Canada and poppies

[Figleaf]

New red poppy coin introduced in Canada
By Postmedia News November 10, 2010

For the third time since 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a circulation quarter emblazoned with a red poppy in honour of Remembrance Day.

Similar to the coins released in 2004 and 2008, the new quarter bears the symbol of remembrance in place of the caribou and was developed in association with the Royal Canadian Legion.

"As Canada pauses to reflect on the meaning of remembrance, the mint is proud that the 11 million coloured 2010 25-cent poppy circulation coins now in circulation solemnly honour Canada's fallen, surviving veterans and active troops," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the mint.

The 2010 version of the coin has two red poppies positioned on either side of a Canadian soldier with his head bowed, and placed on a maple leaf backdrop. Only the poppies are coloured.

The first poppy quarter in 2004 was the first coloured circulation coin in the world.

The coin is one of several tributes to Canada's veterans and troops to be produced by the mint in 2010.

Last month the mint also released a limited-edition silver dollar featuring an enamelled red poppy, commemorating the passing of the last Canadian veteran of the First World War. This coin was limited to a worldwide mintage of 5,000.

John "Jack" Babcock died Feb. 18, 2010, after serving with the 146th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force at the age of 15 in 1917.

In the last year, the mint has also issued several commemorative coins honouring the centennial of Canada's navy.

Source: Mntreal Gazette

[Bimat]

The obverse designer is Susanna Blunt and reverse has been designed by Cosme Saffioti, who also designed the 2004 pink ribbon commemorative.

Aditya