Canadian Half Dollars

QUEEN VICTORIA
AD 1837 - 1901

The Victorian and Edwardian 50 cent coins were the "workhorse" coins of their day and very few have survived above a grade of VG.

The first Canadian half dollar was struck in 1870 and exists both with and without the designer's initials "LCW" on the truncation of the Queen's neck. The examples without the "LCW" are much rarer, but one must look at these carefully to be sure that the "LCW" has not been removed. There are other differences in the design, in particular in how the shamrocks are drawn at the very top front of the crown, so there are other ways to tell. Those details are available from the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian coins. It should also be noted that the 1870 "no LCW" coins always have a weakly struck date, so this should be expected even on high grade examples.

1870 LCW ................................ F-15   $145.00
1870 LCW ............................... XF-40   $475.00

1870 NO LCW ... weak 7 in date ...... ICCS G-4      SOLD

1871 ......... rim bumps, minor scratches F-15      SOLD

1871 H .................................. F-15      SOLD
1871 H ................................. XF-40  $1500.00

1872 H ................................... G-4      SOLD
1872 H ................................. VG-10      SOLD
1872 H ................... light cleaning F-15   $110.00
1872 H ............................ ICCS VF-20   $265.00
1872 H ...... rim nick and small rev dig XF-40      SOLD




1890 H ..................... slightly weak G-4      SOLD




1892 ................................... XF-40   $900.00




1894 .................................... VG-8      SOLD




1898 ....................... old cleaning F-15      SOLD




1900 .................................... VG-8    $72.50
1900 ............................... ICCS F-12      SOLD





EDWARD VII
AD 1902 - 1910



image of type only


1903 H ................................. VF-20      SOLD




1905 ............ major reverse scratches aG-3      SOLD




1906 .................................... F-15    $72.50
1906 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD




The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs remained the same, the die axis for was changed from "coinage" to "medal", except for the 1 cent coins which had always been made at medal axis. Coinage die axis means that if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin around the other side comes out upside down. Medal axis means it comes out the same way up.




1909 ..................................... G-6      SOLD




Part way through 1910 the design was slightly re-designed to change the type of leaves used on the reverse wreath. The earlier issues has what are known as Victorian leaves because they were first used in the Victorian issue coins, and which more pointed and come closer to the rims of the coin. The later issues have what are known as Edwardian leaves, which have more rounded tips and end farther from the rims of the coin. For half dollars, 1910 is the only year in which you find both types.




1910 Victorian leaves .................... G-6      SOLD
1910 Victorian leaves ................... F-15   $105.00





GEORGE V
AD 1911 - 1936




With the introduction of the first coins for George V in 1911, the term "DEI GRATIA" was omitted from the obverse inscription. Since this was latin for "God's Grace", these are known as "GODLESS COINS" and are a distinct type coin in the George V series. People were be displeased by this, so in 1912 "DEI GRATIA" was again added to the obverse inscription of Canadian coins.




image of 1911 type only


1911 Godless ............................. G-6      SOLD




image of 1912 TO 1936 type only


1912 .................................... VG-8      SOLD




1913 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1913 .................. small obverse dig F-15    $55.00
1913 .............................. ICCS VF-30      SOLD




1914 ..................................... G-6    $17.00
1914 .............................. ICCS VG-10    $50.00
1914 .................................... F-12      SOLD




1916 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1916 ................................... VF-30   $115.00




1917 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1917 .................................... F-15      SOLD




1918 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1918 .................................... F-15      SOLD




1919 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1919 ................................... VG-10    $17.00
1919 ....................... obverse mark F-12      SOLD
1919 ................................... VF-30    $65.00




There are two varieties of the 1920 50 cent, in that the 0 of the date occurs as either a small O (also called the narrow date) or a large 0 (also called the wide date). On the small 0 variety the inside of the 0 is narrow and very slightly pointed at the top and bottom, while on the large 0 the inside of the 0 is slightly wider and more rounded at the top and bottom. The large 0 (wide date) type is the scarcer of the two.




