Quick Answer: Pre-Confederation Provincial Coinage
Five provinces issued their own decimal coins before (or shortly after) Confederation in 1867: the Province of Canada (5 coins), New Brunswick (10 coins), Nova Scotia (5 coins), Prince Edward Island (1 coin), and Newfoundland (129 coins through 1947).
Our database contains 150 pre-Confederation coins in total. All were struck at the Royal Mint in London or the Heaton Mint in Birmingham — Canada had no mint of its own until 1908.
Silver denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, and 20 cents were struck in .925 sterling silver. Cents and half cents were bronze or copper. Newfoundland also issued a $2 gold coin.
Introduction: Before Canada Had a Mint
Before Confederation on July 1, 1867, the colonies of British North America had no unified currency. Commerce relied on an unwieldy mix of British pounds, shillings, and pence; American silver and gold coins; Spanish and Latin American dollars; and privately issued copper tokens from banks and merchants. A farmer in Upper Canada might pay for goods with a half-crown, receive change in American dimes, and keep his savings in Spanish pieces of eight — all in the same transaction.
The shift toward decimal currency began in the 1850s as the colonies recognized the practical advantages of a dollar-and-cents system that aligned with the American currency already circulating widely in British North America. The Province of Canada — the political union of present-day Ontario and Quebec — led the way in 1858, issuing the first official Canadian decimal coins. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland soon followed with their own provincial issues.
These pre-Confederation coins represent the very beginning of Canadian numismatics. They are the foundation upon which the Dominion’s coinage was built after 1867, and they remain some of the most historically significant pieces a Canadian collector can own. This guide covers every province that issued decimal coins, with mintage data from our database of 150 pre-Confederation issues.
Related guides: For deeper coverage of individual provinces, see our dedicated guides:
Province of Canada (1858–1859)
The Province of Canada was the political union of Canada East (Quebec) and Canada West (Ontario) from 1841 to 1867. It was the first British North American colony to adopt a decimal currency system and issue its own coins. The Currency Act of 1853 established the Canadian dollar, pegged at par with the American dollar and valued at 4 shillings 2 pence sterling. It took five more years for the first coins to arrive.
In 1858, the Royal Mint in London struck four denominations — 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 20 cents — all bearing the portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse. The dies were engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, chief engraver at the Royal Mint. A second date, 1859, appeared only on the large cent.
Why 20 Cents Instead of 25?
The most distinctive feature of the Province of Canada coinage is the 20-cent denomination. There was no 25-cent piece. The choice of 20 cents was a deliberate decision: it divided evenly into the dollar (five coins to a dollar), and it corresponded to the British shilling at the prevailing exchange rate. However, the 20-cent coin proved problematic in daily commerce because it was too easily confused with the American quarter dollar, which circulated freely in Canada. After Confederation, the Dominion government replaced it with a 25-cent piece starting in 1870 — a change that has endured for over 150 years.
Composition
The 1-cent coin was struck in bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc), measuring 25.4mm in diameter and weighing 4.54 grams — a large, heavy coin by modern standards. The silver denominations (5c, 10c, 20c) were all struck in sterling silver at .925 fineness, following the British standard.
Mintage Table: Province of Canada
| Year | Denomination | Mintage | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1858 | 1 Cent | 421,000 | Bronze |
| 1859 | 1 Cent | 9,579,000 | Bronze |
| 1858 | 5 Cents | 1,460,389 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1858 | 10 Cents | 1,216,402 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1858 | 20 Cents | 730,392 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
The 1859 Cent varieties. The 1859 large cent is one of the most studied coins in Canadian numismatics. Collectors have identified numerous die varieties, including narrow 9, wide 9, double-punched 9, and the famous 9 over 8 overdate. The narrow 9 over wide 9 variety is particularly scarce and commands significant premiums. A complete set of 1859 cent varieties is a challenging pursuit even for advanced collectors.
For a deep dive into these foundational coins, see our Province of Canada: First Decimal Coins guide.
New Brunswick (1861–1864)
New Brunswick was the second province to adopt decimal coinage, with its first coins arriving in 1861. Like the Province of Canada, New Brunswick chose to issue a full range of denominations, but with one notable addition: the half cent. New Brunswick was one of only two provinces (along with Nova Scotia) to strike this tiny denomination, which was valued at half a penny — a meaningful sum in the 1860s when a loaf of bread cost just a few cents.
