This 2015 $20 fine silver coin marks the 100th anniversary of the first submarines of WWI.  On the eve of the First World War, the Royal Canadian Navy was still in its infancy with fewer than 350 sailors to its name, and a fleet that centered around two ageing cruisers. The looming threat of war heightened fears about a possible enemy naval threat, particularly in British Columbia; but a unique opportunity in the summer of 1914 would allow Canada to acquire its first submarines—one of which is depicted in this stunning coin. Mintage is just 7,500 coins.  HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The reverse design by Yves Bérubé highlights the importance of the addition of two submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet in August of 1914. The CC Class submarine is prominently featured in the centre of the image, its hull pointed forward towards the viewer as though emerging from the image. The vessel’s keel and diving planes can be seen below the surface of the water; above, a sailor stands on the deck in front of the conning tower as he surveys the horizon. In the background to the right of the submarine, a beautifully detailed map of British Columbia’s coastline looms large; this added element provides geographical context to the story of Canada’s first submarines, which were used to patrol the coastline depicted here.