A veteran of the Battle of the Atlantic hopes people take a closer look at the change in their pockets, and appreciate the story behind a new toonie entering circulation.

The coin, released at a ceremony in Halifax on Thursday, has a special design to mark the 75th anniversary of the battle.

"I'm flabbergasted, I'm speechless," said Norman Crewe, who served in the merchant navy. "I'm really proud today."

Long battle

​The Battle of the Atlantic began on Sept. 3, 1939, when a German submarine sank the SS Athenia, a Montreal-bound passenger ship, west of Ireland.

The Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian merchant navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force were then tasked with escorting merchant ship convoys across the ocean to Europe, ensuring the important shipping route remained open.

Veterans Affairs Canada says more than 4,600 people died during the battle, which is considered to have lasted until the end of World War II.

Tribute to veterans

The coins feature an anti-aircraft gunman on the deck of a corvette, an aircraft and a merchant ship that were used to hunt enemy submarines.

The Royal Canadian Mint says it was important to make sure the Battle of the Atlantic coin was in circulation in time for Remembrance Day. (Steve Lawrence/CBC)

"The mint wanted to do something, of course, to thank our veterans and those who fought in that battle," said Christina Aquino of the Royal Canadian Mint.

Five million $2 coins have been made with the design. She said it was important to release the coins now, so they would be in circulation for Remembrance Day.

Remembering a friend

The design was created by artist Yves Bérubé, who lives in Lunenburg, N.S. He said he was honoured to be selected, because it was his way to pay tribute to a veteran who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic and who inspired Bérubé's art.

"When he was an old man, he was pushing me to move to Lunenburg to be a full-time marine artist, and that's what I did," Bérubé said. "That man was one of my best friends."

Artist Yves Bérubé says designing the coin was personal as one of his closest friends served in the Battle of the Atlantic. (Steve Lawrence/CBC)

He said for artists, being selected to create a coin is the equivalent of winning an Olympic medal.

"It's an honour to be part of Canadian history."

Proud veteran

As for Crewe, he was particularly emotional about the coin's design because it features a merchant navy vessel. It took decades for merchant mariners to be formally recognized for their efforts.

"When I saw the coin, it brought back a lot of memories," he said. "I got one in my pocket right now. I'm going to get one for my daughter.

"I'll get one for the grandson, and I know they're going to be proud of it."