The 2017 1/2 oz War of 1812 platinum coin from the Royal Canadian Mint pairs a scarce fractional platinum format with a heraldic design commemorating the conflict that shaped Canada’s early identity. Struck in .9995 fine platinum with a $50 CAD face value, it gives investors a government-backed half ounce of one of the rarest metals in bullion form.
Key Features:
- Purity and Weight: 1/2 troy oz of .9995 fine platinum
- Metal: Investment-grade platinum, $50 Canadian legal tender
- Obverse Design: Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt
- Reverse Design: A lion and eagle flanking a maple leaf shield, dated 2017
The obverse features the uncrowned, right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Susanna Blunt, the portrait used on Canadian coinage from 2003 through the end of her reign. The queen is shown with a pearl necklace and earring, encircled by ELIZABETH II above and the 50 DOLLARS CANADA denomination below.
The reverse carries a heraldic composition rooted in the war’s alliances. A rampant lion, symbol of Great Britain, rears on the left while a spread-winged eagle representing the United States faces it from the right, the two beasts bracketing a central shield charged with a maple leaf for Canada. The bilingual legend WAR OF 1812 – GUERRE DE 1812 arcs across the top with the 2017 date beneath it, and FINE PLATINUM 1/2 OZ PLATINE PUR with the 9995 fineness completes the design along the lower rim. The frosted relief stands out against the brilliant field in classic RCM bullion style.
Platinum coins are struck in far smaller numbers than their gold and silver counterparts, and fractional platinum from sovereign mints is scarcer still. The .9995 purity meets the threshold for precious metals IRA eligibility, and the RCM’s reputation for security and quality supports resale worldwide.
Low-mintage platinum, sovereign backing, and a distinctive commemorative design make this half-ounce coin a smart diversifier. Order the 2017 War of 1812 platinum coin today while supplies remain.