Description
During the Second World War, Canada played an important role in protecting convoys from the U-boat threat that lurked in the Atlantic; but in 1942, the U-boat intrusion into Canadian waters suddenly transformed them into an additional theatre of war. This fine silver coin commemorates Canada’s coastal and convoy defences during the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which brought the war to the home front and within sight of our shores.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Composition 99.99% pure silver
Mintage 7,500
Weight (g)* 31.39
Diameter (mm) 38
Face Value $20
Finish Proof
Edge Serrated
Artist Bonnie Ross
Packaging Maroon clamshell with custom beauty box
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Fourth and final coin in The Canadian Home Front series, which reflects on the war’s profound impact in Canada.
- This 99.99% pure silver coin pays tribute to the Canadian patrols that were assigned to counter the U-boat threat in Canadian waters during the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (1942-1944).
- Each coin in the series features an engraved map element to provide geographical context to the theme; the coin’s reverse design brings the focus to Eastern Canada, specifically the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its river, where U-boats mounted an assault on shipping traffic.
- 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.
DESIGN:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Bonnie Ross features stunning finishes and painstakingly detailed engraving in its tribute to Canadians who risked their lives to safeguard our waters during the Second World War. In the background, an engraved map outlines the shores and major waterways of Eastern Canada—specifically the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence— where U-boats sunk or destroyed vessels during the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the foreground is the Bangor-class minesweeper HMCS Drummondville of the Royal Canadian Navy, moments before U-132’s attack on the morning of July 6, 1942. A view of the vessel’s starboard side offers a glimpse of Drummondville’s pennant number 'J253'.
During the Second World War, Canada played an important role in protecting convoys from the U-boat threat that lurked in the Atlantic; but in 1942, the U-boat intrusion into Canadian waters suddenly transformed them into an additional theatre of war. This fine silver coin commemorates Canada’s coastal and convoy defences during the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which brought the war to the home front and within sight of our shores.
