The 1920 Canadian 50-cent Large 0, also known as the 1920 Big 0 or Wide 0, is an important variety from the King George V series. While the 1920 half dollar is already a desirable early Canadian silver coin, the Large 0 variety becomes particularly scarce and valuable in higher grades.
The Canadian 50-Cent Coin of 1920
The 1920 50-cent piece was struck by the Royal Canadian Mint during the reign of King George V. A total of 584,429 50-cent coins were produced that year, with this mintage including both the Small 0 and Large 0 varieties. The exact number of Large 0 examples produced is not separately recorded.
The coin features the portrait of King George V on the obverse, designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal. The reverse features the classic Canadian 50-cent design with a crown above two branches tied together by a ribbon, designed by William Henry James Blakemore.
The Large 0 Variety
Two major varieties are recognized for the 1920 Canadian half dollar:
- 1920 Small 0 (Petit 0)
- 1920 Large 0 (Gros 0 / Big 0)
The difference can be found in the final “0” of the date 1920 on the reverse of the coin. On the Large 0 variety, the zero is noticeably larger and wider than on the standard Small 0 version.
For collectors, correctly identifying this variety is extremely important because the Large 0 commands a significant premium, especially as the grade increases.
Specifications
The 1920 Large 0 shares the same specifications as the regular 1920 Canadian half dollar:
Composition: 80% silver and 20% copper
Weight: 11.66 grams
Actual silver weight: 9.328 grams
Diameter: 29.72 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Edge: Reeded
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
Orientation: Medal alignment
Obverse: King George V
Reverse: Crown and branches surrounding the 50 CENTS denomination
How Rare Is the 1920 Large 0?
The Large 0 is considerably more desirable than the Small 0 in higher grades.
The difference becomes especially apparent in Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated and Mint State examples. Numicanada's August 2026 values illustrate how quickly the premium increases.
A Large 0 is listed at approximately $228 CAD in VF-20, compared with $65.20 for the Small 0. In EF-40, the Large 0 reaches approximately $600, while an AU-50 example is valued around $1,060.
The difference becomes even more dramatic in Mint State.
1920 Large 0 Values
According to Numicanada's August 2026 Canadian coin values, the approximate values for the Large 0 variety are:
| Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $28 |
| VG-8 | $44 |
| F-12 | $90 |
| VF-20 | $228 |
| EF-40 | $600 |
| AU-50 | $1,060 |
| MS-60 | $2,120 |
| MS-62 | $3,270 |
| MS-63 | $7,600 |
| MS-64 | $12,600 |
These figures demonstrate just how condition-sensitive the 1920 Large 0 can be.
A circulated example can still be relatively affordable, but certified Mint State specimens are in an entirely different category.
A Major Condition Rarity
What makes the 1920 Large 0 particularly interesting isn't simply the variety itself—it is its scarcity in high grades.
An MS-60 example is already valued at more than $2,000, while an MS-63 is estimated at approximately $7,600. At MS-64, Numicanada lists the variety at approximately $12,600 CAD.
This substantial increase between grades illustrates an important aspect of Canadian numismatics: surviving population and condition can be much more important than the original mintage alone.
Coins that circulated extensively during the early 20th century can become extremely difficult to locate with strong original surfaces, minimal marks and remaining mint lustre.
Large 0 vs. Small 0
The market difference between the two varieties becomes particularly striking in Mint State.
For example, Numicanada currently lists the 1920 Small 0 in MS-63 at approximately $1,910, compared with approximately $7,600 for the Large 0 in the same grade.
At MS-64, the Small 0 is approximately $2,900, while the Large 0 reaches approximately $12,600.
For this reason, collectors examining a 1920 Canadian half dollar should always verify which variety they have before determining its value.
Collecting the 1920 Large 0
The 1920 Large 0 is an excellent example of why variety collecting plays such an important role in Canadian numismatics.
At first glance, two 1920 half dollars may appear nearly identical. A small difference in the date, however, can represent a substantial difference in rarity and market value.
Collectors looking for higher-grade examples should pay close attention to originality, surface quality, strike and evidence of cleaning. Because of the substantial premiums associated with high-grade Large 0 examples, certification by a recognized grading service such as ICCS, PCGS, NGC or CCCS can also provide additional confidence when buying or selling an important specimen.
Final Thoughts
The 1920 Canadian 50-cent Large 0 combines everything many collectors look for in an early Canadian coin: silver content, a classic King George V design, an identifiable die variety and significant scarcity in higher grades.
While lower-grade examples remain accessible to many collectors, the variety becomes increasingly difficult—and dramatically more valuable—as it approaches Mint State.
For collectors building a serious Canadian 50-cent collection, the 1920 Large 0 is a variety worth knowing and watching for.
Coin values can fluctuate based on condition, certification, eye appeal, rarity and current market demand. Values referenced in this article are based on Numicanada data updated in August 2026.