Royal Canadian Mint unveils new coin in HMCS SACKVILLE

On Thursday October 20, 2016, HMCS SACKVILLE hosted the Royal Canadian Mint as they unveiled a new two dollar "toonie" coin on the Halifax Waterfront. The coin is intended to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. SACKVILLE was dressed overall for the occasion.

HMCS SACKVILLE "dressed overall", with signal flags running from bow to stern, in addition to the naval jack at the bow, the naval ensign at the stern, and the courtesy Maple Leaf on the mast. SACKVILLE flies the jack and ensign of the Second World War, and not their modern equivalents.

Looking aft from the bow. The flags certainly add some colour to the scene!

There were a number of special guests invited to help with the unveiling.

VIP visitors arriving on the pier.

One such guest was Rear-Admiral John Newton, the current Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic.

Rear-Admiral John Newton salutes Jim Reddy, CO of SACKVILLE, as he boards. The former's face is unfortunately obscured by my copyright watermark.

The unveiling itself occurred in the after accommodation space in the bow of the ship, while some members of the Stadacona Band were set up in the forward accommodation space to provide some music for the event.

Members of the Stadacona Band in the forward accommodation space.

A number of speeches preceded the unveiling of a mock-up of the coin.

Jim Reddy, CO of SACKVILLE.

Kirk MacRae, Board Member of the Royal Canadian Mint.

Steve Wessel, President of the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The coin mock-up is unveiled (I was standing in the wrong spot and missed the actual unveiling). From left to right: Rear Admiral Newton, Steve Wessel, Kirk MacRae, and Jim Reddy.

Rear Admiral Newton making a point after the unveiling.

Sea Cadets were also present for the unveiling.

Two Sea Cadets and Rear Admiral Newton watch a short film about the Battle of the Atlantic.

Among the VIPs gathered for the unveiling were four very special guests, veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic.

From left to right: Norman Crewe (Canadian Merchant Navy, Captain Earle Wagner (Canadian Merchant Navy), Captain Angus McDonald (British Merchant Navy, and J. Vernon Toole (RCN).

From left to right: Norman Crewe (Canadian Merchant Navy, Captain Angus McDonald (British Merchant Navy, J. Vernon Toole (RCN), Kirk MacRae (Mint), and Captain Earle Wagner (Canadian Merchant Navy).

From left to right: Rear Admiral John Newton (RCN), Norman Crewe (Canadian Merchant Navy, Captain Angus McDonald (British Merchant Navy, J. Vernon Toole (RCN), Kirk MacRae (Mint), and Captain Earle Wagner (Canadian Merchant Navy).

For the design of the coin, the Mint turned to Lunenburg artist Yves Berube, who has previously provided the design for the Naval Centennial coin (as well as coins commemorating the Titanic, the Empress of Ireland, and other ships and events). Mr. Berube was present for the unveiling.

Lunenburg artist Yves Berube whose artwork appears on the coin (his initials appear to the right of the coin).

From left to right: Norman Crewe (Canadian Merchant Navy, Captain Earle Wagner (Canadian Merchant Navy), Yves Berube, J. Vernon Toole (RCN), and Captain Angus McDonald (British Merchant Navy).

From left to right: Norman Crewe (Canadian Merchant Navy, Captain Earle Wagner (Canadian Merchant Navy), Yves Berube, J. Vernon Toole (RCN), and Captain Angus McDonald (British Merchant Navy).

After the event was over, I took the opportunity to trade in one of my old toonies for one of the 5 million Battle of the Atlantic toonies that went into circulation on Thursday. At white tent was set up at the foot of the pier, and this is where the first of the new coins became available in Canada.

The Mint's coin exchange tent set up at the foot of SACKVILLE's pier, where the new coin could be obtained after it was unveiled.

I will finish up with two more photos of SACKVILLE dressed in flags.

Note: Thanks to the Royal Canadian Mint's press release for the names of the veterans present at the unveiling, and to HMCS SACKVILLE for having me onboard for the unveiling.