New Brunswick’s silver coins followed the same sterling (.925) standard as the Province of Canada, and the same denomination structure with 5-cent, 10-cent, and 20-cent pieces. All coins bore the laureate portrait of Queen Victoria and were struck at the Royal Mint in London. The reverses featured a crowned wreath design encircling the denomination.
New Brunswick entered Confederation on July 1, 1867, along with Nova Scotia and the Province of Canada (which was split into Ontario and Quebec). After Confederation, New Brunswick stopped issuing its own coins and adopted the new Dominion of Canada coinage.
Mintage Table: New Brunswick
| Year | Denomination | Mintage | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1861 | Half Cent | 222,800 | Bronze |
| 1861 | 1 Cent | 1,000,000 | Bronze |
| 1862 | 1 Cent | 1,000,000 | Bronze |
| 1864 | 1 Cent | 1,000,000 | Bronze |
| 1862 | 5 Cents | 100,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1864 | 5 Cents | 100,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1862 | 10 Cents | 150,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1864 | 10 Cents | 100,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1862 | 20 Cents | 150,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1864 | 20 Cents | 150,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
The New Brunswick silver coins are among the scarcest pre-Confederation issues. With mintages of just 100,000 to 150,000 pieces, they survived in far smaller numbers than the Province of Canada coins. The 5 Cents 1862 and 1864, with just 100,000 pieces each, are particularly sought after.
For the full story, see our New Brunswick & Nova Scotia Coins guide.
Nova Scotia (1861–1864)
Nova Scotia issued its first decimal coins in 1861, the same year as New Brunswick. However, Nova Scotia took a more conservative approach: the province issued only cents and half cents, with no silver denominations at all. For transactions requiring higher-value coins, Nova Scotians continued to use British and American silver and gold pieces.
Nova Scotia’s cents and half cents were struck in bronze at the Royal Mint in London. The obverse featured the laureate bust of Queen Victoria, while the reverse displayed a crown above a rose, thistle, and shamrock wreath — a design unique among the Canadian provincial coins and reflecting Nova Scotia’s distinctly British colonial identity.
Like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia was a founding province of Confederation on July 1, 1867. Its coinage ceased at that point, giving the province just three years of issue dates (1861, 1862, and 1864 — no coins were struck dated 1863).
Mintage Table: Nova Scotia
| Year | Denomination | Mintage | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1861 | Half Cent | 400,000 | Bronze |
| 1864 | Half Cent | 400,000 | Bronze |
| 1861 | 1 Cent | 800,000 | Bronze |
| 1862 | 1 Cent | 1,000,000 | Bronze |
| 1864 | 1 Cent | 800,000 | Bronze |
No silver, but still collectible. Despite having no silver denominations, Nova Scotia’s copper coins are popular with collectors for their attractive design, reasonable mintages, and the completeness challenge — a full set of five coins spanning two denominations is achievable for most budgets, making it an excellent starting point for anyone interested in pre-Confederation coinage.
For more on Nova Scotia and New Brunswick together, see our New Brunswick & Nova Scotia Coins guide.
Prince Edward Island (1871)
Prince Edward Island holds a unique place in pre-Confederation coinage: it issued just one coin, and it did so four years after Confederation. Prince Edward Island did not join Canada until July 1, 1873, making it the seventh province to enter the union. Its sole 1-cent coin, dated 1871, was struck while PEI was still an independent colony.
The coin was struck at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England (not the Royal Mint in London), as indicated by the “H” mintmark. The obverse featured the laureate bust of Queen Victoria, while the reverse displayed a tree design — an oak tree, symbolizing PEI’s natural beauty — surrounded by the inscription “PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND” and the date.
Mintage Table: Prince Edward Island
| Year | Denomination | Mintage | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1871 | 1 Cent | 2,000,000 | Bronze |
With a mintage of 2,000,000, the PEI cent is not particularly rare, but it is a must-have for any pre-Confederation collection. It is the only coin ever to bear the name “Prince Edward Island,” making it a one-of-a-kind piece. In lower circulated grades, it can be found for a modest price, but uncirculated examples carry a strong premium due to collector demand.
Newfoundland (1865–1947)
Newfoundland stands apart from all other pre-Confederation provinces in two remarkable ways: it issued the widest range of denominations (seven, including a $2 gold coin), and it continued striking its own coins until 1947 — making it by far the longest-running provincial coinage in Canadian history. Newfoundland did not join Confederation until April 1, 1949, which is why its coins span from the Victorian era through the reign of George VI.
