Honouring 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Mint released this special toonie in September 2024. As part of their commemorative circulation coin program, the coin comes in colour and non-colour versions, in special wrap rolls and in a collector keepsake card.

The Royal Canadian Mint asked 6 artists to submit a design for a toonie celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RCAF. Through an online survey and with input from the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Mint, my design was selected.

The design highlights aircraft used throughout RCAF's 100 years of service, representing different eras and roles. The center aircraft is aiming upwards, echoing the RCAF motto 'Sic Itur Ad Astra', which means 'such is the pathway to the stars'. It flies over a snowy Canadian Boreal forest.

The placement of the aircraft in the outer ring are inspired by pilot watches, as well as for visual balance. When observed from afar, the tiny aircraft vaguely resemble stars, again a nod to the RCAF motto.

Learn more about the coin here.

Product Managers: Libby Sim, Tami Brioux

Engraver: Julien Duguay

Images from the Royal Canadian Mint.