2016 Canadian 50-Cent Big Coin Series: Coat of Arms 5-ounce Fine Silver Coloured Coin

2016 Canadian 50-Cent Big Coin Series: Coat of Arms 5-ounce Fine Silver Coloured Coin

The Canadian 50-cent coin uniquely reflects the intriguing history of Canada's evolution from British colony to independent nation. Appearing in various forms on the reverse of the Canadian 50-cent coin since 1937, the Canadian Coat of Arms references both Canada's colonial roots and its political and cultural status as a sovereign state.

Though it was the first Canadian coin struck at the new Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint when it opened in 1908, the Canadian 50-cent coin is a rare sight in everyday commercial transactions. In fact, many people, upon receiving this low-circulation coin, might slip it into their pocket to save, attributing to it a worth higher than its face value because of its relative rarity. Since 2004, the 50-cent coin has only been sold directly from the Royal Canadian Mint as a collector product.

Since 1937, the 50-cent coin has borne on its reverse the Canadian Coat of Arms. The original 1937 design by British artist G. E. Kruger-Gray was replaced in 1959 with an image by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Thomas Shingles that reflected contemporary changes to the Arms itself.

Drawing its inspiration from minting itself, your coin is an exquisite gift for someone who appreciates Canadian coins. 

Features

- DESIGN FIRST ISSUED IN 1959! Your 5-ounce fine silver 50-cent piece features Canadian engraver Thomas Shingles's Canadian Coat of Arms design, first issued in 1959. This design has been used continuously on Canadian 50-cent pieces, with only two exceptions.
- Your coin is part of our exciting 6-coin series of 5-oz. fine silver versions of Canada's 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, 1-dollar, and 2-dollar circulation coins.
- Selective colour on the reverse of your coin makes this coin particularly enjoyable.
- 99.99% PURE SILVER! Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, your coin is GST/HST exempt!

Design

The reverse features Canadian engraver Thomas Shingles's Canadian Coat of Arms design in full colour. A yellow lion holding a blue, white, and red Union Jack flag on the left and a white unicorn holding a blue flag bearing three yellow French fleurs-de-lys on the right support a central shield divided into five sections bearing historical emblems of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as a sprig of three red maple leaves. The multi-coloured shield is encircled with a red ribbon representing the Order of Canada bearing the motto Desiderantes meliorem patriam, which means "desiring a better country." The shield is surmounted by a yellow, green, and black royal helmet within a garland of red maple leaves, upon which stands a yellow crowned lion holding a red maple leaf.
St. Edward's Crown, symbolizing Canada's constitutional monarchy, rests above the lion, which symbolizes Canada's sovereignty. The motto A Mari usque ad Mare ("from sea to sea") appears in yellow on a blue ribbon below the shield, along with a "compartment" or garland composed of the floral emblems of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland. The reverse is also engraved with the word "CANADA", the date "2016" and the face value of "50 CENTS". The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging

2016 Canadian 50-Cent Big Coin Series: Coat of Arms 5-ounce Fine Silver Coloured Coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with custom graphic beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: 50-Cent
Mintage: 1,500
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 157.6
Diameter (mm): 65.25
Finish: Proof