Canadian 50 Cent Coin

Still in circulation today, the Canadian 50 cent piece is one of the first coins to be created for Canadian currency. In the beginning, currency was created by Canada at the Royal Mint of London with the 50 cent piece being a part of that production.

The 50 cent piece includes an image of the reigning monarch at the time on the obverse side while the reverse will feature varying images based on the design at the time. One of the most popular designs of the 50 cent piece is from 1959 when the Canadian Coat of Arms design was created by Thomas Shingles an engraver with the Royal Canadian Mint.

Reverse Side Designs
In the beginning, the 50 cent piece had two crossed maple boughs on the reverse side of the coin. This design would remain in place from 1858 through 1936. In 1937 the design would change the reverse would feature a simplified Coat of Arms. This design would remain in place until the end of 1958. The simplified look was created to try and modernize coins of Canada.

In 1959 until 1966 and 1968 until present day, 50 cent coins include a modified Coat of Arms design. A new Coat of Arms was approved by the Canadian Government in 1957 and soon applied to the 50 cent coin and still remains in place to this day.

In 1967 the Royal Canadian Mint decided to create a centennial 50 cent coin. The coin collection for the centennial was created by Alex Colville which included the 50 cent piece. This collection was created for the 100th anniversary of the Canadian confederation. The reverse side of this coin features the image of a howling wolf.

Composition
By 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint was producing the 50 cent piece with the coin consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This composition would remain through 1919. By 1920, the composition would change to 80% silver and 20% copper, staying place through 1967.

From 1968 until 1979, the 50 cent piece consisted of 99% nickel. This was also the case from 1980 until 1999. From 2000 to present day, the 50 cent piece is comprised of 93.15% steel along with 4.75% copper and 2.1% nickel plating.

The diameter of the coin has stayed relatively the same going from 29.72 mm in the beginning to 27.13 mm today. The thickness was not recorded until 1968 and began at 1.93 mm and now has 1.95 mm in thickness.

Today, 50 cent pieces are collectors items, it is the commemorative coins as well as older issues of the 50 cent piece that will have more value. At Colonial Acres, we can help you learn the value of your 50 cent pieces as well as help you obtain specific 50 cent pieces of Canadian currency. Let us help you strengthen your collection with more information on the 50 cent piece.

Canadian 20 Cent Coin

The 20 cents coin is a unique coin to Canadian currency having only been produced in 1858. At the time of the coins production, it was worth the same as a schilling in Halifax. The coin was not very popular and by 1870, the government decided that the coin would be replaced with a 25 cent piece. Many of the 20 cent pieces were sent for melting at the Royal Mint in London and the metal from the melting was used to create the 25 cent coins. 

When coins were first produced for Canada they were done so by the Royal Mint of London. The Royal Canadian Mint did not exist at this time. The first fifty years of coin production for Canada took place at the Royal Mint in London with the first coins for circulation for the Province of Canada having been struck in 1858. A few coins were also struck in Birmingham at the Heaton Mint. 

Once Canada began to emerge as a nation, coins were needed in more massive quantities. Because of this need, the Royal Mint decided to authorize a facility to be created in Ottawa in 1901, though the facility would not be active until 1908. 

Because of the rarity of the coin, the twenty cents piece is a collector’s item. Many collectors would like to add the coin to their collection. There are several errors and varieties of the coin that can make it more valuable. In one instance the image of Victoria is facing upside. Another has a die crack on the left side of the reverse. There is a double five that can be found on some minting’s while others have double letters in the legend. 

Still some other coins have a double I in the last I of the word Victoria while other coins will have a re-punced S of cents. The value of the coin will be based on several factors including the condition, scarcity, supply and demand along with errors mentioned above. 

With circulated coins, an 1858 20 cents piece that is correct on both sides can have a value of as much as $1200 when the grading meets an MS-60  standard. Even more value can be found in excess of $3000 when the coin is uncirculated and has a grading of MS-63 or better with both sides making this grade point. 

Any twenty cents piece would need to be evaluated by an expert to ensure all errors are found as well as the condition considered. The experts at Colonial Acres are happy to assist you with an appraisal of such coins, helping you to learn the true value of such a piece from your collection. You will also find that we can help you with locating a specific twenty cent piece to add to your collection. 

This unique coin is definitely one to have in a Canadian coin collection. Set your sights high and you might find the rarest of the twenty cents pieces and be able to have a showpiece in your collection. 

