2018-10-20 Sat

The Canadian Pacific Steamships Line coastal liner named SS Princess Sophia was on its way to Canada when a big snowstorm pushed it out of its way towards Vanderbilt Reef, that was hidden by high tide and rammed into it near Juneau, Alaska, on 24th October 1918. The ship sank a day and a half later but all 350 members onboard were killed as rescue didn’t arrive in time. The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a special coloured silver coin to observe the 100th anniversary of this tragic event.

Designed by Canadian maritime artist Yves Berubre, the Proof .9999 fine silver $20 coloured coin features SS Princess Sophia sailing through rough waters and the map of West Coast. A map of Alaskan inlet, Lynn Canal can be seen in the background where the ship struck the reef. A nautical rope motif can be seen on the edge of the reverse. The 31.39 grams coin has a diameter of 38 millimetres and a mintage limit of 6,000 pieces. It can be purchased for $114.95 Canadian.

Canadian Pacific Railway ran steamships along the west coast of Canada and the southeast coast of Alaska from 1901. It touched Victoria, British Columbia, and Vancouver, and sailed through an important route called the Inside Passage, transporting passengers, cargo and mail. Built of steel with a double hull by Bow, McLachlan and Company at Paisley, Scotland, SS Princess Sophia was 2,320 tons gross and 1,466 tons net register.

Image Courtesy: The Royal Canadian Mint