Last updated on November 21st, 2019 at 11:06 am
Last Updated on November 21, 2019 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
On June 6, 1944, the world was forever changed, for the better when Allied forces stormed the beaches in Normandy France, bringing to an end four years of German occupation. This event, known globally as D-day would signal the end of World War Two and usher in an era of peace and recovery. It is no wonder that Canadian forces were part of the invasion as the country has a long-standing reputation for supporting and promoting peace. Today, the Royal Canadian Mint honours the allied forces who stood for peace on that day and celebrates the contribution of those brave Canadian soldiers.
The Storming of Normandy Beach
The assault was designed to free the people of France from German occupation, and was carried out by roughly 150,000 Allied troops. 14,000 of these soldiers were Canadians from different branches of the Canadian forces. While troops moved in on the land, Canadian parachutes descended down on the east side of the beach to join the efforts. The Canadian participants in the effort also included 110 ships and 10,000 men from the Royal Canadian Navy. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) contributed by dropping bombs inland to pave the way for the invasion and also providing air support during the battle.
In the end, the Allied forces triumphed over the Germans despite their heavy artillery and huge numbers, along with the mines and booby traps that stood in the way. Without their sacrifice, the world we enjoy today would likely have been a different and less pleasant one.
When the fighting ended the Canadian forces had suffered 1074 casualties and of that number 359 were fatal. These brave soldiers gave all that they had and more in order to ensure that oppression and tyranny gave way to freedom and democracy. Without a doubt, they deserve the highest accolades their country can give. And they most certainly deserve to be remembered through memorabilia such as this spectacular coin.
Why This Coin is so Special
The 2019 $250 fine silver ultrahigh relief coin presents a snapshot of the action on D-day as Canadian forces stormed Bernières-Sur-Mer beach. With this coin in the palm of your hand, you get the privilege of viewing the scene on D-day from an aerial vantage point. Engraved in the coin’s face are imaged of the brave acts carried out on that day by the Allied forces. Those images include the land activities as well as those that took place on the water. The viewer, looking down from the aerial vantage point is privy to a view of half land and half sea images.
On the water, four ships can be seen approaching the beach or being tethered by rope to the land. The word Juno is written just above the coastal area and beyond that, the scenery inland is depicted. Tiny images of troops can be seen from the coastal waters to the inland portions of the scene. This scenery includes buildings and streets and in the middle of the main street the inscription 1944-2019 helps to indicate the journey through time from D-day to the present.
The image is historically accurate, paying true homage to the event and the heroes of the day. Careful research was done using maps from the period as well as photographs to ensure accuracy. To heighten the historic appeal of the coin, an antique patina finish has been added. The coin is 99.99% pure silver and has serrated edges and at a low mintage of only 400 coins.This one of a kind special tribute to Canadian history is waiting for you at Colonial Acres. Royal Canadian Mint has done a fine job of honouring a world-defining event.