We were allies in the trenches and, for the first time, in the skies. Accented with a gold-plated infantry insignia, our coin in our First World War Allies series reflects on France’s enormous sacrifices and triumphs on the Western Front during the First World War, where, barely a decade after the first flight, aviation played an increasing role in La der des der (“The war to end all wars”).

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SRP: $114.95
Item Number: 166137
UPC: 6-23932-09032-3
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 5,000
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Pandora Young
Packaging: Standard maroon clamshell with black beauty box

SPECIAL FEATURES:

DESIGN:

The reverse image by Pandora Young transports the viewer to the Western Front and in the trenches that defined the First World War. On the faces of the French soldiers (“les Poilus”), the expression is one of hope and wonder as they lift their gaze up to the sky, where their fellow countrymen have taken flight to battle for air superiority. While the setting is a stirring reminder of the French Army’s victories and sacrifices in battle, the aircraft of the Aéronautique Militaire also salutes the legacy of French aviators and engineers, who were at the forefront of progress as aviation evolved from novelty to military necessity. Selective gold plating highlights the infantry insignia of the French Army, represented by the flaming bomb bearing the letters “RF” (République Française). The selectively gold-plated obverse features the effigy of King George V by Sir E. B. MacKennal.