2018 - $20 - 1 oz. Pure Silver Gold-Plated Coin - First World War Allies: Canada

Canada. Newfoundland. Great Britain. France. Four allies, one last push.

Canada began the war as a junior partner to Britain but by war's end was a full-fledged ally with a first-rate fighting force. The first coin in this limited series highlights Canada's role on the Western Front in 1918, when a return to open warfare allowed the courageous Canadian cavalry to play their intended role in an increasingly mechanized conflict. Selective gold plating adds extra shine to the general service shoulder badge worn by Canada's soldiers in the First World War—a war that accelerated the shift from traditional to modern warfare. For centuries before it, and still in 1914, the mounted arm was regarded as an essential component of any fighting force; but trench warfare, and the ensuing stalemate, limited the cavalry to reconnaissance and patrol work. Once the deadlock was broken in 1918, a return to a war of movement finally allowed Canada's cavalry units to play a greater combat role in places such as Moreuil Wood, Amiens, Cambrai and others, where they fought in concert with the tanks and armoured cars that came to define war in the 20th century.

Specifications
No. 166673
Mintage 5,000
Composition 99.99% pure silver with gold plating
Finish proof
Weight (g) 31.39
Diameter (mm) 38
Edge serrated
Certificate serialized
Face value 20 dollars
Artist Sir E.B. MacKennal (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)