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The 2020 Canada Proof Set commemorating the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day is a richly symbolic and meticulously crafted issue from the Royal Canadian Mint. It honors a defining moment in Canadian and global history: the official end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. On that day, after nearly six years of intense conflict, the Allied forces celebrated the surrender of Nazi Germany. For Canadians, V-E Day represented not only triumph but the culmination of massive national sacrifice, with over a million citizens having served in uniform. This proof set captures that significance through an exclusive colorized $2 coin, supported by the Mint’s standard circulating coin designs, all struck in premium proof quality.
The centerpiece of the 2020 Proof Set is the colorized $2 coin featuring an original design by artist Pandora Young. This coin visually expresses the celebratory and solemn tone of V-E Day by depicting a jubilant crowd gathered in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In the foreground, a veteran and young girl stand together, symbolizing the passing of memory and the continuity of gratitude. The girl holds a small Canadian flag, colored in bright red, creating a focal point that draws attention to national pride and postwar hope. The addition of red colorization is tastefully executed and enhances the coin's emotional resonance without overwhelming its engraved details.
The design is packed with meaning and narrative depth. The backdrop includes the Peace Tower and Centre Block of Canada’s Parliament Buildings, reinforcing the sense of national unity and governmental recognition of the efforts made during the war. The veteran’s dignified posture and the girl’s quiet awe represent generations connected through sacrifice and remembrance. Above the scene appears the word “CANADA,” with “REMEMBER” and “SOUVENIR” inscribed on either side in both official languages. Below the scene are the dates “1945–2020” and the denomination “2 DOLLARS,” completing the commemorative message. The outer ring of the bi-metallic coin maintains its traditional golden hue, contrasting with the silver-colored inner core and red flag for a striking effect.
The full 2020 Proof Set includes seven coins: the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, $1 (standard loonie), $2 (V-E Day commemorative), and an additional standard $2 coin. All coins, with the exception of the bimetallic $2, are struck in sterling silver, giving the set intrinsic value in addition to its numismatic merit. The standard coin designs include the beaver (5 cents), the Bluenose schooner (10 cents), the caribou (25 cents), the Canadian Coat of Arms (50 cents), the loon (standard $1), and the polar bear (standard $2). These designs are rendered in proof finish, with frosted reliefs and mirror-like backgrounds, highlighting the craftsmanship and clarity of each coin.
Each coin in the set is struck using the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest-quality proof production techniques. This includes multiple strikes on specially prepared planchets using polished dies to create deeply detailed images with sharp relief and dazzling surfaces. The colorization on the $2 V-E Day coin is precisely applied and sealed for durability, ensuring that the red flag remains vibrant over time. The mirror-like fields and intricate frosting result in coins that are visually stunning and of exceptional presentation quality. Collectors value the technical precision and attention to detail that the Mint consistently delivers with its annual proof sets.
The 2020 Proof Set was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility and released in a strictly limited mintage of 15,000 sets. This limited production figure ensures exclusivity and supports long-term collectibility, especially among those with interest in military history or World War II-themed numismatics. Each set is presented in an elegant black clamshell case with a bilingual outer sleeve bearing the Mint’s insignia and special V-E Day branding. Inside, the coins are carefully set in a black velvet tray, with the colorized $2 coin prominently centered. A serialized certificate of authenticity is included, verifying the set’s specifications, silver content, and limited mintage.
The condition of the coins in this proof set is pristine, as each is carefully handled and encapsulated in its original case for protection. These coins are not intended for circulation and remain untouched by the general public, maintaining their flawless surfaces and brilliant finish. The colorized $2 coin, in particular, is protected against fading or wear, thanks to a transparent protective coating. Sets that remain in their original packaging are typically found in perfect or near-perfect condition and often receive high grades from professional certification services when submitted for encapsulation.
The V-E Day Proof Set commemorates more than just a military victory; it also honors the sacrifices made by Canadians both at home and abroad during a time of unprecedented global conflict. Over one million Canadians served in the armed forces during the Second World War, and more than 45,000 lost their lives. The set's design acknowledges this solemn reality while also celebrating the joy, relief, and rebuilding that followed the end of the war. It encourages reflection on Canada’s contributions to peace and the enduring importance of remembrance. The intergenerational figures on the commemorative coin reinforce this theme, reminding viewers that the legacy of service lives on through memory and gratitude.
Collectors of Canadian coinage, military history, or colorized issues will find this set especially appealing. It fits within a broader series of WWII-themed numismatic items issued by the Royal Canadian Mint between 2014 and 2020, culminating in the 75th anniversary of the war’s end. The colorized $2 coin is a significant addition to any collection, both for its historical theme and its technical artistry. It also serves as an educational piece, making Canada’s role in the global conflict accessible to future generations through tangible, visual storytelling.
In conclusion, the 2020 Canada Proof Set V-E Day Colorized is a dignified and moving numismatic tribute to one of the most momentous events in Canadian and world history. With its finely struck coins, meaningful design, limited mintage, and striking red-accented commemorative $2 coin, it captures the emotion, memory, and pride associated with the end of World War II. Beautifully packaged and impeccably minted, the set stands as a timeless reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring gratitude owed to those who served.