“My portrait of Winston Churchillchanged my life. I knew after I had taken it that it was an important picture, but I could hardly have dreamed that it would become one of the most widely reproduced images in the history of photography.” – Yousuf Karsh

With the click of the camera (and the removal of a cigar), an Ottawa photographer captured an image that immortalized a world leader’s resolve, even in the darkest days of the Second World War. The Roaring Lion by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, C.C., is one of the most celebrated photographs of the 20th century, the one that launched his international career. And it is yours to keep thanks to this impeccable 10 oz. fine silver coin, which turns the lens on both the master photographer and his subject, Sir Winston Churchill.

Seen here, the black-and-white photograph of Sir Winston Churchill was taken in Ottawa on December 30, 1941, after the British prime minister delivered his speech in the House of Commons. In that brief moment on Parliament Hill, Churchill’s deep scowl was not directed at the enemy but at the photographer: to gethis shot, Karsh had boldly plucked the cigar from the statesman’s mouth. The defiant stare gave way to an amused smile, and Churchill praised thephotographer: “you can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed.”

Yousuf Karsh’s iconic portrait of Churchill is one of the most famous photographs in history! Order your coin today!

• WHEN ART AND WORLD HISTORY COLLIDE! We look back on Sir Winston Churchill’s wartime visit to Canada in 1941, as viewed through the lens of the legendary Armenian-Canadian photographer, Yousuf Karsh, C.C.
• THIRD PORTRAIT BY “KARSH OF OTTAWA!” Snapped in the House of Commons, Karsh’s most famous photograph is one of the most widely recognized images of the 20th century—it is the definitive portrait of a wartime leader known for his inspiring speeches, said to be the “lion’s roar.”
• PLAYING WITH LIGHT! Different finishes highlight the engraved detailing, but they also alter the way the elements shine in the light. This is our way of paying tribute to Karsh’s distinctive use of light and shadows in his unforgettable photographs.
• LOW MINTAGE! Limited to 700 coins worldwide.
• 10 OZ. PURE SILVER! Your coin is crafted from ten ounces of 99.99% pure silver.
• NO GST/HST!

The reverse design features a reproduction of The RoaringLion by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, C.C. (1908-2002). The original black-and-white photograph is the most famous portrait of Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965). It was taken on December 30, 1941, in the House of Commons during the British prime minister’s visit to Ottawa. The obverse features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.

"From the moment I learned of this project I knew that I wanted to engrave this coin; ifthe Mint was going to be releasing a likeness of one of the greatest figures of the last century, I wanted the opportunity to put out my very best work as a way of paying tribute to the man. Moreover, putting the historical significance of the image aside, Yousuf Karsh’s photograph is a sublime piece of art, making it a fantastic reference from which to work." – Eric Boyer, RCM Engraver

• Housed at the Library and Archives of Canada, the Yousuf Karsh Collection includes six negatives from this 1941 session with the famous statesman. The first shot is this scowling portrait; the others show a smiling Churchill, then the two prime ministers together, and a final shot from behind as Churchill’s cigar was being lit.
• In December 1941, Sir Winston Churchill decided to visit Washington, D.C., and Ottawa to rallysupport for the war effort. It was a risky journey:the visits took place just a few weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 10-day transatlantic crossing had been under threat of U-boat attacks.
• Canada’s prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, invited Karsh to photograph Churchill after his speech on Parliament Hill—but no one told the British prime minister. Churchill agreed to one photographbut famously refused to dispose of his newly lit cigar.
• After watching Churchill from behind the camera, Karsh quickly moved towards his subject and said, “Forgive me, sir” before snatching the cigar and taking the shot. Karsh later recalled:“By the time I got back to the camera, helooked so belligerent he could have devoured me.”

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a graphic beauty box.

A magnificent gift or addition to your 10 oz. pure silver collection! Order today!

© Estate of Yousuf Karsh

Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown, London on behalf of Churchill Heritage Limited
© Churchill Heritage Limited