1861 New Brunswick 1/2 Cent EF-AU (EF-45) $

1861 New Brunswick 1/2 Cent EF-AU (EF-45)

When New Brunswick adopted a decimal dollar in 1860, it chose the same rating for its dollar and ordered the same denominations as the Province of Canada: cents in bronze, and 5-, 10-, and 20-cent pieces in silver. While the half cent denomination was not required by the province, since its dollar went at a different rating than in Nova Scotia. Nevertheless, the Royal Mint became confused, and struck a half cent for New Brunswick. Over 200,000 of these coins were minted before the error was discovered. Most of these were returned to the melting pot, however, some survived and are thought to have become mixed with the Nova Scotia half cents and sent to Halifax.

Obverse: Bust of Victoria, facing left, with legend around.
Date, and crown within a beaded circle, with a rose and mayflower wreath surrounding, and the value above.

Specifications:
Monarch: Victoria (1855-1901)
Designer & Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon
Composition: 0.95 copper, 0.04 tin, 0.01 zinc
Weight: 2.84 g
Diameter: 20.65 mm
Edge: Plain
Die Axis: ↑ ↑
Mint: The Royal Mint, UK
Mintage: 222,800