Top 100 Most Valuable Canadian Coins Every Collector Dreams Of

Top 100 Most Valuable Canadian Coins Every Collector Dreams Of

Canada’s numismatic history is full of different stories, exceptional designs and interesting examples. There are specific rare Canadian coins worth money that reflect the Royal Canadian Mint functionality and the events that have shaped the nation.

Canada’s numismatic history is full of different stories, exceptional designs and interesting examples. There are specific rare Canadian coins worth money that reflect the Royal Canadian Mint functionality and the events that have shaped the nation.   

Today you will find out everything about the examples made of pure gold and those with unique minting anomalies. Coin ID Scanner is here to help you in your collecting experience!


#

Name

Year

Value (CAD)

Composition

1

1911 Canadian Silver Dollar

1911

$500,000–$1.1M

Silver

2

1936 Dot 1 Cent

1936

$400,000+

Bronze

3

1921 50-Cent Piece

1921

$104,000–$335,000

Silver


4

1936 Dot Dime

1936

$144,500–$245,000

5

1921 Silver 5-Cents

1921

$4,500+

6

1957 Queen Elizabeth II Dollar

1957

$12,000

7

1948 King George VI Dollar

1948

$1,600

8

1969 Large Date 10-Cent 

1969

$11,000–$22,000

Nickel

9

1965 Queen Elizabeth II Nickel

1965

$2,000+

Nickel

10

$1 Million Gold Maple Leaf 

2007

$5,000,000

Gold (99.999% pure)

11

1916-C King George V Sovereign

1916

$218,000

Gold

12

1872 Newfoundland 2-Dollar 

1872

$400–$1,200

Gold

13

1921 King George V Half Dollar

1921

$30,000+

Silver

14

1953 Shoulder Fold Penny

1953

$1,500+

Bronze

15

1947 Maple Leaf Dollar

1947

$7,000–$10,000

Silver

16

1920 George V 50-Cent 

1920

$10,000

17

2007 Vancouver Olympics $25 

2007

$3,500

18

1987 Loonie (1 Dollar)

1987

$2,000

Nickel-plated steel

19

1967 Centennial 50-Cent 

1967

$800–$1,200

Silver

20

1935 Voyageur Silver Dollar

1935

$1,500+

Silver

21

1925 King George V Nickel

1925

$1,200

Nickel

22

1973 RCMP Large Bust Quarter

1973

$1,000–$1,500

Nickel

23

1907 Edward VII 50-Cent Piece

1907

$1,800+

Silver

24

1910 Edward VII 1-Cent 

1910

$1,200

Bronze

25

2000 Millennium $2 

2000

$600–$1,000

Bimetallic (Nickel and Aluminum-bronze)

