1988 Canadian 50-Cent (Half Dollar) Value Guide
Find out what your 1988 Canadian half dollar is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish — Business Strike (MS65 reaches $35), Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof — with current CAD market values as of February 2026.
Most 1988 Canadian half dollars are worth $0.50 (face value) in circulated grades. Gem-quality business strikes in MS65 reach $35.00, and trophy-level MS66–MS67 examples can fetch $75–$150+.
- Circulated (G4–VF20):$0.50 (face value)
- About Uncirculated (AU50):$1.50
- Business Strike Uncirculated (MS63):$2.50
- Business Strike Gem (MS65):$35.00
- Proof-Like (PL65):$2.00 | PL67: ~$10.00
- Specimen (SP65):$2.00
- Proof (PF65):$3.50 | PF67: $10.00
Found in change or a coin roll? The 1988 half dollar largely bypassed everyday commerce by this era; circulated examples are worth face value—$0.50. Mirror-like or from a set? You likely have a Proof-Like or Proof coin trading for $1–$10 in typical collector grades—see the finish identification guide to confirm. Is it silver? No—the 1988 half dollar is 99.9% pure nickel with negligible intrinsic metal value; all value is numismatic. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1988 Canadian 50-cent coin is a key-date issue in the modern nickel half dollar series, struck during the penultimate year of Arnold Machin’s second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (used 1965–1989). With only 220,000 business strikes produced—a dramatic contraction from years like 1985, which surpassed two million—the 1988 issue ranks among the lowest-mintage circulation strikes of its era, making pristine examples extraordinarily difficult to secure. Alongside the business strike, the Royal Canadian Mint issued three premium collector finishes: Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof. For a full history and value context across all years of the denomination, visit our Canadian Half Dollar Value Guide.
1988 Canadian 50-cent coin — obverse (Arnold Machin second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II) and reverse (Thomas Shingles Canadian Royal Coat of Arms). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes exist for 1988 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1988 Canadian Half Dollar Composition & Melt Value
The 1988 Canadian 50-cent piece is struck from 99.9% Nickel—a pure base metal with no precious metal content whatsoever. Trace impurities representing less than 0.1% of total mass are byproducts of industrial smelting and carry no metallurgical significance. This composition has been standard for the Canadian half dollar since 1968, when rising silver commodity prices threatened to push the intrinsic melt value of the existing 80% silver alloy above face value. Canada’s position as one of the world’s leading nickel producers—centered on the Sudbury Basin in Ontario—made the metal both a strategic and practical replacement. Nickel offered exceptional durability, strong resistance to tarnishing and corrosion, and a bright white luster that visually approximated silver.
Engineering a pure nickel coin of this weight presented significant challenges. Nickel is a remarkably hard, dense transition metal requiring tremendous striking pressure to fill the deepest die recesses. To extend die life, the Royal Canadian Mint reduced the half dollar’s diameter to 27.13 mm and systematically lowered the design relief relative to earlier silver-era issues. The 1988 coin is the fully optimized product of this decades-long refinement. Its weight is highly consistent across all four manufacturing finishes (Business, PL, SP, Proof) due to strict Royal Canadian Mint quality control.
Unlike post-1999 Canadian 50-cent pieces—which use multi-ply nickel-plated steel technology with a lighter steel core—the 1988 coin is a solid, homogeneous piece of nickel throughout. Both types respond strongly to a magnet, but they differ in weight and cross-sectional composition. Always cross-check a magnetic response with the 8.1 g weight specification to confirm the 1988 solid nickel issue. See the Identification Guide for the full magnet test procedure.
Melt Value: The 1988 half dollar contains no precious metal. Its intrinsic commodity value is negligible—fractions of a Canadian cent at standard industrial nickel prices. The 8.1 grams of nickel represent roughly a quarter-ounce of base metal at industrial rates. All financial value for this coin is purely numismatic, driven by grade, finish, and condition rarity. The Currency Act of Canada prohibits the melting of coin of the realm in any case.
Coin specifications verified via Numista’s Canadian 50-cent catalog entry.
