Bust of King George V, wearing a crown, facing left.
Obverse script
Latin
Obverse lettering
GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:
IMP
B.M.
20 DOLLARS (Translation: George V, King and Emperor of India by the Grace of God)
Reverse description
Using the battlefield as a backdrop, the reverse centres on a close view of a lone Canadian soldier, his face purposely omitted so as to represent any of the combatants during the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917). Selective gold plating adds a golden hue to the belted khaki jacket with detachable shoulder straps and a standup collar, which features the maple leaf insignia of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. This “Unknown Soldier” holds a steel trench helmet in his left hand; behind his left shoulder is one of the many 18-pound guns that provided the artillery fire used in the Canadians’ creeping barrage. Below the soldier is the winged figure of “Victory,” with selective gold plating used to recreate the bronze-hued Victory Medal that was awarded to Allied soldiers in 1919.
Reverse script
Latin
Reverse lettering
CANADA
1917 2017
PY
THE BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE LA BATAILLE DE LA CRETE DE VIMY