This is a beautiful 2016 S$20 Canada First World War Aircraft
S.E.5a Colorized Early Release Silver Commemorative Coin. 

The coin is graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, a perfect coin.
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Aircraft technology was barely a decade old when the First World War 

began in 1914, but the needs of warfare quickly fueled incredible 

advancements in aviation technology. As Canadian pilots and “aces” 

soared through the sky in aircraft such as the Royal Aircraft Factory 

S.E.5a, they played an important role in a new era that shaped modern 

warfare and ultimately redefined industry and transportation. 


Canada did not have its own air force during the First World War, but 

that did little to dampen Canadian enthusiasm for aviation. Thousands 

of Canadians enlisted to serve as aircrew personnel in either the United 

Kingdom's Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) or the Royal Flying Corps 

(RFC). In 1917, the RFC established a large-scale training effort in 

Canada to bolster its aerial efforts along the Western Front and by 1918, 

more than 23,000 Canadians proudly served as pilots, observers and 

mechanics. 


Canadian “Aces” such as W. G. Barker, Raymond Collishaw and A. A. 

McLeod were lauded for their flying exploits; but the most prolific of 

Canada's airborne heroes was Lt. Col. William Avery “Billy” Bishop, 

the recipient of the Victoria Cross, who shot down 36 of his 

credited 72 victories while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a.

celebrates the daring, pioneering spirit of Canadians who took to the sky 

and helped steer the course of aviation history! 


Special features:


First issue in a thrilling 3-coin series that shines the 

spotlight on aircraft flown by Canadian combatants during 

the First World War. 


PAINSTAKINGLY ENGRAVED IN STUNNING DETAIL WITH 

SELECTIVE COLOR: The reverse design beautifully and 

faithfully depicts the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a, which was 

one of the most successful Allied fighter planes of the war. 


This 1 oz. coin is 99.99% pure silver and has a mintage limited 

to 7,500 coins. 


Sure to be treasured by collectors and aviation enthusiasts for 

its artistic merit and historical theme, this striking coin is also a 

deeply meaningful gift for those whose loved ones proudly 

served their country. 



Design:


Designed by Canadian artist David A. Oram, the coin features a richly 

detailed, engraved depiction of an airfield where a squadron prepares for 

takeoff. A Crossley Light Tender 20/25 truck is parked behind five Royal 

Aircraft Factory S.E.5a aircraft, which have lined up in front of several 

Bessonneau hangars; the foremost plane is particularly striking thanks to 

the use of selective color, which recreates the biplane fighter's dark green 

color, as well as the blue, white and red roundel and tail cockade that 

identified the aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps. 


Seated in the open cockpit, a Canadian pilot wears the leather flying 

coat, helmet and goggles that offer him some protection from the wind 

and cold temperatures at higher altitudes. The reverse boasts an 

impressive amount of detail in its rendition of the wire-braced box 

girder, and close examination offers a glimpse of the fuselage-mounted 

.303 Vickers gun and the MK-II Lewis machine gun on the upper wing, 

which helped make this aircraft one of the most successful Allied 

fighter planes of the First World War.



Did you know?


One of the Royal Flying Corps' most successful fighter aircraft 

the single-seat, British-built Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a was 

first introduced in March 1917, then deployed to the Western 

Front the following month.

It also saw action in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine and along 

the Salonica Front, and played a limited role in defending the 

British homefront.

The S.E.5a's reliable performance helped the Allies regain air

superiority in 1917 and maintain it until the war's end in 1918.

The biplane was fast for its time, reaching a maximum speed of 

222 kilometers per hour with the ability to remain in the air for 

over two hours. 

It was also easy to fly—a real boon given the short training 

time available for new pilots.
 
The S.E.5a also boasted the first pilot-adjustable tail-plane 

and steerable tailskid.

The aircraft was fitted with a fuselage-mounted .303 Vickers 

gun and an MK-II Lewis machine gun mounted on the upper 

wing.

About 5,200 S.E.5as were manufactured for the war effort; 

although issues with its powerful engine caused initial 

shortages, the situation was remedied by early 1918 when 

new squadrons were formed using the S.E.5a rather than 

other aircraft. 

In 1919, Canada received 10 single-seater S.E.5a aircraft and 

two two-seat trainers as part of the Imperial Gift made to the 

dominions of the British Empire, which provided the core of 

what would become the Royal Canadian Air Force.

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Specifications:


Mintage - 7,500

Composition - .9999Ag

Finish - Proof

Weight - 31.83g

Diameter - 40mm

Edge - Serrated

Face Value - $20

Artist - David A. Oram (Reverse), Susanna Blunt (Obverse)