Yesterday morning, the Royal Canadian Mint presented a framed version of one of the silver collector coins from its Second World War Battlefront Series, “The Battle of Dieppe,” to the Moncton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The coin, which has been available since March 7, marks the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, where brave Canadian troops suffered heavy losses in Canada’s first army combat mission of the Second World War.
“It is important to remember the sacrifices that our soldiers made during the Battle of Dieppe 75 years ago,” said Christina Alward, executive director of the New Brunswick Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. “Today, we honour their service and achievements as this commemorative coin is released and we must ensure that their memory lives on.”
Ginette Petitpas Taylor, MP for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe, joined Mint Board of Directors member Kirk MacRae in yesterday’s presentation.
The coin’s obverse (shown above) features the effigy of King George VI, the reigning monarch during the Second World War.
“Seventy-five years ago, soldiers from across Canada fought bravely and selflessly at Dieppe and paid a steep price in boldly attempting to breach enemy defenses in Canada’s first army offensive of the Second World War,” said Taylor. “The costly experience of Dieppe ultimately helped Canada and its Allies achieve success in later operations, including the D-Day offensive, and I am thankful that the Mint’s new coin will permanently remind us that their sacrifices were not made in vain.”
COIN DESIGN
The coin’s reverse was designed by Canadian artist Alan Daniel, who created a dramatic first-person perspective of the turmoil and danger Canadian troops experienced during the ill-fated amphibian raid on the enemy-occupied port of Dieppe, France. The image of a Canadian soldier urging his comrades to advance towards the heavily-fortified Casino evokes the courage and determination of the Canadians who answered the call of duty despite insurmountable odds.
The coin’s obverse features the effigy of King George VI, Canada’s reigning monarch throughout the Second World War.
“The Mint’s profound respect and admiration for the resolve and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans and active troops shines bright in the many coins we continue to produce in honour of their exceptional service,” said Sandra Hanington, Mint president and CEO. “We are proud to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid in our own unique way and hope that this silver coin will help preserve the memory of our soldiers who fought for Canada and its values on that fateful day.”
This 2017 $20 Fine silver coin from the Mint’s Second World War Battlefront Series, “The Battle of Dieppe,” has a mintage of 7,500 and retails for $92.95.