2013 3/4 oz Canada Silver Devil’s Brigade

In the shadowed mountains of wartime Europe, a legendary unit earned their name through ferocity and stealth: the “Devil’s Brigade.” In 1942, amid the darkest hours of World War II, a bold experiment brought together American and Canadian volunteers under one banner—the First Special Service Force. Their blackened faces, unyielding spirit, and uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere haunted enemy ranks. German reports spoke with dread of “the black devils all around us”—a fitting legacy for a unit whose feats would set the standard for modern special operations and inspire generations of elite troops that followed.

The origins of the Devil’s Brigade trace to a daring Allied plan, devised in partnership by British strategists and North American leadership, to create a commando unit capable of tackling the most impossible missions: mountain warfare, amphibious assaults, and sabotage behind enemy lines. Their training regimen was legendary, encompassing parachuting, hand-to-hand combat, demolition, and winter survival. This produced warriors unmatched in versatility and effectiveness, capable of rapidly shifting from arctic expeditions to thick Italian mountain warfare.

Their crucible came on the rugged slopes of Monte la Difensa, where the force breached seemingly impregnable German defenses. In the dark of night, using black camouflage and fearless tactics, they stormed positions the enemy considered unassailable. Victory at Anzio soon followed, cementing their status as shock troops whose presence alone forced enemy battalions to surrender. Their audacity continued along the French Riviera, culminating in the capture of fortified islands and the shattering of Nazi strongholds in the Alps.

But the Devil’s Brigade was more than brute force; their existence symbolized a rare, seamless union of Canadian and American resolve. The joint nature of the force, with officers and soldiers from both nations fighting as equals, established a template for future combined operations and enduring brotherhood between allied militaries. Their disbandment in late 1944 marked not merely the end of a unit but the founding of a legend. Modern special operations—Green Berets, Navy SEALs, and Canada’s JTF2 among them—claim direct descent from these pioneers.

Today, this formidable history is enshrined not only in military annals but also in commemorative coinage honoring their service and sacrifice. The 2013 Canada Silver Devil’s Brigade issue brings their legacy to collectors—a tangible, finely crafted tribute to fearless innovation and international cooperation in the face of adversity.

Design Features

The obverse showcases Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, rendered with precision and understated elegance—a hallmark of the Royal Canadian Mint’s commitment to artistry. Her likeness is encircled by inscriptions that denote her reign and the coin’s denomination, providing a dignified Canadian counterpoint to the high-tension history the reverse explores.

The reverse offers a dramatic tableau inspired by the Devil’s Brigade, prominently featuring the dual insignia of the First Special Service Force: the combined American and Canadian emblems, united beneath the “USA–Canada” banner in bold relief. The central motif depicts handshakes across the border, symbolizing the friendship and cooperation that defined the unit’s ethos. Surrounding these are subtle nods to the tools and rugged environments that shaped their legend—mountains, parachutes, and stylized weaponry. The year of issue, silver weight, and purity (0.9999 fine) are inscribed with clarity, affirming both authenticity and the coin’s intrinsic value. The artistry honors not only the men and missions of the Brigade but the spirit of Allied unity in the crucible of World War II.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 0.75 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Susanna Blunt’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with inscriptions denoting her reign and the coin’s face value.
• Reverse: Dynamic imagery commemorating the First Special Service Force, including crossed USA–Canada insignia and symbolic motifs of Allied unity and commando heritage.

Investment Appeal

Numismatists and investors alike will recognize the intrinsic value in a coin that beautifully melds unmatched purity (0.9999 fine silver) with globally respected Royal Canadian Mint production standards. The 2013 3/4 oz Silver Devil’s Brigade stands as an IRA-eligible asset, offering a strategic blend of liquidity and tangible heritage. Its limited mintage and story-driven design enhance its collectible premium, while its global legal tender status ensures easy resale and broad demand. For those who seek more than bullion—a connection to history, national unity, and commando legend—this coin offers an investment in both precious metal and enduring legacy.