Canada 2002 Golden Jubilee 50-Cent Circulation Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint, the state-owned crown corporation of Canada established in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and circulation coinage.
Pattern: Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Commemorative Issue, 2002; circulating commemorative.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint, the state-owned crown corporation of Canada established in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and circulation coinage.
Material
Nickel-plated steel (often mistaken for silver due to high-luster finish; not sterling or fine silver).
Dimensions
Diameter: 27.13 mm; thickness: 1.95 mm; weight: 6.9 grams.
Description
A lustrous commemorative 50-cent piece issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It deviates from the standard coat of arms by adding the dual dates and a more stylized layout.
Key Features
Dual dates 1952-2002 on the reverse; substitution of the standard 50-cent design for the Jubilee celebration motifs.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated steel (often mistaken for silver due to high-luster finish; not sterling or fine silver).
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or circulation finish; features the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada on the reverse with dates 1952-2002. Obverse features P. Metcalfe's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '50 CENTS', 'CANADA', '1952-2002'. No silver purity hallmarks as this is legal tender plated coinage.
Construction Details
Multi-ply plated steel; die-struck by high-pressure industrial coin presses.
Functional Features
Serrated (reeded) edge to prevent illegal shaving of the metal; legal tender value of 0.50 CAD.
Handle & Grip Details
None; round numismatic form.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial striking; clean fields and sharp relief on the heraldic details.
Authentication Indicators
Proper reeding, weight, and strike depth consistent with RCM minting standards. Magnetic property (due to steel core) serves as a primary non-silver test.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg or Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint production facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era; Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary of accession).
Age Estimate
Dated 2002.
Cultural Significance
Represents Canada's status as a constitutional monarchy and historical ties to the British Crown through the celebration of the Jubilee.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; shows minor surface bag marks and light scratching consistent with minimal circulation.
Value Estimate
0.50 CAD (face value) to 5.00 CAD (numismatic value depending on grade).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid cleaning with abrasives; store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent oxidation and 'milky spots' on the nickel plating.
Similar Pieces
Standard Canada 50-cent Coat of Arms coin; 2002 Silver Proof version (0.925 sterling/silver) which has a mirror-like finish.
Interesting Facts
The 50-cent coin is rarely found in circulation in Canada today, despite being legal tender; it is mostly distributed through mint sets.