1988 Canadian Half Dollar Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Values reflect typical market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian dollars (CAD), sourced from the Charlton Standard Catalogue, Coins and Canada pricing trends, Calgary Coin retail archives, and NGC price guides. The 1988 half dollar presents a stark valuation divide: business strikes are extraordinarily scarce in pristine gem condition because the heavy 8.1-gram nickel planchets sustained brutal contact damage during automated minting and bagging. Collector-finish coins (PL, SP, Proof) survive abundantly in high grades because they were sealed in protective packaging immediately after striking and never touched the minting bins.
1988 Canadian Half Dollar — Business Strike (Circulation)
⚠️ The MS65 Value Cliff
The financial premium for the 1988 business strike lies almost entirely at the MS65 threshold. A coin grading MS63 trades for roughly $2.50. An MS65 must exhibit exceptional eye appeal, booming original cartwheel luster, and virtually no distracting contact marks in prime focal areas—jumping to $35.00. This dramatic gap means microscopic evaluation is essential before assigning a gem grade. Third-party certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended for any business strike you believe reaches MS65.
| Type/Design | Mintage | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coat of Arms (Arnold Machin obverse) | 220,000 | $0.50 | $0.50 | $0.50 | $0.50 | $1.00 | $1.50 | $2.00 | $2.50 | $35.00 | MS66–MS67 trophy examples: $75–$150+. Extreme bag-mark susceptibility on heavy pure nickel planchets makes MS65+ survival statistically rare. Value cliff falls precisely at the MS64/MS65 boundary. |
Sources: Charlton Standard Catalogue (Feb 2026); Calgary Coin retail archives (Feb 2026); Coins and Canada pricing trends (Feb 2026).
Grade comparison: a typical 1988 half dollar MS63 business strike (left, with visible bag marks across the fields) versus a gem MS65 example (right, with clean, undisturbed cartwheel luster). The difference between $2.50 and $35.00 depends on this distinction. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1988 Canadian Half Dollar — Collector Finishes (PL, SP & Proof)
All three collector finishes were protectively packaged immediately after striking, producing very high survival rates in technically flawless condition. This abundance in top grades explains why a certified PF67 Proof typically trades for only $10.00—far below an MS65 business strike at $35.00, despite the Proof’s greater visual drama. The lowest-mintage collector finish is the Specimen at 70,205, slightly below the Proof at 175,259.
| Finish | Mintage | Grade 63 | Grade 65 | Grade 67 | Cameo / Heavy Cameo Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | 182,048 | $1.00(PL63) | $2.00(PL65) | ~$10.00(PL67) | PL pieces generally exhibit uniform brilliance across both fields and devices. PL coins rarely achieve true heavy cameo contrast; no significant cameo premium documented for this finish. |
| Specimen (SP) | 70,205 | $1.50(SP63) | $2.00(SP65) | — | Finely lined, matte, or satin background fields with brilliant, polished raised devices create a distinctive reverse-cameo appearance. Lowest collector-finish mintage of the four finishes. Originally distributed in hard plastic capsules inside elegant presentation cases. |
| Proof (PR/PF) | 175,259 | $2.00(PF63) | $3.50(PF65) | $10.00(PF67) | Heavy Cameo (HC) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples command a significant premium over standard Proofs. Lack of cameo contrast meaningfully reduces value. Top PR69–PR70 DCAM/UHC examples: ~$60–$100. Originally distributed in plush leatherette or velvet clamshell cases. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm (cellophane) packaging from 1988 may develop pale green or milky PVC residue over decades. If present, professional conservation using pure acetone is required—do not use nail polish remover or any commercial cleaner. PVC-damaged coins revert to face or nominal metal value regardless of underlying strike detail.
Sources: NGC Price Guide — Canada 50 Cents KM 75.3 (Feb 2026); Coins and Canada (Feb 2026).
