Quick Answer
New Brunswick issued 10 coins (half cent, 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents) and Nova Scotia issued 5 coins (half cent, 1 cent only) between 1861 and 1864. These 15 coins represent two of the shortest-lived and most historically significant Canadian provincial series. Both provinces adopted decimal currency in 1860, replacing the British pounds-shillings-pence system. Their coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London and bear Queen Victoria's portrait on the obverse.
After Confederation in 1867, both provinces adopted the new Dominion of Canada coinage and their provincial coins were gradually withdrawn from circulation. Today, the complete set of all 15 coins is an achievable and rewarding collecting goal.
Historical Context: Why These Coins Exist
Before 1860, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia operated under the British pounds-shillings-pence monetary system. Daily commerce was complicated by a chaotic mix of British coins, American coins, Spanish colonial pieces, and locally issued tokens. The colonial legislatures of both provinces recognized that a decimal currency system — based on dollars and cents, like their American neighbours — would simplify trade and modernize their economies.
In 1860, both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia passed currency acts adopting the decimal system. The British government approved the change, and the Royal Mint in London was contracted to produce the new provincial coins. The first issues appeared in 1861, making these coins contemporaries of the Province of Canada's own decimal coinage (which had begun in 1858).
The timing was significant. Confederation was only a few years away. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coins were struck for just three to four years before both provinces joined the Dominion of Canada in 1867. When the new federal coinage began circulating in 1870, provincial coins were gradually retired. This brief window of production — 1861 to 1864 — is what makes New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coins so distinctive among Canadian numismatic issues.
All coins from both provinces were designed and struck at the Royal Mint in London, England. The obverse of every coin features the left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, identical to the portrait used on contemporary British colonial coinage. The reverse designs were created by Leonard Charles Wyon, chief engraver at the Royal Mint, who also designed the reverses for Province of Canada coins.
Pre-Confederation context: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were two of the four original provinces that formed Confederation in 1867 (along with Ontario and Quebec, formerly the Province of Canada). Their coinage represents the final chapter of independent Maritime colonial currency. For context on the broader story of early Canadian decimal coins, see our Canadian coin values by year guide, which covers the Province of Canada's 1858 coinage and the transition to Dominion issues.
New Brunswick Coinage (1861–1864)
New Brunswick produced the more comprehensive coinage of the two Maritime provinces, issuing five denominations: the half cent, 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 20 cents. This gave the province a full range of coins for everyday transactions, from the smallest purchases to more substantial payments.
The copper coins (half cent and cent) were large by modern standards, following the British tradition of hefty copper pieces. The silver coins were struck in sterling silver (.925 fine), matching the purity standard used for British and Province of Canada silver coinage of the same era.
One notable feature of New Brunswick's coinage is the 20-cent denomination rather than a 25-cent quarter. This was the same choice made by the Province of Canada for its initial decimal coinage in 1858. The 20-cent piece aligned with the old British shilling (worth roughly 20 cents in the new decimal system), making the transition from pounds-shillings-pence easier for the public. When Confederation came, the new Dominion of Canada switched to the 25-cent quarter, and the 20-cent denomination was permanently retired.
New Brunswick Half Cent (1861)
The New Brunswick half cent is one of the most unusual coins in Canadian numismatics. It was issued for only a single year — 1861 — with a mintage of 222,800. This is the smallest denomination ever issued by any Canadian province, and the only half cent in the New Brunswick series.
The coin is struck in 95% copper and weighs 2.84 grams with a diameter of 20.65 mm. The reverse features a royal crown and the inscription "NEW BRUNSWICK" with "HALF CENT" and the date. Despite being produced in modest numbers, the half cent is not prohibitively rare — enough were saved by contemporary collectors and coin dealers that examples in Fine to Very Fine condition appear regularly at auction and in dealer inventories.
The half cent was needed because the old monetary system included halfpenny prices. When New Brunswick switched to decimal currency, many goods that had been priced in halfpennies translated to half-cent amounts. The denomination proved short-lived because merchants quickly rounded prices to the nearest full cent.
New Brunswick 1 Cent (1861, 1862, 1864)
The New Brunswick cent is a large copper coin measuring 25.53 mm in diameter — the same size as the Province of Canada large cent. It was issued in three years: 1861, 1862, and 1864, with a consistent mintage of 1,000,000 for each year. No cents were struck dated 1863.