1920 narrow 0 ........................... VG-8      SOLD
1920 narrow 0 .... light scratch on neck XF-40   $125.00




In 1921 Canadian half dollars were minted in Significant numbers (over 200,000) but here was no demand for them and they just sat in the mint un-used. Only a very small number were ever issued for circulation. From 1922 to 1928 the demand was non-existent and none were struck during that period. Demand for half dollars resumed in 1929 but the mint master decided to recycle the metal from the 1921's that were still there, so they were melted down and th metal used to make 1929's, and as a result there are now less than 100 1921 50 cent coins known to still exist. Demand for 50 cent coins remained low during the depression, with no half dollars being struck in the years 1930, 1933 and 1935, and mintages being fairly small for those dates struck between 1930 and 1936, with most of the specimens we see being fairly worn.




1929 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1929 ................................... VF-30    $82.50




1931 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1931 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD




1932 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1932 .................................... VG-8   $150.00
1932 ............................... ICCS VG-8   $150.00
1932 .................................... F-15   $300.00




1934 ...................... reverse marks VG-8      SOLD
1934 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1934 ............................... ICCS F-12    $42.50
1934 .................................... F-15    $70.00
1934 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD




1936 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1936 ............................... ICCS F-15      SOLD
1936 .............................. ICCS VF-20   $110.00
1936 ...................... old cleaning AU-55      SOLD





GEORGE VI
AD 1937 - 1952



image of 1937 TO 1947 type only


With the depression ending, as George VI came to the throne the demand for 50 cent coins increased and we see the mintages beining to increase dramatically starting in 1937. Through the 1940's the mintages for most years exceeded a million coins, with the exceptions being 1947 maple leaf and 1948 (both made in 1948 and discussed below) and 1949 which was nearly a million. All of these dates are often seen with a fair amount of wear on them, showing they saw fairly wide circulation. There is an odd feature in the George V half dollars when we cannot yet explain. For some reason most of the years we see at least one die exhibits a die cracked extending from the unicorn's hoof across the last digit or digits of the date, sometimes also propagating in the other direction as well. While die cracks are seen on many coins in many positions, it is the fact that it is see in the exact same position on so many different dates that is interesting, and suggests something in the designs causes a weakness in these dies, although what ever it is is not obvious. To date we have noticed in on examples from a 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 1946, 1949, 1950 and 1952, but expect it occurs on others as well. I have also seen it faintly on a 1953.




1937 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1937 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1937 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1937 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1937 ................ lightly toned PCGS MS-62    $55.00
1937 ......... lightly toned PCGS mirror SP-63   $125.00




1938 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1938 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1938 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1938 ................................... VF-20    $22.00
1938 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1938 ................................... XF-40    $42.50
1938 ................... lightly cleaned MS-62   $150.00




1939 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1939 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1939 ................................... XF-45    $41.50
1939 .............................. ICCS MS-64   $550.00




1940 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1940 ................................... MS-60      SOLD




People are currently trying to divide many of the George VI half dollars dates into varieties based largely on the position of the final two digits in the date. We feel most are minor die varieties which are to be expected in a series where the last digit was punched into each die individually and thus the position of that digit should vary from die to die. There is also a problem in that not everyone can agree on how to categorize them, and they can become confusing with even the Charlton catalogue and ICCS not agreeing on them. A few people are asking about the, so we are slowing trying to provide images and explanations of them, and we have been keeping records on the relative rarities of the varieties and we will provide that information below. But as these are often insignificant variations, with no differences in rarity, we have decided to no long list most of them for sale as distinct varieties. 1941 is one date where there appear to be only two significant varieties of wide and narrow dates, differentiated by the positions of the final 1 relative to the denticles below. On the wide date coins that 1 points between two denticles, and on narrow date coins it points directly at a denticle. We have now examined 47 coins that came to us randomly and found 22 WIDE DATE and 25 NARROW DATE coins. There is clearly no difference in rarity, so not difference in value is justified. We will not longer offer them as distinct types, but if you are looking for a particular one please let us know and we try to sort one out for you.

1941 wide date, points between denticles.

1941 narrow date, points at a denticle.





1941 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1941 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1941 ................................... AU-55      SOLD




For 1942 Charlton lists a wide and narrow date, but looking at his images we see no significant difference to define them by. In a recent lot of 5 examples that came in together, all were slightly different but there was again no clear way to define them into categories. Two had a narrow gap between the 9 and 4 but one of those a wide and the other a narrow gap between the 4 and 2. Three had a wide gap between the 9 and 4, of which two had a narrow and one a wide gap between the 4 and 2. Within those there were also variations on how the two lined up with the denticles below. With that many variations in such a small of sample, and no clear way to define narrow from wide, I see no point in continuing to list 1942 half dollars by variety. Perhaps one day I will start photographing them and sorting them out, but there seems no good reason to do so at this time.




