OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- In 1926, an Act of Parliament incorporated The Royal Canadian Legion (the Legion), Canada's largest veteran support and community service organization. One hundred years later, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a $2 commemorative circulation coin recognizing the Legion's century-long mission of supporting Veterans, including still-serving military and RCMP members, and their families, promoting Remembrance, and serving Canada and its communities. This special coin starts circulating today.

"The Mint has long been proud to craft coins honouring generations of Canadians who have selflessly risked or sacrificed their lives in defending our nation," said Simon Kamel, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "For a century, The Royal Canadian Legion has played an important role in supporting our nation's veterans and active military. It is fitting that we are acknowledging the Legion's steadfast commitment to Remembrance and community service on a new commemorative circulation coin."

"This coin truly commemorates our milestone anniversary, and we thank the Royal Canadian Mint for creating this remarkable keepsake piece," says Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President Berkley Lawence. "We hope Canadians will see this beautiful coin in their change and appreciate the imagery that reflects key aspects of our identity, including ensuring the next generation carries Remembrance forward in Canada."

The 2026 $2 Commemorative Circulation Coin – 100th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion was designed by artist Vlada Pashchenko, a 2023 winner of the Legion Youth Remembrance Contest.  The centre of its reverse features an adaptation of the Legion's crest, surrounded by the motto Memoriam Eorum Retinebimus (We Will Remember Them). In the foreground appear silhouettes of a Legion member offering a Poppy flower to a child with their mother. These design elements are framed by engravings that include the double date "1926-2026" and an adaptation of the Legion's Poppy logo appearing between the coin's micro-engraved security marks. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Limited to a mintage of three million – one million uncoloured versions and two million colourized versions – the new $2 commemorative circulation coin will begin circulating on August 24. Canadians will find it in their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.

Both the colourized and uncoloured versions are available in a two-piece Collector Keepsake Card, presented in an informative, custom-designed folder. Special Wrap Rolls of 25 coins − in coloured and uncoloured formats – are also available, as is a Special Wrap Roll Box Set of both types of rolls, featuring encapsulated examples of the colourized and uncolored coin.

Earlier this year, the Mint also issued a number of precious metal collectibles marking the Legion's milestone anniversary.  These include the 2026 $100 Pure Gold Coin, the 2026 Fine Silver Proof Dollar, and the 2026 Fine Silver Proof Set.

All these collectibles can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

Images of the circulation coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion can be found here.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. 

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.  Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)