Norman Bethune 60th Anniversary 1998 Canada & China Two-Coin. 999 Silver Proof Coin Set. For the first time, the Royal Canadian Mint is striking a coin to honor a Canadian physician. Under an arrangement with China Gold Coin, each company will produce a limited number of silver coins featuring Dr. The silver coins will mark the 60th anniversary of Bethune’s arrival in China and his first meeting with Mao Tse-tung. Bethune, a Montreal physician, is considered a hero in China because of the care he provided for Chinese Communist soldiers who were fighting the Japanese. Bethune become Chief Surgeon for the Eighth Route Army during the Sino-Japanese War. He died of septicemia in China on Nov. The reverse of the coin shows Bethune travelling with his mobile surgical unit. Maker: Royal Canadian Mint & China Gold Coin Incorporation. Mintage: 65,831 Composition. 9999 Silver Weight (g): 31.10 each Diameter(mm): 40 Finish: Proof. Includes: Anniversary display box, outer gift box + COA’s. Southern California Coin & Stamps 7635 Firestone Blvd. Track Page Views With. Auctiva’s FREE Counter.