2010 $10 Proof Pure Silver Coin Battleship Richelieu

This large two-ounce fine silver $10 proof coin features a diamond shape with an image of the imposing French battleship Richelieu. This ship is both a marvel of technology and a part of the important story of the Second World War. In addition to its exceptional engraving and artistic appeal, this coin provides a fascinating tangible link to history for World War II enthusiasts, naval historians and coin collectors. The coin is additionally enhanced with an element of gold plating at the top showing the country of origin of the ship.

Named after French Cardinal Richelieu and commissioned in 1935 to combat Italian Littorio-class battleships, the Richelieu was the largest class of battleship built by the French at that point in history at 35,000 tonnes. She was launched in 1940 and reached an impressive top speed of 32 knots, making it one of the fastest battleships of its time. Driven by four steam turbines with a capacity of 170,000 hp and displacement of 40,000 tons, this French battleship was bound to be intimidating to enemies in warfare. However, due to a mishap of design in which the artillery was built using metric measurements, there was an ammunition shortage during the war.

About the Richelieu
In June of 1940 anticipating a German invasion, France moved the Richelieu to Dakar and then to Casablanca shortly after. The British were suspicious of the battleship's movements, assuming the French were attempting an escape, and decided to follow her before she returned to Dakar by official order. It was the British, however, who eventually seized the Richelieu in 1942 when they took over the city of Dakar.

The enormous battleship was upgraded in 1943 and sailed for Britain until the end of World War II. After being used in the Indochina War and Suez Crisis, the Richelieu sailed again under the French flag once again before being taken off of the country's fleet list in 1967 and disassembled for scrap a year later.

• Legal tender value: $10 in Palau
• Mintage: 1,000
• Dimensions: 42 mm x 42 mm
• Weight: 2 oz fine silver
• GST/HST exempt

Includes:
• 2010 $10 Proof Pure Silver Coin Battleship Richelieu

Warranty Information:
This product comes with a 30-day warranty through TSC.