2022 - Niue 1 NZD Silver Coin Armored Vehicles - M4 Sherman - Proof

Armored vehicles

The third silver coin of the Czech Mint from the series Armored Technology features the American tank M4 Sherman, which served during World War II.

The American M4 Sherman tank became the main type used by the Allied armies - it was not only the most important tank of the US Army, but also the best and most widely used type in British service. Under the Lend-Lease Act, it also served the tankers of the Soviet Union. Although this so-called medium tank possessed a balanced combination of mobility, armour protection and firepower, units armed with Shermans suffered heavy losses in the fighting in Tunisia, Normandy and the Ardennes. The Shermans' many shortcomings were compensated for by high numbers of deployed vehicles, excellent logistics and air support. Armament was gradually improved, with a special British variant designated Firefly able to successfully match the most powerful enemy tanks. Even with a powerful armament, it took the sacrifice of two Shermans to destroy one Panther or Tiger, but while German industry had been unable to compensate for the loss of equipment on the battlefields since mid-1944, American and British factories had been churning out legions of Shermans and other tanks without ceasing. 

The reverse side of the commemorative coin, which is the work of medal maker MgA. Martin Dašek, presents two depictions of the American tank - the three-quarter view is accompanied by a side silhouette. A description of the M4 Sherman and a detail of the tank belt complete the composition. The stripes can also be found on the obverse side of the coin, which is common to the entire tank series. As the licence to issue commemorative coins of the Czech Mint is granted by the Pacific island of Niue, the obverse side still bears its necessary attributes - the name and portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the nominal value of 1 DOLLAR (NZD) and the year of issue 2022.

The coin comes with a spectacular packaging in the form of a catalogue card full of period photographs, interesting facts and tactical data. Individual cards can be stored in a collector's case that you can also find in the offer of the Czech Mint.