26

1919 George V 25-Cent 

1919

$900–$1,200

Silver

27

1943 Tombac Victory Nickel

1943

$1,000+

Tombac

28

1858 Province of Canada 1 Cent

1858

$1,200–$1,800

Copper

29

1900 Victoria 5-Cent 

1900

$1,000

Silver

30

1890 Newfoundland 20-Cent 

1890

$2,000

31

1937 George VI $1 

1937

$1,500

32

1958 Totem Pole Dollar

1958

$1,800–$2,500

33

1949 Newfoundland 50-Cent 

1949

$1,200

34

1908 Edward VII Sovereign

1908

$3,000+

Gold

35

1917 George V Quarter

1917

$1,200–$1,800

Silver

36

1945 Victory Nickel

1945

$800–$1,200

Nickel

37

1922 Small Cent

1922

$600–$1,200

Bronze

38

1936 Newfoundland $2 Gold 

1936

$2,500+

Gold

39

1964 Charlottetown Dollar

1964

$700–$1,000

Silver

40

1882H Large Cent

1882

$1,000+

Bronze

41

1939 Royal Visit Dollar

1939

$2,000

Silver

42

1992 Canada 125th Anniversary Quarter

1992

$800

Nickel

43

1928 George V 5-Cent 

1928

$1,200+

Nickel

44

1943 Steel Penny

1943

$1,000–$1,500

Steel

45

1867 Confederation Medal

1867

$2,500+

Bronze

46

1934 Voyageur Dollar

1934

$1,500–$2,200

Silver

47

1942 Tombac Nickel

1942

$900–$1,200

Tombac

48

1899 Victoria 50-Cent Piece

1899

$1,800+

Silver

49

1947 King George VI Half Dollar

1947

$1,200+

50

1938 George VI Dollar

1938

$2,000

51

1870 Queen Victoria Half Dollar

1870

$3,000+

52

1995 Special Edition $2 

1995

$1,200

Bimetallic

53

1881 Newfoundland 20-Cent 

1881

$1,500

Silver

54

1946 King George VI Nickel

1946

$800–$1,100

Nickel

55

1935 Silver Jubilee Dollar

1935

$1,200+

Silver

56

1982 Constitution Dollar

1982

$700

Nickel

57

1871 Prince Edward Island Cent

1871

$1,000–$1,500

Bronze

58

1944 Steel Victory Nickel

1944

$900–$1,200

Steel

59

1963 George VI Penny

1963

$600+

Bronze

60

1932 George V 25-Cent 

1932

$1,500–$2,000

Silver

61

1937 George VI Half Dollar

1937

$1,200+

62

1929 Newfoundland 10-Cent 

1929

$1,800

63

1912 King George V $5 Gold 

1912

$3,500

Gold

64

1998 Canada Day Loonie

1998

$900

Nickel-plated steel

65

1940 Newfoundland 25-Cent 

1940

$1,300

Silver

66

1950 Arnold Machin Portrait Nickel

1950

$1,000+

Nickel

67

1980 Voyageur Dollar Proof 

1980

$800

Silver

68

1924 Prince of Wales Visit Medal

1924

$1,500

Bronze

69

1962 George VI 50-Cent 

1962

$1,200

Silver

70

1860 Bank of Montreal Penny Token

1860

$1,000+

Copper

71

1930 Newfoundland 5-Cent 

1930

$1,200

Silver

72

1985 Canadian Parliament Dollar

1985

$900

Nickel

73

1905 Edward VII Silver Dollar

1905

$2,800

Silver

74

1875 Queen Victoria Cent

1875

$1,500

Bronze

75

1960 Charlottetown Nickel

1960

$1,000+

Nickel

76

1949 Silver Maple Leaf Dollar

1949

$2,000

Silver

77

1903 Newfoundland Gold Sovereign

1903

$2,200+

Gold

78

1931 George V Penny

1931

$900

Bronze

79

1965 Large Beads Nickel

1965

$800+

Nickel

80

1997 RCMP Commemorative Dollar

1997

$1,000

Silver

81

1943 Copper Victory Nickel

1943

$900–$1,200

Copper

82

1889 Newfoundland 50-Cent 

1889

$1,500+

Silver

83

2000 Knowledge Millennium Quarter

2000

$800

Nickel

84

1926 George V Far 6 Nickel

1926

$1,200

Nickel

85

1977 Silver Jubilee Commemorative

1977

$1,000+

Silver

86

1904 Edward VII 25-Cent 

1904

$1,800

Silver

87

1938 Newfoundland Gold Sovereign

1938

$2,200+

Gold

88

1963 Elizabeth II Small Date Dime

1963

$800+

Nickel

89

1861 New Brunswick Half Cent

1861

$1,200+

Bronze

90

1914 George V $10 Gold 

1914

$3,000+

Gold

91

1988 Calgary Olympics Loonie

1988

$900

Nickel-plated steel

92

1901 Victoria 20-Cent 

1901

$1,000+

Silver

93

1969 Large Beads Dime

1969

$1,500

Nickel

94

1927 George V Small Cent

1927

$800+

Bronze

95

1894 Newfoundland Half Dollar

1894

$2,200

Silver

96

1982 Constitution Nickel

1982

$1,000+

Nickel

97

1970 Manitoba Centennial Dollar

1970

$1,500

Silver

98

1933 George V Quarter

1933

$1,800+

Silver

99

1959 Canadian Wildlife Nickel

1959

$1,200

Nickel

100

1862 New Brunswick 1 Cent

1862

$1,000

Bronze


Disclaimer: All the prices may differ from the current market situation. These Canadian coins value examples are relevant to the date of the article release. 

Related article: 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Value.

What Canadian Coins Are Worth Money? Top 10 in Detail

1. 1911 Canadian Silver Dollar

Arguably the most valuable Canadian coins, the 1911 Canadian Silver Dollar stands as a symbol of rarity and prestige. Only three examples were ever struck—two in silver and one in lead. This rarity is connected with a canceled production order that left it as a prototype rather than a circulating coin. 

Its obverse features King George V, while the reverse shows a simple wreath design. The last recorded one from these Canadian mint coins for sale fetched over $1 million and became one of the most expensive Canadian coins in history.

obverse and reverse of a 1911 Canadian silver coin dollar

2. 1936 Dot 1 Cent

The 1936 Dot 1 Cent is a true numismatic rarity that is a part of a big Canadian history. It was struck during a period of transition following King George V’s death; these pieces bear a subtle dot under the date that signifies their production in 1937 using 1936 dies. 

Only three pristine examples are known to exist today, each valued at over $400,000. This design with a simple maple leaf contrasts sharply with its historical significance. Collectors covet this specimen as a connection to Canada’s monarchic and monetary evolution.

3. 1921 50-Cent Piece

It is known among collectors as the “King of Canadian Coins”. The 1921 50-Cent Piece was initially minted in substantial quantities. Most were melted down due to low circulation demand. Today, fewer than 75 are believed to survive. 

It features the coat of arms of Canada on the reverse and King George V’s effigy on the obverse. Its high silver content further enhances its desirability, with pristine examples valued at up to $335,000. So, are old Canadian coins worth anything? Yes, and this one is a good example.

