Diamond Jubilee Medal

Purpose of the Medal:
To mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accession to the Throne in two ways:
  • By providing Canada with a tangible way to honour Her Majesty for her service to Canada; and
  • By honouring contributions and achievements made by 60,000 deserving Canadians who represent the full breadth of Canadian society.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Medal is awarded to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada for significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or for outstanding achievement abroad that has brought great credit to Canada.

Description of the Medal:
Front: Queen Elizabeth, wearing her crown, ringed by the words "Elizabeth II dei gratia regina * Canada *". This is Latin for "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Canada". [It appears on all Canadian coins, abbreviated as D.G.Regina.]
Back: The large, central diamond represents the diamond anniversary. Inside this is a large EIIR Ð Elizabeth II Regina [Regina, Queen in Latin], which, with the crown above it, comprises whatÕs known as the Royal Cypher. Peaking out from behind the diamond are four maple leaves as symbols of Canada. A pattern of tiny diamonds fills in the background around the edges. The 60-year interval is provided by the 񓟀" and 񓟼" placed to the left and right of the diamond. The two words of the Latin motto, Vivat Regina [Long Live the Queen], appear to the bottom-left and bottom-right of the diamond.

Ribbon:
Red, white and blue, but in a new arrangement as compared with the 1953 Coronation Medal [12,500 awarded], the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal [30,000 awarded], and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal [46,000 awarded].

Comparison With All Three Previous Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Medals:

1953 1977 2002 2012
Silver Meda Silver Medal Gold-plated bronze Silver
1.25" diameter 1.3" diameter 1.25" diameter 1.25"
12,500 awarded 30,000 awarded 46,000 awarded 60,000 awarded

Designer: Canadian Heraldic Authority

Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint (Ottawa facility)

Wearing the Medal: The medal may be worn at ceremonial events, such as those held on Remembrance Day and Canada Day. Invitations to other formal events where the medal can be worn will specify "With Decorations" on the invitation card. When worn, the medal should be attached on the left side, above the heart.

Order of Precedence of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal:
This type of medal is referred to as a commemorative medal; 7 have been issued in Canada so far: 1935, King George V Silver Jubilee Medal; 1937, King George VI Coronation Medal; 1967, Canadian Centennial Medal; and the four Queen Elizabeth II medals issued in 1953, 1977, 2002 and 2012 [see above]. The Order of Precedence of Commemorative Medals is listed at the following website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_order_of_precedence_(decorations_and_medals)

In precedence, Commemorative Medals come after ten other categories of medal: Awards of Valour; National Orders; Provincial Orders; National Decorations; National Medals; War and Operational Service Medals; Special Service Medals; United Nations Medals; North Atlantic Treaty Orgaization Medals; and International Mission Medals.

Medals that follow Commemorative Medals in the list of precedence are Long Service and Good Conduct Medals; Exemplary Service Medals; Special Medals; and Other Decorations and Medals.

Return to Rosaleen's Web Page