Royal Canadian Mint

100 dollars

311,5 g

76,25 mm

Silver 999,9°

1000 pcs.

Proof finish

Yves Bérubé (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Royal Canadian Mint

The reverse image captures a poignant moment as a departing soldier takes one last look at the Canadian coastline. It is October 1914 and the SS Megantic is among the ships transporting the first Canadian troops to British soil in the early days of the First World War. One soldier is leaning against the stern’s guard rail, his back momentarily turned on his shipmates who have gathered on the deck. With the Canadian Red Ensign softly flapping in the breeze overhead, the soldier takes a long look at the soaring cliffs of the Gaspe Peninsula as the ship brings him closer to the battles that surely lie ahead. Sadly, this sight would prove to be the last glimpse of Canada for many of its brave soldiers, whose personal sacrifices during the war would do much to shape the nation.

A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War. These helped shape Canada’s international reputation, and would ultimately result in its coming of age as a nation. A wave of patriotism and enthusiasm greeted the news in Canada, where many believed the war would be a short and glorious campaign. While pre-war Canada had a sizeable militia, it had a small standing army of only 3,110 men. The minister of militia and defence, moved quickly to mobilize and equip Canada’s military contribution to the world stage.