2010 $50 First Bank Notes Issued by the Bank of Canada, 75th Anniversary Fine Silver Coin

This coin features a faithful reproduction of the allegory that appeared on the inaugural $50 banknote of 1935, and has a limited mintage of just 2,000 coins worldwide. The coin depicts a seated woman with elements of radio broadcasting to symbolize modern inventions.

Less than 100 years ago, “Canadian” paper money existed in a variety of forms; notes that were issued by pre-Confederation (provincial) governments, chartered banks and private banks. In fact, over a period of 175 years, more than 100 such banks existed, each issuing its own denominations, including $3, $5, $6, $7 and $8 notes. This all changed when the Bank of Canada arrived on the economic scene in1935. It was established through an act of parliament to regulate the country’s money supply and to “promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada", responsibilities that gave it the exclusive right to issue Canada’s bank notes, while those from chartered banks were gradually removed from circulation.

The Bank of Canada’s inaugural notes were introduced on March 11, 1935, and included denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000, with a $25 note issued later that year to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V.

The designs featured a member of the royal family or former Canadian prime minister on the front, with an allegorical figure representing a different aspect of Canadian industry or culture on the back. Each denomination was originally available in English or French until bilingual notes were introduced in 1937.

• Face Value: $50
• Mintage: 2000
• Fine silver coin

Includes:
• 2010 $50 First Bank Notes Issued by the Bank of Canada, 75th Anniversary Fine Silver Coin