Coin collecting is one of the world’s oldest hobbies, with archaeological evidence indicating its presence in Ancient Rome and Medieval Mesopotamia. Modern coin collecting emerged during the Renaissance in the 14th century. Rarity is a key factor in determining a coin’s value. Below is a list of the nine rarest Canadian coins, each holding exceptional worth.
1948 Canadian Silver Dollar
This Article Includes
- Number of Known Examples: Unknown
- Sold For: $21,850 (2003)
- Year: 1948
The obverse of Canadian coins traditionally displays the reigning British monarch’s effigy and title in Latin. Before 1948, King George VI’s title included “Emperor of India,” which needed to be removed after India’s independence in 1947. The delay in creating the new die led to the production of only 18,780 coins, with fewer than 1,000 believed to have survived.
1921 5-Cents
- Number of Known Examples: Less than 400
- Sold For: $160,000 (2012)
- Year: 1921
Known as the “Prince of Canadian Coinage,” the 1921 silver 5-cent coin is among Canada’s rarest. Following legislation to replace silver 5-cents with nickel versions, most of the 1921 coins were melted down. Today, only around 400 examples remain.
1906 Small Crown 25-Cents
- Number of Known Examples: Less than 100
- Sold For: $19,550 (2006)
- Year: 1906
The Edward VII 25-cent Small Crown variety ranks among the rarest Canadian quarters. In 1906, the reverse design was updated, featuring a larger crown and modified leaves. However, approximately 100 coins were struck with the old die before the redesign.
1921 50-Cents
- Number of Known Examples: About 75
- Sold For: $400,000 (2000)
- Year: 1921
The 1921 50-cent coin is often called the “King of Canadian Coins.” Of the 206,398 minted, most were melted in 1929 to create newer versions. Only 75 coins are known to exist, many originating from specimen sets sold to Mint visitors.
1916 C Gold Sovereign
- Number of Known Examples: Less than 50
- Sold For: $86,905 (2015)
- Year: 1916
The 1916-C sovereign, a British gold coin minted in Ottawa, is the rarest among Canadian sovereigns. Out of 6,111 produced, fewer than 50 specimens are known to have survived.
1969 Large Date 10-Cents
- Number of Known Examples: Less than 20
- Sold For: $11,500 (2006)
- Year: 1969
The 1969 10-cents Large Date variety is a mint error. A small batch was mistakenly struck using the older master die, creating coins with larger dates. Fewer than 20 examples are believed to exist, with only five graded by PCGS.
1936 Canadian “Dot” Penny
- Number of Known Examples: 3
- Sold For: $402,500 (2010)
- Year: 1937
The 1936 Dot Penny, produced after King Edward VIII’s abdication, is among Canada’s most sought-after coins. Due to a shortage of coins, a limited number featuring George V’s effigy with a small dot below the date were struck in 1937. Only three are known to exist.
1911 Canadian Silver Dollar
- Number of Known Examples: 2
- Sold For: $552,000 (2019)
- Year: 1911
Dubbed the “Holy Grail of Canadian Coins,” the 1911 Silver Dollar exists in just three specimens—two silver and one bronze. The bronze coin and one silver are part of the Bank of Canada’s collection, leaving only one silver coin available for private collectors.
1944 Tombac 5-Cent
- Number of Known Examples: 1
- Sold For: $41,090 (1999)
- Year: 1944
The 1944 Tombac 5-Cent coin is Canada’s rarest coin, with only one known example. During World War II, nickel shortages forced the use of a brass alloy called tombac. Although 8,000 coins were minted, only one survived after the rest were melted for steel replacements.
These rare Canadian coins tell fascinating stories of history, scarcity, and value, making them coveted treasures for collectors worldwide.
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