1942 ................................... AU-50    $17.50
1942 ................................... MS-62    $52.50




1943 has four variations of wide date, medium and narrow dates plus a distinctive 3/3 date. The wide, medium and narrow dates can be defined by drawing a line down the left side of the three and looking to see how the cross bar of the 4 ends relative to that line. Out of 158 examples we have recently examined we found the wide date was just slightly scarcer than the medium and narrow dates, but not by enough to justify a different price. As these are minor die varieties of no significant importance unless you are collecting these by die variety, we do not offer them as different varieties, but if you are looking to purchase a specific variation please contact us and we let you know if we have it available. What is much scarcer and for which a higher value is justified, is is the 3/3 variety with only 4 examples in that 158 coins we examined. We will offer as a separate variety when available.





1943 wide date, the 4 ends before line.	1943 medium date, the 4 end slightly across line
1943 narrow date, 4 ends further across line.	1943 3 over 3.






1943 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1943 ................................... MS-60      SOLD
1943 ................................... MS-63    $80.00
1943 .............................. ICCS MS-63    $80.00




1943 3/3 ............................... AU-55      SOLD




At least one 1943 narrow date die cracked across the 3 resulting in a variety noted by Hans Zoell in his work on minor Canadian varieties as #FL 444x, but not a recognized as a variety in Charlton or the trend sheet. It is very similar to the die crack seen on the 1946 design type half dollars, so we refer to this as the 1943 design.




1943 design (die break across date).


1943 design (die crack), Zoell FL 444x . VF-30      SOLD
1943 design (die crack), Zoell FL 444x . XF-40      SOLD




1944 half dollars are complex with many sub varieties composed of a combination of wide and narrow dates with high, medium and low 4's. We find that the high, medium and low 4's are more distinctive definitions so are differentiating them that way. There is also one very distinctive and scarce 4/4 over date variety. We define high, medium and low 4's by how the tail of the 4 meets the unicorn's hoof. The low 4 is very distinctive with the unicorn's hoof ending above tail of the 4, not touching any part of the 4. On the medium and high 4's are less distinctive as on both the unicorn's hoof touches the tail of the 4, but on the medium 4 bottom of the hoof ends against the back of the 4, and on the high 4 it ends below the bottom of the 4. These differences are minor and there are a number of sub varieties of each, some of which are not distinctly one or the other, and we are now leaning towards combining the low and medium 4 into one group called the low 4. There is also a scarce 4/4 variation of medium 4. Having now examined 145 examples, we found 13 HIGH 4's, 125 MEDIUM 4's, 3 4/4's, and 4 LOW 4'S. While the high 4's are clearly scarcer than the medium 4's, both are easy to fine and the visual difference between them not very very insignificant, so we do not feel a difference in price is justified, and do not feel listing them as individual types is either so for now we will just list them as 1944's. Both the low 4's and 4/4's are much scarer and higher values are justified, so we will list them as distinct variations when they are available.





1944 low 4 where hoof ends far above the 4).	1944 medium 4, hoof end at at back of 4 with both wide and narrow date varieties.
1944 high 4, hoof ends below back of 4 gap between the 4's is either wide or narrow.	1944 4/4 with a distinct doubled final 4.






1944 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1944 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1944 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1944 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
1944 ............................. cameo MS-60    $42.50
1944 ..................... tiny rim nick MS-62    $28.50
1944 ............................. TONED MS-63    $80.00

1944 low 4 .............................. F-15    $19.50




1944 4/4 ................................ F-15    $16.50




We also noticed one example with an in filled final 4, possibly due to a grease filled die error, making it a curious but no a distinct variety.

1944 minor filling of the 4, high date . VG-10      SOLD




In 1944 one of the half dollar dies developed a major die crack extending from the edge of the coin, across the 4 in the date to the hoof. This variety was noted by Hans Zoell in his work on minor Canadian varieties as #FL 445g. This variety is not a recognized variety in Charlton or the trend sheet. The example we currently have in an ICCS holder is only graded by ICCS but he does not indicated this variety.




