Coin collecting in Canada offers a rich journey through its history, and a few coins stand out for their rarity, value, and backstories. Here are nine legendary coins that could elevate any collection:
- 1936 “Dot” Penny – Created after King Edward VIII’s abdication, this coin features a tiny dot under the date. Only three are known to exist, with one selling for over $400,000 CAD.
- 1921 50-Cent Piece – Known as the “King of Canadian Coins,” most were melted down, leaving only around 75 today. High-grade examples can fetch six figures.
- 1911 Silver Dollar – A prototype never mass-produced, with only three known examples. One sold for over $1 million CAD.
- 1948 Silver Dollar – Minted in low numbers due to the removal of “Emperor of India” from coinage after India’s independence. Fewer than 20,000 were made.
- 2007 Gold Kilo Coin – Weighing 1 kg of 99.999% pure gold, only 15 were minted with Haida Gwaii Indigenous artwork. Now worth well beyond its $70,000 original price.
- 1858 Large Cent – The first official Canadian penny, minted before Confederation. Common in worn condition but valuable in mint state.
- 2000p 25-Cent Coin – A mint test coin that accidentally entered circulation. Rare and valuable, especially in top condition.
- 1969 Large Date Dime – A transition-year error, with few examples featuring a larger date. Can be worth up to $15,000 CAD.
- 1955 No Shoulder Fold Penny (NSF) – Early Queen Elizabeth II pennies missing a key design detail. These are rare and sought after by collectors.
Final Tip:
Even today, rare coins like the 2000p quarter or 1969 dime can be found in circulation. Check your change, handle finds carefully, and seek expert appraisal if you suspect you’ve found a treasure.