Description

Theme

Before the Snowbirds, there was the Red Knight! From 1958 until 1969, the Red Knight delighted spectators across Canada and the United States with awe-inspiring aerobatic displays. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) solo jet-aerobatic performer was equipped with the T-33 Silver Star (or “T-Bird”, CT-133) and later, the CT-114 Tutor, which were decked out in a bright colour scheme, iconic red. These aircraft, along with the distinctive knight’s helmet emblem they bore, have been colourfully recreated on this 99.99% pure silver tribute to the legendary (and much loved) Red Knight, whose show-stopping manoeuvres inspired a generation of air enthusiasts and enriched Canada’s aviation heritage.

Design

Your coin’s reverse was designed by artist David Oram and pays tribute to the Red Knight, the Royal Canadian Air Force Training Command’s famous aerobatic performer from 1958 to 1969. Historical liaison was provided by authors J.C. Corrigan and D.V. Dempsey. To represent that timespan, the Canadair-built T-33 Silver Star is shown performing a manoeuvre alongside its eventual replacement, the Canadair-designed and built CT-114 Tutor (background). Accompanied by the red, gold and white Red Knight emblem, both aircraft are painted in their distinctive red colour schemes of the 1960s and set against the RCAF Roundel’s (pre-1965) maple leaf. The obverse features the repeating laser-engraved Red Knight emblem and the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Special features

• A salute to the Red Knight. A legend among aviation enthusiasts and air show spectators, the Red Knight (1958-1969) is best remembered for incredible solo performances in the skies above large and small communities across Canada and the United States. This coin pays tribute to the Red Knight’s legacy, and to its outstanding contribution to the RCAF and Canadian aviation history.
• Our first Red Knight coin. The stories of Canadian aerobatic display teams—including the Snowbirds and Golden Hawks featured on previous coins—are connected to one another. This coin shines the spotlight on the Red Knight, which has never been depicted on a Canadian coin…until now!
• A mix of frostings. The colour-over-engraved elements make a vivid impression on your coin’s reverse, where they’re set against the maple leaf backdrop and surrounded by a mirror finish. For an extra touch of drama, a more matte frosting sets the Red Knight’s white smoke trails apart!
• Loaded with history. Why are two planes featured on this tribute to the RCAF’s solo performer? The aircraft on your coin’s reverse represent the two aircraft types that each served as the mount of the Red Knight: the T-33 from 1958 to 1968, and the Tutor in 1968 and 1969. The maple leaf backdrop is also historic: it is based on the pre-1965 RCAF Roundel, which can be seen on the T-33’s fuselage and wings in this design.
• Low mintage. If you missed out on our 2021 Snowbirds and Avro Arrow coins, or if you’re looking for another aviation-themed piece to include in your collection, this is the coin to get in 2022! But mintage is limited to just 6,500 coins, so don’t wait—order today!
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• No GST/HST.

Specifications

Packaging

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.