In Flanders Fields – 2015 $3 Pure Silver Coin (100th Anniversary)

Description

A century after its creation, In Flanders Fields remains one of the most powerful literary tributes to sacrifice and remembrance. Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2015, this fine silver coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s iconic poem, written during the First World War amid the devastation of the Second Battle of Ypres.

Struck in 99.99% pure silver with a matte proof finish, this $3 coin serves as a solemn reminder of the more than 600,000 Canadians who served and the 60,000 who lost their lives during the Great War. The design captures the moment of reflection that gave rise to one of the world’s most enduring symbols of remembrance—the poppy.

This issue also includes two poppy-themed 25-cent coins, presented in custom display cases, enhancing its commemorative significance. As a pure silver collector coin from the Royal Canadian Mint, it is GST/HST exempt.

Special Features

• Commemorates the 100th anniversary (1915–2015) of In Flanders Fields

• Tribute to Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae and Canada’s First World War service

• Matte proof finish with finely engraved historical detail

• Includes two poppy 25-cent coins in custom display cases

• Features a historic obverse effigy of King George V, used during the WWI era

• Limited mintage of 15,000 coins worldwide

• Struck in 99.99% pure silver, GST/HST exempt

• Includes serialized certificate of authenticity

Design

The reverse, designed by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw, presents a deeply moving side-profile portrait of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae as he composes his poem on the battlefield. Seated with pen and paper, McCrae appears lost in thought, while behind him stand a field hospital tent and ambulance, reflecting his role as a military physician. In stark contrast, the landscape behind and beside him is marked by makeshift graves and poppies—imagery that directly inspired the poem’s opening lines.

Engraved along the rim are the inscriptions “CANADA,” “1915–2015,” the face value, and the poem’s English and French titles rendered in McCrae’s recreated handwriting. The obverse features the effigy of King George V by Sir Edward B. MacKennal, historically accurate to the First World War period.

Specifications

• Year: 2015

• Face Value: $3

• Composition: 99.99% pure silver

• Weight: 7.96 g (0.256 troy oz)

• Diameter: 27 mm

• Finish: Matte Proof

• Edge: Serrated

• Mintage: 15,000

• Artist: Laurie McGaw (reverse), Sir Edward B. MacKennal (obverse)

• Series: 100th Anniversary of In Flanders Fields

• Packaging: RCM maroon clamshell with graphic beauty box

• Certificate: Serialized

Why Collect It?

This coin is more than a numismatic piece—it is a national act of remembrance. With historically accurate design elements, powerful symbolism, and limited mintage, In Flanders Fields – 100th Anniversary is an essential addition for collectors of Canadian history, military commemoratives, and meaningful silver issues that honor sacrifice and memory.