1842-1845 Canadian Bank Of Montreal Half Penny Coin. French Pionner, Canada Coin Shortage Era Private Issue. 1/2 Penny Graded By Seller. Circulated Condition.

The Bank of Montreal is Canada's oldest bank. It was founded in 1817 by a group of merchants in Montreal, Quebec. The bank's first president was John Richardson, a Scottish-born merchant who had previously served as the mayor of Montreal. The Bank of Montreal quickly became one of the most important financial institutions in Canada. It played a major role in financing the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the development of the Canadian economy. The bank also played a significant role in the creation of the Bank of Canada in 1935. The Bank of Montreal has a long and proud history. It has been through many challenges over the years, but it has always emerged stronger. The bank is now a major financial institution with operations in Canada, the United States, and around the world. 1817: The bank is founded in Montreal, Quebec. 1822: The bank opens its first branch in Quebec City. 1837: The bank is involved in the Lower Canada Rebellion. 1864: The bank becomes the official bank of the Dominion of Canada. 1873: The bank survives the Panic of 1873. 1914: The bank becomes the largest bank in Canada. 1935: The bank helps to create the Bank of Canada. 1984: The bank acquires Harris Bank in Chicago. 1987: The bank acquires Nesbitt Thomson. 1993: The bank begins major expansion drive in U.S. 1998: Bank of Montreal's merger with Royal Bank of Canada is not approved. 2008: The bank survives the Global Financial Crisis. 2017: The bank celebrates its 200th anniversary.

• Montreal Half Penny Coin was issued in response to a shortage of copper coins in the Province of Canada.
• The British government had ceased to supply copper coins to the colony in the early 1840s