The reverse design features a royal crown surrounded by a decorative wreath, with "NEW BRUNSWICK" above, "ONE CENT" in the centre, and the date below. The coin weighs 5.67 grams and is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc (bronze).
With three million total cents produced across the three years, these are the most common New Brunswick coins. Examples in Good to Fine condition are readily available, though pieces with full original red lustre in uncirculated condition are scarce and command strong premiums.
New Brunswick 5 Cents (1862, 1864)
The New Brunswick 5-cent piece is a small sterling silver coin (.925 fine) with a diameter of 15.49 mm and a weight of 1.16 grams. Only two dates were issued: 1862 and 1864, with a mintage of 100,000 each.
These are genuinely scarce coins. A total production of just 200,000 across both years, combined with the inevitable loss and melt of silver coins over 160 years, means that surviving examples are sought after in all grades. The reverse features a royal crown and "5 CENTS" within a wreath of roses.
New Brunswick 10 Cents (1862, 1864)
The 10-cent piece is also sterling silver (.925 fine), measuring 17.91 mm in diameter and weighing 2.32 grams. The 1862 issue had a mintage of 150,000, while the 1864 issue had 100,000 — making the 1864 date the scarcer of the two.
The reverse design follows the same pattern as the 5-cent piece: a royal crown and denomination within a decorative wreath. In higher grades (Extremely Fine and above), both dates are difficult to find and carry substantial premiums.
New Brunswick 20 Cents (1862, 1864)
The 20-cent piece is the largest silver coin in the New Brunswick series. It is sterling silver (.925 fine), measuring 23.27 mm in diameter and weighing 4.65 grams. Both the 1862 and 1864 issues had mintages of 150,000.
Like the Province of Canada, New Brunswick chose the 20-cent denomination over the 25-cent quarter. This was the last Canadian 20-cent piece — when the Dominion of Canada began issuing its own coinage in 1870, it adopted the 25-cent quarter instead. New Brunswick 20-cent pieces are popular type coins for this reason: they represent a denomination that was used briefly and then abandoned forever.
The 20-cent question: Why 20 cents instead of 25? The answer lies in the transition from the old system. A British shilling was worth approximately 20 cents in the new decimal currency. By striking a 20-cent coin, the provincial government made it easy for people to mentally convert between the old and new systems. A shilling's worth of goods now cost "a twenty-cent piece." The Province of Canada made the same decision in 1858 for the same reason.
Complete New Brunswick Mintage Table
| Denomination | Year | Mintage | Composition | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Cent | 1861 | 222,800 | 95% Copper | 20.65 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1861 | 1,000,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1862 | 1,000,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1864 | 1,000,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
| 5 Cents | 1862 | 100,000 | .925 Silver | 15.49 mm |
| 5 Cents | 1864 | 100,000 | .925 Silver | 15.49 mm |
| 10 Cents | 1862 | 150,000 | .925 Silver | 17.91 mm |
| 10 Cents | 1864 | 100,000 | .925 Silver | 17.91 mm |
| 20 Cents | 1862 | 150,000 | .925 Silver | 23.27 mm |
| 20 Cents | 1864 | 150,000 | .925 Silver | 23.27 mm |
Nova Scotia Coinage (1861–1864)
Nova Scotia took a more conservative approach to its decimal coinage, issuing only two denominations: the half cent and the 1 cent. No silver coins were produced. This made Nova Scotia's series the smallest of any Canadian province — just five coins total across two denominations and three years of production.
Like New Brunswick's copper coins, Nova Scotia's issues were struck in 95% copper at the Royal Mint in London. They feature Victoria's portrait on the obverse and a distinctive provincial design on the reverse.
The Mayflower Reverse
Nova Scotia's coins are instantly distinguishable from New Brunswick's by their reverse design. Instead of a royal crown and wreath, Nova Scotia's reverse features a wreath of mayflower (trailing arbutus) — the provincial emblem of Nova Scotia. This is one of the earliest uses of a provincial emblem on Canadian coinage and gives Nova Scotia coins a unique character.
The mayflower design was created by Leonard Charles Wyon, the same Royal Mint engraver who designed the reverses for New Brunswick and Province of Canada coins. The floral wreath surrounds the denomination, with "NOVA SCOTIA" above and the date below.
Nova Scotia Half Cent (1861, 1864)
The Nova Scotia half cent was issued in two years: 1861 and 1864, with a mintage of 400,000 each. The coin measures 20.65 mm in diameter and weighs 2.84 grams — the same specifications as the New Brunswick half cent.
