Canadian Mint releases coin to commemorate critical battle during Second World War

To commemorate Canadian soldiers that fought bravely in the Battle of Scheldt during the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Mint released a new fine silver coin this week.

The coin is part of the Second World War Battlefront Series.

“While victory at the Battle of the Scheldt ultimately helped pave the way for the Allied liberation of Western Europe, it came at a tremendous cost. More than 6,000 Canadians were killed or wounded during five weeks of intense conflict with well-fortified German forces along the Scheldt River. As time passes, it is critical that we not forget the contributions made by Canadians during the Second World War, and I am grateful that the Royal Canadian Mint is paying tribute to their eternal legacy of courage and sacrifice,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of veterans affairs and associate minister of national defence.

The Battle of the Scheldt is a significant milestone in the shared history of the Netherlands and Canada. Led by Canadians, this fierce battle marked the beginning of the liberation of the Netherlands. We are proud that the Royal Canadian Mint, with this coin, pays tribute to Canadian soldiers who bravely fought to make 75 Years of Freedom possible. Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada Henk van der Zwan

The Battle of Scheldt, which took place between September and October 1944, was a critical battle of the Second World War that helped the Allies win control of the Dutch and Belgian shores of the strategic Scheldt river and the vital supply line.

This, in turn, led to the liberation of the Netherlands and the overall victory of the Allied forces in Western Europe.

The newly revealed coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of this battle. The coin was unveiled by Mint President and CEO Marie Lemay and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada Henk van der Zwan, in a ceremony at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre in Ottawa.

The ceremony was attended by Second World War veterans and Allied nations representatives.

“The Mint is proud to honour Canada’s veterans through coins that preserve incredible stories of courage and sacrifice in defence of Canadian values. Our newest collector coin shares the valour and determination that contributed to the hard-won success of Canada’s soldiers at the Battle of the Scheldt,” said Lemay.

The coin was designed by Canadian artist Mary McPherson. The coin depicts the insignia of the First Canadian Army above an infantryman who wields a Bren gun while advancing past a tower mill. A Wasp MKII C flamethrower Universal Carrier backs the infantry advance from atop an embankment near the Scheldt River. The back of the coin features the effigy of King George VI by T.H. Paget.

“The Battle of the Scheldt is a significant milestone in the shared history of the Netherlands and Canada. Led by Canadians, this fierce battle marked the beginning of the liberation of the Netherlands. We are proud that the Royal Canadian Mint, with this coin, pays tribute to Canadian soldiers who bravely fought to make 75 Years of Freedom possible. The commemorations of the Battle of the Scheldt will be celebrated in the Netherlands on August 31. This will be the kick-off to a year full of celebrations to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands,” said van der Zwan.

The 2019 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Second World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of the Scheldt has a limited mintage of 8,500 and retails for $94.95. It can be ordered as of August 6, 2019, by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca.