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 ............................... VF-20   $215.00

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

1872 H ................................... G-4      SOLD
1872 H .................................. VG-8      SOLD
1872 H ................................. VG-10    $85.00
1872 H ................... light cleaning F-15   $110.00
1872 H ...... rim nick and small rev dig XF-40   $245.00




1900 .................................... VG-8    $72.50
1900 ............................... ICCS F-12   $125.00





EDWARD VII
AD 1902 - 1910



image of type only


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




1906 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
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    $14.50




1910 Edwardian leaves .................. VF-20   $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    $18.00




image of 1912 TO 1936 type only


1912 .................................... VG-8    $11.00




1913 ..................................... G-6    $14.50
1913 .................. small obverse dig F-15    $55.00
1913 .............................. ICCS VF-30   $245.00




1914 ..................................... G-6    $21.00
1914 .............................. ICCS VG-10    $50.00




1916 .................................... VG-8    $ 9.50
1916 ........................ minor marks F-15    $15.00




1917 .................................... VG-8    $ 9.00
1917 .................................... F-15    $28.50




1918 .................................... VG-8    $ 9.00
1918 .................................... F-15    $21.00




1919 .................................... VG-8    $ 9.00
1919 ................................... VG-10    $11.00
1919 .................................... F-12    $14.50
1919 .................................... F-15    $22.50




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 ........................... F-15    $31.50




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    $ 8.75
1929 ................................... VF-20    $47.50




1931 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1931 .............................. ICCS VF-20    $90.00




1932 ..................................... G-6   $140.00
1932 .................................... VG-8   $170.00
1932 .............................. ICCS VG-10   $200.00
1932 .................................... F-12   $250.00




1934 ...................... reverse marks VG-8      SOLD
1934 ................................... VG-10    $33.00
1934 ............................... ICCS F-12    $42.50
1934 .................................... F-15    $70.00
1934 .............................. ICCS VF-20   $125.00




1936 .................................... VG-8    $24.50
1936 ............................... ICCS F-15    $62.50
1936 ................................... VF-20   $110.00
1936 ...................... old cleaning AU-55   $385.00





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, 1946, 1949, 1950 and 1952, but expect it occurs on others as well.




1937 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1937 .................................... F-15    $10.00
1937 ................................... VF-20    $12.50
1937 ................................... XF-45    $19.50
1937 ........................ toned ICCS MS-63    $95.00




1938 ................................... VG-10    $ 7.75
1938 .................................... F-12    $10.00
1938 .................................... F-15    $14.00
1938 ................................... VF-20    $20.00
1938 ................................... VF-30    $28.50
1938 ................................... XF-40      SOLD




1939 .................................... F-12    $ 9.50
1939 .................................... F-15    $12.00
1939 ................................... XF-40    $28.50




1940 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1940 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1940 ................................... MS-60    $37.50




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 these are minor (insignificant) varieties of which there many more than any of the references list, and there are many different ways to categorize them. Besides being insignificant, it is also very confusing and every time I look at some of these coins I come to different ideas on how to classify them. Even the Charlton catalogue and ICCS don't seem to agree on how it should be done. People are asking them, so we are attempting to figure out a way to present them here, illustrating and discussing how we thing the best way is. But the reality is that ever die was different, and unless you intend to collect these by die variety, you might what to think about which of these variations are of any importance to you personally. 1941 is one date where there appear to be only two significant varieties easily differentiate by the positions of the final 1 relative to the denticles below. There is a wide date where the 1 points between two denticles, and a narrow date where it points directly at a denticle. In a recent sampling of 27 coins taken at random, we have found 11 WIDE DATE and 16 NARROW DATE coins, suggesting that there is no significant difference in rarity between the types.




1941 wide date, points between denticles.


1941 wide date ......................... XF-40      SOLD
1941 wide date ......................... XF-45    $12.75




1941 narrow date, points at a denticle.

1941 narrow date ....................... XF-40    $10.00
1941 narrow date ....................... AU-55    $24.00




For 1942 Charlton lists a wide and narrow date, but look at his image I can see no significant difference to define the difference between them. In a recent lot of 5 examples that came in together, all were slightly different and I could not find a way to clearly define any one example as any particular variety. Two had a narrow gap between the 9 and 4 but one had wide gap 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 gap and the third a wide gap between the 4 and 2. Within those there were variations on how the two lined up with the denticles below. With that many variations in that 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, and have discontinue doing so.




1942 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1942 .............................. ICCS MS-62    $55.00




1943 has two variations of wide and narrow dates, differentiate by the spacing between the 4 and 3. If a line were drawn down the left edge of the 3, on wide dates the cross bar of the 4 ends very slightly to the left of that line. ON arrow date examples that point on the 4 end across the line, although on some dies it end further across than on others. Technically we could divide these into narrow, medium and far 4 examples, but I don't feel the differences are enough to justify three types. Out of 57 examples I have recently examined I found 16 wide and 41 narrow date examples, so the wide dates is slightly scarcer but not by enough to justify a higher value.




1943 wide date, 4 ends before line.


1943 wide date ......................... XF-45      SOLD





1943 narrow date, 4 ends slightly across line (some examples extend further).


1943 narrow date ....................... XF-40    $10.00
1943 narrow date ....................... AU-50      SOLD
1943 narrow date ...... ICCS (as far-3), MS-63    $80.00




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    $18.00
1943 design (die crack), Zoell FL 444x . XF-40    $20.00




1944 half dollars are complex with many sub varieties of wide and narrow dates, high, medium and low 4's. But we find that the high, medium and low 4's are more distinctive so are differentiating them by those variations. There is also one very distinctive and scarce 4/4 over date variety. We measure high, medium and low 4's as defined by the position of the 4 relative to the unicorns hoof. The low 4 is very distinctive with unicorn's hoof ending well above back of the 4, not touching any part of the 4. The medium 4 has variations but on all of them the bottom part of the unicorn's hoof ends against the back of the 4. On the high 4's the bottom of the unicorn's hoof ends distinctly below the back of the four. The much scarcer 4/4 variety is a variation of the medium 4. Having now examined 60 examples, I saw 6 of the HIGH 4's, 49 of the regular MEDIUM 4's, 3 of the 4/4 MEDIUM, and 2 of the low 4 variety. 58 of these coins came to me randomly, but 2 of the 4/4 examples were brought to me specifically as 4/4 examples so were not random, and I belive the 4/4 is probably a rare or rarer than the low 4 type.




1944 low 4 (hoof ends far above the back of the 4).


1944 low 4 .............................. F-15    $15.00




1944 medium 4 (2 variations of hoof at back of 4, with both wide and narrow date).


1944 medium 4 .......................... XF-40    $10.00
1944 medium 4 .......................... XF-45    $13.50
1944 medium 4 .......................... AU-50    $16.50
1944 medium 4 .......................... AU-55    $24.00
1944 medium 4 ..................... ICCS MS-62      SOLD




1944 high 4 (hoof ends below back of 4, on this one the gap between the 4's is either wide or narrow).


1944 high date ......................... XF-40      SOLD
1944 high date ......................... MS-60    $38.50




The 1944 4 over 4 variety clearly has the final 4 punched twice with a slight over lap. It is most noticeable at the bottom there the 4 has a second base but there is clear doubling along the base of horizontal line of the 4. I have now noticed these with and without some doubling long the left side of the diagonal of the 4 but they appear to be the same die so probably represent two different die states. What is distinctive to this die is that the tip of the hoof touches the back upright of the 4, just above the 4. This makes it a subgroup of the medium 4 type, but the common medium 4's don't have the hoof tip that close.




1944 4/4 with a distinct doubled final 4.


1944 high date 4/4 ..................... XF-40      SOLD




We also noticed one example with an in filled final 4, possibly due to a grease filled die error, making it a curious by fairly minor variety.

1944 minor filling of the 4, high date . VG-10    $ 8.00




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 also wide dates so we will refer to them only as the blunt 5 variety. Pointed 5's come in both wide and narrow dates although we find the date widths to be somewhat less than obvious and are not by any means certain they should be listed as two different varieties. But there are clearly two different pointed 5's with those listed by Carlton as wide dates having a secondary smaller point at tip of the 5, and with those listed by Carlton as the narrow date without that secondary point. Our earlier samples had the blunt 5 as the more common but a recent large group of 1945's changed our totals, and it now appears the pointed narrow might be the most common but with only a minor variation in rarity between the types. Our sample size in now 58 coins, in which we found 13 Blunt 5's, 15 pointed 5 wide date, and 30 pointed 5 narrow date.