Our database contains 129 Newfoundland coins dated up to 1947, across these denominations:
- 1 Cent — 26 dates (1865–1947), bronze/copper
- 5 Cents — 29 dates (1865–1947), sterling silver (.925) until 1919, then .800 fine
- 10 Cents — 26 dates (1865–1947), sterling silver (.925) until 1919, then .800 fine
- 20 Cents — 17 dates (1865–1912), sterling silver (.925)
- 25 Cents — 2 dates (1917–1919), sterling silver (.925)
- 50 Cents — 21 dates (1870–1919), sterling silver (.925)
- 2 Dollars Gold — 8 dates (1865–1888), .917 fine gold
Earliest Newfoundland Issues
The first Newfoundland coins, dated 1865, included five denominations struck at the Royal Mint in London:
| Year | Denomination | Mintage | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | 1 Cent | 240,000 | Bronze |
| 1865 | 5 Cents | 80,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1865 | 10 Cents | 80,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1865 | 20 Cents | 100,000 | Sterling Silver (.925) |
| 1865 | 2 Dollars Gold | 10,000 | Gold (.917) |
The Newfoundland $2 Gold
The $2 gold coin is the crown jewel of Newfoundland numismatics and one of the most prized pre-Confederation coins. Struck in .917 fine gold (22 karat), it weighed 3.33 grams and measured 17.98mm in diameter — a small but valuable coin. Only 8 dates were issued between 1865 and 1888, with mintages ranging from as low as 2,500 (1880) to 25,000 (1882). These coins are rare in any condition and extremely valuable in higher grades.
The 20-Cent to 25-Cent Transition
Like the Province of Canada and New Brunswick, Newfoundland originally used a 20-cent denomination rather than 25 cents. Newfoundland kept the 20-cent piece much longer than the other provinces, issuing it from 1865 through 1912. The 25-cent denomination was introduced in 1917, but only two dates were struck (1917 and 1919) before the denomination was discontinued entirely, making the Newfoundland 25-cent coins quite scarce.
Newfoundland’s coinage is a vast and rewarding collecting area that deserves its own treatment. For the complete story — including all 129 coins, key dates, and collecting strategies — see our dedicated Newfoundland Coins: Complete Guide.
Summary: Pre-Confederation Coins by Province
| Province | Years | Denominations | Coins in DB | Silver? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Province of Canada | 1858–1859 | 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c | 5 | Yes (.925) |
| New Brunswick | 1861–1864 | ½c, 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c | 10 | Yes (.925) |
| Nova Scotia | 1861–1864 | ½c, 1c | 5 | No |
| Prince Edward Island | 1871 | 1c | 1 | No |
| Newfoundland | 1865–1947 | 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 25c, 50c, $2 gold | 129 | Yes (.925/.800) + Gold |
Collecting Pre-Confederation Coins
Pre-Confederation coins are among the most rewarding areas of Canadian numismatics. They represent the founding era of the nation’s monetary system, and each coin carries a tangible connection to a specific colonial government that no longer exists. Here are some tips for building a collection.
Start with the Copper
The most accessible entry point is the bronze and copper coinage: cents and half cents from all five provinces. These coins were struck in larger quantities than the silver, and they survive in reasonable numbers. A complete type set — one of each denomination from each province — can be assembled for a few hundred dollars in circulated grades. The Nova Scotia set (5 coins) and Prince Edward Island cent are particularly affordable.
Silver Requires Patience
The sterling silver coins from Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland are scarcer and more expensive. New Brunswick’s silver issues had very low mintages (100,000 to 150,000), and many were melted or lost over the past 160 years. Finding these coins in decent condition requires patience and a willingness to search dealer inventories, auction catalogs, and coin shows.
Grading Considerations
Pre-Confederation coins that saw heavy circulation often show significant wear, especially on the high points of Victoria’s portrait and the crown on the reverse. For these early coins, a grade of VF (Very Fine) or better is considered quite good. EF (Extremely Fine) examples are genuinely scarce for most issues, and uncirculated pieces are rare and valuable. Third-party grading from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended for any pre-Confederation coin valued above a few hundred dollars. See our coin grading guide for more on the grading scale.
