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'V’ for victory | How the Victory Nickel became an enduring symbol of hope

  • Sep 03, 2020
  • History
  • 5 minutes read
In the final years of the war, many Canadians carried a token of hope that victory would come and peace would follow. On May 8, 1945, the vision of the Victory nickel came true. The Victory nickel, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, was introduced at a time when things weren’t looking so bright. At the outset of 1943, Canadian troops were reeling from the disastrous failure of the Dieppe Raid the previous summer, and the Battle of the Atlantic continued to claim large numbers of casualties.
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In the final years of the war, many Canadians carried a token of hope that victory would come and peace would follow. On May 8, 1945, the vision of the Victory nickel came true. The Victory nickel, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, was introduced at a time when things weren’t looking so bright. At the outset of 1943, Canadian troops were reeling from the disastrous failure of the Dieppe Raid the previous summer, and the Battle of the Atlantic continued to claim large numbers of casualties.
Original 1943 Victory nickel made of tombac Original 1943 Victory nickel made of tombac
Thomas Shingles, the chief engraver created a design that featured the now-iconic “V” for victory Thomas Shingles, the chief engraver created a design that featured the now-iconic “V” for victory
2020 75th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War commemorative coin 2020 75th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War commemorative coin