
2016 $20 Fine Silver Coin — Second World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Hong Kong (ROYAL CANADIAN MINT)
WINNIPEG — A special edition silver coin is marking the 75th anniversary of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles of Canada who fought to defend Hong Kong from enemy invasion in December 1941.
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled the 99.99% pure silver Battle of Hong Kong coin on Thursday at the Manitoba legislature.
“The Mint is proud to continue honouring Canada’s veterans through coins which allow Canadians, as well as collectors around the world, to remember their incredible stories of sacrifice in defense of justice and humanity,” said Sandra Hanington, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
The coin was designed by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel. It features two Canadian soldiers in Pacific uniform fighting on the rugged terrain of Hong Kong Island as Japanese ships massed in the waters below evoke the scale of the enemy invasion facing Commonwealth troops. The obverse of the coin features the effigy of King George VI, the monarch who reigned throughout the Second World War.
“With a new silver coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong, the Mint recognizes the dedication of Canadian soldiers who fought hard to defend our values despite overwhelming odds.”
The Battle of Hong Kong $20 coin has a limited mintage of 10,000 and retails for $89.95 at Mint.ca.