2017 (1867-) 50c Big Coin Series: Wolf – Gold-Plated

The 5 oz Pure Silver 50-Cent Howling Wolf Coin is the fourth release in the Royal Canadian Mint’s celebrated Big Coin Series: Alex Colville Designs, issued to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1967 Centennial circulation coins. Struck in an impressive five ounces of 99.99% pure silver, this large-format coin revisits one of Canada’s most recognizable and artistic circulation designs on a dramatic, modern scale.

This commemorative issue faithfully re-creates Alex Colville’s legendary 1967 fifty-cent howling wolf design, transforming it into a premium collector coin through selective gold plating on both the obverse and reverse. Enhanced by a stunning proof finish and an oversized diameter, the design achieves a striking balance between historical authenticity and contemporary minting excellence.

With a limited mintage of only 2,150 coins worldwide, this release is highly desirable among collectors of Royal Canadian Mint series, Canadian Centennial coinage, and Alex Colville’s celebrated artwork.

Design Highlights

Reverse (Back):

• Re-creation of the iconic howling wolf design by Alex Colville

• Wolf shown in side profile, seated on its hind legs with head tilted skyward

• Detailed engraving captures the texture of the fur and expressive posture

• Selective gold plating applied to the wolf and along the raised rim

• Engraved with “CANADA,” “50 CENTS,” and commemorative dates “1967–2017”

Obverse (Front):

• Features the second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, as used on the original 1967 circulation coins

• Portrait and raised rim enhanced with selective gold plating, reinforcing historical continuity

Key Features

• Fourth Coin in the Series: Part of the Big Coin Series celebrating Alex Colville’s 1967 Centennial designs

• Large Format Silver: Struck in 5 oz of 99.99% pure silver

• Selective Gold Plating: Applied to both obverse and reverse for dramatic contrast

• Iconic Centennial Design: Revisits one of Canada’s most beloved circulation coins

• Oversized Presentation: Impressive 65.25 mm diameter highlights fine engraving

• Low Mintage: Limited to just 2,150 coins worldwide

• Collector Appeal: Combines Canadian art, history, and premium precious metal craftsmanship

• Tax Advantage: GST/HST exempt

Specifications

• Country: Canada

• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint

• Series: Big Coin Series – Alex Colville Designs

• Year: 2017

• Denomination: 50 Cents

• Metal: Silver

• Fineness: 0.9999

• Weight: 157.6 g (5 troy oz)

• Diameter: 65.25 mm

• Edge: Serrated

• Finish: Proof with selective gold plating

• Mintage: 2,150 coins

• Certificate: Serialized Certificate of Authenticity included

• Product Number: 156102

• Artists:

  • Reverse: Alex Colville

  • Obverse: Arnold Machin

Packaging & Condition

• Packaging: Royal Canadian Mint maroon clamshell with graphic beauty box

• Presentation: Encapsulated, with serialized Certificate of Authenticity

• Condition: Proof strike; capsule and outer packaging may show light handling wear

🪙 Why Collect This Coin?

The Golden Giant 50¢ Howling Wolf is a powerful tribute to Canada’s artistic and numismatic heritage. Its massive silver weight, elegant gold accents, and faithful re-creation of Alex Colville’s iconic Centennial design make it a centerpiece for collectors of Canadian circulation history, Big Coin Series issues, and large-format silver coins. As one of the most visually striking releases in the series, it stands as both a work of art and a lasting silver treasure.