15 Rare Canadian Coins: Canadian coins are a fascinating blend of history, artistry and unexpected value. While many people think valuable coins only come from old collections, the truth is that some rare Canadian coins still appear in everyday pocket change. Whether you received coins from the grocery store, found a jar of old change at home or decided to check a forgotten drawer, you may be holding something far more valuable than you realize. Here are fifteen rare Canadian coins that could be worth big money and are still possible to find today.
1. 1921 Five Cent Nickel
Collectors often call the 1921 nickel the king of Canadian coins. This coin is considered extremely scarce because most of the mintage was melted down after production. Only a few survived, and those that did are worth thousands of dollars. While it is unlikely to find one in regular circulation today, older family coin jars or inherited collections sometimes hold surprises. Any 1920s nickel deserves a closer look.
2. 1948 Silver Dollar
The 1948 silver dollar is one of the most sought after Canadian coins. Its low mintage resulted from delays in creating the new obverse design featuring the updated title of King George VI. As a result, fewer coins were minted, and collectors prize them today. Even a circulated example can sell for a strong premium. Anyone who finds one of these in a mixed lot or old roll has uncovered a major treasure.
3. 1967 Silver Goose Dollar
The 1967 centennial silver dollar featuring the Canada Goose is a Canadian favorite. While many were saved, a surprising number still turn up in circulation. Because these coins contain silver, they hold value regardless of condition. Better preserved or proof like examples bring even more interest. The unique design also makes it instantly recognizable when you are checking your change.
4. 1953 No Shoulder Fold Cent
In 1953, the first year the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appeared on Canadian coins, two obverse varieties were produced. One variety lacks the shoulder fold detail and is considerably more valuable than the more common version. These cents still appear in old penny rolls and jars. If you notice the queen’s shoulder without the fold indentation, you might have a collectible piece.
5. 1992 New Brunswick Quarter
During 1992, Canada released a series of provincial quarters. The New Brunswick quarter is one of the scarcer ones to find today. Although millions were minted, collectors often saved full sets, leaving fewer in circulation. Well preserved examples can bring more than face value, and higher grade coins are always in demand.
6. 2000 No P Mint Mark Millennium Quarter
One of the most famous modern Canadian minting errors is the 2000 Millennium quarter missing the P mint mark. Tens of thousands were mistakenly released without the mark, making them rare but not impossibly so. These coins continue to show up in pocket change. They are easy to identify because the usual P above the date is missing.
7. 1969 Large Date Ten Cent Coin
The 1969 ten cent coin has two varieties, and the large date version is extremely scarce. Only a small number were struck before the Mint corrected the style. If you find a 1969 dime, always compare the date carefully, as the large date version can be worth hundreds or even thousands depending on condition.
8. 1955 No Shoulder Fold Cent
Like the 1953 variety, the 1955 cent also appears with and without the shoulder fold. The No Shoulder Fold version is significantly rarer. Many collectors love these early portrait varieties, and they continue to surface in penny rolls. Even circulated examples can bring solid value.
9. 1986 Pointed Six Canadian Dollar Coin
The 1986 dollar coin has two varieties, one with a pointed six and one with a rounded six. The pointed six variety is much scarcer. Although many were set aside when the variety became known, some still appear in loose change and coin collections. Its value continues to rise as collectors seek out every variety of the Voyageur dollars.
10. 2007 Magnetic and Non Magnetic Pennies
In 2007, Canada produced pennies using different metal compositions. Some are magnetic, while others are not. The non magnetic version is less common and can be worth more than face value to collectors interested in modern mint variations. If you still have pennies, checking them with a magnet is a quick and easy test.
11. 1991 Quarter
The 1991 quarter is one of the lowest mintage Canadian coins of the modern era. Very few were released into circulation, making it difficult to find today. Because most people spent quarters freely, many were lost over time, and the surviving examples are highly collectible. Even well worn pieces can be valuable, since demand for this date is consistently strong.
12. 1973 Large Bust Quarter
The 1973 quarter features two portrait varieties. The large bust version is much harder to find because it was only used early in production. Most 1973 quarters in circulation are the small bust type, so collectors carefully examine the portraits for distinguishing details. If you find the large bust version, you have a coin that stands out in the series.
13. 1947 Maple Leaf Nickel
During 1947, the Mint used a small maple leaf symbol next to the date to indicate coins made before the king’s new title was ready. These maple leaf nickels have become meaningful historical pieces and remain popular among collectors. They are not extremely rare, but high grade examples and well preserved specimens can bring significant value.
14. 1950 Low Mintage Silver Half Dollar
The 1950 silver half dollar had a noticeably lower mintage compared to other mid century halves. Because of this, it has become a key date for collectors. Half dollars do not circulate much anymore, but they often appear in inherited collections and old boxes of coins. The silver content adds further value, making this a great piece to watch for.
15. 2006 Magnetic and Non Magnetic Two Dollar Coin
Similar to the penny varieties, the 2006 two dollar coin was struck in both magnetic and non magnetic forms. The non magnetic version is scarcer and sought after by collectors who specialize in modern circulating coin varieties. It is easy to check with a magnet, and both types still appear in everyday transactions.
Final Thoughts
Canadian coins offer endless opportunities for discovery. Many people assume that valuable coins must be old, but several modern varieties and minting errors can be just as rewarding. Whether you enjoy roll hunting, checking pocket change or exploring coins passed down through your family, you may uncover a rare piece without even realizing it at first. The fifteen coins listed here remind us that treasure hunting can happen anywhere, even in the coins you handle every day. With a little curiosity and attention to detail, you can turn ordinary change into an exciting search for hidden value.