1953 Small Date NSS Canada 50-cents Circulated

1953 Small Date No Shoulder Fold Canada 50-cents Circulated

No Shoulder Strap: The portrait model for the new Queen Elizabeth coinages was prepared in England by sculptress Mrs. Mary Gillick. The relief of this model was too high, with the result that the centre portion containing two lines on the shoulder (representing a fold in the Queen's gown) did not strike up well on the coins. This first obverse variety has been commonly termed the "no shoulder strap" or "no shoulder fold" variety by many collectors. Later in 1953, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to correct the defects in the obverse design. Thomas Shingles, the Mint's Chief Engraver, lowered the relief of the model, and strengthened the shoulder and hair detail. This modified obverse (often called the "shoulder strap" or "shoulder fold" variety due to the resemblance of the lines to a strap) was introduced before the end of the year and became the standard obverse.

Specifications:
Monarch: Elizabeth II
Designer and Engraver: Obv.: Mary Gillick, Thomas Shingles, Rev.: G.E. Kruger-Gray
Composition: 0.800 silver, 0.200 copper
Weight: 11.66 g
Diameter: 29.72 mm
Edge: Reeded
Die Axis: ↑↑
Mintage: 1,630,429