The provided sources detail a specific commemorative silver coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2016: the $20 Fine Silver Coin – First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. While not a traditional gemstone, this coin represents a significant cultural artifact of Canada, crafted from .9999 fine silver and commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This article will explore the context of this coin, its production, its significance, and the role of the Royal Canadian Mint. Due to the limited scope of the provided materials, this article will focus exclusively on the coin itself and its historical context, rather than broader gemological properties.
Historical Context: The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel
The coin directly commemorates the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, a harrowing event during the First World War. The battle took place on July 1st, 1916, and involved the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. This date holds particular significance as it is also Canada Day, marking the anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The sources emphasize the poignant juxtaposition of celebrating national pride with remembering the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers, particularly those from Newfoundland, during the war.
The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel resulted in devastating losses for the Newfoundland Regiment, becoming a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and sorrow. Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, highlighted this duality, stating that July 1st is a time to remember those who fought and died for the ideals of Canada at Beaumont-Hamel. The coin serves as a “permanent reminder of this unforgettable chapter in the First World War and in the building of our nation.”
The Royal Canadian Mint and Commemorative Coinage
The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is a Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. However, the RCM also produces a wide range of specialized, high-quality coinage products, including commemorative coins like the Beaumont-Hamel issue. The Mint is ISO 9001-2008 certified and is recognized internationally as a leading mint, offering services on a global scale.
The production of commemorative coins allows the RCM to honor significant events, people, and aspects of Canadian history and culture. The Beaumont-Hamel coin exemplifies this function, serving as a tangible tribute to the soldiers who fought in the battle and a reminder of the nation’s wartime experience. The coin’s creation was supported by the Canadian government, as noted in the statement by Seamus O’Regan.
Coin Specifications and Production Details
The 2016 $20 Fine Silver Coin – First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel is composed of .9999 fine silver. It has a weight of 31.39 grams and a diameter of 38 millimeters. A limited mintage of only 10,000 coins was produced, increasing its collectibility. The coin retailed for $109.95 and was first available for purchase on June 7, 2016.
The coin was available through various channels, including direct contact with the Mint (via phone numbers provided for Canada and the US), online at www.mint.ca, and at the RCM’s boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. It was also distributed through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
Another version of the coin, weighing 23.17 g and with a diameter of 36.07 mm, was also produced in 2015 as part of a series featuring artwork by Cornelius Krieghoff, commemorating the 200th anniversary of his birth. This coin is referenced by RCM/MRC# 140502, 148043, KM# 1819, and N# 373991.
Distribution and Presentation of the Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint formally presented framed versions of the Beaumont-Hamel silver coin to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Newfoundland and Labrador Command of the Royal Canadian Legion at an event held at Canadian Forces Station St. John’s on August 16, 2016. This presentation acknowledged Newfoundland’s significant sacrifices during the First World War.
Furthermore, the coin is featured at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Visitors Centre in France, ensuring its visibility to those visiting the historical site and serving as an educational tool for understanding the battle’s significance. This placement underscores the coin’s role as a commemorative artifact and a tribute to the soldiers who fought there.
The Coin as a Cultural Artifact
While not a gemstone in the traditional sense, the Beaumont-Hamel silver coin possesses cultural and historical value akin to that of a treasured gem. Its composition of .9999 fine silver lends it intrinsic material worth, but its true value lies in its symbolic representation of courage, sacrifice, and national identity. The limited mintage further enhances its collectibility and historical importance.
The coin serves as a tangible link to the past, allowing individuals to connect with the events of the First World War and the experiences of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. It is a physical embodiment of remembrance and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who served. The coin’s presence at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Visitors Centre reinforces its role as a historical artifact and a symbol of national pride.
Conclusion
The 2016 Royal Canadian Mint $20 Fine Silver Coin – First World War Battlefront Series: The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel is a significant commemorative piece that honors the sacrifices made by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. Produced with .9999 fine silver and limited to a mintage of 10,000, the coin serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Its distribution and presentation to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Newfoundland and Labrador Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as its display at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Visitors Centre, underscore its importance as a cultural artifact and a symbol of remembrance. While not a gemstone, this coin represents a valuable piece of Canadian heritage, crafted with precision and imbued with historical significance.