2015 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle - 1 oz Fine Silver & Gold-plated Coin

2015 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle - 1 oz Fine Silver & Gold-plated Coin

Face Value: $20
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Finish: Proof

At 7:30 a.m. on March 10, 1915, the offensive began. In an effort to tie down enemy troops on the left flank of the British assault, Canadian guns located between Fleurbaix and Laventie began shelling the enemy's front lines.  By 9 a.m., British troops had captured Neuve-Chapelle, but the destruction of communication lines halted their progress as they waited for the order to advance.

Attacks and counter-attacks waged on through March 11th and 12th, with little new ground gained. A shortage of ammunition also hampered efforts, limiting the amount of retaliatory fire which the Canadian and British gunners could fire in support of the infantry. Finally on March 13th, the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle was postponed then halted.  The Allies had gained a 2-kilometre advance, but at the cost of 12,892 Allied men including 100 Canadians.

While Canada's role at Neuve-Chapelle was a supportive one, providing a feint to the British assault, it nonetheless proved to be a valuable learning experience for the men of the CEF. Coming under fire, these citizen soldiers were steadfast despite being newcomers to trench warfare. Canadians had proved their mettle in this initial outing, and would only add to that reputation six weeks later with their remarkable courage at Ypres.

A poignant commemoration of the contributions made by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) at the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in 1915 during the First World War. Order yours today!

Special features:
EFFIGY OF KING GEORGE V: Your coin features the effigy of King George V by Sir E. B. MacKennal in selective gold plating.
First coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's newest First World War series entitled Battlefront, which depicts Canada's soldiers in action on the battlefields of Europe.
The lower portion of your coin is framed by a banner; in its centre, selective gold plating showcases the winged figure of "Victory," as it appeared on the Victory Medal that was awarded to the allied soldiers of the First World War. Patterned after a 19th century French medal, this bronze-lacquered copper medal was awarded in 1919 to all ranks of the Allied forces who served in the First World War—including 351,289 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
A thoughtful addition to any military or history-themed collection.
Your coin is GST/HST exempt.

Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel is a finely detailed depiction of Canadian soldiers in action during the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle. In the centre, an 18-pounder field gun is manned by three Canadian gunners; billowing clouds fill the air to the right, from the ongoing bombardment, while ammunition on the ground to the left are a reminder of the constant nature of the initial artillery attack. Behind them, a sergeant stands and observes the accuracy of the shot's trajectory through binoculars. The lower portion of this poignant image is framed by a banner; in its centre, selective gold plating showcases the winged figure of "Victory," as it appeared on the Victory Medal that was awarded to the allied soldiers of the First World War. The effigy of King George V, who was the reigning monarch at the time, is found on the obverse.

Packaging:
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a custom beauty box.