Canadian Coin Values by Year: 1858 to Today

How to Use This Guide

This page is organized by era and decade. To look up a coin's potential value, follow these steps:

1. Find the era your coin falls in. Scroll to the decade section that matches the date on your coin. Each section explains what was happening in Canadian coinage during that period.
2. Check if it is a key date. Every section lists the scarce and valuable dates from that era. If your coin's year appears on a key date list, it is worth researching further.
3. Understand the metal content. Silver content is the most common reason a coin is worth more than face value. The silver content table below tells you exactly which coins contain precious metal and how much.
4. Follow links to denomination guides. For detailed values by year and grade, see our guides to pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars.
5. Assess the condition. A coin's grade dramatically affects its value. Our coin grading guide explains the Sheldon scale and how to estimate a grade yourself.

The Silver Content Factor

Silver content is the single most important factor for determining whether a Canadian coin is worth more than face value. Millions of pre-1968 Canadian coins were struck in silver, and every one of them has a minimum value tied to the current silver spot price — regardless of condition, rarity, or collector demand.

Here is a complete breakdown of which Canadian coins contain silver, the purity of that silver, and the approximate silver weight in troy ounces:

Denomination	Silver Years	Purity	Silver Weight (ozt)
Large Cent	1858–1920	No silver (bronze/copper)	—
Small Cent	1920–2012	No silver (copper, zinc, steel)	—
5 Cents	1858–1921	.925 (pre-1920), .800 (1920–21)	~0.035
10 Cents	1858–1968	.925 (pre-1920), .800 (1920–67), .500 (some 1967–68)	~0.060
25 Cents	1870–1968	.925 (pre-1920), .800 (1920–67), .500 (some 1967–68)	~0.150
50 Cents	1870–1968	.925 (pre-1920), .800 (1920–67), .500 (some 1967–68)	~0.300
Dollar	1935–1967	.800	~0.600

The key takeaway: any Canadian dime, quarter, half dollar, or dollar coin dated 1967 or earlier is worth more than face value in silver content alone. Many of these coins also carry collector premiums above their melt value, depending on the year and condition. For a deeper dive, see our complete guide to Canadian silver coins.

1858–1870: The Dawn of Canadian Decimal Coinage

Canadian decimal coinage begins in 1858, when the Province of Canada issued its first coins denominated in cents rather than the British pounds-shillings-pence system. These earliest coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London (and later at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, indicated by an "H" mintmark).

The initial 1858–1859 issues comprised four denominations: 1 cent (large, bronze), 5 cents (silver), 10 cents (silver), and 20 cents (silver). Note the 20-cent piece, not 25 — the quarter would not appear until Confederation. All silver coins from this era are sterling, meaning 92.5% pure silver.

After Confederation in 1867, the new Dominion of Canada began issuing its own coinage starting in 1870. The 20-cent denomination was dropped in favour of the 25-cent quarter, and a new 50-cent half dollar was added. The large cent continued from the provincial series.

Key Dates: 1858–1870

• 1858 Large Cent: The first Canadian decimal coin. Even well-worn examples carry a collector premium as a type coin. Re-punched date varieties exist.
• 1859 Large Cent: Numerous die varieties including the Double-Punched Narrow 9, Wide 9 over 8, and the popular "DP" varieties. Some are worth considerably more than the common type.
• 1858 20 Cents: First and only year for this denomination in a Confederation context (it was replaced by the 25-cent piece). The 1858 20-cent is a must-have type coin.
• 1870 50 Cents: First Dominion half dollar. Two varieties exist: with and without the designer's initials "L.C.W." on the obverse. The L.C.W. variety is the scarcer of the two.

1870s–1890s: Victorian Silver

The Victorian era produced some of the most beautiful — and scarcest — Canadian coins. The full range of denominations was in production: 1 cent (large bronze), 5 cents (silver), 10 cents (silver), 25 cents (silver), and 50 cents (silver). There was no dollar coin yet; that would not arrive until 1935.

