2 dollars 2017 - Battle of Vimy Ridge
By thecanadiannumismatist | Wednesday, 2 July 2025
The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place during the First World War between 9 and 12 April 1917 in the territories of Vimy and Givenchy-en-Gohelle, near Lens in Pas-de-Calais.
The site, overlooking the Lens plain and fortified by the German army, had been the target of multiple unsuccessful attacks by the French and British armies, particularly in 1915. On April 9, 1917, the troops of the British Empire—mainly composed of the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force—joined forces and launched the assault. At the cost of more than 10,000 dead and wounded, they succeeded in taking control of Hill 145 on April 12.
The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a two-dollar commemorative circulation coin honouring the Canadians who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge 100 years before and paved the way to the Allied victory which ended the First World War.
This special circulation coin was unveiled at The Military Museums in Calgary.
Designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco, the reverse of this commemorative circulation coin depicts the Vimy Memorial, flanked by a First World War soldier and a contemporary veteran. Appearing beneath the image of the Memorial, the word Vimy is engraved between the soldier and veteran. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt in 2003.
The Mint is proud to continue the long-standing tradition of crafting coins which honour the sacrifices of Canadians in war time by launching a two-dollar circulation coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
With this new coin, we remember every Canadian whose unconditional service in the First World War inspired the generations which followed to do their part in defending Canada and everything it stands for.
- Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint
2 dollars 2017 price guide and values
The Mint also added to this commemoration of Vimy Ridge two collector products. The first is a special wrap roll of 25 two-dollar circulation coins featuring the same artwork found on the reverse of the coins. As well, the Mint has issued a 1/4 oz. fine silver collector coin with a $3 denomination designed by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw.
It features a frontal view of the iconic sculpture Canada Bereft, which is prominently featured at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, depicted further in the distance.
The battle is commemorated by the Vimy Memorial, located at the top of Hill 145 between Vimy and Givenchy-en-Gohelle in Pas-de-Calais. It is the largest Canadian war memorial.
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