1944 tail on 4, Zoell FL 445g ..... ICCS MS-63    $75.00




For 1945 there are three distinct varieties, which are a combination of blunt and pointed 5's, plus wide and narrow dates. So far we have found all blunt 5's are wide dates. Pointed 5's come in both wide and narrow dates as defined wider space between the 4 and 5, but there is a range in this spacing indicating several dies some of which are not clearly wide or narrow. We have now looked at 102 of these that came to us randomly, and 84 were pointed 5's with no significant difference in scarcity between the wide and narrow date. Only 18 were blunt 5's, which we feel is just scarce enough to justify a minor higher value. As the difference is wide and narrow dates on the pointed 5's is insignificant we will not longer differentiate between them on the examples we have for sale, but will separate them if you ask when placing an order. We will differentiate the blunt 5's when available.

1945 blunt 5.

1945 narrow date with 4 and 5 close together.

1945 pointed 5 wide date (4 and 5 further a part).





1945 blunt 5 ........................... XF-40      SOLD
1945 blunt 5 ........................... AU-58      SOLD




1945 pointed 5 ......................... XF-40      SOLD
1945 pointed 5 .................... ICCS MS-63    $80.00




In 1945 one of the half dollar dies developed a major die crack extending from the hoof across the 5 in the date to the 4, and is very similar to how a 1946 design half dollar looks. This variety was noted by Hans Zoell in his work on minor Canadian varieties as #FL 446n, but is not recognized in either Charlton or the trend sheet.




1945 die break (design) ................ XF-40      SOLD




1946 half dollars are somewhat complicated, even more so than the standard references indicate where non-"design" types are only listed as wide and narrow dates, but there are clearly wide, medium and narrow date examples. They can be distinguished as follows :





Narrow date 6 ends to the left of rock line edge. 4 and 6 touch.





Middle date 6 ends on the rock line edge. Gap between the 4 and the 6.

Wide date 6 ends to the right of rock line edge, nearer the ring. Distinct gap between the 4 and 6.





Unless you use three types the middle date would be defined a narrow date based on the distance between the 6 tip and the ring, but as a wide date based on the gap between the 4 and 6. I have now examined 44 examples and found 12 wide date, 30 middle date, and 2 narrow date. The wide and middle dates do not show enough difference in scarcity to justify a different value, but the narrow date where the 4 and 6 touch are much scarcer and do justify a higher value. For now we have decided it is best to just list the scarce narrow dates as a separate variety, and combine the middle and wide dates as just 1946 without designation, but if you wanted to purchase a particular one we will be happy to sort one out for you if you let us know.




1946 ................................... XF-40    $15.50
1946 ................................... XF-45    $18.50
1946 ................................... AU-50    $29.50
1946 ................................... MS-63      SOLD




1946 narrow date ....................... XF-40      SOLD




To make the 1946 half dollars even more complicated, one or more of the dies deteriorated in stages resulting various stages of infilling in the 6. First a small die break started inside of the 6, resulting in a small filling at the top, in what we call the "partial design". While not listed in most commonly used references, it was noted by Zoell in his books on Canadian varieties as # R447a. Until recently I though all were narrow date varieties, but I have now determined these exist for the wide date variety, so clearly two different dies are involved. On one of the dies that break expands across the 6 to the left where it touches the bottom of the 4, but with still only the top of the 6 filled, becoming a full design (defined by this die break touching the 4) in what we call the "design #2". Finally the break widens inside the 6 until more than 50% of the 6 is fill, becoming what we call the "design #1", and which is the "design" type listed in most references.





partial design die break only inside top of 6.





design #2 die break extends across to 4 only top of 6 filled.

design #1, die break extends across to 4 inside of 6 more than 50% filled.





1946, partial design, narrow date ...... VF-30    $16.50
1946, partial design, narrow date ...... XF-40    $17.50
1946, partial design, narrow date ...... MS-62    $35.00




1946, full design #2 narrow date ........ F-12    $17.50
1946, full design #2 narrow date ....... VF-20      SOLD
1946, full design #2 narrow date ....... XF-40   $100.00




1946, full design #1, narrow date ...... VG-10    $32.50




1947 half dollars come in four significant varieties. The two major divisions are those minted in 1947 without a small maple leaf after the date, and those minted in 1948 which have the small maple leaf after the date. Each of those are found with either a curved 7 (curved right 7) or a 7 (curved left 7). Wide and narrow date variations exist, but I have not yet found a simply diagnostic for them, and as there seems to be no difference in scarcity between narrow and wide dates, for now I am not listing them here. The maple leaf types are much scarcer than those without, and the maple leaf with the straight 7 (or curved left 7) is very rare.