All silver denominations in this era are sterling (.925 fine). Mintages were generally low by modern standards, reflecting Canada's smaller population. Many dates had production runs in the tens of thousands, making even common Victorian dates comparatively scarce.

Coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London or the Heaton Mint in Birmingham. Heaton issues carry an "H" mintmark below the wreath on the reverse.

Key Dates: 1870s–1890s

• 1889 25 Cents: The rarest regular-issue Canadian circulation quarter, with a mintage of just 66,340. Even in Good condition, this coin commands a significant premium. Fine and above examples are genuinely rare.
• 1875-H 10 Cents: One of the lowest-mintage dimes of the Victorian era. Scarce in all grades.
• 1890-H 50 Cents: Low mintage makes this one of the tougher half dollars. Most surviving examples are heavily circulated.
• 1872-H 25 Cents: A key date in the quarter series with a modest mintage and high collector demand.
• 1885 Small 5 Over Large 5 (5 Cents): A popular overdate variety. Identifiable under magnification.

Even common dates from the 1870s through 1890s carry premiums. A typical Victorian dime in Good condition starts around $5–15, quarters $10–30, and half dollars $15–50 — well above their silver melt values. Better dates and higher grades escalate quickly. For detailed quarter values, see our Canadian quarter values guide.

1900s–1910s: Edwardian and Early George V

The early twentieth century brought two monarchs to Canadian coinage: Edward VII (1902–1910) and George V (from 1911 onward). It also brought a transformative event: the opening of the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint in 1908, which meant Canadian coins were now struck on Canadian soil. The "H" mintmark for Heaton disappears after 1907.

This era includes some of the most dramatic rarities in Canadian numismatics. The 1911 silver dollar pattern — struck as a test piece but never released for circulation — is one of only two known examples and is among the most valuable Canadian coins in existence.

More practically, collectors encounter the transition from sterling silver (.925) to .800 silver in 1920, and the replacement of the large cent with the small cent that same year. The short-lived Canadian gold coin program produced $5 and $10 gold pieces from 1912 to 1914, and gold sovereigns were struck at the Ottawa Mint from 1908 to 1919. For more on these, see our Canadian $5 and $10 gold coin guide.

Key Dates: 1900s–1910s

• 1921 Silver 5 Cents: One of the great Canadian rarities. Although 2,582,495 were minted, nearly the entire run was melted in 1922 when the denomination switched to nickel. Only a handful of specimens survive, making this coin worth tens of thousands of dollars.
• 1921 50 Cents: The "King of Canadian Coins." Mintage of 206,398, but most were melted when the Mint decided not to release them. Approximately 75 are known to survive. Values range from the low thousands in well-circulated condition to over $100,000 for higher grades.
• 1908–1910 Edwardian issues: Edward VII coins had short production runs (only 9 years across all denominations). Completing an Edward VII type set is a popular and achievable goal, but some individual dates are scarce.
• 1911 "Godless" coins: The first George V coins lacked the "DEI GRA" (By the Grace of God) inscription, sparking public outcry. The motto was added in 1912. The 1911 "Godless" coins are a popular variety across all denominations.
• 1916 Gold Sovereign (C mint mark): Struck at the Ottawa Mint, the 1916-C sovereign is one of the rarest Canadian gold coins. See our 1916 sovereign guide for the full story.

1920s–1930s: The Interwar Period

The 1920s brought fundamental changes to Canadian coinage. In 1920, the large cent was retired after over 60 years, replaced by the smaller penny we know today. That same year, silver purity dropped from sterling (.925) to .800 across all silver denominations — a cost-saving measure that would persist through 1967.

In 1922, the silver 5-cent coin was replaced by a larger nickel (pure nickel) version. Canada's first commemorative dollar appeared in 1935, celebrating George V's Silver Jubilee, and the Voyageur dollar design — depicting a fur trader and an Indigenous paddler in a canoe — debuted in 1936. This became one of the most iconic Canadian coin designs, appearing on silver dollars for over three decades.

