Description
Higher, faster, farther—such is the pathway to the stars, Sic Itur ad Astra, a fitting motto for one of Canada’s most renowned institutions! Now in its centennial year (1924-2024), the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) continues to proudly serve Canadians and the world, taking part in search-and-rescue missions and NATO training programs, disaster relief and peacekeeping operations, and even providing space power support to the Canadian Forces, proving the sky is no longer the limit for Canada’s Air Force.
This 99.99% pure silver collectible honours the RCAF’s distinguished history and heritage on its retro-style reverse, where the illustrative art style spans three different eras of RCAF aircraft history and captures the pulse-pounding thrill of flying. Mintage of 12,000. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
A salute to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 100 years of service (1924-2024), the reverse design by artist David Moore spans three different eras of RCAF aircraft history. Backed by angular shapes conveying speed and motion, two of the aircraft speak to the RCAF’s past: on the left, the Camel was flown as a fighter aircraft in the First World War and as an advanced combat trainer with the RCAF until 1929; and on the right, the Spitfire fighter was flown in combat by RCAF squadrons overseas in the Second World War. The F-35 Lightning II—the inspiration for the lightning bolt in the background—is prominently featured in the foreground, where the stealth fighter represents the RCAF’s future fleet. The RCAF motto “Sic Itur ad Astra” (“Such is the pathway to the stars”) is positioned near the top, while the RCAF roundel is centred at the bottom. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
