2014 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of the First World War Silver Proof Coin Set | Royal Canadian Mint

This set of 7 coins features 9999 pure silver versions of the Canadian $2, $1, $0.50, $0.25, $0.10 and $0.05 coins with selective gilding on the $1 and $2 dollar coins and a special selectively gilded Proof Dollar commemorative coin.

Each of the circulation coins are identical to their counterparts in common use, except of course that these are made of silver.

The proof dollar coin, designed by Bonnie Ross, commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of the First World War, not as a celebration of war and its atrocity, but in memory of the sacrifices made.

Time is frozen for the couple on the reverse of this coin as they embrace one last time before his departure.

Neither one knows if he will ever return.

Both are uncertain of what lies ahead.

In the background there is a train bound for Valcartier Camp and more soldiers, part of the first group of volunteers, also preparing to leave, presumably having already said goodbye to their loved ones.

The entire design is encircled by the words "Canada 1914 - 2014 Dollar" and the artists initials.

The obverse features the Susanna Blunt effigy of Elizabeth II and the words "Elizabeth II D.G. Regina"

This coin set is limited to a worldwide mintage of 25,000.

It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made 100 years ago and immortalizes their sacrifice.