The half dollar denomination in Canada dates back to 1870 and was for many decades the most important high value denomination in circulation. While this now unusual denomination has not been available through the banking system for about 30 years, its legacy survives through special low mintage collector coins still issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. This 2022 collector half dollar coin roll contains 25 coins in superb “numismatic uncirculated” condition and comes in a special collector wrap. Mintage is limited to 15,000 rolls.

Although proclaimed in 1921, Canada’s Coat of Arms did not appear on fifty cent pieces until 1937, and it was not until 1959 that the design was modified to include the motto of Canada “A MARI USQUE AD MARE” (from sea to sea). In 1977, the first fifty cent pieces featured the addition of the Order of Canada’s motto were struck “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM” (they desire a better country).

The Coat of Arms Design:

Canada’s Coat of Arms features extensive symbolism about Canada’s history and what is important to our country. At the base of the Coat of Arms, a scroll displays the motto of Canada “A MARI USQUE AD MARE” (from sea to sea) with a garland of floral emblems - The English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Irish shamrock and the French lily. The shield features three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the royal Irish harp of Tara and the royal fleur-di-lis of France in the upper quadrants. In the lower quadrants a sprig of three maple leaves represents Canadians of all origins. To the left of the shield is a lion holding a lance with the Union Jack, and at the right is a unicorn (a royal symbol of Scotland) holding the royal flag of France. Behind the shield is a ribbon that reads “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM” (they desire a better country), while above the shield is a royal helmet draped with a mantle of maple leaves. Atop the royal helmet is the crest set on a wreath of twisted cloth and is comprised of a crowned lion holding a maple leaf in its paw. The imperial crown is above the crest representing the monarch as Canada’s Head of State.