4. 1936 Dot Dime

The 1936 Dot Dime, like its cent counterpart, was minted during a transitional period but in even scarcer numbers. With only five examples known, this coin epitomizes the concept of rarity in numismatics. 

Its design features the celebrated Bluenose schooner and is quintessentially Canadian. One has fetched prices up to $245,000, making it a dream acquisition for those who want to find rare Canadian coins quarters and dimes that are expensive and rare at the same time.

obverse and reverse of a 1936 Dot Dime

5. 1921 Silver 5-Cents

It is often referred to as the "Prince of Canadian Coins". The 1921 Silver 5-Cents is the end of an era. This was the final year Canada’s 5-cent coins were made of silver before transitioning to nickel. Of the original mintage, only around 400 pieces escaped the melting pot. 

Its diminutive size belies its significance, as it represents a turning point in Canadian coinage. Today, the value exceeds $4,500 even in lower grades. This explains why collectors prefer this Canadian silver coins value over some other ones.

6. $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf Coin

The Million Gold Maple Leaf Coin is a modern rarity that was struck in 2007. It weighs 100 kilograms and contains 99.999% pure gold. It is one of the most famous Canadian gold coins. Only six were ever produced, and one sold at auction for a staggering million. 

The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II; the reverse shows a maple leaf design. If you want to find Canadian gold maple leaf coins for sale, it will not be so easy. However you can try. Continue reading this article further, and you will find out where you can try to look for them.

7. 1948 King George VI Silver Dollar

The 1948 King George VI Silver Dollar is a piece with an interesting story and design. Due to delays in die production following India’s independence, only 18,000 of these coins were minted. 

It features voyageurs paddling a canoe on the reverse and King George VI on the obverse. It has become one of the most famous examples of Canadian coins with silver. Its value, often exceeding $1,600, reflects its rarity and historical importance.

obverse and reverse of a 1948 Canadian silver dollar

8. 1957 Queen Elizabeth II Dollar

The 1957 Queen Elizabeth II Dollar is famed for its "shoulder fold" design error, making it a standout among the rarest Canadian coins. Early versions lacked a clear shoulder strap on the queen’s gown and created a sought-after variety. 

Its reverse features an Indigenous totem pole, paying homage to Canada’s cultural heritage. Valued at up to $12,000, this coin is a favorite among collectors who appreciate design anomalies and historical context.

9. 1969 Large Date 10-Cent Coin

The 1969 Large Date 10-Cent Coin illustrates how minor errors can result in major value. Distinguished by its larger date font, this dime’s rarity stems from limited production. 

Featuring the Bluenose schooner on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, this coin’s value ranges from $11,000 to $22,000. 

10. 1916-C King George V Sovereign

It is a gold specimen that is important for Canadian history. Struck in Ottawa during World War I, this coin features the classic St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse and King George V on the obverse. Its gold composition and historical significance make it one of the most desirable Canadian gold examples. The value of Canadian gold coins of this type can exceed $218,000.

obverse and reverse of a gold 1916-C King George V Sovereign coin

Where to Buy and Sell Rare Canadian Coins

For collectors and investors who are interested in acquiring these coins from the Canadian coins worth money list, there are several tips:

Auction Houses

Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, and Sotheby’s regularly feature different rare, including gold and silver Canadian coins, in their sales. These venues offer access to authenticated and high-value pieces, though competition can drive prices higher.

Dealers

Reputable dealers specializing in Canadian numismatics often have some Canadian coins in their inventory. “Are Canadian coins worth anything?” - you may ask. They will explain every detail. Verify the dealer’s credentials through organizations like the Canadian Numismatic Association to ensure authenticity and fair pricing. Also be ready to understand what year Canadian coins are silver so that you do not get in trouble.

Online Coin Marketplaces

Although they are not the best place to buy Canadian maple leaf gold coins, platforms such as eBay and Collectors.com offer a lot of Canadian mint coins for sale, including those from individual sellers. While convenient, buyers should exercise caution by checking seller reviews and insisting on proper documentation.

a smiling woman looking for rare Canadian coins on a web platform on her laptop

Coin Shows and Conventions

Attending events like the Toronto Coin Expo or major international shows provides opportunities to view and purchase silver (e.g., Canadian maple leaf silver coins) and gold coins in person. 

Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint occasionally offers Canadian gold coins and Canadian maple leaf silver coins directly to the public, including special editions. 

For selling, professional appraisal is a must to determine the melt value of Canadian silver coins, as well as with other compositions, or their market worth. Certified dealers and auction houses often provide accurate valuations, ensuring sellers receive fair compensation. 

You can always start with free opportunities for assessment, e.g., the Coin ID Scanner app that can identify your numismatic pieces and tell you everything about it, including values and composition details. 

Do not wait until another day - it is your chance to become a respected numismatist who will have such a special specimen in their collection.

Sources:

  1. https://globalbullionsuppliers.com/en-us/blogs/blog/10-canadian-coins-that-are-worth-significant-amounts-of-money 

  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coins_of_the_Canadian_dollar 

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