Four distinct 1988 Canadian half dollar finishes side by side: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (mirror fields, standard devices), Specimen (matte/satin fields, brilliant devices), and Proof (deep mirror fields, heavily frosted devices). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Half Dollar Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1988 Canadian Half Dollar Varieties
The 1988 Canadian 50-cent program demonstrates exceptional die stability. Exhaustive numismatic research confirms that no major Charlton-recognized die varieties exist for this year—no DDO (Doubled Die Obverse), DDR (Doubled Die Reverse), RPM (Repunched Mint Mark), Large/Small Date, Blunt/Pointed numeral variants, Near/Far Bead differences, or similar die anomalies have been catalogued. The Royal Canadian Mint’s automated quality control had advanced sufficiently by 1988 to eliminate the macroscopic die errors common in the 1960s–1970s. The pursuit of the finest 1988 half dollar is therefore a pursuit of technical perfection in preservation—not a hunt for a misaligned hub.
A) Trophy-Level: The Highest Documented Values
The apex of value for the 1988 issue is defined entirely by condition rarity, not die variety rarity. Trophy-level valuations are achieved when a business strike miraculously escapes automated minting trauma with pristine fields and unimpaired cartwheel luster.
- Superb Gem Business Strike (MS66–MS67): A business strike surviving the high-speed minting and bagging process without heavy contact marks on the heavy pure nickel planchet is a statistical anomaly. Registry-set collectors actively contest these top-population coins certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC. Documented value range: ~$75–$150+ CAD. (Source: ICCS population data / Canadian Coin News auction records, Feb 2026.)
- Flawless Ultra Heavy Cameo Proof (PR69–PR70 DCAM/UHC): While standard Proofs are readily available, technically flawless examples with zero milk spots, zero atmospheric haze, and maximum frost-to-mirror contrast represent the absolute pinnacle of RCM finishing capability for this year. Documented value range: ~$60–$100 CAD. (Source: NGC Auction Central / PCGS CoinFacts / George Manz Coins data, Feb 2026.)
These values represent absolute apex condition-census coins and are not typical. The average uncirculated 1988 business strike found in a coin box or drawer belongs strictly in the $2.00–$5.00 range outlined in the value chart above.
B) Findable Split Points: Identifying What You Have
Because no die varieties exist, the actionable identification challenge for the 1988 half dollar focuses entirely on correctly classifying the four intentional finishes and one documented packaging variant for the uncirculated set.
| Variant / Split Point | How to Identify | Why It Matters | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Strike (Circulation) | Standard cartwheel luster; bag marks almost always present; fields do not appear deeply mirrored | Lowest survival rate in pristine, unhandled condition compared to sealed collector sets; MS65+ examples are genuine condition rarities | High premium strictly at MS65 and above; raw examples hold minimal numismatic premium below that threshold |
| Specimen Strike (SP) | Finely lined, matte, or satin background fields combined with brilliant, polished raised devices (reverse-cameo effect) | Lowest overall collector-finish mintage at 70,205; visually distinct from both PL and Proof when examined carefully | Marginal; sets are widely preserved and easily sourced at current prices |
| RCM PL Set Packaging Variant | Transparent pliofilm pack displays the RCM mint logo versus only the text “Royal Canadian Mint” without a logo | Mid-production packaging material transition in 1988; a documented collectible variant for intact sealed sets | No premium on the individual 50-cent coin; applies only to the complete, intact, sealed 6-coin set in original packaging |
The 1988 RCM Proof-Like set packaging variant: logo version (left) vs. text-only “Royal Canadian Mint” pliofilm pack (right). The premium applies to the sealed intact set only, not the individual 50-cent coin. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact set)
Packaging variant documentation: London Coin Centre Inc. — 1988 Proof Like Uncirculated Set Logo Variety.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1988 nickel half dollar—even lightly wiping with a microfiber cloth—leaves dense parallel hairlines across the fields that are immediately visible under magnification. A cleaned or polished coin is graded “Details” (impaired) by any third-party service and loses all numismatic premium regardless of underlying strike quality. This is especially relevant for bad-faith actors who aggressively buff a Business Strike or PL coin to simulate the deeply mirrored fields of a Proof—an alteration that is easily detected under magnification by the presence of polishing hairlines and the absence of true frosted device cameo application.
