From the cascabels of Russian cannons
that were captured during the Crimean War (1854-1855), a great military
honor is forged. It is the Victoria Cross, the highest military
decoration that is awarded "...for most conspicuous bravery, or some
daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice, or extreme
devotion to duty..."
Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, a
total 1,351 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to British and
Commonwealth military forces - ninety-four of which have been awarded to
Canadians.
The Victoria Cross is one of the most
recognized military medals in the world. It features a cross pattee with
the Royal Crown surmounted by a lion guardant and a scroll inscribed
with For Valour. The date of the act is engraved within a raised circle
on the reverse. The cross is suspended from a straight bar which has the
rank, unit and name of the recipient engraved on the back. In 1993, a
special Canadian version was instituted. It is identical to the original
with the exception that the inscription on the scroll is in Latin (Pro
Valore).
Selective gold plating on the Proof
Dollar
2006 Canadian Proof
Coin Set (#6260006) - $81.95 Each