Key Dates: 1920s–1930s

Coin	Year	Mintage	Why It Matters
5 Cents (nickel)	1925	201,921	Lowest mintage regular-issue nickel 5-cent. Key date for the series.
5 Cents (nickel)	1926 Near 6	Subset of 938,162	Scarce variety where the "6" in the date is positioned close to the maple leaf. Worth many multiples of the common Far 6.
1 Cent	1922	1,243,635	First year of the small cent. Collected as a type coin and often weakly struck.
1 Cent	1923	1,019,002	Scarcer than the 1922, and a key date in the small cent series.
1 Cent	1925	1,000,622	The key date for small cents. Routinely sells for $20–100+ depending on grade.
1 Cent	1936 Dot	Extremely rare	A tiny dot below the date indicates coins struck in 1937 using 1936-dated dies after George V's death. Only a handful of confirmed specimens exist.
10 Cents	1936 Dot	Extremely rare	Same situation as the 1-cent Dot. Fewer than ten confirmed examples. Worth hundreds of thousands.
25 Cents	1936 Dot	Extremely rare	The rarest of the 1936 Dot trio. Only a few specimens are confirmed genuine. Among the most valuable Canadian coins.

The 1936 Dot coins deserve special explanation. When George V died in January 1936, the Royal Canadian Mint needed to continue striking coins while new dies bearing George VI's portrait were prepared. To distinguish these posthumous strikes, a small dot was added below the date on the reverse. The 1936 Dot 1-cent, 10-cent, and 25-cent coins are among the most prized Canadian rarities. For more on pennies from this era, see our Canadian penny values guide.

1937–1952: George VI — Art Deco and Wartime

George VI's coinage introduced entirely new reverse designs in 1937, many of which endure on Canadian coins to this day. These designs, by sculptor Emanuel Hahn, brought an Art Deco sensibility to Canadian numismatics:

• 1 Cent: Two maple leaves on a twig
• 5 Cents: The beaver (still in use today)
• 10 Cents: The Bluenose fishing schooner (still in use)
• 25 Cents: The caribou head (still in use)
• 50 Cents: The Canadian coat of arms
• Dollar: The Voyageur canoe scene

World War II forced emergency composition changes. When nickel was needed for the war effort, the 5-cent coin was struck in tombac brass (1942–1943), giving it a distinctive golden appearance and a twelve-sided shape. In 1943, a special "Victory" design featuring a large "V" and a Morse code message ("We Win When We Work Willingly") replaced the beaver. Chromium-plated steel 5-cent coins followed in 1944–1945.

The 1947 Maple Leaf and 1948 Delay

One of the most fascinating episodes in Canadian numismatics happened at the transition between George VI and Elizabeth II. In 1947, India gained independence from the British Empire, requiring a change to the Royal Title on all coins — removing "IND:IMP" (Emperor of India) from the legend. New dies were not ready in time for 1948, so the Mint continued using 1947-dated dies with a small maple leaf added after the date to indicate the coins were actually struck in 1948.

The 1947 Maple Leaf varieties exist across multiple denominations and are widely collected. Meanwhile, the few coins actually dated 1948 with the corrected legend tend to have very low mintages.

Key Dates: 1937–1952

• 1948 Dollar (mintage 18,780): The undisputed key date of the silver dollar series.
• 1947 Dot 1 Cent: A scarce variety with a small dot after the date.
• 1947 Maple Leaf varieties (all denominations): The maple leaf after the date signals a coin actually struck in 1948. Collected across 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, and $1.
• 1942–1943 Tombac 5 Cents: Wartime composition. Popular as type coins due to their distinctive gold colour and twelve-sided shape.
• 1951 Commemorative 5 Cents: The "Big Nickel" design celebrating the 200th anniversary of nickel isolation. Two reverse dies were used (high and low relief).

1953–1967: The Elizabeth II Silver Era

Elizabeth II's accession to the throne in 1952 brought a new portrait to Canadian coins beginning in 1953. This period is the last golden age of Canadian silver coinage — the final era when everyday pocket change contained precious metal. It ended in 1968, when nickel and base metal replaced silver across all denominations.