1947 curved left or straight 7

1947 curved right or curved 7




1947 curved left ....................... XF-40      SOLD
1947 curved left ....................... MS-60    $80.00
1947 curved left ................. toned MS-63   $250.00




1947 curved right ...................... VF-20      SOLD
1947 curved right ...................... XF-40    $28.00
1947 curved right ...................... AU-55    $80.00
1947 curved right ...................... MS-60      SOLD




In 1947 India received its independence, so "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from the King's titles on any British Commonwealth coins dating 1948 or newer. Preparing new hubs for the dies dies with the new inscription was done in England and the new 1948 die were not ready until late in the year. While waiting for the new dies to arrive, dated 1947 with "IND IMP" were struck, but a small maple leaf was placed behind the date to indicate they were really minted in 1948. 1947 half dollars maple leaf (ML) half dollars also come with the curved right and curved left varieties, but the curved right variety is extremely rare. All 1947 Maple Leaf half dollars with a curved right 7 are wide date, and all curved left are narrow date, so there is no need to list them via those varieties.




1947 maple leaf curved left


1947 ML ................................. F-15    $42.50
1947 ML ................................ VF-20      SOLD
1947 ML ........................... ICCS VF-20    $52.50
1947 ML ................................ VF-30      SOLD
1947 ML ........................... ICCS VF-30    $65.00
1947 ML ................................ XF-40      SOLD
1947 ML ........................... ICCS XF-40    $92.50
1947 ML ........................... ICCS MS-60   $260.00
1947 ML ................................ MS-63   $425.00




Because the dies for the 1948 half dollars did not arrive from England until late in the year, very few of these were struck and are today fairly scarce.




1948 narrow date (low 4) ................ F-12      SOLD
1948 narrow date (low 4) ................ F-15   $120.00
1948 narrow date (low 4) ............... VF-30   $160.00




1949 half dollars are complicated with a combination of the position of the 4's relative to the 9's, with high, medium and low 4's, and the size of the gap between the first 9 and the 4, with wide and narrow gaps. The more we look, the more varieties we find (there are some with even higher 4's), and every die must have been different. We have noticed that the low 9's seem to be a little scarcer than the high and medium 9's but not by enough to justify any difference in value, so at this time I will not be separating them in our listings. The one distinctive variety is that called the "hoof" or "hoof over" where a die crack extends from the unicorn's hoof and onto the 9, making it look like the hoof overlays part of the 9. They would have been struck late in the working life of just one die, and are scarce and the only variety we now feel justifies being listed separately at a higher value.





1949 high 4 narrow date Top of 4 higher than 9's. narrow gap between 9 and 4	1949 medium 4 wide date Top of 4 nearly level with 9's wide gap between 9 and 4
1949 low 4 narrow date top of 4 below 9's, narrow gap between 9 and 4.	1949 low 4 wide date top of 4 below 9's, wide gap between 9 and 4.





Hoof-over Die crack from hoof onto 9.





1949 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1949 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1949 ................................... MS-62      SOLD




1949 hoof over ..................... ICCS VG-8    $20.00
1949 hoof over ......................... VF-20      SOLD
1949 hoof over ......................... VF-30      SOLD




When the 1950 half dollar dies were engraved, most of the dies showed some ground lines overlapped the "0" in the date so that several small lines are visible inside the "0". Some dies showed these lines very clearly, some only partly, others by only a trace, but there was at least one die on which not trace of these lines are visible. This has resulted in two major and two minor varieties of these coins : 1) Full design - four clear lines inside the "0" with the top line extending more than half way across the "0", with parts of three lines also visible between the 5 and 0, and parts of four more to the lower right of the 0. 2) Partial design - parts of some grounds lines visible inside the "0", with the top line extending no more than half way across the "0", although on some examples only traces of these lines are visible. There are also traces of ground lines between the 5 and 0, and to the bottom right of the 0. If any trace of these lines is visible the example cannot be called a "no design" but rather is still a part design variety. The Charlton Standard Catalogue lists the part design as scarcer and slightly higher priced than the full design, but in my experience there is no difference in scarcity, wo no difference in value is warranted. . 3) No design - no trace of any ground lines are visible either inside the "0", or between the 0 and the 5, or to the lower right of the 0. 4) No design with die break. The same characteristics as the no design, except for a fairly clear die break going through the 0 across the bottom of the 5. Until recently only examples with this die break were considered the true full design variety, but that is no longer the case as the no design example illustrated in the Charlton's Standard Catalogue lacks this die break. Those with the die break are scarcer, are priced higher.




