Description
Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada. For the first time in history, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps had come together and fought side-by-side as one, giving way to a surging sense of national identity on the battlefield and at home. The impressive victory over German forces is often cited as the beginning of Canada’s evolution from dominion to independent nation. This extremely large ten ounce fine silver coin commemorates the centennial of this pivotal chapter in Canada’s history through an exceptional reproduction of a battle painting by Canada’s first official war artist. In addition to its historical importance, this coin is a high quality collectible, with an extremely low mintage of just 750 coins. As a pure silver coin issued by the RCM, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The design features a highly detailed and engraved recreation of the large-sized oil painting “The Taking of Vimy Ridge, Easter Monday, 1917”. The coin’s large diameter (76 mm) is the perfect canvas for such a detailed reproduction of this unforgettable work by Canada’s first official war artist, Richard Jack. By focusing on a Canadian battery, the design captures the intensity of the heavy shelling directed towards enemy positions on Vimy Ridge, which forms the raised horizon in the background. The crew of the 18-pounder field gun work tirelessly and in unison as they pass shells to keep up the barrage—a fitting depiction of Canada’s troops coming together to fight as one.
Engraved overhead is the word “CANADA” above the commemoratives dates “1917-2017”, while the face value “100 DOLLARS” is engraved beneath the soldiers’ feet. The obverse features the effigy of King George V by Sir Edward B. MacKennal, as used on Canadian coins in the First World War period.
