2017 $20 Fine Silver Coin: The Battle of Vimy Ridge

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 its 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 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 centres 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, and 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.

About Vimy Ridge
Vimy Ridge, France was the location of one of the most significant battles of World War I. It was taken and held by Canadian troops from April 9 to 12, 1917. The bravery and sacrifice of the men will always be remembered. The victory came at a terrible cost with 10,000 Canadians dead or wounded on April 9: the worst losses in a day for Canada in the war. 

The battle of Vimy Ridge marks a significant turning point in Canadian history, where the four Canadian divisions cooperated as a unified fighting force for the first time. The impressive victory over German forces is often cited as the beginning of Canada's evolution from dominion to independent nation. 

By 1917, Canadians had been fighting for two years. The raw soldiers that held the Germans off at Ypres in April 1915 now were experienced soldiers, but the key to the success at Vimy came when Field Marshal Julian Byng sent General Arthur Currie of the First Canadian Division to study the methods of the French. The Canadians would carefully plan and rehearse their attack.

When more than 15,000 Canadian Infantrymen went over the top at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, they attacked in snow and sleet, the wind driving into the enemy lines. Their attack began with an artillery barrage, in order to keep the German forces in their dugouts, and away from their machine guns. Incredible bravery and discipline allowed the infantry to continue moving forward under heavy fire. There were countless acts of sacrifice, as Canadians single-handedly charged machine-gun nests or forced the surrender of Germans in protective dugouts. Hill 145, the highest and most important feature of the Ridge, and where the Vimy monument now stands, was captured in a frontal bayonet charge against machine-gun positions. Three more days of costly battle delivered final victory. Stunned by the Canadians' success, the Germans retreated. 

• Mintage: 10,000
• Weight: 1 oz fine silver
• GST/HST exempt

Includes:
• 2017 $20 Fine Silver Coin: The Battle of Vimy Ridge

Warranty Information:
This product comes with a 30-day warranty through TSC.