Belize 1974-FM 50 cents

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This specimen is one of a type struck for Belize 1974-81 by the Franklin Mint (the 1975-81 issues had a lettered edge). These were packaged in sets with the other denominations and mass-marketed to collectors in the United States, making them more familiar than the regular issue, which is rather drab. These handsome proofs feature the magnificent frigatebird.

Recorded mintage: 31,000 silver proofs plus 21,000 copper-nickel proofs plus 8,806 uncirculated specimens.

Specification: 9.94 g, 0.925 fine silver, 27.7 mm diameter, reeded edge.

Catalog reference: KM 42a (silver).

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Link to:

• British Honduras 1952 25 cents
• 1974 cent
• 1974-FM 10 cents
• 1974 25 cents, bust obverse
• 1979 5 cents
• 1980 50 cents
• Coins and currency dated 1974
• return to coins of Belize