The Royal Canadian Mint is marking Canada’s role in a historic return to the Moon with the release of a new $20 fine silver coin tied to the Artemis II mission, which successfully launched April 1 at 6:35 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
The mission, carrying Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, represents Canada’s first participation in a crewed lunar flight and marks humanity’s return to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
With the launch of Artemis II, Canada becomes the second country to send an astronaut around the Moon, marking a historic step in humanity’s return to deep space. The milestone is commemorated on a one ounce 99.99 per cent pure silver coin that captures both national pride and the renewed global excitement surrounding lunar exploration more than 50 years after the Apollo program.
Struck in one ounce of 99.99 per cent pure silver with a proof finish, the coin features a design by artist Pandora Young depicting a Canadian astronaut set against the Moon. The obverse carries the effigy of King Charles III by Steven Rosati.
Limited to a mintage of 7,500 pieces, the coin incorporates a black light feature that adds an interactive element. Under normal lighting, the coin presents a fully engraved design featuring a selectively coloured portrait of a Canadian astronaut backed by the Moon. When viewed under black light, hidden details are revealed as the lunar surface glows and the Earth appears reflected in the astronaut’s visor. The effect is activated using the included black light flashlight, allowing collectors to recreate the iconic view astronauts hope to witness from lunar orbit.
The release coincides with a major milestone for Canada’s space program. Hansen is the first Canadian and the first non American astronaut to travel to the Moon, joining a four person international crew aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft.
Following launch, the crew entered high Earth orbit and completed initial systems checks. A key manoeuvre, known as the translunar injection burn, is scheduled to send the spacecraft toward the Moon, with a flyby expected around April 6 before a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
The Mint describes the coin as a tribute to Canada’s role in humanity’s renewed push into deep space, capturing both the national significance of the mission and the global excitement surrounding lunar exploration.
The coin measures 38 millimetres in diameter and weighs 31.39 grams. It is presented in a black clamshell case and includes a black light flashlight to activate the special feature.
With its combination of innovative technology and timely subject matter, the coin is expected to appeal to both collectors and space enthusiasts, commemorating a defining moment for Canada on the world stage.