1945 blunt 5 (wide date).


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




1945 pointed 5 wide date (with secondary tip on 5).


1945 pointed 5 wide date ............... XF-40      SOLD




1945 pointed 5 narrow date (without secondary tip on 5).


1945 pointed 5 narrow date ............. XF-45    $13.50




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 varity was noted by Hans Zoell in his work on minor Canadian varieties as #FL 446n. This variety is not a recognized variety in Charlton or the trend sheet.




1945 die break (design) wide date ...... XF-40    $27.50




1946 half dollars are somewhat complicated, in part because the standard references have some errors in their listings. For the non-"design" types they only list wide and narrow dates varieties, but there is very clearly three types, wide, medium and narrow dates. They can be distinguished as follows : Wide date - tip of the 6 is much closer to the chain ring, distinctly to the right of the rock line. There is a distinct gap between the 4 and 6. Middle date - tip of the 6 ends farther from the chain ring, on the edge of the rock line, but still a gap between the 4 and the 6. Narrow date - tip of the 6 ends far from the chain ring, slightly to the left of the edge of the rock line, but the 4 and 6 touch. Unless you use these three types, the middle date could be defined a narrow date based on the position of the tip of the 6, or a wide date based on the gap between the 4 and 6. So far my sampling of these is 35 coins in which I have seen 11 wide date, 23 middle date, and only 1 narrow date.




1946 wide date. Gap between 4 and 6, 6 end close to ring.


1946 wide date ......................... XF-40    $13.50
1946 wide date ......................... XF-45    $16.00
1946 wide date ......................... AU-58    $47.50




1946 medium date. Gap between 4 and 6, 6 ends far from ring.


1946 middle date ....................... VF-30      SOLD
1946 middle date ....................... XF-40    $14.00
1946 middle date ....................... XF-45    $18.50




1946 narrow date. 4 touches 6, 6 end farther from ring.


1946 narrow date ....................... XF-40    $35.00




But to make the 1946 half dollars even more complicated, one or more of the dies deteriorated in stages resulting in three more significant varieties, only one of which are currently listed in the standard references. First a small die break started inside of the 6, resulting in a partial filling at the top, which 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 of these were narrow date varieties, but I just discovered one with the tip of the 6 actually touching to the ring to the right, so clearly a different die of the wide date variety. Next the die break extended outside the 6 to touch the bottom of the 4, but with still only the very top of the 6 filled. As full design is technically defined by this die break touching the 4, we call this a full design but as "design #2". Finally that break widened inside the 6 until than 50% of the inside of the 6 is fill, creating what we call the "design #1", and which is the type currently listed in most references as the "design" type.




partial design


1946, partial design, narrow date ....... F-12    $10.00
1946, partial design, narrow date ...... VF-30    $16.50
1946, partial design, narrow date ...... XF-40    $19.50




design #2


1946, full design #2 narrow date ........ F-15    $25.00
1946, full design #2 narrow date ....... VF-20    $35.00
1946, full design #2 narrow date ....... XF-40   $100.00




design #1


1946, full design #1, narrow date ....... F-15    $37.50




There are four major varieties of the 1947 half dollars, first divided into those minted in 1947 which do not have a tiny maple leaf after the date, and then those minted in 1948 which do have the tiny maple leaf after the date (as explained further down). For each of those varieties there were two different shapes to the seven, one of which curves back to the right and is known as either the curved 7 or curved right variety, the other of which the 7 is straighter and points to the left, known as either the curved left or straight 7 variety. These wide and narrow date variations are difficult to tell a part and I have not yet spotted a simply diagnostic for doing so (if I find one I will add that information), but as there seems to be no difference in rarity and the differences are so minor as to be of no significance (ever die has to be slightly different), so for now I am not listing them here.




