The coin features Georgina Pope and three examples of women serving in the military. (Royal Canadian Mint)

A new $5 silver coin has been minted in honour of one of the first Canadian women to earn a rank in the military, and the women who followed her.

Georgina Pope was born in 1862 and grew up on her family's estate in Charlottetown, with a governess and servants. She was expected to live life as a socialite but took a much different path.

Pope was one of the first Canadian women to receive a military rank for her service in the Boer War. She was also awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal, the first Canadian to receive that honour. In 1908, Pope was appointed Canada's First Matron in charge of training military nurses.

Royal Canadian Mint spokeswoman Christine Aquino said in addition to featuring Pope, the coin includes examples of some of the Canadian women who followed in her footsteps.

"There's also three other women that are featured -- military women that are featured -- on the coin," said Aquino.

"It also includes a nurse from the First World War, a member of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service from the Second World War, as well as a female member of Canada's military today. So it's really to focus on other careers that Georgina Pope helped to pioneer."

Georgina Pope died in Charlottetown in 1938 and was given a full military funeral.

Ten thousand of the $5 silver coins honouring Georgina Pope have been minted, selling at a price of $69.95.