2005 Canadian Mint Annual Report+Gold-Plated Silver Coin

On May 4, 2005, The Royal Canadian Mint announced it would strike a representation of the famous Victory nickel for general circulation. Originally struck from 1943 to 1945, the Victory nickel was designed to promote the Canadian war effort during the Second World War. The coin was unveiled during a special ceremony in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the World War II Allied victory. Exclusive to the 2005 Annual Report, the coin is a replica of the original design, by Mint Master Engraver Thomas Shingles, which was used between 1943 and 1945. The coin featured a 'V' symbol, which represented Winston Churchill's famous 'V' for victory sign as well as the Roman numeral. A flamed torch at the centre of the design is symbolic of sacrifice. All of the design elements played a part in the entire message, designed to convey the idea that victory comes by sacrifice and willingness to work. The obverse features the portrait of the late King George VI by T.H. Paget, the same portrait that graced the original coin.