1950 full design


1950 full design .................. ICCS MS-63    $45.00




1950 part design with strong lines



1950 part design with only trace lines


1950 partial design .................... MS-62      SOLD




1950 no design, this example has the die break


1950 no design, no die break ........... VF-20      SOLD

1950 no design, with die break ......... VF-20      SOLD
1950 no design, with die break ......... XF-40      SOLD
1950 no design, with die break ......... AU-55   $125.00




1952 ................. lightly toned NGC MS-63    $20.00





ELIZABETH II
AD 1953 - PRESENT

Young Head Series




When the first issue of Elizabeth appeared in 1953, it was quickly noticed that her shoulder was bare. This was considered inappropriate, so the design was redrawn to include a fold of cloth over the shoulder, and a slight change in some of the letter forms. 1953 50 cent pieces occur in three types, with the large date no-shoulder-strap type slightly scarcer. SD - small date (all small dates are also NSS) LD SS - large date shoulder strap LD NSS - large date no shoulder strap




1953 SD ................................ MS-60      SOLD

1953 LD NSS ............................ VF-20      SOLD
1953 LD NSS ............................ VF-30      SOLD




1954 .............................. ICCS PL-64    $65.00
1954 ........................ ICCS CAMEO PL-64    $80.00
1954 ................ uneven toning PCGS MS-65   $375.00




1955 ........................ ICCS cameo PL-64      SOLD




1956 ............................. cameo PL-65   $125.00




One 1958 half dollar die deteriorated resulting in a small pit below the last "A" in "CANADA", producing coins with raised dot there. We listed there here because they are listed in the Canadian Coin News trend sheet and some people are asking for them, but in our opinion this is a insignificant variety.




1958 dot



1958 dot ............................... VF-20      SOLD
1958 dot ............................... VF-30      SOLD
1958 dot ............................... XF-40      SOLD




1961 ............... heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE-65      SOLD
1961 ............... heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE-66      SOLD




1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $15.50




1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $15.50
1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $16.50

Mature Head Series




1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $15.50
1965 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $15.50




In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a howling wolf depicted on these 50 cent coins. Please note that the examples of this type we offer here are exceptional examples, either Proof-likes, Specimens or high end MS examples, often with a cameo portrait and/or wolf. Normal examples, even in MS-60 to 62, or even specimens and proof-likes with any problems, are very common and only worth the value of the silver they contain so we do not list them here. For most coins if listed as cameo it is only the portrait side where the cameo effect is important. On these 1967 coins many people like the cameo effect on the animals, so for these we will note if the cameo is on the portrait, on the wolf or both (you seldom get it on both, but they do show up sometimes in the specimen sets).




1967 wolf ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
1967 wolf .......... cameo portrait PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
1967 wolf . obv. toned, lt cameo wolf SPECIMEN      SOLD
1967 wolf ................... ICCS cameo SP-64      SOLD
1967 wolf ...... dark toned, ultra cameo SP-65      SOLD





NICKEL HALF DOLLARS




With the switch from silver coins to nickel coins in 1968, the size of the half dollars was reduced from 29.72 mm used for the previous silver coins to 27.13 mm, making it very easy to sort of nickel half dollars from silver ones. The only exception being that from 1996 the half dollars in the special proof sets were struck from sterling (.925) silver. Nickel half dollars from 1968 to 1986 are very common and average ones are not of enough value for us to list here. We the only only list either exceptionally high quality examples (normally from Proof-like, Specimen or Proof sets) or scarce varieties, but as you can see below even they are not of any significant values. Starting in 1987 the mintages were dramatically reduced as the mint stopped issuing them through banks, and most dates after 1986 command a small premium with the newest dates being the most difficult to find.




1968 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75




1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50




1977 ................................... MS-63    $ 2.50
1977 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1977 ................................... PL-66      SOLD

In 1978 there were two varieties in how the three beads on the band of the small crown dividing the date are drawn. On the common variety all three beads are square, and so it is known as the square bead variety. On the scarcer variety the center bead is still square but the two flanking it are round, so that is known as the round bead variety.




