Description
Signed into existence on December 17, 1939, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) put Canada at the forefront of one of history’s largest multinational aviation training programs. During the Second World War, over 130,000 air crew members from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and other allied countries trained as pilots, radio operators, gunners, crew members and flight engineers in facilities across Canada. It was one of Canada’s largest wartime contributions to the Allied cause, and has left an enduring legacy on the home front that is still seen today.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SRP: $89.95
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 7,500
Weight (g)*: 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: David A. Oram
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with custom beauty box
SPECIAL FEATURES
- The third in the Canadian Home Front four-coin series, which reflects on the war’s profound impact in Canada.
- This 99.99% pure silver coin proudly commemorates the important role played by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) in the Canadian war effort at home.
- Each coin in the series features an engraved map element to provide geographical context to the theme; this coin’s reverse design brings the focus to southern Ontario as a Tiger Moth aircraft flies over an overhead view of a BCATP training school in Malton, Ontario.
- Exceptionally detailed engraving and beautiful finishes come together in this highly-detailed design.
- The obverse features the effigy of King George VI, who was the reigning monarch during the Second World War.
- A unique souvenir for those with a passion for aviation, military history or aircrafts.
DESIGN:
The reverse design by Canadian artist David A. Oram presents an intricately detailed image that is brought to life through stunning finishes and meticulous engraving. Two airmen take to the skies in a de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth biplane, which was used as a basic trainer for would-be pilots training in Canada during the Second World War. This close view allows the viewer to glimpse the struts and flying wires that held the wooden wings in place in their stacked position. This “winterized” version also includes adaptations that were typical of the models produced in Downsview, Ontario, including a sliding cockpit canopy and a tailwheel instead of the usual skid. Here, the two-place, fixed-wing aircraft flies above the communities of southern Ontario, as outlined by the engraved map in the background. Below our two flyers is an overhead view of the No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) in Malton, Ontario, which illustrates the layout of this BCATP training facility and runways.
OTHER COINS
2015 $20 Fine Silver Coin – The Canadian Home Front: Transcontinental Railroad
2015 $20 Fine Silver Coin – The Canadian Home Front: Canada’s First Submarines During The First World War
