Description
The Bank of Canada began operating 75 years ago in 1935 and was given responsibility to regulate the country’s money supply and to “promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada.” Accordingly, it was given the exclusive right to issue Canada’s bank notes. On March 11, 1935, the Bank of Canada issued its first series of bank notes.
The inaugural series of 1935 included denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. (A $25 note was issued later in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V).
The front of the notes featured a portrait of a member of the royal family or of a former Canadian prime minister while allegorical figures representing Canada’s growing agricultural, industrial and commercial prosperity appeared on the back. Each denomination was available in English or French, a practice that ended with the introduction of bilingual notes in 1937.
Specifications:
Face Value: 50 dollars
Mintage: 2,000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight (g): 157.6
Diameter (mm): 65.25
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized
Special Features:
- Fifth time that the Mint has produced a 5oz silver coin. Previous issues: 2006 - Four Seasons, 2007 - Queen’s 60th Wedding Anniversary, 2008 - 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint and 2009 – 150th Ann. of beginning of Construction of Parliament Buildings.
- The design is a reproduction of the allegory that appeared on the original 1935 $50 bank note; a seated woman with elements of radio broadcasting to symbolize modern inventions.