1978 square bead .................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1978 square bead .................... SPECIMEN    $ 3.50




1978 round bead ........................ MS-60      SOLD
1978 round bead ................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75




1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1980 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.00




1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




In 1982 there were two varieties of obverse, one with small beads and low relief portrait, and the other with large beads and a high relief portrait. The small bead variety is much rarer than the large bead variety (some older volumes of the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins had this reversed).




1982 large bead ................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1982 large bead ........................ PROOF    $ 3.50




1982 small beads ....................... AU-50    $25.00
1982 small beads ....................... AU-58    $30.00
1982 small beads ....................... MS-60    $35.00
1982 small beads ....................... MS-62    $40.00
1982 small beads ....................... MS-63    $55.00




1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.75
1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.75
1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50
1984 ................................ PROOF-67    $ 6.50




1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.25
1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




Half dollars were seldom seen in circulation after the mid-1960's but continued to be struck in fairly large numbers until 1985. Starting in 1986 mintages were significantly reduced, after which time none of the regular issues have a mintage over 1 million. I suspect the dies were only made so they could included in mint sets, with the circulation strikes made to use up the dies after they too worn to produce Proof-like or Specimen quality coins. The one exception to this is the 2002 special issue for the Queen's 50th anniversary of her accession, of which just over 14 million were made, and an attempt to get them into circulation was made but largely failed. For the 1986 and newer 50 cent coins we have in original rolls, we will offer them below just graded as "UNC" for uncirculated, and send them as they com from the rolls. They will probably average in the MS-62 to MS-63 range.




1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00
1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




1987 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.75
1987 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1988 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.25
1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.25
1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1990 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.25
1990 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1991 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1991 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1992 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1992 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1993 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1993 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1994 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1994 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.50
1994 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1995 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1995 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




While the circulation and specimen strikes of the 50 cent coins continued to be 100% nickel alloy as with earlier dates, starting in 1996 the Proof coins began to be struck from a sterling silver alloy (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). Please note that the silver proof examples contain 0.276 troy ounces of silver and with silver at the time I am writing this at $41.31 per ounce (Canadian funds) they have $11.40 worth of silver meaning that with the time to list them, process payments, and ship them, I have to set of base price for even the commonest dates at $13.50 (which will change as the price of silver changes).




1996 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1996 ............................ silver PROOF    $13.50




1997 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1997 ............................ silver PROOF    $13.50




In 1998, the Canadian Mint experimented with mint marked coins in the mint sets by placing a small "W" in front of the Queen's head on those struck at Winnipeg, but without a mint mark for those struck at Ottawa. The experiment was abandoned part way through the year, and examples with the "W" are much scarcer than those without.




1998 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1998 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50
1998 ............................ silver PROOF    $13.50




To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary, special sets of coins were struck with the sizes, alloys, and general reverse designs of the 1908 coins, but Queen Elizabeth's portrait and the date shown as "1908 - 2008". The early sets were struck with an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved un-popular with collectors, but are now the scarer type. The later sets have a mirror proof finish.




1908-1998 commemorative ........... matte-PROOF      SOLD
1908-1998 commemorative .......... mirror-PROOF      SOLD




1999 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
1999 ............................ silver PROOF    $15.00




In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The blanks were first nickel plated, then copper plated, with the 1 cent coins struck on the copper plating, but the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent were given a second nickel plating before being struck. A small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicated the coins were on plated blanks. No "P" coins were issued for circulation in 1999, but sets of them were made as test tokens for calibrating vending machines to accept them. The vending machine companies were required to return test tokens after they are done with them, but some of the tokens appeared on the market at very high prices (over $100 each). The mint decided to get in on the action and made about 20,000 sets of 1999 "P" coins to sell directly to collectors at just over $100 per set of 5 coins. The packaging was similar to Proof-like sets, so we call these coins Proof-likes, although there exact status is not certain. The 1999 P 50 cent below, is from one of these sets.




1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




2000 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
2000 ............................ silver PROOF    $15.00




The first circulation strike "P" 50 cent coins were struck in 2001, although a few 2000 "P" 50 cent coins exist due to an accidental release mounted on mint issued souvenir clocks.




