Constructed by France in 1713, the Fortress of Louisbourg was one of North America's largest buildings and its third-busiest port behind only Boston and Philadelphia. This rapid expansion unnerved the British.

Captured in 1745 by New Englanders and British naval forces, Louisbourg was then returned to France by treaty in 1749. The peace was short-lived: the British seized the town again nine years later. Prior to withdrawing in 1768 the British destroyed the fortress, favoring their newer base in Halifax. Today the Fortress of Louisbourg lives on as a National Historic Site standing as a testament to this fierce 18th-century imperial rivalry

The Design

The reverse design of this $10 pure silver coin depicts the historic Dauphine Gate alongside a re-enactment drummer. Framing the outer edge is a sundial motif inspired by an artifact uncovered during archaeological excavations at the site.