Legion’s Century of Service Honored in Gold and Silver

OTTAWA, Ontario – January 14, 2026 – As the Royal Canadian Legion prepares to mark its 100th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled a striking collection of limited-edition gold and silver coins, forging a century of service and Remembrance into precious metal. The release commemorates the Legion’s enduring legacy while the organization itself launches ambitious initiatives aimed at securing its next hundred years.

The new collection, officially released this week, includes a 2026 $100 Pure Gold Coin, a Fine Silver Proof Dollar, and a seven-piece Fine Silver Proof Set. Each piece is designed to be a tangible link to the Legion’s history, which began officially on July 17, 1926.

“These stunning coins designed by the Royal Canadian Mint are truly a lasting testament to our legacy,” said Berkley Lawrence, the Legion’s Dominion President, in a statement. “They help tell our story and mark our centenary in a such a thoughtful and beautiful way.”

A Century of Service Cast in Precious Metal

For 100 years, the Royal Canadian Legion has been a cornerstone of Canadian society, evolving from its post-First World War origins into the nation's largest Veteran support and community service organization. With over 270,000 members in branches across Canada, the United States, and Europe, its mission remains focused on supporting Veterans and their families, promoting Remembrance, and serving local communities.

The commemorative coins serve as an artistic chronicle of this journey. The $100 Pure Gold Coin, designed by artist Laurie McGaw, features a split image that powerfully connects the Legion's past and future. On one side, a Canadian infantryman from the First World War stands near an S.E.5a biplane and HMCS Niobe, representing the Legion's founding generation. On the other, contemporary Legion members are depicted, symbolizing the continuity of service. Overlapping both scenes are poppies, the indelible symbol of Remembrance.

The Fine Silver Proof Dollar, designed by Steve Hepburn, focuses intently on the act of Remembrance. It portrays two Legion members in solemn reflection before a large maple leaf from the Legion's crest. The design is rich with symbolism, featuring 14 poppies for Canada’s provinces, territories, and international branches, as well as a single forget-me-not flower—the symbol of Remembrance in Newfoundland and Labrador before it joined Confederation.

These artistic choices transform the coins from simple collectibles into narrative artifacts, each telling a piece of the Legion’s century-long story. The effigy of His Majesty King Charles III on the obverse of all coins further anchors them within a modern Canadian context.

Minting Memories for Collectors and Country

The release is a significant event for numismatists and history buffs alike, continuing the Royal Canadian Mint’s tradition of marking major national milestones. The Mint has previously honored institutions like the Royal Canadian Air Force on its centennial and commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Poppy as a symbol of Remembrance.

For collectors, the technical specifications and low mintage numbers are a major draw. The $100 Pure Gold Coin is crafted from 99.99% pure gold and is limited to a worldwide mintage of just 1,500. The Fine Silver Proof Dollar, struck in 99.99% pure silver, has a higher but still limited mintage of 35,000.

Perhaps most sought-after will be the Fine Silver Proof Set. Limited to 25,000 sets, it includes all of Canada’s 2026 circulation denominations in pure silver, alongside a special version of the centenary Proof Dollar. In this exclusive edition, the poppies, maple leaf, and forget-me-not flower are selectively plated in rose gold, creating a unique tribute to the Legion's milestone.

The coins are available through the Mint’s official channels, including its website and boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as participating Canada Post outlets. This wide availability ensures that Canadians from coast to coast have an opportunity to acquire a piece of this historic commemoration.

Beyond the Coin: Forging a Future for the Next Century

While the coins provide a moment for reflection, the Royal Canadian Legion is firmly focused on the future. The centenary year is not just a celebration but a strategic pivot, highlighted by an unprecedented free membership drive for 2026.

This initiative invites all Canadians who are not currently members to join the Legion for one year at no cost. The goal is to infuse the organization with new energy and volunteers, broadening its base of support. This move comes at a crucial time. After years of declining numbers, a trend common among service organizations, the Legion saw a significant uptick in 2022, welcoming over 35,000 new and reinstated members—its first year-over-year growth in three decades. The free membership offer aims to build on that momentum and help the organization reach its goal of 300,000 members.

The centenary celebrations extend far beyond this membership drive. The Legion has planned a full year of activities, including national partnerships, the release of a centenary book and video, an exhibit at the Canadian War Museum, and a host of events at local branches designed to reconnect communities with their local Legion.

By pairing a tribute to its past with a bold strategy for its future, the Royal Canadian Legion is using its 100th anniversary to reinforce its relevance. The commemorative coins provide a beautiful and lasting symbol of a century of sacrifice and service, while the organization's outreach efforts extend an open invitation for a new generation to become part of its continuing story.