With 800,000 total half cents produced, Nova Scotia's issue was significantly larger than New Brunswick's single-year run of 222,800. The Nova Scotia half cent represents the smallest Canadian coin denomination alongside the New Brunswick half cent, and the two provinces are the only Canadian jurisdictions to ever produce this denomination.
The purpose was identical to New Brunswick's: easing the transition from the old halfpenny pricing system. Like in New Brunswick, the denomination was quickly rendered obsolete as merchants moved to full-cent pricing.
Nova Scotia 1 Cent (1861, 1862, 1864)
Nova Scotia cents were produced in three years: 1861 (800,000), 1862 (1,000,000), and 1864 (800,000). The coin measures 25.53 mm in diameter and weighs 5.67 grams, matching the specifications of New Brunswick and Province of Canada large cents.
The 1862 issue has the highest mintage, making it the most common Nova Scotia coin. The 1861 and 1864 issues, at 800,000 each, are slightly scarcer but remain readily available in lower grades. In uncirculated condition with original red lustre, all three dates are genuinely difficult and command strong premiums.
Complete Nova Scotia Mintage Table
| Denomination | Year | Mintage | Composition | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Cent | 1861 | 400,000 | 95% Copper | 20.65 mm |
| Half Cent | 1864 | 400,000 | 95% Copper | 20.65 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1861 | 800,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1862 | 1,000,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
| 1 Cent | 1864 | 800,000 | 95% Copper | 25.53 mm |
Why No Nova Scotia Silver?
The absence of silver coinage from Nova Scotia is one of the most frequently asked questions about Maritime colonial coins. The answer lies in the circulation patterns of the two provinces.
Nova Scotia had a well-established supply of British silver coins. Shillings, sixpences, and crowns circulated widely throughout the province, brought in through trade with Britain and the British military presence at Halifax — one of the Royal Navy's most important North American bases. The provincial government determined that British silver adequately served the public's need for higher-denomination coins, and there was no pressing reason to incur the expense of ordering provincial silver from the Royal Mint.
New Brunswick's situation was different. The province's extensive land border with Maine and its commercial ties with the northeastern United States meant that American coins dominated daily commerce. US half dimes, dimes, and quarters were the most common small silver coins in New Brunswick. The provincial government wanted to replace this American currency with its own distinctive coinage, both as a matter of monetary sovereignty and to standardize the currency in circulation. This is why New Brunswick specifically requested silver denominations (5, 10, and 20 cents) from the Royal Mint.
The contrast between the two provinces illustrates how colonial coinage decisions were driven by practical economic needs rather than abstract notions of completeness. Nova Scotia did not need silver coins, so it did not order any. New Brunswick did, so it did.
Design Differences: NB vs. NS vs. Province of Canada
All three provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada — used the same Queen Victoria obverse portrait on their coins, a design standard for British colonial issues of the period. The differences are entirely on the reverse side.
- New Brunswick: A royal crown above the denomination, surrounded by a wreath of roses. The design is formal and closely follows British colonial conventions. "NEW BRUNSWICK" appears in the legend.
- Nova Scotia: A wreath of mayflower (the provincial emblem) surrounds the denomination, with a royal crown above. "NOVA SCOTIA" appears in the legend. The mayflower motif gives these coins a distinctly regional character.
- Province of Canada: A wreath of maple leaves surrounds the denomination. This design anticipated what would become the dominant symbol of Canadian identity. "PROVINCE OF CANADA" appears in the legend.
All three reverse designs were created by Leonard Charles Wyon at the Royal Mint. Despite using different botanical elements, the compositions share a family resemblance: a central denomination framed by a wreath, with the provincial name above and the date below. Collectors who acquire coins from all three provinces can see both the unity of British colonial design standards and the individuality of each province's identity.
The designer: Leonard Charles Wyon (1826–1891) was the chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1851 until his death. He designed the reverses for virtually all Canadian provincial coinage, as well as numerous British colonial issues worldwide. His initials "L.C.W." sometimes appear on the coins — they are notably present on early Dominion of Canada 50-cent pieces from 1870. Wyon was the son of William Wyon, who had designed the "Young Head" portrait of Victoria used on these provincial coins.
Collecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Coins
One of the most appealing aspects of Maritime provincial coinage is the achievability of a complete collection. With only 15 coins total across both provinces, a collector can realistically assemble a full set — something that cannot be said for most Canadian coin series, which span decades and include numerous rare dates.
