2016 - $20 - Fine Silver – Aircraft of First World War - Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a

Planes were still a rare sight in the sky when the world was plunged into war in 1914. The “flying machines” seemed to have little use, but the ever-evolving tactics of war quickly propelled them from rickety canvas-over-wood reconnaissance planes to full-fledged aerial combat weapons that engaged in spectacular dogfights.

This exciting new coin series features three of the most successful Allied fighter planes of the First World War, beginning with the British-built Royal Aircraft Factory S.E. 5a. Introduced in 1917, this biplane was on the front lines of innovation. It could fly up to 222 km/h and remain airborne for more than two hours, two factors that enabled the Allies to regain and maintain air superiority until the war's end in 1918.

Although Canada did not have its own air force, thousands of Canadians enlisted as aircrew personnel in the United Kingdom's Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) or the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), with some of them undoubtedly taking to the air in Royal Aircraft Factory S.E. 5a planes.


Specifications
No. 150242
Mintage 7500
Composition 99.99% pure silver
Finish proof
Weight (g) 31.83
Diameter (mm) 40
Edge serrated
Certificate serialized
Face value 20 dollars
Artist David A. Oram (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)