This half-ounce, fine silver coin was crafted in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day; code-named “Operation Neptune”, D-Day was the largest maritime invasion in recent military history, occurring on June 6th, 1944. The operation penetrated the defenses of German-occupied Western Europe and was largely responsible for the Allied victory in the war. This coin depicts the Canadian landing at Juno Beach, which is considered one of the most strategically powerful of the D-Day landings; many historians agree that the quality of training received by the Canadian Third Infantry Division played a huge role in the success of the mission. The image on this coin by noted Canadian artist Maskull Lasserre offers an uncommon first-person perspective of the events unfolding before Canadian soldiers as they disembark from a Landing Craft Assault Vehicle and make their way towards the beach. The soldiers in the foreground draw us into the moment: the soldier on the left looks back at us, as though we were following them into peril ourselves, while the angle of the image mimics the rockiness of the waves on the tumultuous sea. This intensely dramatic coin is crafted in 99.99% pure silver, and is completed by a proof finish. As Canadians, our modern identity has been largely influenced by our war-time achievements; this coin reminds us, however, that it is at the heavy cost of the lives sacrificed. This piece would make a powerful addition to any collection of Canadian military history coins.
Diameter: 34mm
Weight: 15.87g
Finish: Proof
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Bullion Weight: 0.51 Troy Ounces
Obverse: King George VI
Reverse: Canadian soldiers make their way to Juno Beach
Finish: Proof
Quantity Produced: 8,000
Theme: War
Artist: Maskull Lasserre
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