Building a Complete Set
A practical strategy for building a complete NB and NS collection:
- Start with the copper coins. Nova Scotia cents and half cents, plus New Brunswick cents, are the most affordable pieces in the series. In Good to Very Good condition, these coins are available for modest prices. Start here to build momentum and learn what to look for in terms of die varieties and surface quality.
- Add the New Brunswick half cent. As the only year of issue (1861) and the smallest denomination of any Canadian province, this coin has strong type appeal. It is slightly scarcer than the Nova Scotia half cents due to its lower mintage (222,800 vs. 400,000 per year).
- Acquire the New Brunswick silver. The 5-cent, 10-cent, and 20-cent pieces represent the biggest investment in the set. Expect to pay progressively more as you move from Good/VG examples to Fine and above. The 1864 10-cent (mintage 100,000) and the 5-cent pieces (100,000 each) are the scarcest dates.
- Upgrade selectively. Once you have a complete set, you can upgrade individual coins to higher grades over time. Focus on the copper coins first — finding examples with strong details and minimal corrosion is more challenging than it might seem for 160-year-old copper.
What to Look For
- Copper coins: Look for even, chocolate-brown surfaces without heavy corrosion, pitting, or verdigris (green copper oxide). Coins with traces of original red lustre are significantly more valuable. Check the high points — the crown and wreath details on NB coins, the mayflower petals on NS coins — for sharpness of strike.
- Silver coins: Examine the edges for evidence of cleaning or whizzing (artificial lustre). Original toning on NB silver is desirable and should not be removed. Check for rim damage, which is common on coins this small (the 5-cent piece is tiny).
- Die varieties: While not as extensively catalogued as Province of Canada or Dominion of Canada varieties, some die differences exist in the NB and NS series. Re-punched dates and minor die cracks have been documented by specialist catalogues.
- Counterfeits: Provincial coins are generally not counterfeited as frequently as high-value Dominion coins, but cast copies of NB silver do exist. Buy from reputable dealers, and consider ICCS or PCGS certification for higher-value pieces.
Approximate Value Ranges
The following ranges give a general sense of what to expect for each type in various grades. Actual prices depend on specific condition, eye appeal, and market conditions.
| Coin | Good–VG | Fine–VF | EF–AU | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB Half Cent 1861 | $30–60 | $75–150 | $200–400 | $500+ |
| NB 1 Cent (any year) | $5–15 | $20–50 | $75–200 | $300+ |
| NB 5 Cents | $40–80 | $100–250 | $400–800 | $1,500+ |
| NB 10 Cents | $30–70 | $80–200 | $350–700 | $1,200+ |
| NB 20 Cents | $30–70 | $80–200 | $350–700 | $1,200+ |
| NS Half Cent (any year) | $20–40 | $50–100 | $150–300 | $400+ |
| NS 1 Cent (any year) | $5–12 | $15–40 | $60–150 | $250+ |
The Half Cent Question: Why Did This Denomination Exist?
The half cent is one of the most unusual denominations in Canadian numismatics. Why would anyone need a coin worth half a cent?
The answer lies in the transition from the old British monetary system to decimal currency. Under the pounds-shillings-pence system, the halfpenny was a common denomination used in everyday transactions. Bread, newspapers, small quantities of produce, and other daily necessities were routinely priced in halfpennies. When New Brunswick and Nova Scotia switched to decimal currency in 1860, many of these prices translated to half-cent amounts.
The provincial governments issued half cents to ensure that the currency transition did not force merchants to round up all halfpenny prices to the nearest cent — which would have been an effective price increase on many basic goods. The half cent provided continuity for consumers accustomed to halfpenny pricing.
In practice, the half cent's life was brief. Merchants quickly adjusted to full-cent pricing, and the denomination was never adopted by the Dominion of Canada after Confederation. New Brunswick issued half cents for only one year (1861), while Nova Scotia issued them for two years (1861 and 1864). These remain the only half cents in Canadian numismatic history.
Comparison with the United States: The United States also issued half cents, from 1793 to 1857. The American half cent was discontinued just a few years before New Brunswick and Nova Scotia began issuing theirs. In both countries, the denomination was rendered obsolete by gradual inflation and the practical inconvenience of such a small unit of currency.
After Confederation: What Happened to Provincial Coins
When New Brunswick and Nova Scotia joined Confederation on July 1, 1867, their provincial coins did not immediately disappear. The new Dominion of Canada did not begin issuing its own coinage until 1870, so provincial coins (from all provinces) continued to circulate during the transition period.
