50 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Big and little bear constellations; Autumn) 2006 front 50 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Big and little bear constellations; Autumn) 2006 back
50 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Big and little bear constellations; Autumn) 2006 photo
© PCGS

50 Dollars - Elizabeth II Big and little bear constellations; Autumn

2006 year
Palladium (.9995) 31.16 g 34 mm
Description
Issuer
Canada
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
2006
Value
50 Dollars 50 CAD = USD 37
Currency
Dollar (1858-date)
Composition
Palladium (.9995)
Weight
31.16 g
Diameter
34 mm
Thickness
3.5 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#351582
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Star constellation with large bear towards bottom in autumn.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
CANADA 50 DOLLARS
2006
CM

Designer: Colin Mayne

Edge

Serrated

Comment

Since time immemorial, stars have been a source of inspiration and legend for people throughout the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, early civilizations were mystified by two easily identifiable constellations that astronomers commonly refer to today as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Ancient peoples believed these stars were wagons or plows, chariots or drinking gourds. Despite the fact that many of these cultures were oceans apart, a surprising number of them were sure they saw bears twinkling in the night sky.

Some say the ancient Greeks believed Big Bear (Ursa Major) was actually a beautiful nymph named Callisto, who was turned into a bear by Zeus to shield her from his jealous wife Hera. But one day, as Callisto’s son Arcas was hunting in the woods, Callisto almost became his prey. Zeus, watching from above, acted quickly and turned Arcas into a bear also, and yanked them both up into the sky by their tails, causing the bears’ tails to become stretched forever as they hang in the sky.

As the earth completes its annual orbit around the sun, the positions of Big and Little Bear will change with the seasons, but they are always visible from Canada, ready to fuel the imagination as people gaze towards the night sky.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique design that combines the Big and Little Bear constellations, also known as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, in a stunning representation of the autumn season. The coin's design showcases the bears in a beautiful, stylized form, surrounded by leaves and other natural elements that evoke the changing colors and patterns of the season. This design is not only visually striking but also symbolically meaningful, as the bears are often associated with strength, protection, and family, making the coin a special collectible for anyone interested in astronomy, nature, or Canadian culture.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
2006  300 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 50 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Big and little bear constellations; Autumn) 2006 coin.