Obverse. Photo © ha2117 Coin Store
  • 50 Cents 2001, KM# 420, Canada, Elizabeth II, Festivals of the Canada, Quebec Winter Carnival
  • 50 Cents 2001, KM# 420, Canada, Elizabeth II, Festivals of the Canada, Quebec Winter Carnival
Description

The Quebec Winter Carnival or the Carnaval de Québec is a festival held in Quebec City. After being held intermittently since 1894, the Carnaval de Québec has been celebrated annually since 1955. That year Bonhomme, the mascot of the festival, made his first appearance. Up to one million people attended the Carnaval de Québec in 2006 making it the largest winter festivals in the world.

Obverse

The crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Dora de Pédery-Hunt

CANADA
50
CENTS
ELIZABETH II

Reverse

Carnival mascot Bonhomme waving. Château Frontenac and Dufferin terrace are showed in the background.

Bonhomme is short for bonhomme de neige ("snowman") is the official ambassador of the festivities, the castle lord of the Ice Palace. Bonhomme is a large snowman sporting a red cap, black buttons and a ceinture fléchée.

The Château Frontenac is a grand hotel in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, which is operated as Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Château Frontenac is situated at an elevation of 54 m (177 ft). The hotel is generally recognized as the most photographed hotel in the world, largely for its prominence in the skyline of Quebec City.

Engraver: Sylvie Daigneault

QUEBEC 2001 QUÉBEC
SD

Edge

50 Cents

3rd portrait
KM# 420
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 9.3 g
Diameter 27.13 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Silver, 11.62 g, ⌀ 29.72 mm
Without DEI GRATIA

Silver, 11.6638 g, ⌀ 29.72 mm

Silver, 11.62 g, ⌀ 29.72 mm