1947 curved left or straight 7


1947 curved left ....................... XF-40      SOLD
1947 straight 7, re-cut 7 ......... ICCS AU-50      SOLD




1947 curved right or curved 7


1947 curved right ...................... VF-20    $ 9.50
1947 curved right ...................... VF-30    $14.50
1947 curved right ...................... XF-40      SOLD
1947 curved right ................. ICCS MS-60   $125.00




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 ................................ VG-10      SOLD
1947 ML ................................ VF-20    $52.50
1947 ML ........................... ICCS VF-20    $52.50
1947 ML ................................ VF-30    $65.00
1947 ML ........................... ICCS VF-30    $65.00
1947 ML ........................... ICCS XF-40      SOLD




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   $110.00
1948 narrow date (low 4) ................ F-15   $120.00
1948 narrow date (low 4) ............... VF-30   $150.00




The main varieties for 1949 half dollars are high and low 4's in the date, and as illustrated below they are fairly distinctive. Some people also refer to the high 4 as a narrow date, and the low 4 as a wide date because of spacing differences between the 9 and the hoof, but there are a number of dies involved and trying to separate them by those spacings can be confusing as every die was slightly different. But the high and low 4 see pretty consistent so we are now using those designations. As the illustrations below show, the high 4 has the top of the 4 higher than the top's of the two 9's, while the low 4 as the top of the 4 distinctly lower than the tops of the 9's. The Charlton catalogue lists the low 4 (wide date) as the more common variety, but I think they have it backwards. Out of 19 examples we have so far examined there were only 3 low 4's (wide date) but 19 high 4's (narrow date). This sample is still pretty small and these ratio's may change as more examples are examined.




1949 high 4 (narrow date)


1949 high 4, 30 degree die rotation .... VF-30      SOLD
1949 high 4 (narrow date) .............. XF-40      SOLD




1949 low 4 (wide date)


1949 low 4 (wide date) ................. AU-50      SOLD




A third variety of 1949 half dollar called the "hoof" or "hoof over" is a subgroup of the low 4's where a die crack formed across part of the unicorn's hoof and extends over the edge of the 9 making it look like the hoof overlays part of the 9. They would be struck for only the last part of the die life of a single die, so are the scarcest of the 1949 half dollar varieties.




1949 hoof


1949 hoof over .......................... F-15      SOLD
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 ....................... MS-62      SOLD




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    $42.50




1952 ................................... AU-50    $ 7.00





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 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1954 ................................... VF-30    $ 8.50
1954 ................................... XF-40    $12.00




1955 ........................ ICCS cameo PL-64    $45.00




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    $ 7.00
1958 dot ............................... VF-30    $ 9.50
1958 dot ............................... XF-40    $10.00




1961 ............... heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE-65    $38.50
1961 ............... heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE-66    $60.00




1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50




1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50
1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $12.50

Mature Head Series




1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50
1965 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50




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 the 50 cent coins. Please note that the examples of this type we have available here are exceptional specimens, usually with cameo portraits. Normal examples are only worth the value of the silver they contain and so we do not list them for sale on this site.




1967 wolf ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50
1967 wolf ................... cameo PROOF-LIKE      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    $ 8.00

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    $ 8.50




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




1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1980 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 4.00




1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




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    $ 4.00




1982 small beads ....................... AU-50    $33.50
1982 small beads ....................... AU-58    $40.00
1982 small beads ....................... MS-60      SOLD
1982 small beads ....................... MS-62    $55.00
1982 small beads ....................... MS-63    $75.00




1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.75
1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.75
1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00
1984 ................................ PROOF-67    $ 6.50




1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.25
1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




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    $ 3.25
1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




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).




1996 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1996 ............................ silver PROOF    $10.00




1997 ..................................... UNC    $ 2.00
1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1997 ............................ silver PROOF    $10.00




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    $10.00




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    $18.50
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    $12.50

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    $12.00


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





2003 saw a return to the standard half dollar designs.




2003 ............................ silver PROOF    $12.00


2003 W P .......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50




2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.50




2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.50




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      SOLD




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    $ 7.50




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




2009 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50
2009 logo ....................... silver PROOF      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    $70.00

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      SOLD
1998, Humpback Whale ................... PROOF      SOLD
1998, Beluga Whale ..................... PROOF      SOLD
1998, Blue Whale ....................... PROOF      SOLD

1998 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF      SOLD

2000, Osprey ........................... PROOF    $15.00
2000, Red Tailed Hawk .................. PROOF    $15.00




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    $20.00
1998, Gilles Villeneaue Grand Prix Vict. PROOF    $20.00
2000, 1875 first recorded hockey game .. PROOF    $20.00




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 ival ...... 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    $42.50