This 2017 $20 one ounce pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint honours the Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge, where their valour and sacrifice contributed to a defining moment for our young nation and it’s military. Mintage is limited to 10,000 coins. As a pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Pandora Young transports the viewer back to April 1917, to the countryside in northern France, where Canada’s soldiers have launched their offensive on the heavily fortified escarpment known as Vimy Ridge. Using the battlefield as a backdrop, the reverse centers 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 that was awarded to Allied soldiers in 1919.
