2008 Canada 50-cent Triangle Coin - Milk Delivery

As is typical, this coin will have toning.

The third in the Royal Canadian Mint's sell-out series of irregular-shaped coins, this unique triangle-shaped coin has been beautifully enhanced with a translucent enamel effect.

Many Canadians have fond memories of a uniformed milkman delivering fresh-bottled dairy to their childhood homes. From the late 19th century to the 1960's, dairy tokens were a fixture across the country, bought in advance by customers to pay for this once-common house call. Most dairies had their own unique tokens, often brightly colored like this eye-catching triangular coin.

Pre-Confederation tokens disappeared from circulation after the 1870's and were replaced by new Canadian coinage. Local merchants often issued variously-shaped trade tokens, exchangeable for goods and services, like bread, milk or a shave. Though their use declined after World War II, some, like public transit tokens, are still a familiar feature of daily life.

Specifications:
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Finish: proof (with enamel effect on the reverse)
Weight: 20 g
Diameter: 34.06 mm
Edge: interrupted serrations