Canadian 5 Cent Coin

Still in circulation today, the five cent coin has taken over the bottom position as the lowest denomination coin in Canadian currency. The five cent coin or nickel, has seen several changes throughout the years having first been struck in 1858. The obverse side always consisted of images depicting the current royal monarch but the reverse side was quite unique with every new minting of the coin. 

Reverse Side Designs

From 1858 to 1921, the reverse side of the five cent coin had an image depicting crossed maple boughs. These coins were known as fish scales due to their small size with a diameter of only 15.5 which is smaller than a dime. By 1922 the design had changed to include two maple leaves on the reverse side which was designed by W.H.J. Blackmore. The diameter was also increased at this time and this design remained through 1936. 

In 1937 to 1942 as well as 1946 to 1950, 1952 to 1966 and 1968 to present, the coin featured the beaver on the obverse side. The beaver design was first created by G.E. Kruger-Gray as a way to modernize the coin in 1937. In Canada, the beaver is considered a cultural icon as well as a commodity. 

From 1942 to 1963, the nickel had 12 sides and another metal was used in composition due to the war efforts. War required nickel so tombac, which is a brass, was used until 1946. From 1943 to 1945 a victory coin was minted, created by Thomas Shingles. The coin was engraved with the message ‘We Win When We Work Willingly’ in Morse code around the rim of the nickel. 

In 1951, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to create a five cent piece in commemoration of the identification of nickel which took place in 1751 by A.F. Cronstedt a scientist of Sweden. In 1967, a five cent coin was created known as the centennial which was part of a collection commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Confederation. This coin was created by Alex Colville as part of a set of coins. The nickel featured a hopping rabbit on the reverse side. 

In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mint released the Victory Anniversary Nickel which was created to honor the 60th anniversary of WWII’s end. The coin was designed based on the 5 cent coin created back in 1943 to help with the war effort. 

Composition of the Coin

The composition of the five cent coin has changed over the years. In the beginning, the coin was mostly silver based with a small percentage of copper. By the early 1920s to 1940s, the coin was 99% nickel. For a small time the coin changed to copper and zinc, during the war efforts, then changed to chrome plated steel. By 1946, the coin was back to nickel and would be until 1951. 

At this time, the coin’s composition would change back to chrome plated steel. By 1955 the coin was back to nickel composition and would remain so until 1981. From 1982 to 1999, the coin would consist of copper and nickel while 2000 to present would see the coin consist mainly of steel with a small percentage of copper and nickel plating.

Top 5 Questions Every Beginner Coin Collector Should Ask

Are you looking for a fun hobby? Coin collecting might be an undiscovered interest that you find enjoyable. Collecting coins is not only fun, but it also gives you a glimpse of history. Coins can date back to several decades or even centuries ago. You get to see different historical figures on the faces and even national icons such as the Maple leaf and the eagle when beginning a new coin collection.

As a beginner, you might not have enough knowledge about coin values or if it is a good idea to clean a dirty coin in a collection. Its okay to make mistakes as a rookie, but it is necessary to ask important questions to help build a quality collection.

Where do I store my coins?

To maintain the value of your coin collection, you need to store them properly. Specialized coin folders, sleeves, holders and other containers will protect your collection from the elements. Placing your coins in such containers will ensure the quality as well as value. The way you hold a coin may also damage its surface; always hold your coins on the edges and not on its face. The oil on your hands may transfer to the surface, damaging it over time.

How do I determine coin value?

Determining coin values varies across the vatain coins stand out because of their rarity, mistakes on them or limited mintage. These are generally more valued compared to other coins on the market. Having a coin appraised by a professional is the best way to determine the real value.

Where do I find the best coins for my collection?           

Shops such as Colonial Acres have an extensive inventory of coins that you can add to your collection; from ancient to commemorative and other types. Choose a store that has a good record with previous customers to ensure the quality of coins you purchase.

Can I clean my coins?

In some cases, it is better not to clean a dirty coin, especially if it is decades old. Some coins lose their value after cleaning, and may even deteriorate their surface even more. Some cleaning solutions contain chemicals that may erode a coin. Experienced collectors will know that you cleaned a coin because of its unnatural sheen and glimmer. The most cleaning you can do on a coin is soaking it in water to remove some of the dirt and dabbing it gently to dry.

What do I do with error coins?

