Description
2021 marks the RCAF’s Snowbirds 50th year of showcasing Canadian excellence. The legacy of these brave and highly skilled pilots represent can be measured in the hearts and minds of the millions of Canadians who turn their heads skyward year after year to marvel at the team’s grace and precision as they weave their aerial magic across the nation. This selectively plated five ounce fine silver coin serves as fitting tribute to the Snowbirds. Mintage is extremely limited to only 1,000 coins. GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The design by Canadian artist Dave O’Malley was inspired by a photograph of the Snowbirds taken by Canadian aviation photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. It features a highly-detailed view of the topside of Snowbird 9 and bottomside of Snowbird 8 revealing the signature “speedbird” design that was introduced by the team in 1974. The engraved “SNOWBIRDS 50” salutes the 50th anniversary of the team in 2021. This unique coin also features beautiful raised gold plating on both sides designed for the exclusive collector.
The effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt with “ELIZABETH II”, “D·G·REGINA” and “50 DOLLARS” engraved along the outer edge of the coin is featured on your coin obverse, along with a pattern on the field of a repeated design element taken from the official Snowbirds 50 logo. Historical text and production liaison were provided by former Snowbirds commanding officer and team leader Dan Dempsey.
The Snowbirds:
Formed in 1971 to demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork inherent in the Canadian Forces, the Snowbirds carry on a proud tradition of aerial excellence that dates back to the early years of powered flight in Canada. Their eminent predecessors include aerobatic teams such as the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF’s) first official aerobatic team in 1929, the Siskins, followed by many others including the Blue Devils, Sky Lancers, Red Knight, Golden Hawks and Golden Centennaires to name a few. In the post war years prior to unification in 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) also formed several aerobatic teams including the Seafire Exhibition Flight and Grey Ghosts.
Credit: Coin design was inspired by a photograph taken by Canadian aviation photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. Project initiative and production liaison were provided by former Snowbird commander and team leader Dan Dempsey.
