2 Answers

See here >>>http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/003889.html

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/gift-card-expiry-dates-law-not-changing-in-a-hurry    contains an article dated January, 2012 that you may find interesting. 
I find it excessive that a 50% charge would accompany an expired gift certificate, but, on the other hand, the expiration date should matter. Coupons often have expiration dates, as do sale cards we receive in the mail or newspapers.  It is inconsiderate and arrogant of us to think we should be able to do as we please with the cards and certificates with clearly marked expiration dates. . 
While I DO have a personal problem with that practice as regards a gift certificate given to you,which I DON'T think SHOULD have a limited life, I think you should consider yourself fortunate you did not lose the full value of the certificate.

I had a debit card for a rebate on tires that was worth over $200. It expired before I used it, but the company agreed to reissue the card and advised me I'd better use the value before the next expiration date on the new card.  I won't press my luck again, nor should you.