1988 Canadian Half Dollar Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what 1988 half dollar you have and which finish it belongs to. Finish identification is the single most critical step—misclassifying a Proof-Like coin as a Business Strike leads to serious valuation errors, and the reverse is equally problematic.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse must show Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a tiara, in the Arnold Machin second portrait. The surrounding legend reads ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA (“Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God”). This Machin effigy was used on Canadian coins from 1965 through 1989; the 1988 coin is the penultimate year of this design.
- Reverse Check: The reverse must display Thomas Shingles’ highly detailed Canadian Royal Coat of Arms, with the date 1988 divided at the top. The design includes the lion supporter (left), the unicorn supporter (right), the central heraldic shield, and surrounding maple leaf elements.
- Edge Check: Run a fingernail around the rim. The edge must be continuously reeded (milled) with no plain sections or interrupted reeding.
- Weight Check: The coin must weigh exactly 8.1 grams. A precision digital scale accurate to 0.01 g is recommended. Significant deviation from this figure indicates severe environmental damage, post-mint alteration, or counterfeit status.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a magnet to the coin. The 1988 Canadian half dollar is 99.9% pure nickel, which is strongly ferromagnetic at room temperature—a standard neodymium magnet will snap firmly and aggressively to the coin surface. Pre-1968 silver Canadian half dollars are non-magnetic and will not attract. Modern post-1999 Canadian half dollars (nickel-plated steel) will also respond strongly to a magnet but have a different weight profile than the solid 1988 nickel issue. Always cross-check a magnetic response with the 8.1 g weight to conclusively confirm a 1988 solid nickel composition.
- Mint Mark Check: No mint marks appear on the 1988 Canadian 50-cent coin. This is standard for Canadian circulation and collector coins of this era. No documented “W” (Winnipeg) mint mark exists for this year on any finish.
- Finish Identification (The Critical Step): See the Finish Identification Matrix below.
Magnet test: a neodymium magnet snaps firmly to the 1988 Canadian half dollar (99.9% pure nickel, strongly ferromagnetic). Pre-1968 silver half dollars will not attract. Post-1999 plated-steel 50-cent coins will also attract but differ in weight from the solid 1988 nickel issue.
Finish Identification Matrix
Because coins can be removed from their original mint packaging and enter raw coin boxes or dealer trays, distinguishing the four finishes on an unslabbed coin is the primary identification challenge for the 1988 issue.
- Business Strike (Circulation): Fields and devices share a uniform, spinning “cartwheel” luster that rolls visibly across the surface when tilted under a single light source. Contact marks and bag marks are almost always present due to mass-production handling. Fields do not appear deeply mirrored.
- Proof-Like (PL): Background fields are highly reflective and mirror-like, while raised devices (the Queen’s bust, the Coat of Arms) have a standard or slightly frosted appearance. Under magnification, faint parallel die-polishing striations (flow lines) are often visible in the fields, distinguishing PL coins from true multi-struck Proofs. Originally distributed in flat, transparent pliofilm packs. PL coins misidentified as high-grade Business Strikes are very common—the two look similar to the naked eye but require entirely different valuation frameworks.
- Specimen (SP): The 1988 Specimen finish presents a distinctive reverse-cameo effect: background fields are finely lined, matte, or satin in texture, while raised devices are brilliantly polished and highly reflective. This is the visual inverse of a typical Proof. Originally distributed in protective hard plastic capsules inside elegant presentation cases.
- Proof (PR/PF): Deeply mirrored, glass-like background fields contrasted against heavily frosted, chalk-white devices. This dramatic visual contrast is called “Heavy Cameo” in Canadian numismatics (equivalent to DCAM at PCGS or Ultra Cameo at NGC). Struck at minimum twice at lower speed on pre-burnished planchets using chemically etched dies. Originally distributed in plush leatherette or velvet clamshell presentation cases.
ℹ️ PL Set Contamination
With 182,048 Proof-Like sets produced, many have been broken open over the decades. A loose “shiny” 1988 half dollar found in a dealer tray or coin box is very likely a PL coin, not a rare high-grade Business Strike. Dealers typically discount raw “Uncirculated” 1988 half dollars because PL origin is the standard assumption for any example displaying mirror-like fields.
