Coins and Canada - A tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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A tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By thecanadiannumismatist | Tuesday, 14 January 2025

In the heart of Quebec City lies the final resting place of an unidentified Canadian soldier from the First World War—one of the more than 120,000 Canadian service members who have lost their lives in the cause of peace over the years. Though we do not know his name, the Unknown Soldier represents all fallen Canadians, as well as the many sides of war: tragedy and sacrifice, honour and victory, but above all, unity in our desire for peace and freedom.

The 2025 Fine Silver Proof Dollar marks the 25th anniversary of the completion of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, where the dark granite sarcophagus has served as a focal point of commemoration since 2000. Incorporated into the coin design, the Tomb's three-tiered granite construction and its sculpted overlay are artfully surrounded by its four base pieces, ultimately forming a more circular interpretation of this monument that pays tribute to all Canadians who have served their country—including the many who rest unknown.

Specifications

Composition: 99.99% silver
Weight: 23.17 g
Diameter: 36 mm
Edge: Reeded
Obverse: Steven Rosati
Reverse: Pandora Young

This dollar coin was also produced gold plated and included in the 2025 fine silver proof set.

Randomly selected from among the many unknown Canadian soldiers buried near Vimy Ridge in France, the Unknown Soldier's remains were exhumed from the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in the French commune of Souchez. Following a ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on May 25, 2000, the casket containing the remains was flown to Ottawa, where the soldier lay in state for three days in the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill before being laid to rest in a nationally televised ceremony on May 28.

Re-created on this coin, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier's bronze overlay was created by artist Mary-Ann Liu of Mission, B.C., who also designed the reverse of the 2025 $100 Pure Gold tribute.

Specifications

Composition: 99.99% gold
Weight: 7.8 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Edge: Reeded
Obverse: Mary-Ann Liu
Reverse: Pandora Young

Since Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949, the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier were repatriated in 2024. This fallen service member was reinterred at the National War Memorial in St. John's, NL, on July 1—the anniversary of the Newfoundland Regiment's advance at Beaumont-Hamel during the Battle of the Somme.

Designed by Canadian artist Pandora Young, the 2025 Proof Dollar's reverse presents a circular interpretation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario.
The three rings allude to the sarcophagus's three-tiered construction in dark Caledonia granite, as depicted in the centre of the design, while the Tomb's four base corner pieces—three replicas of the Memorial (Silver) Cross, each bearing the Royal Cypher of a different ruling monarch (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) since the award's inception in 1919, plus a replica of a poppy—are artfully positioned around the edge, ultimately forming a more circular interpretation to help frame the top-down view.
The Tomb's bronze overlay is also re-created, with branches of maple and laurel leaves wrapped around a medieval sword and First World War-era helmet; these are surrounded by roses and poppies (in the 11 o'clock position) that have been laid in commemoration of those who selflessly gave their all while serving their country. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

- Royal Canadian Mint

The Canadian action at Vimy Ridge features prominently in our history books for good reason. It marked the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together. Over four fateful days in April 1917, the Canadians and our Allies succeeded in taking Vimy Ridge. For this reason, Canada's Unknown Soldier was selected from among the many unknown Canadian soldiers buried near Vimy Ridge. Additionally, Mary-Ann Liu's design for the Tomb in Ottawa was inspired by the symbolic stone-carved tomb at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

A 2008 25 cent coin was also produced to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the end of World War I. The reverse of this coin also featured the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

1 dollar 2025 price guide and values