Coin collecting is big business for the truly passionate.
Just like stamp collecting and record collecting, the true connoisseurs are always on the lookout for the rarities, whether those are limited releases, misprints, or limited runs.
When it comes to Canadian coins, there are some that are more highly sought than all the others, ones that are worth more than just a pretty penny.
Here are the top 10 rarest, and most valuable, Canadian coins sought by collectors around the world!
Let’s dive in…
10. 1947 Maple Leaf Silver Dollar
Value: $300-$10,000
These coins were made because of some confusion between the Canadian Royal Mint and Britain, resulting in coins struck in 1948 that bore the 1947 year.
The major change was a tiny maple leaf next to the year to indicate it was part of this run.
There are roughly 1,000 in circulation.
9. 1948 Canadian Silver Dollar
Value: $1,000-$20,000
When India gained Independence in 1947, the reigning monarch’s official title was shortened due to not being the “Emperor of India” any longer.
The change meant a different effigy, which the mint could only make a small number of due to the new dies.
As a result, a small run of silver dollars were made, of which only 1,000 are thought to survive.
8. 1906 Small Crown Quarter
Value: $1,000-$50,000
Canada’s rarest 25-cent piece, made with a small crown instead of a large one.
Of the rumoured 1,000 that were made, most are in poor condition, which is why their price changes so much according to grade.
7. 1921 Nickels
Value: $4,000-$100,000
When the mint decided to make nickels literally made of nickel, they gathered up all the silver 5 cent pieces and melted them down.
As a result, any surviving versions of the last silver 5 cent piece can catch quite a high price with the right collector.
6. 1969 Large Date Dimes
Value: $10,000-$25,000
Probably the newest of the top rare Canadian coins, this 1969 dime has an unusually large date and thus quite valuable.
5. 1916 Gold Sovereign
Value: $15,000-$50,000
The equivalent of a British one-pound gold coin, these coins are extremely rare and thus quite highly valued.
4. 1921 Fifty-Cent Piece
Value: $40,000-$250,000
Almost all 1921 50 cent coins were melted down due to low demand.
Any that survived are now quite the collector’s item and often referred to as “the king of Canadian coins.”
3. 1936 “Dot” Dimes
Value: $184,000
When King Edwards VIII suddenly abdicated the throne, his brother George became king.
Besides becoming the subject of the popular film, The King’s Speech, the abdication caused headaches at the Canadian mint, who did not have an effigy of the new king.
The result: a dime made in 1937 that says “1936,” albeit with a tiny dot.
2. 1936 “Dot” Penny
Value: $400,000
The “dot” penny was made for the same reasons as the “dot” dime, but is rarer and thus more valuable.
Only three are known to survive.
1. 1911 Canadian Silver Dollar
Value: Almost $1 million
Coin collecting can be a very lucrative endeavour when done properly.
It can also help people with coins they don’t need generate a little extra income.
Whether you are on the hunt for coins or want to sell some you have around the house, your local pawn shop is an excellent resource.
They can help you assess the value of your coins and provide a place to sell your Canadian coins.
Wow! Can you believe it?
Finding one of these incredibly rare Canadian coins wouldn’t be much short of winning the lottery!