2017 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Vimy Ridge - 1 oz Fine Silver & Gold-plated Coin

2017 Canadian $20 First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Vimy Ridge - 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

Launched in the spring of 1917, the Battle of Arras in northern France was an attempt to break the bloody stalemate on the Western Front, where the Battle of the Somme had yielded few gains. One of the most important components to this Allied offensive was the capture of Vimy Ridge, a heavily fortified escarpment that provided sweeping views of the flat landscape below. The previous attempts to storm this enemy stronghold had failed—until those fateful four days in April 1917, when all four divisions of the Canadian Corps came together for the first time in history to fight as one in a methodically planned operation that became a defining moment for our nation.

Canada's soldiers emerged from the hard-fought battle as an offensive force to be reckoned with, and a surging sense of national identity—on the battlefield and at home. Nearly 3,600 Canadians were killed during the intense four-day operation, and 7,000 more wounded. Four Canadians earned the Victoria Cross for their actions at Vimy Ridge; as for Byng, the future Governor General of Canada was promoted to the Third British Army shortly after. In his place, 41-year-old Arthur Currie took up command of the Canadian Corps—the first Canadian to ever lead his nation's army in battle.

A poignant addition to your coin display. Order today.

Special features:
UNIQUE WITHIN THE SERIES: Selective gold plating was also used on the soldier to place added emphasis on the legacy of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Canadian history. Your entire coin design is a heartfelt ode to Canada's combatants, whose valour and sacrifice at Vimy Ridge contributed to a pivotal moment in our nation's history.
COMMEMORATES THE KEY BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE: The courage and sacrifice of the "Byng Boys" secured a morale-boosting victory that remains a seminal moment in Canadian history.
FIFTH COIN IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR: BATTLEFRONT SERIES: This collection commemorates key battles of the First World War that helped shape and define Canada as we know it today. Subscription still available! Order today to ensure you receive all the coins in the series!
OUTSTANDING ATTENTION TO HISTORICAL ACCURACY: Your coin features the effigy of King George V by T. H. Paget in selective gold plating.
RECREATES THE WINGED FIGURE OF "VICTORY" FROM THE VICTORY MEDAL: 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.
INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE: The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins. Most of these are serialized certifications, meaning that each certificate is given a unique number, starting at 1.
ONE-OUNCE 99.99% PURE SILVER WITH SELECTIVE GOLD PLATING! Your coin is GST/HST exempt.

Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Pandora Young, your coin transports you back to April 1917 to the countryside in northern France where Canada's soldiers launched their offensive on the heavily fortified escarpment known as Vimy Ridge. Using the battlefield as a backdrop, the design centres on a close view of a lone Canadian soldier, his face purposely omitted so as to represent any of the combatants during the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917). Selective gold plating adds a golden hue to the belted khaki jacket with detachable shoulder straps and a standup collar, which features the maple leaf insignia of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. This unknown soldier holds a steel trench helmet in his left hand; behind his left shoulder is one of the many 18-pound guns that provided the artillery fire used in the Canadians' creeping barrage. Below the soldier is the winged figure of "Victory," with selective gold plating used to recreate the bronze-hued Victory Medal awarded to Allied soldiers in 1919.

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