1962 – 50 Cents Half Dollar Canada

The 1962 Canadian 50 cents coin features a laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse with the Latin inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, the Queen.” The reverse displays the modified Canadian Coat of Arms as defined by the 1921 Royal proclamation, which includes a ribbon at the bottom bearing the motto “A MARI USQUE AD MARE,” translating to “from sea to sea,” symbolizing the vastness of Canada. This coin was composed of 80% silver and 20% copper, weighed 11.66 grams, and had a diameter of 29.72 mm. It was minted in a circulation finish with a total mintage of 5,208,030 coins and is nonmagnetic. The design of the coin’s obverse was by Mary Gillick and the reverse by Thomas Shingles, making it a notable piece both for its silver content and national symbolism from the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II.​