1980 – 50 Cents Half Dollar Canada

The 1980 Canadian 50 cents coin is composed of nickel, weighing 8.1 grams with a diameter of 27.13 mm and a thickness of 1.9 mm. Its obverse features a bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara with the inscription “ELIZABETH II D – G – REGINA,” designed by Arnold Machin. The reverse side displays the Canadian coat of arms, designed by Thomas Shingles, which honors the four founding nations of Canada: England, Scotland, Ireland, and France, along with the Latin inscriptions “A Mari usque ad Mare” (from sea to sea) and “Desiderantes meliorem patriam” (they desire a better country). This coin was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint with a reeded edge, medal alignment, and was struck in circulation and uncirculated finishes, with a mintage of 1,943,155 for circulation. While the 50 cent coin is rarely seen in everyday use, it remains valued by collectors, with mint state examples fetching higher premiums.