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Mint issues 10 million 50-cent coins for Queen?s jubilee

By Diane Gilhula Ten million 2002 50-cent coins have been put into circulation to celebrate Queen ElizabethÂ?s Golden Jubilee. Few 50-cent pieces become pocket change, although it remains a coin of legal tender.
By Diane Gilhula

Ten million 2002 50-cent coins have been put into circulation to celebrate Queen ElizabethÂ?s Golden Jubilee.

Few 50-cent pieces become pocket change, although it remains a coin of legal tender. The average annual production is 500,000 coins and most of these end up in the hands of coin collectors.

A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mint says it is hoped Canadians will have a better chance to acquire the keepsake this year.

Â?I doubt actually a lot of these coins will end up in circulation, as they are keepsakes,Â? says a spokesperson at the Canada Post office on Elm Street.

Barb Robb says the post office began to sell the 50-cent individual coins, keepsake booklets and 2002 Golden Jubilee Special Edition coins sets this spring.

The design of the 50-cent coin echoes a medallion struck in Canada to mark the QueenÂ?s ascension to the throne.

The post office is selling individual coins for 50 cents while supplies last. The coins can also be purchased in a set of five in a Golden Jubilee Keepsake Booklet for $4.95, or in a set of 10 for $9.95. These keepsake packages are also available at Laura Secord stores.

A 2002 Golden Jubilee Special Edition Set can also be purchased at the post office for $18.95. It includes the seven circulation coins double-dated 1952-2002 featuring the newly designed 50-cent coin as well as the new Canada Day quarter.

The owner of The Hock Shop on Paris Street says 1952 was the last year Canadian coins bore the effigy of King George VI.

Although 1952 coins are Â?prized keepsakes Â?they are not worth a lot, says Boucher.

ElizabethÂ?s coronation was the first major televised event on June 2, 1953.

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