2023 Canada $20 150th Anniversary of the RCMP Fine Silver (No Tax)

Ask anyone to list iconic symbols of Canada, and chances are, they’ll mention a colourfully uniformed “Mountie”—like the one depicted on this commemorative coin. This year (2023) 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, modernized and endeavoured to become a more inclusive and diverse organization, and this is reflected on your coin’s reverse. Its colourful portrait of a mounted officer—a globally recognized symbol of Canada, of law and order—is a recognition of the force’s rich history, as well as the contributions made by members of the RCMP.

It was on May 23, 1873, that Parliament passed an act establishing the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), and this is considered to be the birthdate of the RCMP. In 1904, the NWMP was renamed the Royal North-West Mounted Police (RNWMP), which became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920 upon the absorption of the Dominion Police.

The coin’s reverse salutes the men and women of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The RCMP accepted its first female recruits in 1974, and today, about 1/5 of regular members are women.

Horses have always been associated with the RCMP. Today, a full troop of 32 uniformed riders and their mounts continue the longstanding tradition of the world-famous spectacle known as the RCMP Musical Ride!

Designed by artist Steve Hepburn, your coin’s reverse pays tribute to a world-famous Canadian symbol: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). 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 reverse is double-dated (1873 - 2023) to commemorate 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 the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Specifications:

Item Number: 208010
Mintage: 7,500
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 31.39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Steve Hepburn (reverse); Susannah Blunt (obverse)

Special Features
• 150th Anniversary of the RCMP. This fine silver coin commemorates the 150th anniversary of Canada’s national police service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police—an integral part of Canada’s story since 1873.
• An iconic Mountie. The Mountie in red serge is one of the most iconic images of Canada, and you’ll find a modern rendition of that emblematic image on your coin’s reverse.
• Colour over relief. Recognized worldwide, the RCMP’s distinctive uniform and black horse have been brought to life by dynamic finishes and an application of colour over the relief.
• Engraved backdrop. Engraved on the coin’s reverse, the mountains of western Canada provide a fitting backdrop for the RCMP officer and rider; they also serve as a reminder of the RCMP’s beginnings.
• Classic Canada. The coin commemorates the RCMP’s milestone anniversary in 2023 and honours its members’ contributions to Canada’s story over the last 150 years. A great addition to any history or Canadian-themed collection!
• Fine silver. Crafted in 1 oz. 99.99% pure silver with a proof finish. Limited to 7,500 coins worldwide.

Packaging
The coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.