For collectors, this era is rich in varieties. The transition happened quickly, and the Mint produced coins with subtle but important differences that can dramatically affect value.

The 1953 Shoulder Fold Varieties

The original 1953 portrait, designed by Mary Gillick, showed a somewhat flat, shallow relief with no fold in the drapery on the Queen's shoulder. Mid-year, the dies were modified to add a distinct shoulder fold (or "strap") in the drapery. The result: two varieties exist for every denomination in 1953 — No Shoulder Fold (NSF) and Shoulder Fold (SF). One or the other is typically scarcer depending on the denomination.

The 1965 Varieties

The 1965 one-cent and silver dollar both feature two notable varieties:

• 1965 Small Beads vs. Large Beads (1 Cent): Differences in the size of the beads around the rim. The Small Beads variety is scarcer and worth significantly more.
• 1965 Small Beads, Blunt 5 vs. Large Beads, Pointed 5 (Dollar): Two distinctly different dies used for the 1965 silver dollar. The Small Beads/Blunt 5 variety is dramatically scarcer and can be worth $200–3,000+ depending on condition.

1967: The Centennial Year

Canada's centennial in 1967 produced one of the most beloved commemorative coin sets in Canadian history. Every denomination received a special one-year-only wildlife design by artist Alex Colville:

Denomination	Design	Composition
1 Cent	Rock Dove	Bronze
5 Cents	Rabbit	Nickel
10 Cents	Mackerel	.800 Silver (some .500)
25 Cents	Bobcat	.800 Silver (some .500)
50 Cents	Howling Wolf	.800 Silver (some .500)
Dollar	Canada Goose	.800 Silver
$20 Gold	Canada's Coat of Arms	.900 Gold

The 1967 Centennial coins are widely collected and instantly recognizable. The $20 gold piece — Canada's first gold coin since the 1914 $5/$10 series — contains approximately 0.5288 troy ounces of gold and is valued primarily for its gold content plus a collector premium.

A critical note for 1967 collectors: partway through 1967, the Mint began striking some dimes, quarters, and half dollars in .500 silver instead of .800 silver. A precision scale (accurate to 0.01g) is the reliable way to tell them apart, as the .500 silver coins weigh slightly less. Both the .800 and .500 silver versions continue into 1968.

Key Dates: 1953–1967

• 1953 NSF/SF varieties (all denominations): One variety is typically scarcer per denomination.
• 1965 Small Beads/Blunt 5 Dollar: The scarce variety can be worth hundreds to thousands.
• 1966 Large Beads Dollar: The scarcer of two 1966 dollar varieties.
• 1967 Double-struck errors: Occasionally found on Centennial coins.
• 1967 $20 Gold: Canada's first modern gold coin. Valued for its gold content plus historical significance.

1968–1989: The Nickel Era

In 1968, Canada completed the transition from silver to nickel coinage. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars were now struck in pure nickel (later a nickel-copper alloy). The silver dollar was replaced by a nickel dollar coin. Aside from collector and commemorative issues, precious metal disappeared from Canadian pocket change.

This means most circulation coins from 1968 onward are worth face value only. The exceptions are errors, varieties, and special issues.

The biggest change in this era came in 1987, when the one-dollar coin was replaced by the aureate bronze "loonie" — the eleven-sided coin featuring Robert-Ralph Carmichael's common loon design. The paper dollar bill was phased out shortly after.

Key Dates and Varieties: 1968–1989

• 1968 Silver vs. Nickel (10c, 25c, 50c): Both silver (.500 fine) and nickel versions exist for 1968 dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The silver versions are worth several times more. Use a magnet: silver is not attracted, nickel is.
• 1969 Large Date 10 Cents: A scarce variety with a noticeably larger date than the standard 1969 dime. Worth a significant premium when identified.
• 1973 Large Bust 25 Cents: A famous mule error where a 1972 obverse die (with a slightly larger Queen's portrait) was paired with a 1973 reverse die. This is one of the most valuable modern Canadian coins, worth $1,000–5,000+ depending on condition. See our errors and varieties guide for details.
• 1976 Montreal Olympics (silver commemoratives): A 28-coin series of silver and gold commemorative coins issued for the 1976 Summer Olympics. The silver coins contain varying amounts of .925 sterling silver and are traded primarily for their metal value plus a collector premium.
• 1987 Loonie (first year): Collected as the first year of the $1 coin. Not scarce, but a type coin many collectors want in high grade.