2001 ............................ silver PROOF    $13.50

2001 P ................................... UNC    $ 2.00
2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.50





A commemorative half dollar for the Queen's 50th anniversary as Queen was issued in 2002. These have the date below the shield on the reverse written as "1952 - 2002", an obverse showing portrait as the Queen looked on her accession in 1952, with a crowned "E II R CANADA" inscription to the left, and "D G REGINA" to the right. These were given out in change at Post Offices and Hudson Bay stores in 2002, making them the only Canadian half dollar actually circulation since the early 1980's.




2002 P commemorative ..................... UNC    $ 2.00





A second type of 2002 half dollar was issued in the mint sets. These are a regular design with the traditional up to date portrait of the Queen, but with the "1952-2002" dating below the portrait. None of this type were issued for circulation.




2002 ............................ silver PROOF    $13.50


2002 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD





2003 saw a return to the standard half dollar designs.




2003 ............................ silver PROOF      SOLD


2003 W P .......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




Part way through 2006 the "P" for plated was replaced by a small mint logo, but the meaning remained the same to indicate a coin struck on a plated steel blank. The also made special Proof silver half dollars in 2006 to be given away on the covers of mint reports, and which were gold plated only on the reverse, and do not have either the "P" or the mint logo.




2006 P ................................. MS-64    $ 6.00
2006 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.00




2006 mint report ................ silver PROOF      SOLD




In 2007 the "P" on the plated coins was replaced with a small mint logo, although the coins are still struck on plated blanks.




2007 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




2008 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50




2009 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
2009 logo ....................... silver PROOF      SOLD




2010 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




Between 1995 and 2000 Canada struck a series of 50 cent coins called the Discovering Nature Series depicting various animals native to Canada. All were struck in sterling silver, and only in Proof quality. The examples we offer below are single coins in standard 2x2 holders, not their original mint packaging, unless otherwise noted to be in the case of issue.




1995, Atlantic Puffins.................. PROOF    $20.00
1995, Whooping Crane ................... PROOF    $20.00
1995, Gray Jays ........................ PROOF    $20.00
1995, White-tailed Ptarmigans .......... PROOF    $20.00

1995 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF    $60.00

1996, Moose calf ....................... PROOF      SOLD
1996, Wood Ducklings ................... PROOF      SOLD
1996, Cougar Kittens ................... PROOF      SOLD
1996, Black Bear Cubs .................. PROOF      SOLD

1996 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF      SOLD

1998, Killer Whale ..................... PROOF    $20.00
1998, Humpback Whale ................... PROOF    $20.00
1998, Beluga Whale ..................... PROOF    $20.00
1998, Blue Whale ....................... PROOF    $20.00

1998 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF    $60.00

2000, Osprey ........................... PROOF      SOLD
2000, Red Tailed Hawk .................. PROOF    $20.00




Between 1998 and 2000 Canada struck a series of 50 cent coins to celebrate Sports Firsts for Canada. They are struck from sterling silver in Proof quality. The examples we offer below are single coins in standard 2x2 holders, not their original mint packaging.




1998, First overseas Can. soccer tour .. PROOF      SOLD
1998, Gilles Villeneaue Grand Prix Vict. PROOF      SOLD
2000, 1875 first recorded hockey game .. PROOF      SOLD




Between 2002 and 2003 Canada struck a series of 50 cent coins to celebrate Canadian festivals. They are struck from sterling silver in Proof quality. The examples we offer below are single coins in standard 2x2 holders, not their original mint packaging.




2001, Quebec Winter Carnival ........... PROOF    $20.00
2001, NFLD and Lab. Folk Festival ...... PROOF    $20.00
2001, PEI Festival of Fathers .......... PROOF    $20.00
2001, Nunavut Toonik Tyme .............. PROOF    $20.00

2002, Alberta Calgary Stampede ......... PROOF    $20.00
2002, British Columbia Squamish days ... PROOF    $20.00

2003, NB Festival Acadien de Caraquet .. PROOF    $20.00




In 2008 a very strange 50 cent coins was struck to commemorate milk delivery in Canada. It was struck on a triagular sterling silver blank, has the Queen's head on the obverse, and the reverse shows the head of a milk cow and a bottle of milk. To make it even stranger, the reverse is covered in a layer of clear green enamel. These were made only in Proof quality. The example we offer below is in a standard 2x2, not the original box of issue.




2008 Milk delivery commemorative ....... PROOF      SOLD