Behind the Design: Canada’s Unknown Soldier Commemorative $2 Circulation Coin
- Nov 04, 2025
- History
- 2 minute read
A call to remember, the Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier commemorative $2 circulation coin marks the 25th anniversary of the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier and the completion of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa.
The coin’s deeply meaningful design was created by B.C.-based Mary-Ann Liu, the same artist who sculpted the Tomb’s bronze relief elements 25 years ago.
“I feel very energized by having worked on the commemorative coin as well after sculpting the original Tomb of The Unknown Soldier twenty-five years ago," says Liu. "It is one of the most significant projects in my life. I am reminded of the sacrifices made for Canada and the continual efforts necessary to maintain our country. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Keep reading to discover the design details behind our newest $2 commemorative coin.
A call to remember, the Honouring Canada’s Unknown Soldier commemorative $2 circulation coin marks the 25th anniversary of the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier and the completion of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa.
The coin’s deeply meaningful design was created by B.C.-based Mary-Ann Liu, the same artist who sculpted the Tomb’s bronze relief elements 25 years ago.
“I feel very energized by having worked on the commemorative coin as well after sculpting the original Tomb of The Unknown Soldier twenty-five years ago," says Liu. "It is one of the most significant projects in my life. I am reminded of the sacrifices made for Canada and the continual efforts necessary to maintain our country. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Keep reading to discover the design details behind our newest $2 commemorative coin.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Featuring a street-level view of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the National War Memorial, the base of the granite Tomb extends to the coin’s outer ring.
Bilingual Inscription: The inscription “TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER LA TOMBE DU SOLDAT INCONNU” is engraved in the same font that is etched on the Tomb in Ottawa.
Silhouettes of Sentries: Four silhouettes of sentries stand behind the Tomb, representing all Canadians who serve or have served their country.
Poppy: This bright red poppy honours sacrifice and national service.
The heart of our nation’s collective grief and gratitude, the Unknown Soldier represents all those who have selflessly served Canada, and invites us to reflect, remember, and forever honour them. Discover the new commemorative circulation coin minted in honour of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.
The Poppy Design is a registered trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used under licence.