On June 6, 1944, 14,000 Canadians stepped forward and fought to secure a beachhead on an 8-km stretch of Normandy coast. Many fell before reaching the shore; still, the brave Canadians pushed on, advancing farther than any of the Allies and clearing the way for the invading forces that followed. This powerful coin design honours the Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach and helped secure an Allied foothold in Western Europe. Although their boot prints in the sand have long washed away, their imprint on history will endure forever.
The Design:
A soldier’s first step onto Juno Beach is preserved for all time in this poignant design by Glen Loates. The reverse features a military boot print in the sand, its deep indentation and crisp lines conveying the weight of the soldier’s resolve as he moves towards his objective. Below the boot print, a wave laps at the shore, its contours echoing the Normandy coastline. The word “JUNO” fills the space between the boot print and the water, and sits atop the anniversary years “1944 – 2019” that are linked by a maple leaf insignia from the Second World War. The word “CANADA” is engraved along the upper edge of the coin.
A treasured highlight of any military or history-themed collection, this superbly crafted piece will inspire pride in any veteran who receives it as a heartfelt gift or personal tribute.