1990–2012: Modern Pre-Steel

This era brought two significant changes: the introduction of the two-dollar "toonie" coin in 1996 (bi-metallic, featuring a polar bear by Brent Chicken) and the gradual transition from pure nickel and copper to multi-ply plated steel compositions for most denominations. It also saw the retirement of the penny in 2012.

For collectors, the most notable feature of this period is the explosion of commemorative circulation coins. Canada began issuing special-design quarters, loonies, and toonies for various anniversaries, events, and themes. These are struck in regular circulation quantities and distributed through banks.

Key Items: 1990–2012

• 1996 Toonie (first year): The first bi-metallic Canadian circulation coin. Collected as a type coin.
• 1999–2000 Millennium Quarters: A 24-coin series featuring designs representing each month. Some feature "mule" errors where an incorrect obverse die (the standard caribou quarter obverse) was paired with a Millennium reverse. These mule errors can be worth $100–500+.
• 2004 Poppy Quarter: The first Canadian coloured circulation coin, featuring a red-painted poppy for Remembrance Day. Collected as a landmark issue.
• 2006 Breast Cancer Awareness Quarter (pink): Another early coloured circulation coin. Collected as a type.
• 2012 Final Penny: The last year of the Canadian one-cent coin. The final strike ceremony in May 2012 made headlines. Rolls of 2012 pennies are widely hoarded but remain common.

Most circulation coins from 1990 to 2012 are worth face value. The collectible exceptions are mule errors, die varieties, coloured commemorative issues in pristine condition, and any coin with a visible striking error. If you find rolls of pre-2000 quarters, it is still worth checking — the occasional silver coin from the 1960s can hide in a roll for decades.

2013–Present: The Steel Era and King Charles III

Since 2012, all Canadian circulation coins have been multi-ply plated steel — a magnetic base metal with thin coatings of copper, nickel, or brass to maintain the traditional appearance. The one-cent coin has been retired and is no longer produced.

The biggest numismatic event of the 2020s was the transition to King Charles III's portrait on Canadian coins, beginning in 2023. The new effigy, designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati, appears on all denominations. First-year King Charles III coins are collected as type coins, and the transition makes 2022 (final Elizabeth II) and 2023 (first Charles III) coins natural bookends for collectors.

What to Watch For: 2013–Present

• 2023 King Charles III (first year): The first year of a new monarch's coinage always generates collector interest. Save examples in uncirculated condition.
• 2022 Elizabeth II (final year): The last coins bearing Elizabeth II's portrait after 70 years. The 2022 issues became instant collectibles following the Queen's death in September 2022.
• Coloured and glow-in-the-dark circulation coins: The Royal Canadian Mint continues to produce special circulation coins with colour, glow-in-the-dark, and other finishes. These are worth saving but are not typically scarce.
• Error coins: Modern striking errors (off-centre, die cracks, clipped planchets) remain the best finds in current circulation. Check your change carefully.

Bullion Programs

Alongside circulation coins, the Royal Canadian Mint operates one of the world's premier bullion programs. The Gold Maple Leaf (since 1979) and Silver Maple Leaf (since 1988) are struck in .9999 fine purity — among the purest bullion coins available globally. Platinum Maple Leafs (.9995) are also produced. These coins trade at or near the current spot price of their metal, plus a dealer premium. They are investments and stores of value, not circulation coins. For more, see our bullion vs. numismatics guide and our Maple Leaf security features guide.

