This stunning medal is a Canada 150 limited edition re-strike of the original 1927 Diamond Jubilee commemorative issue. The medal has a large 76 mm (three inch) diameter and features an ultra high relief design on both sides. Mintage of this silver version is just 500 pieces.
The design was first created by Canadian illustrator Charles William Jefferys (1869-1951), and was engraved by the illustrious French medallist, Raymond Delamarre (1890-1986) of the Paris Mint. In 1927, a small number of medals were struck in silver and bronze and awarded to prominent Canadians, dignitaries and members of government, while one medal was struck in gold and presented to King George V. 90 years after the celebration of Canada’s 60th anniversary of confederation, this re-strike of the original design continues to honour the legacy set forth by the Fathers of Confederation and those who carried on fulfilling their vision of what Canada could become.
The robed young woman in the centre is an allegorical personification of ‘Canada’. Her arms are spread wide to embody Canada’s official motto, Ad Mari Usque Ad Mare (“From Sea to Sea). Below the allegorical figure are sheaves of wheat and clusters of maple leaves. Behind her, a map of the country includes the transcontinental rail links and the shield from the Royal Arms of Canada. The names of four prominent explorers are also included: (Captain James) Cook, (Captain George) Vancouver are inscribed along the West coast, while (Jacques) Cartier and (Samuel de) Champlain are inscribed on the East side of the map. ‘Canada’ stands proudly on a pedestal marked 1867-1927.The obverse features the effigy of King George V, who was the monarch in 1927.
Canada in 1927
Set against the backdrop of new found peace, prosperity and growth through the roaring 1920s, the 60th Anniversary of Confederation was cause for great celebration across the Dominion of Canada. In its first 60 years, the Dominion had quickly grown from four founding provinces to a vast country of nine provinces and two territories spanning from sea to sea. The National Railway envisioned by Sir John A. MacDonald was now a reality, and Canada was rapidly gaining its own distinct identity and national pride. While about 3.5 million Canadians celebrated the birth of the country in 1867, the population had grown to over 9.5 million in just 60 years. The celebration of Canada’s Diamond Jubilee not only reflected the growing patriotism of the day, but also added to Canada further developing its unique and distinctive personality as a nation.
