Vinyard Coin Collection: Canadian Half Dime, 1891

Scope and content:

Canadian half dime dating back to 1891. The obverse of the coin feature a portait of Queen Victoria surrounded by the words CANADA VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA. The reverse features a wreath with a crown at the top surrounding the words 5 CENTS 1891. Canada only began minting half dimes after the United States had begun to do so. Colloquially these coins were referred to as "fish scales" because of their thinness and small size. The half dime remained in production in Canada until 1921 when the "fish scale" was replaced with a nickel, just as the half dime in the United States had been. Gift of Chris Vinyard. An image is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/5765571451/. Located in T&E S6 SS2, Box 1. Mss 1996-57.A21

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Parent terms of access:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.