Description
This special edition proof $1 coin features powerful and artistic imagery based on the Korean war medal designed by Edward Carter Preston. Mintage of this coin is limited to 10,000 worldwide. As pure silver Royal Canadian Mint coin, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The image presents Hercules, warrior of Roman mythology, slaying the indomitable hydra-headed monster. This picture is an allegory for the struggles of war, and a tribute to those who freely go to battle. The original engraving of "KOREA" on the medal has been expanded to include "CORÉE," reflecting Canada's official status as a bilingual nation. The back features the same effigy that appeared on the original medal: Mary Gillick's 1953 portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was in use on Canadian coins in this time period.
Did You Know?
When the war broke out in Korea in 1950, most nations were still struggling to recover from the end of the Second World War. However, Canada was able to mobilize almost 30,000 land, sea and air forces to defend sovereignty of the Republic of Korea. Although Canada represented a small portion of the total international force, its contribution was a larger proportion of its population than that of most other nations. On July 27, 1953, as a result of the allies' involvement in the war, officials signed an armistice agreement that brought the three-year combat in Korea to an end.
