2018 50c The Western Front - Villers-Bretonneux 1918 - 2018 Unc Coin in Card

2018 50c The Western Front – Villers-Bretonneux 1918 - 2018 Uncirculated Coin in Card.

This coin pays tribute to those who served in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, in which an unconventional surprise night attack carried out by Australian troops, liberated the strategic town of Villers-Bretonneux from the Germans.

This allowed the Allies to launch a counter-offensive, leading to further victories and ultimately the end of fighting on the Western Front.By 1918, a trench warfare stalemate had dragged on at the Western Front for three years. In March, German troops launched their 'Soring Offensive', aimed at the French town of Amiens with its vital communication lines.Australian troops were rushed in to assist the Allies against the attack.

The town of Villers-Bretonneux became an important target for the German offensive. Supported by tanks, German troops managed to capture the strategic Hill 104.

From this position the Germans could continue their push towards Amiens, making it vital for the Allies to attempt the immediate recapture of Villers-Bretonneux.

On 24-25 April, troops of the Australian 13th and 15th Brigades made an unconventional night assault on Villers-Bretonneux, surrounding German troops and driving them out of town. From this position, the Allies launched a successful counter-offensive which led to the end of the fighting on the Western Front.The fifth release in this 6 coin series.Forms part of The Royal Australian Mint's popular Anzac Centenary program.Each coin is packaged in a display card with historical facts about the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

The coin's reverse features an artistic impression of Australian soldiers at a machine gun post on Hill 104.

The coins obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Each coin is issued as Australian Legal Tender.

Denomination :  50c

Quality :            Uncirculated

Metal :              Cupro Nickel

Weight :            15.55 gms

Diameter :         31.51 mm

Mintage :           15,000

Certificate of Authenticity : Royal Australian Mint Official Packaging.