Wear Points Guide
When evaluating a raw 1988 business strike to distinguish a circulated AU50 from a true MS60, inspect these specific high points where friction manifests first:
- Obverse (Arnold Machin Portrait): Central jewels of the Queen’s tiara • Wave of hair directly above her ear • Highest ridge of her cheekbone. If original cartwheel luster is broken or flattened over any of these points, the coin is strictly circulated.
- Reverse (Coat of Arms): The lion’s face • The unicorn’s horn • The central crest of the heraldic shield. Note: weak strikes are common on the intricate Coat of Arms reverse—confirm that soft detail represents actual circulation wear rather than an insufficiently deep original strike.
Wear point diagram for the 1988 Canadian half dollar: obverse check points are the tiara jewels, hair above the ear, and cheekbone (red circles, left); reverse check points are the lion’s face, unicorn’s horn, and shield crest (red circles, right). Loss of cartwheel luster over these points indicates circulation. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1988 Canadian Half Dollar Value FAQs
What is a 1988 Canadian half dollar worth?
In circulated grades (G4–VF20), the 1988 Canadian half dollar is worth its face value of $0.50. A small numismatic premium emerges at EF40 ($1.00) and AU50 ($1.50). Business strikes in MS63 trade for approximately $2.50, while a certified gem MS65 commands $35.00. Collector-finish coins (PL, SP, Proof) range from $1.00 at PL63 to $10.00 at PL67 or PF67. Trophy-level MS66–MS67 business strikes can reach $75–$150+, and top-population PR69–PR70 Deep Cameo Proofs can approach $60–$100. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 1988 Canadian half dollar rare?
The business strike mintage of 220,000 is genuinely low for a modern Canadian 50-cent coin—a dramatic reduction from years like 1985, which surpassed two million. However, most 1988 half dollars were hoarded or stored in bank vaults rather than actively circulated, so heavily worn examples are uncommon. The true rarity is a pristine business strike grading MS65 or higher: only a small number are believed to have survived the bagging and transport process without damaging contact marks on the heavy nickel planchet. Collector-finish coins (PL, SP, Proof) are not rare—hundreds of thousands survive in high grades.
What makes a 1988 Canadian half dollar valuable?
The primary value driver is grade—specifically whether a business strike achieved gem condition (MS65+) despite the harsh minting environment. The dramatic jump from $2.50 (MS63) to $35.00 (MS65) reflects extreme condition rarity on the heavy pure nickel planchet. For Proof coins, cameo contrast (Heavy Cameo or Deep Cameo) is the secondary value driver. No major die varieties exist for 1988 to create an additional premium layer, so condition and finish type are the only meaningful variables.
Is the 1988 Canadian half dollar silver?
No. The 1988 Canadian half dollar is 99.9% pure nickel, a base metal with negligible intrinsic value. The Royal Canadian Mint abandoned silver for the 50-cent denomination in 1968, when rising silver commodity prices threatened to push melt value above face value. Pre-1968 Canadian half dollars were struck in 80% silver. A simple magnet test instantly confirms the distinction: silver coins are non-magnetic, while the 1988 pure nickel coin snaps firmly to a magnet. There is no silver content or bullion upside for the 1988 issue.
How do I tell a Proof-Like from a Proof from a Business Strike?
Business Strike: Spinning cartwheel luster on both fields and devices; bag marks almost always present; fields are not deeply mirrored. Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like reflective fields, but devices are not heavily frosted; faint parallel die-polishing striations visible under 10x magnification in the fields. Proof (PR): Deeply mirrored, glass-like fields contrasted against heavily frosted chalk-white devices—the classic black-and-white Heavy Cameo appearance. Specimen (SP): The visual inverse of a Proof—matte or finely-lined satin fields with brilliantly polished, reflective devices. Consult the Finish Identification Matrix for detailed visual diagnostics.
Should I get my 1988 Canadian half dollar professionally graded?
