2006 PROOF SET - 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORIA CROSS
From the cascabels of Russian cannons that were captured during the Crimean War (1854-1855), a great military honour is forged. It is the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration that is awarded '...for most conspicuous bravery, or some
daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty...'.
Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, a total 1,351 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to British and Commonwealth military forces - ninety-four of which
have been awarded to Canadians.
The Victoria Cross is one of the most recognized military medals in the world. It features a cross pattee with the Royal Crown surmounted by a lion guardant and a scroll inscribed with For Valour. The date of the act is engraved within a raised circle on the reverse. The cross is suspended from a straight bar which has the rank, unit and name of the recipient engraved on the back. In 1993, a special Canadian version was instituted. It is identical to the original with the exception that the inscription on the scroll is in Latin (Pro Valore).
Specifications
Proof dollar -
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper, gold-plated on reverse and edge
Finish: proof and selective gold plating
Weight (g): 25.18
Diameter (mm): 36.07
Edge: serrated