OTTAWA, June 3, 2014 /CNW/ - To mark the upcoming 70(th) anniversary of D-Day, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced a heartfelt tribute to Canada's veterans of the Second World War and their enduring legacy of service and sacrifice in Normandy and beyond.
The silver collector coin was unveiled today by Erin O'Toole, Member of Parliament (Durham) and Carman Joynt from the Royal Canadian Mint's Board of Directors at a special send-off for Canadian Second World War veterans who will attend D-Day memorial events in Normandy, France later this week.
"On June 6, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will pause to remember the 70th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, which was an important offensive which allowed Allied forces to establish a foothold in Western Europe and open up another battlefront, thus paving the way to Allied victory," said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "Lest we forget the 340 Canadian heroes who gave their lives on this day, ensuring that future generations would enjoy peace and freedom."
"The Mint has a long history of commemorating Canada's veterans and their sacrifices," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "On the eve of the 70(th) anniversary of D-Day, Mint employees have proudly produced a special silver coin to honour their bravery in the face of peril, in a pivotal battle that changed the course of the Second World War."
Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, the coin's reverse image was designed by Canadian artist Maskull Lasserre and features a unique first-person perspective, depicting Canadian infantry soldiers in full battle gear as they disembark from a Landing Craft Assault vehicle and make their way to what's become known as Juno Beach.
The angled horizon in the background recreates the rough sea conditions, as the transport vehicle and its occupants are tossed about by tall waves just off the shores of Normandy. The obverse of the coin features the effigy of the reigning monarch during the Second World War, King George VI.
The 2014 $10 fine silver coin 70(th) anniversary of D-Day has a limited mintage of 8,000 and retails for $49.95. It can be ordered today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca.
The 2014 $10 fine silver coin 70(th) anniversary of D-Day has a limited mintage of 8,000 and retails for $49.95. It can be ordered today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca.
The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
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