblem. Inside, the coins are housed in individual recesses within a velvet-lined tray. A serialized certificate of authenticity is included, confirming the metal content, mintage, and design specifications of each coin.
Collectors can expect the coins in this set to be in pristine condition, preserved in the original Royal Canadian Mint packaging. These proof-quality pieces are not meant for circulation and are carefully handled to avoid any blemishes or imperfections. The gilding on the $1 coin is resistant to fading, and when stored in stable, dry conditions, the set will retain its striking finish and high-grade integrity for decades. Sets that remain in their original case and protective outer sleeve are frequently submitted for grading and often receive top-tier grades, such as PF69 or PF70, underscoring the Mint’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Historically, D-Day represents one of the most significant operations in modern warfare, and Canada's contributions were both valiant and essential. On June 6, 1944, approximately 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed at Juno Beach, facing intense resistance yet successfully advancing further inland than any other Allied force that day. The operation marked the beginning of the end for Nazi occupation in Western Europe and is remembered as a defining chapter in Canada’s military history. The 2019 Proof Set captures that spirit of service, sacrifice, and unity in a tangible form, allowing collectors and future generations to hold a piece of that legacy.
The coin’s artistry not only serves as a commemorative piece but also as a visual storytelling medium. The emotional resonance of the soldier stepping into history, immortalized in gold, makes the piece stand out among other modern commemoratives. The set appeals to a wide range of collectors—from those focused on Canadian heritage and military themes to those who value fine minting techniques and limited-edition issues. It also serves as a meaningful educational tool, introducing the next generation to a critical moment in Canada’s past through accessible and visually impactful design.
In conclusion, the 2019 Canada Proof Set D-Day Gilded is a dignified and artistically impressive tribute to a seminal moment in Canadian and world history. With its powerful imagery, selective 24-karat gold plating, premium proof finish, and limited mintage, this set represents the pinnacle of commemorative coinage. It captures the bravery of Canadian soldiers, the significance of their contribution to global peace, and the enduring pride of a nation that remembers. Whether housed in a private collection or displayed as part of a historical exhibit, this proof set stands as a lasting symbol of valor and national identity.