                                           

Some of the rarest and most valuable coins are the ones with errors on it. If you find an error coin, it is best to keep it as it will increase the value of your coin collection.

Consider asking yourself these questions as you begin your new coin collection. You will be able to learn more about the collection process and make smart decisions as you add to your coin collection.

Different Kinds of Canadian Paper Money

Canada has a rich history as reflected in their coins and paper money. Knowing the difference between the two allows you to get a glimpse of Canadian history and culture.

Brief History of Canadian Money

The Canadian Dollar is one of the world’s oldest independent currencies. Introduced in 1853 to the North American colonies, this currency is still the basic unit of Canadian cash. Pegged to the British Pound Sterling originally and later to the Gold Standard, the Canadian Dollar is a “free floating currency” since 1929. The international marketplace and the different policies of the Bank of Canada determine its value.

Canadian Bills

Coins haven’t changed much over the decades, in some cases, close to a century. However, Canadian paper money has seen quite a few changes over the years. Here are some of their examples now.

One Dollar

The Loonie is Canada’s one dollar coin. There used to be a dollar bill but the mint phased it out in the 80s. The coin got its name because it displays a picture of a loon, which is the national bird of the country, on one side.

Five Dollars

The country’s smallest bill is blue and depicts a portrait of Canada’s prime minister Wilfrid Laurier (1841-1919). He is the first French-Canadian leader of the country. On the reverse side of this bill is a salute to Canadian winter sports.

Ten Dollars

This purple bill depicts a portrait of Sir John A. MacDonald (1815-1891), the country’s founder and first ever prime minister. Behind the picture is a salute to peacekeeping and the country’s armed forces.

Twenty Dollars

This paper money has an aged, green picture of Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926), the country’s head of state. She was also on Canada’s $1 and $2 bills when they still existed. Behind the portrait is a montage of renowned aboriginal artwork by Indian sculptor Bill Reid (1920-1998).

Fifty Dollars

The red $50 bill features William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874-1950). He is an eccentric leader who led the country through World War II and most of the early parts of the 20th century. The opposite side of this bill displays Canada’s suffragette movement.

One Hundred Dollars

This note features Sir Robert Borden (1854-1937); he was the prime minister during World War I (1914-1918). The back commemorates Canadian cartography and exploration.

These bills are part of the Journey series produced by the mint it replaced the Bird series used in the early 90s. Canada used different series of bills throughout the decades to prevent counterfeiting, regulate and supply the country with money.

Work with Colonial Acres to learn more about collecting Canadian paper money and coins, with value information as well as rarity available.

Coins that Feature Animals

Many coins feature animals, whether it is the cute and cuddly koala or a flying eagle. Some countries choose animals because they act as symbols of their country. For collectors, adding these types of coins to their collection adds value to it.

These are just some of the popular animal coins for coin collecting enthusiasts.

U.S. Gold and Silver Eagle

The first issued bullion coins were part of the Gold Bullion Act of the late 80s. The Gold Eagle is now in several denominations and is also available in silver and platinum. Other than the eagle, this coin also features Lady Liberty.

Chinese Panda Coin

This coin is one of the world’s most famous coins since its first issue came out in 1982. You can get this bullion coin in either gold or silver in different weights. The panda coin uses a new design every year except in 2002, when the mint used the same design of the previous year.

Australian Koala Coin

Koalas are so cute and lovable that many people want to take pictures with them during their Australian escapade. Collectors can own a koala of sorts by purchasing a koala coin. These coins come in gold, platinum and silver. Their first issue came out in 1987, and these remain some of the only platinum coins issued to date. Other than featuring this cuddly animal, its obverse also displays Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia.

French Twenty Franc Rooster

This coin has been around for a long time, in fact it is the oldest on this list. The rooster acts as the symbol of France, making it an easy choice for their mint to choose for currency. The obverse side of this coin depicts Ceres, the harvest goddess. The French government gave orders that all gold coins must be melted for use during World War I. If one is to consider the parameters for coin values, this French coin is quite valuable because of its limited release and rarity.

U.S. Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most popular coins in coin collecting circles. It features a Native American Indian on one side and a bison on the other. This design ran for more than two decades, from 1913 to 1938.

These are only some of the animal coins to look out for and add to your collection. Some of these are quite rare, making them valuable to any collector. Look for these coins in various specialty shops to grow your collection. Colonial Acres can assist you with all aspects of coin collecting, including searching for unique coins that feature animals to add to your collection.