2016 Canadian $20 Second World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Hong Kong - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

2016 Canadian $20 Second World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Hong Kong - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

Canada's first land combat of the Second World War began on December 8, 1941, when, mere hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese launched an invasion on the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. Outnumbered and less well equipped than the enemy, the odds were not in the Canadians' favour as they defended the peninsula, then the island itself. Over 550 of the 1,975 Canadians sent to Hong Kong never made it home; but during the 17 days of fierce fighting, they fought valiantly, even engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, as they defended Hong Kong to the very end. This fine silver coin pays tribute to the bravery and resolve of these Canadian soldiers throughout the Battle of Hong Kong.

A poignant addition to your military-themed coin display. 

Features

COMMEMORATES CANADA'S ROLE IN KEY BATTLES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR. Your coin is a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong, and the legacy of the Canadian soldiers who fought in one of the first land battles in the Pacific during the Second World War.
FINE DETAILS. Your coin is struck with fine details which showcase the Royal Canadian Mint's world-class artistry and skillful engraving.
EFFIGY OF KING GEORGE VI: Your coin features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.
1-OUNCE 99.99% PURE SILVER COIN. Your coin is GST/HST exempt.

Design

Designed by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel, your coin captures the intensity of the fight and the sheer bravery of Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Hong Kong (December 8-25, 1941). Amidst the jungle conditions and rugged terrain of Hong Kong Island, two Canadian soldiers are among the Allied forces that formed a line of defence to counter the enemy's advance toward the Wong Nai Chung Gap. The soldier in the foreground is dressed in the shorts and short sleeves of the Pacific uniform; rushing forward with resolve and courage, he makes his way past a concrete pillbox that bears the markings of heavy artillery fire. Behind him, a soldier moves up the sloped edge of a cliff overlooking the bay, and aims his Lee Enfield rifle with bayonet. The all-out enemy assault was backed by a strong air presence, as represented by the Mitsubishi Zero falling from the clouds towards the ground, with heavy smoke rising up from its propeller. The overwhelming nature of the Japanese attack is also conveyed through the ships that fill the bay between the island and the mountainous mainland in the background.

Packaging

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

Specifications

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