Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
If you haven’t already begun collecting them, Special Wrap Canadian coin rolls are a fantastic addition to your coin collection. Every year the Royal Canadian Mint issues a limited number of new circulation 50-cent coin rolls that are distinctive, beautiful, and make a perfect gift for any collector. The 50-cent piece is no longer in circulation, and the only way to acquire new issues is to purchase them by the roll. Each of the 25 coins in the roll is made of three-ply nickel-plated steel with serrated edges and features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on one side and Canada’s coat of arms on the other. It’s the coat of arms that makes these coins truly special.
History
The coat of arms is a medieval family heritage symbol emblazoned on a shield and designed to include elements whose symbolism was easily recognized by people of the day. It originated in northern Europe and served as an identification card for those who bore it — knights, kings, queens, and other entities of power. In battle, the coat of arms identified the leaders so that friends and foes would be clearly recognized. A coat of arms includes these elements:
- A shield
- A crest (that was worn on top of the helmet)
- A helmet
- A wreath of coloured silks
- A mantling, which was a cloth to shade the helmet from the sun
In 1921, His Majesty King George V officially announced the adoption of the Royal Canadian Coat of Arms, and in 1994, a red ribbon was added to its design with the motto of the Order of Canada, Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam. The motto is taken from Hebrews 11:16 and means “They desire a better country” in Latin
The coat of arms currently in use was drawn by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, who is the Fraser Herald of Arms at the Canadian Heraldic Authority in Ottawa.
Symbolism
The Canadian coat of arms includes symbols representing the four European nations that contributed to the country’s founding: a fleur-de-lis for France, the Harp of Tara for Ireland, the three royal lions of England, and the royal lion of Scotland. There is a lion (for England) holding the Royal Union Flag and interestingly, a unicorn representing Scotland holding the royal flag of France. Floral emblems for each nation (plus Canada) include a shamrock, Scottish thistle, fleur-de-lis, English rose, and maple leaves. The crown at the top represents Canada’s status as a constitutional monarchy and the maple leaves represent Canada’s sovereignty.
Usage
Canada’s coat of arms appears on government buildings, passports, federal proclamations and publications, official seals, and some monetary issues. It is also used by the Supreme Court of Canada, Tax Court of Canada, and Federal Court of Canada. Though it appears on several other types of coins, the Special Wrap rolls are perhaps the most affordable for collectors. The coat of arms first appeared on the 50-cent coin in 1937 and the denomination ceased general distribution in 2003. However, the Royal Canadian Mint has released limited editions (35,000 or fewer) of the coin rolls since then.
Colonial Acres Coins is a family-owned and -run business in Kitchener, Ontario, that has been faithfully serving our valued customers since 1996. We are certified with the RCM and carry a massive selection of coins, coin supplies, bullion, paper money, and jewellery. Stop by our store or browse our website to begin or add to your coin collection.
