1968-1989 - 50 Cents - Elizabeth II
The fifty-cent piece is the common name of the Canadian coin worth 50 cents. The coin's reverse depicts the coat of arms of Canada. At the opening ceremonies for the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint, held on January 2, 1908, Governor General Earl Grey struck the Dominion of Canada’s first domestically produced coin. It was a silver fifty-cent piece bearing the effigy of King Edward VII.
History of composition
Years Weight Diameter Thickness Composition
2000–present 6.9 g 27.13 mm 1.95 mm 93.15% steel, 4.75% copper, 2.1% nickel plating
1980–1999 8.10 g 27.13 mm 1.9 mm 99.9% nickel
1968–1979 8.10 g 27.13 mm 1.93 mm 99.9% nickel
1920–1967 11.66 g 29.72 mm n/a 80% silver, 20% copper
1908–1919 11.62 g 29.72 mm n/a 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
REF
From sea to sea – the 50-cent coin
Source: mint.ca
The 50-cent half dollar coin bears the Canadian Coat of Arms. It honours the four founding nations of Canada: England, Scotland, Ireland and France. The inscription, "A Mari usque ad Mare," means "from sea to sea"; the second inscription, "Desiderantes meliorem patriam," means "they desire a better country." The current design was produced by former Royal Canadian Mint engraver Thomas Shingles and was first used in 1959. In recent decades, the fifty-cent circulation coin has not been widely used in day-to-day transactions, yet it remains popular with coin collectors. Also known as the Canadian Half Dollar.
Reverse side designs
1858 - 1936
The crossed maple boughs
The design of two crossed maple boughs appear on all 10-cent, 25-cent, and 50-cent coins from 1858 to 1936.
1937 - 1958
The simplified Coat of Arms
A simplified version of Canada's coat of arms was created in 1937 for the 50-cent coin as part of an initiative to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
1959 - 1966, 1968 - present
The modified Coat of Arms
The Canadian Government approved a new Coat of Arms in 1957. In 1959 it appeared on the 50-cent coin, where it remains to this day.
1967
The centennial 50-cent coin
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian confederation; the 50-cent coin features a howling wolf.
Technical specifications
1908 - 1919
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 11.62
Diameter (mm): 29.72
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 - 1967
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 11.66
Diameter (mm): 29.72
Thickness (mm): n/a
1968 - 1979
Composition: 99% nickel (minimum)
Weight (g): 8.1
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.93
1980 - 1999
Composition: 99% nickel (minimum)
Weight (g): 8.1
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.9
2000 - present
Composition: 93.15% steel, 4.75% copper, 2.1% nickel plating
Weight (g): 6.9
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.95
REF
50 cents 197
Source: coinsandcanada.com
Mintage: 50 cents 1973 : 2 546 096
Specifications:
Alloy: 100% nickel
Weight: 8.10 grams
Diameter : 27.13 mm, thickness 1.93 mm
Engraver: Obverse: Arnold Machin, Walter Ott, Reverse: Thomas Shingles
Designer: Obverse: Arnold Machin, Walter Ott, Reverse: Thomas Shingles
Edge: Reeded
Magnetism: Magnetic
Die axis: ↑↑
REF
50 Cents - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait
Source: en.numista.com
KM# 75
Features
Country Canada
Years 1968-1989
Value 50 Cents (0.5 CAD)
Metal Nickel
Weight 8.1 g
Diameter 27.13 mm
Thickness 1.93 mm
Engravers Arnold Machin (obverse)
Thomas Shingles (reverse)
Shape Round
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized yes
Edge Reeded
REF
Canada 1980 Canadian Fifty Cents ( C50C )
