Video added on Nov. 2016

During the six long years of the Second World War, the naval warfare endured by the Allied forces in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean was strongly supported by the Canadian Merchant Navy who provided them with the much-needed personnel, food, fuel and weapons.

In the absence of Canada’s help, a crucial Nazi victory at sea could have starved Great Britain into capitulation. To commemorate the Canadian merchant navy’s valuable help, the Royal Canadian Mint has released the 2015 Canada’s Merchant Navy in the Battle of the Atlantic 2 oz. Fine Silver Coin.

Each two-ounce coin is minted from 99.99% pure silver, with the mintage limited to only 5,000. Canadian artist Yves Bérubé has designed the coin, which features the dangerous conditions of the Atlantic during World War II on the reverse. The SS Duchess of York can be seen attacked by two enemy aircraft, which would ultimately lead to its sinking and 34 casualties.

The HMCS Iroquois is seen arriving from behind to help the SS Duchess of York and save the remaining 628 survivors. The obverse is inscribed with 30 DOLLARS – the price of silver coin and 2015 CANADA with the historical effigy of King George V featured in the centre. T. H. Paget originally designed the portrait of the King. Each coin weighs a total of 62.67 grams and has a diameter of 54 millimetres.