Description
This colourful fine silver 2023 $20 coin marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), an integral part of Canada’s story since 1873. Since its storied beginnings as the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), Canada’s national police service has grown and evolved, continuing to modernize and become increasingly reflective of the changing face of Canada. Mintage 7,500. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design features an engraved mountain backdrop and a colour portrait of an RCMP officer in red serge uniform, standing next to her Hanoverian horse. The RCMP themed reverse includes the double dates 1873-2023, marking the 150th anniversary of the act that established the North-West Mounted Police, which would eventually become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The obverse features a posthumous effigy of Queen Elizabeth with the double dates 1952-2022 representing the years of her reign.
The RCMP:
In May of 1873, the first 150 North-West Mounted Police recruits were sent West to Manitoba, where they would begin a long legacy. In 1904, King Edward VII conferred the title of “Royal”, making the force the Royal North-West Mounted Police. In 1920, the Dominion Police Force and RNWMP merged, creating the modern RCMP.
Today the RCMP encompasses over 30,000 personnel including about 19,000 officers or “regular members”. In addition to responding to 911 calls and basic law enforcement in many jurisdictions, the RCMP has a mandate to deal with major crime investigations, terrorism, illicit drugs, economic crimes and offences that threaten the integrity of Canada’s national borders.
