2016 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Somme Offensive - 1 oz Fine Silver & Gold-plated Coin

2016 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Somme Offensive - 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

It was meant to be the Allies' "Big Push" of 1916, one that would break the stalemate along the Western Front; instead, four months of battles transformed the chalky soil of France's Somme river valley into the site of one of history's costliest battles. During the fierce fighting that defined the Somme Offensive, Canada's soldiers distinguished themselves with extraordinary valour, tenacity and sacrifice as they were sent "over the top." Rushing forward from the trenches into the openness of no man's land, these brave combatants had to overcome deep barbed wire defences and a barrage of artillery fire in their attempts to reach an enemy that was deeply entrenched throughout the countryside. Gains made in places such as Courcelette furthered the reputation of our soldiers as a formidable fighting force—but it all came at a tragic cost, with more than 24,000 Canadian casualties suffered during this chapter of the First World War.

A poignant addition to your military-themed coin display. Order yours today!

Special features:
COMMEMORATES CANADA'S ROLE IN KEY BATTLES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR! The third coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's First World War: Battlefront series, which commemorates Canada's role in key battles of the First World War and depicts its soldiers in action on the battlefields of Europe.
FEATURES THE WINGED FIGURE FROM THE VICTORY MEDAL IN GOLD PLATING! A fine silver with selective gold plating that recreates the winged figure of "Victory" from the Victory Medal, which was awarded in 1919 to all ranks of the Allied forces who served in the First World War.
EFFIGY OF KING GEORGE V! Your coin highlights the reigning monarch during the First World War with the effigy of King George V by sir E. B. MacKennal.
A poignant and heartfelt tribute to the soldiers of the Canadian Corps for their bravery and sacrifice during this important battle of the First World War.
BEAUTIFUL FINISHING TECHNIQUES! Attention to historical accuracy, detailed engraving and beautiful finishing techniques combine to create a stunning coin that showcases the renowned artistry and skilful craftsmanship of the Royal Canadian Mint.
UNIQUE ARTISTIC DESIGN! A unique artistic design that pulls you into the scene to recreate a first-person perspective as the soldiers push forward toward enemy lines.
99.99% PURE SILVER COIN! Your coin is GST/HST exempt!

Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Glen Loates, your coin recreates a soldier's viewpoint in battle during the Somme Offensive of 1916. With bayonets fixed on their rifles, a Canadian battalion braves a constant barrage of artillery fire after going "over the top" of the trenches, as the soldiers valiantly charge across the chalky terrain towards enemy lines. To the left, a sergeant turns to face the viewer as he shouts encouragement and urges his men forward – including the viewer, who is pulled into the scene to gain a sense of the overwhelming uncertainty and danger that hung over these courageous soldiers who valiantly pressed on. Above, a ghostly image of a young Canadian soldier looks down upon the scene and serves as a moving reminder of the heavy casualties suffered in the Somme Offensive. In the 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. Adding to the historical accuracy of the coin, the obverse highlights the reigning monarch during the First World War with the effigy of King George V by sir E. B. MacKennal.

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