Description

In 1842, after the uniting of Upper and Lower Canada to form the Province of Canada, the Bank of Montreal was permitted to import 5,000 Pounds Sterling in copper, provided that the entire amount was imported before 1845. The Bank issued 1,000 Pounds in pennies and 1,000 Pounds in halfpennies in 1842, 2,000 Pounds in halfpennies in 1844, and 1,000 Pounds of halfpennies in 1845. The halfpennies issued in 1845 are entirely dated 1844. Dies dated 1845 were prepared, but only four 1845 dated halfpennies are known.

Obverse: Front view of a Bank of Montreal building. There are heavy trees on the sides of the building.
Reverse: The Montreal Coat of Arms, with Bank of Montreal on the ribbon, and the date below. The beaver in the centre has a short nose.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: 9.4 to 9.5 g
Diameter: 28.2 to 28.7 mm
Die Axis: ??
Edge: Plain
Alternate Reference Number: BR #527