Yesterday, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a silver collector coin to honour and remember Canada’s soldiers who—fighting for the first time in a formation uniting all four divisions of the Canadian Corps 100 years ago—valiantly won the historic Battle of Vimy Ridge and paved the way to the Allied victory which ended the First World War.
This Fine silver coin was unveiled at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. A $2 circulation coin is also slated to be launched by the Mint this fall.
“As Canadians remember the sacrifices and achievements of our men and women in uniform at times of war, the Government of Canada is pleased that the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a silver collector coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge as an unforgettable turning point in Canadian and First World War history,” said Finance Minister Bill Morneau.
“This coin is a moving tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who bravely fought and prevailed at Vimy Ridge, when Canada and its Allies needed them.”
REVERSE DESIGNBY PANDORA YOUNG
Canadian artist Pandora Young designed the 99.99 per cent pure silver coin, the reverse of which evokes the scene of the relentless artillery fire supporting Canadian troops in the innovative “creeping barrage” advancing towards Vimy Ridge on the horizon. A close-up of a lone Canadian soldier, his face purposely omitted to symbolize all Canadians at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, stands in the foreground. Selective gold plating on the soldier’s uniform also echoes the special significance of this First World War battle.
The obverse of the coin features the gold-plated effigy of King George V, Canada’s reigning monarch throughout the conflict.
“The Mint has a long history of crafting many coins honouring the sacrifices of Canadians at times of war and we are proud to maintain this tradition with a fine silver coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge,” said Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington. “As a moment etched in Canadian history, as well as a permanent memorial to all Canadians who were lost or wounded in France during the First World War, Vimy Ridge has a special place in the hearts of Canadians which this coin will preserve for generations to come.”
The 2017 $20 Fine silver coin, “First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Vimy Ridge,” has a limited mintage of 10,000 coins and retails for $112.95.