Lot #11: 2012 Royal Canadian Mint - The War of 1812 Collection HMS Shannon

By 1812, the British Navy was thought to be the most powerful in the world. But after five surprising defeats at the hands of the US Navy, it was feared morale was weakening. Aboard HMS Shannon, Captain Philip Broke was eager to secure a victory and had implemented a rigorous training schedule for his crew. The US frigate sailed to meet the Shannon on June 1, 1813. The battle lasted only 11 minutes, but was a decisive victory that helped bolster confidence in the British Navy. HMS Shannon escorted USS Chesapeake into the Halifax harbour on June 6, 1813. Sir Isaac Brock As Canadians far and wide mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this historical turning point is a reminder of the heroic figures whose brave acts assured the defense of a future Canada. One of the most celebrated was Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. Dubbed "The Hero of Upper Canada", he was a distinguished British Army commander who led the successful defense of the province early in the War of 1812. Appointed commander of military forces in 1810, he organized the militia and prepared Canada for possible war with the United States. Following the outbreak of war and the forging of a crucial alliance with Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, Major-General Brock led the daring capture of Fort Detroit, securing the western frontier and boosting the morale of Upper Canadians. His death on October 13, 1812, while attempting to recapture Queenston Heights, has made Sir Isaac Brock a national hero and an enduring symbol of bravery and patriotism for successive generations of Canadians. The reverse image of this new 25-cent circulation coin features a profile portrait of Major-General Brock, designed by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross, against an intricately engraved background comprised of the words "The War of 1812" in both English and French. Featured in the design is the stylized maple leaf from the Government of Canada War of 1812 logo, on which "1812" appears in antique script. Tecumseh The legendary Shawnee leader Tecumseh is remembered as an Aboriginal visionary, a fearless warrior, and a hero of the War of 1812. Tecumseh's determination and profound military knowledge made him a crucial British ally. He collaborated with Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, leading hundreds of First Nation warriors alongside British troops to secure American surrender during the historic Battle of Fort Detroit. Tecumseh dedicated his life to fighting for his dream of an independent homeland for his people and paid the ultimate sacrifice when he died in battle on October 5, 1813. He remains one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of 1812, inspiring the imagination of scholars, poets and artists 200 years after his passing. Charles-Michel De Salaberry Born in Beauport, Lower Canada to a family with a history of military service, Charles-Michel de Salaberry enlisted for military service at the age of fourteen. In 1812, de Salaberry took command of the Voltigeurs Canadiens a light infantry unit that would become one of the most well-known units to fight in the War of 1812. Under de Salaberry's leadership, the Voltigeurs and their Aboriginal allies famously fended off the attack of a substantially larger American force along the banks of the Chateauguay River in October 1813. This victory, among others, secured their place, and Charles-Michel de Salaberry's, in Canada's history. Laura Secord Laura Secord's brave 30-kilometer trek on foot to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of a planned American ambush of a British outpost near Beaver Dams, is one of the most well-known stories to emerge from the War of 1812. Secord's warning helped secure the surrender of American troops, earning her a place in Canada's national folklore.