2017 (1972-) Canadian $20 Canadian Honours: 45th Anniversary of The Order of Military Merit - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

2017 (1972-) Canadian $20 Canadian Honours: 45th Anniversary of The Order of Military Merit - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

They are the honoured men and women who, through their meritorious service, best exemplify the finest qualities of the military profession. Since its creation in 1972, more than 4,700 members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been appointed to the Order of Military Merit. This is one of Canada's highest honours—the proud recognition of those whose dedication and commitment to their country go beyond the call of duty, and in a manner that embodies the Order's motto: Officium ante commodum ("Service before self").

About The Order of Military Merit Medal:
Founded on July 1, 1972 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Military Merit includes three ranks of membership, with eligibility typically based on the level of responsibility of the nominee: Member (M.M.M.), which usually recognizes non-commissioned members (NCMs) and junior officers for their "exceptional service or performance of duty"; Officer (O.M.M.), which normally recognizes senior officers of the ranks of Lieutenant-Commander or Major to Captain(N) or Colonel for their "outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility"; and its highest rank, Commander (C.M.M.), which recognizes flag and general officers for their "outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility."

A beautiful coin that honours outstanding meritorious service. 

Features

NEVER BEFORE HAS THIS APPEARED ON A COIN! Your coin is an exquisite reproduction of the real insignia, also crafted by the Royal Canadian Mint.
SECOND COIN IN SERIES: The 45th Anniversary of The Order of Military Merit is the second coin in the Canadian Honours Collection, which honours key anniversaries for some of the highest honours within the Canadian Honours System.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO ITS HONOURED MEMBERS: A proud commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Order of Military Merit, and a heartfelt tribute to its honoured members!
LOW MINTAGE: Your coin has a low limited worldwide mintage of 5,500.
INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE: The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins. Most of these are serialized certifications, meaning that each certificate is given a unique number, starting at 1.
99.99% PURE SILVER! Your coin is GST/HST exempt.

Design

Designed by Bruce W. Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D., the insignia of the Order of Military Merit has been proudly struck by the Royal Canadian Mint since 2012. The reverse of this fine silver coin presents a near-faithful re-creation of the insignia bestowed upon those appointed to the highest rank of membership: Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.). Blue translucent colour re-creates the rich colour of the straight-end cross patée, with its four arms narrowing at the centre. Surmounted by a colourful St. Edward's Crown, a red annulus bears the inscription "MERIT. MÉRITE. CANADA.", whose yellow colour mimics the gold of the original insignia. At its centre, the red maple leaf helps distinguish the insignia of Commander from that of Officer or Member, which would feature a gold and silver maple leaf (respectively). The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging

2017 (1972-) Canadian $20 Canadian Honours: 45th Anniversary of The Order of Military Merit - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin comes encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.

Specifications

Face Value: $20
Mintage: 5,500
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Finish: Proof