Obverse. Photo © Royal Canadian Mint
  • 50 Cents 2017, KM# 2303, Canada, Elizabeth II, 150th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, Canada 150 Logo
  • 50 Cents 2017, KM# 2303, Canada, Elizabeth II, 150th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, Canada 150 Logo
Description

The 150th anniversary of Canada, also known as the 150th anniversary of Confederation and promoted by the Canadian government as Canada 150, occurred in 2017 as Canada marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Canadian Confederation was the process by which the British colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into one Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Upon confederation, the old province of Canada was divided into Ontario and Quebec; along with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the new federation thus comprised four provinces. Over the years since Confederation, Canada has seen numerous territorial changes and expansions, resulting in the current union of ten provinces and three territories.

Only twice in its history has the 50-cent coin featured a special commemorative design, and this coin is the third special-issue in 80 years.

Obverse

Fourth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 77 years old, facing right and surrounded by the inscription.

Dei Gratia Regina (often abbreviated to D. G. Regina and seen as D·G·REGINA) is a Latin title meaning By the Grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Susanna Blunt

ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA
SB

Reverse

Depicts the Canada 150 logo.

The official emblem of the sesquicentennial was designed by Ariana Cuvin, a then-19-year-old student in the University of Waterloo's global business and digital arts program. It consists of 13 multi-coloured diamonds forming a maple leaf; Cuvin stated that the four diamonds forming the emblem's base represented Canada's four original provinces, while the others represented the provinces and territories that had joined since. The government described the emblem as reflecting Canada's unity and diversity. The emblem was chosen through a competition held by the government, and open to post-secondary students. The logo contains several stylized items within itself such as: a tulip, an aboriginal stone spear, a ship and the Fleur de Lis. These items were occasionally displayed on the background of the stage during the Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill.

1867 2017
CANADA 150
50 CENTS

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 6.9 g
Diameter 27.13 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

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