2005 1oz 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

The Second World War was over. In the six years of conflict Canada had enlisted more than one million men and women in her armed forces. Of these, more than 45,000 gave their lives in the cause of peace and freedom. While Canada's contribution to the victory was naturally smaller than that of her major allies, Great Britain and the United States, the quality of her achievement had been high. In the words of the official historian of the Canadian Army, Canada's record "might command respect even by the standards of the great powers".

It was not only the Canadian Army that emerged with a proud record. The Royal Canadian Air Force took a substantial share in the air offensive against the Nazi forces, and through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan helped to train large numbers of airmen from other nations of the Commonwealth. The Royal Canadian Navy played a vital role in protecting Allied convoys from Nazi submarines that lurked beneath the Atlantic and was ultimately entrusted with the bulk of the convoy work. Canada as a nation matured through the ordeal of war and was now ready to assume new responsibilities as a member of the world community.

Throughout the world, the Commonwealth War Graves Commissions maintains graves and memorials to commemorate members of the Commonwealth Forces who died during the First and Second World Wars. A total of 109,980 Canadians are thus commemorated in 74 countries.

SPECIFICATIONS
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: 99.99% Pure Silver
Face value: $5
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm : 38
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Specimen
Certificate: Serialized

Packaging:
Maroon display case with an insert which houses the coin. Protected by a black beauty box.