After 1870, provincial coins gradually returned to banks and were withdrawn from active circulation. They were not formally demonetized for many years, and anecdotal evidence suggests that NB and NS coppers circulated alongside Dominion large cents well into the 1870s and 1880s — since they were the same size and roughly the same weight, merchants accepted them interchangeably.
New Brunswick silver coins had a different fate. Because the Dominion of Canada switched to the 25-cent quarter rather than the 20-cent piece, NB 20-cent coins were an awkward fit in the new system. Many were turned in and melted, reducing the surviving population. The 5-cent and 10-cent pieces could circulate more easily alongside their Dominion equivalents, but even these were gradually retired as newer coins replaced them.
Today, surviving New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coins are collector items. Their short production runs and historical significance as the final colonial coinage of two founding provinces ensure lasting demand among Canadian numismatists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did New Brunswick have silver coins but Nova Scotia did not?
Nova Scotia did not need provincial silver coins because British silver (shillings, sixpences, crowns) already circulated widely in the province, brought in through trade with Britain and the Royal Navy's base at Halifax. New Brunswick, by contrast, requested silver denominations specifically to replace American coins — US half dimes, dimes, and quarters — that dominated daily commerce due to the province's proximity to Maine and its commercial ties with the northeastern United States.
What happened to provincial coins after Confederation in 1867?
Provincial coins continued to circulate alongside the new Dominion of Canada coinage that began in 1870. They were not immediately demonetized. Over time, provincial coins were gradually withdrawn as they returned to banks and were replaced by federal issues. NB and NS copper cents circulated interchangeably with Dominion large cents for years because they were nearly identical in size and weight. New Brunswick silver coins, particularly the 20-cent pieces, were more quickly retired because the Dominion adopted the 25-cent quarter instead.
How rare are New Brunswick silver coins?
New Brunswick silver coins are genuinely scarce. The 5-cent pieces had mintages of just 100,000 each (1862 and 1864), the 10-cent pieces had 150,000 and 100,000 respectively, and the 20-cent pieces had 150,000 each. Many were melted after Confederation. In Fine or better condition, all NB silver denominations command significant premiums. Even well-worn examples are sought after because the complete silver series is only six coins — making it an achievable but challenging goal.
Are NB and NS coins harder to find than Newfoundland coins?
Generally, yes. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coins were produced for only three to four years (1861–1864), while Newfoundland issued its own coinage continuously from 1865 to 1947 — over 80 years across multiple denominations. The volume and variety of Newfoundland coins means they appear at auction and in dealer inventories far more frequently. New Brunswick silver coins in particular are scarcer than most Newfoundland silver because of their lower mintages and shorter production run. Nova Scotia cents are somewhat easier to find due to their higher mintages.
What is the most valuable New Brunswick or Nova Scotia coin?
The most valuable coins are New Brunswick silver pieces in high grades. A NB 1864 5-cent or 10-cent piece in uncirculated condition can sell for several thousand dollars. Among copper coins, the NB 1861 half cent stands out as the only year of issue and the smallest denomination ever struck by a Canadian province. In gem uncirculated condition with original red lustre, the 1861 NB half cent commands strong auction prices. For Nova Scotia, any cent or half cent retaining full original lustre is highly desirable.
Related Guides
These guides cover related topics in Canadian colonial and early coinage:
- Canadian Coin Values by Year (1858–2026) — Covers Province of Canada coinage from 1858 and the transition to Dominion issues after Confederation.
- Canadian Silver Coins Guide — Comprehensive guide to silver content, purity changes, and melt values across all Canadian silver denominations.
- Valuable Canadian Pennies — From large cents to the final 2012 penny, the key dates and varieties collectors look for.
- Coin Grading Guide — How to assess the condition of your coins using the Sheldon scale.
- Where to Buy Canadian Coins — Trusted dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces for provincial and early Canadian coins.
Sources
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — Annual mintage figures, pricing, and variety reference (published by Charlton Press)
- Coins and Canada — Canadian coin reference, pricing, and provincial coin data
- Numista — Comprehensive world coin catalogue with detailed specifications
- Library and Archives Canada — Historical records on colonial currency legislation and the transition to decimal coinage
- The Currency and Medals of the Province of New Brunswick — Numismatic society publication documenting the province's monetary history
- Royal Canadian Numismatic Association — Research articles and educational resources on Canadian colonial coinage
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.
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