Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
In celebration of Victory in Europe Day, a stunning pure silver, gold-plated coin has been released to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands and Operation Manna. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Royal Canadian Air Force and those who supported them, Operation Manna saved countless lives and knit Canada and Holland together in unity during the close of World War II. This tribute also brings to mind all of the Canadian men and women who responded to the call to serve and sacrifice for the good of the world. What better piece to add to your collection of silver commemorative coins than this reminder of sacrifice and love during times of hardship?
Features of the Coin
This 10-ounce commemorative coin has a 76.25-mm diameter, making it the largest coin that has been made in remembrance of the liberation of the Netherlands. The coin comes in a beautiful clamshell box marked with a holographic Victory in Europe Day decal. As with other Royal Canadian Mint collector coins, a serialized certificate is included with each order.
2-Tone With Gold Plating
Over the elegant silver base, gold plating highlights the images of planes, the food that they are dropping to the gathered Dutch civilians, and a windmill. These symbols of the two nations draw attention to the bonds of friendship that were forged.
Privy Mark
The mint for the 1945 Victory nickel included a memorable privy mark. That mark has been prominently placed on the front of the liberation of the Netherlands coin to further connect it with coins produced during World War II.
History Behind the Coin
As April of 1945 was drawing to a close, it became apparent that many of the 3.5 million civilians in German-occupied Holland would die of starvation unless drastic measures were taken. The Canadian army had already liberated the majority of Holland, but they were forced to wait for backup to engage the well-armed remnants of the German army. Instead of giving up on the Dutch people, the Allied forces planned a mission they named Operation Manna in honor of the Biblical story of Israelites who received food from the heavens.
Allied commanders opened discussions with the German forces to call a temporary truce to allow relief planes to carry food into Holland, but on April 29, 1945, no finalized agreement was yet in place. Knowing that every day mattered to the starving civilians, crews for 300 planes from the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force were asked to risk their lives attempting to deliver food even though they might be shot down. Increasing the danger was the fact that they were required to fly as low to the ground as possible to limit damage to the food they were dropping.
The brave men agreed to their mission, and they flew directly over manned anti-aircraft guns at an altitude so low that they would be easy to hit. Thankfully, the German forces held their fire and the planes dropped food to grateful Dutch people who were shouting and waving flags, handkerchiefs, or any other material they could find. Operation Manna continued until May 8, 1945, when the German forces surrendered and the Allied forces were at last able to finish liberating the Netherlands.
Important Silver Commemorative Coins for Your Collection
Whether you have a vast coin collection or are just starting out, a piece commemorating the liberation of the Netherlands is an important addition due to the poignant history that it represents. How better to teach your posterity about the importance of history and coins than to invest in something as timeless as this? As always, here at Colonial Acres Coins we take your questions and needs seriously. Please contact us for assistance in finding and displaying the pieces you need for your collection.
