DCHP-3

half-dollar

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1†n. — Hist.

half a Spanish dollar.

Quotations

1764
A Search-Warrant being immediately granted, several pieces of counterfeit Dollars and half Dollars, together with two Crucibles, were found in his Apartments.
1836
The boy who found the [counterfeit] half dollars disposed of 50 of them for two shillings and sixpence and attempts have since been made to pass them.
2†n.

a United States fifty-cent piece.

Quotations

1836
. . . will they give you two American half-dollars for every dollar note? I guess not.
1870
The Governor-General will issue his proclamation immediately, as authorized by law, ordering that American silver shall only be a legal tender at rates mentioned in the Finance Minister's circular: half-dollar, 40 cents; quarter, 20 cents; and so on for other coins. . . .
3n.

a Canadian fifty-cent piece.

Quotations

1909
Harry, forgetting he was in Western Canada, tried to slip a silver half-dollar into the waitress' hand, who dropped it on the floor, perhaps because in that region wages are such that the hireling is neither dependent on nor looks for a stranger's generosity.
1964
Although Confederation came in 1867, Canada's first half-dollar was not issued until 1870.