Grading is economically justified only if your business strike realistically achieves MS65 or higher, where the certified value of $35.00 begins to approach or exceed typical submission fees. At MS63 ($2.50), grading costs far exceed the coin’s certified market value. For Proof coins, the case for grading is strongest at PR67 Heavy Cameo and above, particularly at the PR69–PR70 DCAM level where values reach $60–$100. ICCS is the preferred service for the Canadian domestic market—see below for the ICCS vs. PCGS/NGC context.
What is the difference between ICCS grading and PCGS or NGC for Canadian coins?
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) and CCCS (Canadian Coin Certification Service) are the domestic Canadian grading services. ICCS is notoriously strict regarding contact marks and rim dings on heavy nickel business strikes. Consequently, an ICCS-graded MS65 is frequently viewed by Canadian collectors and auction houses as equivalent to, or sometimes superior to, a PCGS or NGC MS66. The Canadian market generally indexes to ICCS standards, and crossover attempts between services may yield differing numeric results. U.S.-based graders use “Deep Cameo” (PCGS) or “Ultra Cameo” (NGC) for what ICCS and Canadian auction houses call “Heavy Cameo” on Proof and Specimen coins. Either service is internationally recognized; ICCS is typically preferred for coins destined for the Canadian domestic market.
What is the difference between a Specimen and a Proof?
Both are premium collector finishes, but they use visually opposite aesthetics. A Proof has deeply mirrored, glass-like background fields and heavily frosted, chalk-white devices—the classic black-and-white cameo look. A Specimen (SP) reverses this: the background fields are finely lined, matte, or satin in texture, while the raised devices are brilliant and reflective. The 1988 Specimen finish is sometimes described as a “reverse cameo.” Both are entirely intentional, distinct manufacturing processes—neither is inherently superior to the other. The 1988 Specimen has the lowest collector mintage of the three premium finishes at 70,205.
Can I clean my 1988 Canadian half dollar?
No. Never clean a coin. Nickel scratches easily; even a soft microfiber cloth leaves dense parallel hairlines across the fields that are clearly visible under magnification. Any third-party grading service will immediately designate a cleaned coin as “Details” or “Impaired,” stripping all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying strike quality or detail. If a coin has PVC deposits or environmental residue, consult a professional numismatic conservator—never attempt home cleaning of any kind.
What is the 1988 PL packaging variant, and is it worth anything?
The Royal Canadian Mint transitioned its pliofilm packaging materials mid-production in 1988. Early uncirculated sets feature the transparent cellophane pack displaying the RCM mint logo, while later sets display only the text “Royal Canadian Mint” without a logo. This is a documented packaging variant catalogued by London Coin Centre and other Canadian dealer archives. Importantly, this variant carries no premium on the individual 50-cent coin itself—the collectible distinction applies only to the complete, intact, sealed 6-coin set in its original pliofilm packaging.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian dollars (CAD). Data was aggregated and cross-referenced from the following primary sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — primary authority for die variety confirmation, mintage figures, physical specifications, and historical context
- Coins and Canada (coinsandcanada.com) — ICCS-based pricing trends, retail availability, and grading threshold verification across all four finishes
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 50 Cents KM 75.3 (Feb 2026) — comparative price guide and condition census data
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 50 Cents KM 75.3 (alternate entry, Feb 2026)
- Calgary Coin & Antique Gallery — Canadian 50-Cent retail archives (Feb 2026) — baseline MS, PL, and SP pricing and finish descriptions
- London Coin Centre Inc. — 1988 Proof Like Set Logo Variety documentation (Feb 2026)
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Toronto Coin Expo Spring Sale 2023 — historical auction realization reference
- PCGS Population Report — Canadian Coins — condition census context for high-grade business strikes
- Numista — Canadian 50-cent (2nd portrait, Nickel) catalog entry — designer attribution and physical specifications
Market values are indicative and may vary with auction timing, third-party grading service used, and individual coin quality. This guide covers standard (non-error) coins only. Prices represent typical retail and auction-realized values in CAD and may differ from wholesale or private-sale prices.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.