Description
This 2017 $20 one ounce fine silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint reflects on the courage and sacrifice of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots who braved enemy fire and often-difficult flight conditions to complete their missions. Mintage is limited to 7,500 coins. As a pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.
During the Second World War, Bomber Command operations over Occupied Europe, Germany and Italy represented Canada’s biggest air commitment abroad, where tens of thousands of Canadians served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF).
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Glen Loates takes to the skies for a glimpse of the action during the Allied bombing offensive. Highly detailed engraving re-creates a representation of Avro Lancaster B. III bombers flying through a storm of flak (anti-aircraft fire) during a bombing mission over Germany. In the foreground, the Lancaster’s bomb bay doors are about to close after the aircraft has dropped its load. The aircraft’s positioning allows for a close examination of the twin oval tail fins, its “glasshouse” canopy and transparent nose, along with two of its four Rolls Royce Merlin engines. At a lower height, two other Lancasters have just dropped their bomb loads in the background. At right, is a German Messerschmitt BF-109, a stalwart of the Luftwaffe’s fighting force; this aircraft’s attack is cut short as it emits a trail of smoke after being hit by one of the Lancaster gunners.
Engraved in outstanding detail and with great care; which extends to the use of the effigy of King George VI on the obverse—the same one that appeared on Canada’s coins during the war.