Watch for Varieties
Die varieties are an important part of pre-Confederation collecting. The 1859 Province of Canada cent has numerous punch varieties that can dramatically affect value. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia cents also have die differences worth studying. Specialized references like the Charlton Standard Catalogue provide detailed variety listings for each issue.
Provenance and History
Because pre-Confederation coins are some of the oldest in the Canadian series, provenance can add significant value. Coins from notable collections — such as the Norweb, Belzberg, or Canadiana collections — often sell for premiums at auction. If you acquire a coin with documented provenance, preserve that documentation carefully.
Authentication
Counterfeits of pre-Confederation coins do exist, particularly for the higher-value Newfoundland gold coins and the scarcer New Brunswick silver issues. When purchasing expensive pieces, buy from reputable dealers or insist on third-party certification. The small investment in professional grading can save you from a costly mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was there no 25-cent coin in the Province of Canada?
The Province of Canada chose a 20-cent denomination instead of 25 cents when it adopted decimal currency in 1858. This followed the logic of a clean decimal division (five 20-cent pieces to a dollar). However, the 20-cent coin proved confusing in practice because it was too similar in size and value to the American quarter, which circulated widely in Canada. After Confederation, the Dominion replaced it with the 25-cent piece in 1870 — a change that has endured for over 150 years.
Why did Newfoundland keep minting its own coins until 1947?
Newfoundland did not join Canadian Confederation until April 1, 1949 — making it the last province to do so. As a separate British colony, then a self-governing Dominion (from 1907), and later a commission of government (from 1934), Newfoundland maintained its own currency throughout this entire period. The last Newfoundland coins were struck in 1947, two years before union with Canada, after which standard Canadian coinage replaced the provincial issues.
What is the rarest pre-Confederation Canadian coin?
Among the earliest issues, the Newfoundland 2 Dollars Gold 1865 (mintage: 10,000) is one of the rarest and most valuable. Certain later Newfoundland gold dates are even scarcer, with the 1880 issue having a mintage of just 2,500. For non-gold coins, the New Brunswick 5 Cents and 10 Cents of 1864 (100,000 each) are among the scarcest silver issues. Die varieties such as the 1859 Province of Canada narrow 9 over wide 9 cent can be extremely rare regardless of overall mintage.
Are pre-Confederation coins made of silver?
Some are and some are not. The 5-cent, 10-cent, and 20-cent coins from Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland were struck in sterling silver (.925 purity). All 1-cent and half-cent coins were bronze or copper. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island only issued copper denominations, so none of their coins contain silver. Newfoundland also issued a $2 gold coin in .917 fine gold.
Where were pre-Confederation Canadian coins minted?
All pre-Confederation provincial coins were struck in England. The Royal Mint in London produced the majority of issues. The Heaton Mint (Ralph Heaton & Sons) in Birmingham struck some coins, including the Prince Edward Island 1871 cent and certain Newfoundland issues. Heaton Mint coins can be identified by a small “H” mintmark. Canada did not have its own mint until the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint opened on January 2, 1908.
How much are pre-Confederation coins worth today?
Values vary enormously by coin, date, and condition. Common dates like the 1859 Province of Canada cent (9.6 million minted) can be found for a few dollars in low grades. Nova Scotia cents and PEI cents are also affordable in circulated condition. Scarcer issues like the New Brunswick 5 Cents or Newfoundland $2 Gold can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars. High-grade examples (MS-63 and above) of any pre-Confederation coin command significant premiums due to their age and scarcity in well-preserved condition.
Sources
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, 80th Edition — the definitive pricing and identification reference for all Canadian coins, including pre-Confederation provincial issues.
- Coins and Canada — free online reference with images, varieties, and historical context for every pre-Confederation coin.
- Royal Canadian Mint historical archives — official records of Dominion coinage that succeeded the provincial issues.
- Library and Archives Canada — primary source documents including the Currency Act of 1853 and colonial legislation authorizing provincial coinage.
- Numista — community-driven world coin database with detailed specifications, mintage figures, and collector valuations.
- PCGS CoinFacts — population reports and auction records for graded pre-Confederation coins, useful for understanding rarity in specific grades.
Track Your Pre-Confederation Collection
Canadian Coin Heads has all 150 pre-Confederation coins in its database, with mintage figures, images, and AI-powered identification. Build your want list, track what you own, and discover what you are missing.
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