2012 Canadian $2 War of 1812: HMS Shannon Commemorative Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

2012 Canadian $2 War of 1812: HMS Shannon Commemorative Toonie Coin (Brilliant Uncirculated)

Face Value: $2
Mintage: 89,185,000
Composition: Outer ring - multi-ply nickel plated steel, insert - multi-ply brass plated aluminum bronze
Weight (g): 6.92
Diameter (mm): 28
Finish: BU

The War of 1812 was a fundamental turning point in Canada's history, a struggle from which some of Canada's earliest unifying moments emerged. These stories - including that of the Leda-class frigate, HMS Shannon - have become important chapters in the narrative of Canada.

Created to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, this unique coin is part of a larger collection celebrating the heroes and events of the War of 1812 - a formative event in Canadian history.

Design:

On the reverse is a depiction of the HMS Shannon by Nova Scotian artist Bonnie Ross. It portrays the Shannon with its sails unfurled leaving Halifax Harbor prepared to do battle during the War of 1812. To both sides of the ship is a representation of the 19th century Halifax Harbor, including Citadel Hill on the left and another ship on the right.

The reverse contains inscriptions of "The War of 1812/La guerre de 1812" and "HMS Shannon." In addition, the artists initials may also be seen on the reverse.

Struck as legal tender of Canada, the obverse shows the Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II .Obverse inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "CANADA" and "2 DOLLARS." The maximum mintage for the circulating coin is five million.