Quick Reference: Most Valuable Canadian Coins

The following table lists some of the most sought-after Canadian coins across all denominations. Values are approximate ranges based on catalogue estimates and auction records, and actual prices depend on the specific grade, eye appeal, and market conditions at the time of sale.

Coin	Year	Why It Is Valuable	Approx. Value Range
50 Cents	1921	~75 survive from 206,398 minted (mass melt)	$5,000–150,000+
5 Cents (silver)	1921	Nearly entire mintage melted when nickel 5c introduced	$5,000–50,000+
10 Cents	1936 Dot	Fewer than 10 known. Struck with dot to distinguish from regular 1936	$100,000–300,000+
25 Cents	1936 Dot	Rarest of the Dot trio. Only a few confirmed genuine	$150,000–400,000+
1 Cent	1936 Dot	Extremely rare variety, small dot below date	$5,000–25,000+
Dollar	1948	Mintage of only 18,780	$500–10,000+
25 Cents	1889	Lowest mintage circulation quarter (66,340)	$200–5,000+
25 Cents	1973 Large Bust	Mule error: wrong obverse die paired with 1973 reverse	$1,000–5,000+
50 Cents	1890-H	Low mintage Victorian half dollar	$300–5,000+
Dollar	1965 SB/Blunt 5	Scarce variety of the 1965 silver dollar	$200–3,000+
5 Cents (nickel)	1925	Lowest mintage regular nickel 5-cent (201,921)	$20–500+
1 Cent	1925	Key date small cent (1,000,622 mintage)	$20–300+
10 Cents	1875-H	Low-mintage Victorian dime	$100–3,000+
50 Cents	1870 L.C.W.	First Dominion half dollar, scarcer L.C.W. variety	$200–5,000+
Dollar	1935	First Canadian silver dollar (George V Jubilee)	$30–500+
5 Cents (nickel)	1926 Near 6	Scarce variety, "6" close to maple leaf	$50–2,000+
1 Cent	1858	First Canadian decimal coin	$10–500+
Dollar	1966 Large Beads	Scarcer die variety of the 1966 silver dollar	$50–1,000+

For the complete value breakdown of each denomination by year and grade, see our denomination-specific guides: pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars.

What to Do If You Find a Valuable Coin

If you have identified a coin that appears to be a key date, rare variety, or significant error, here is how to proceed:

1. Do not clean it. This is the most important rule. Cleaning a rare coin — even with gentle methods — will reduce its value, often dramatically. Leave the coin exactly as you found it. If it is toned, dirty, or spotted, that is fine. Professional grading services and experienced collectors value original surfaces above all else.
2. Handle it carefully. Hold the coin by its edges only. Place it in a non-PVC holder (a Mylar flip, cardboard 2x2, or hard plastic capsule) to protect it during storage and transport. See our beginner's guide for storage details.
3. Get it professionally graded. For any coin you believe is worth $100 or more, professional grading by ICCS (International Coin Certification Service, based in Canada), PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) provides an independent assessment of grade and authenticity. The coin is sealed in a tamper-evident holder with the grade displayed. Grading fees typically range from $20 to $100 per coin depending on the service level and declared value.
4. Research recent sale prices. Check eBay completed/sold listings for your specific coin, date, and approximate grade. Auction records from Heritage Auctions and Canadian auction houses provide additional data points. The Charlton Standard Catalogue gives annual retail price estimates by grade.
5. Decide: keep or sell. If you want to sell, reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and online platforms are your options. For high-value coins, consignment to a numismatic auction typically realizes the best prices. For guidance on selling, see our how to sell Canadian coins guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — Annual pricing, mintage data, and variety reference (published by Charlton Press)
• Royal Canadian Mint — Official specifications, mintage figures, and collector programs
• Coins and Canada — Canadian coin reference, pricing, and variety identification
• Royal Canadian Numismatic Association — National collector organization and educational resources

Guide compiled for educational purposes by Canadian Coin Heads. This is not financial or investment advice. Coin values depend on condition, rarity, market demand, and other factors. Value ranges cited are approximate catalogue and auction estimates and may not reflect current market prices for any specific coin.