1858 Canadian Five-Cent (Silver) Value Guide — Province of Canada
Complete value guide for the 1858 Province of Canada five-cent 'fishscale' sterling silver coin — the first year of the denomination. Small Date vs. Large Date pricing from G4 to MS65, Specimen strikes, and variety diagnostics. All values in CAD, February 2026.
Most circulated 1858 Canadian five-cent (silver) coins are worth $18–$222 CAD for the common Small Date variety (G4–AU50). The rare Large Date variety commands 5×–10× over the Small Date at every grade level — reaching $43,600 in Gem Uncirculated (MS65). Specimen presentation strikes trade from $1,420 (SP63) to $9,400 for a Large Date SP66.
- Circulated — Small Date (G4–AU50):$18–$222
- Circulated — Large Date (G4–AU50):$120–$1,400
- Uncirculated — Small Date (MS63 / MS65):$962–$3,300
- Uncirculated — Large Date (MS63 / MS65):$5,400–$43,600
- Specimen — Small Date (SP63–SP65):$1,420–$3,920
- Specimen — Large Date (SP63–SP66):$3,010–$9,400
Is it silver? Yes — every 1858 five-cent coin is Sterling Silver (.925 fine). The silver melt value is approximately $2.68 CAD at February 2026 spot prices, which is far below numismatic value even at the lowest collectible grade. This is a numismatic item, not bullion.
Shiny or mirror-like fields? A coin with deeply reflective fields and frosted raised devices is likely a Specimen (presentation) strike — worth many multiples of a circulated business strike of the same date and variety.
Confirming your variety is the single most important step. A Large Date misattributed and sold as a Small Date represents a substantial financial loss. Verify before selling or submitting for grading. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See the full value chart →
1858 Province of Canada five-cent ('fishscale') — obverse bearing Queen Victoria's Laureate Head by Leonard Charles Wyon, and the maple wreath reverse. The coin's small 15.5 mm diameter and thin 1.16 g profile earned it the 'fishscale' nickname among collectors.
The 1858 Province of Canada five-cent piece — nicknamed the 'fishscale' for its exceptionally thin, small form — represents the inaugural year of the five-cent denomination in Canada's decimal currency system. Struck at the Royal Mint in London for the Province of Canada (comprising modern-day Ontario and Quebec), it predates Confederation by nine years and is classified as a Colonial issue rather than a Dominion of Canada coin. Its Sterling Silver composition deliberately aligned with British Imperial standards while the decimal denomination facilitated cross-border trade with the United States — a duality that defines pre-Confederation Canadian numismatics. Being a first-year-of-issue type coin, the 1858 five-cent enjoys persistent demand from type collectors, date collectors, and die-variety specialists alike. For the complete denomination series context, see our Canadian Five-Cent Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as broadstrikes and major clips exist for the 1858 five-cent series but are outside the scope of this standard variety and value guide.
1858 Canadian Five-Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1858 five-cent coin was struck in Sterling Silver — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — a deliberate choice to anchor the new Colonial decimal coinage to the prestige of British pound sterling, even as the cent-based denomination system mirrored American practice. This .925 fineness established the foundational standard for Canadian silver coinage that would persist until 1919. The copper alloy hardened the soft pure silver and improved die life, but it also means that the coin's pale white colour can develop a range of grey, charcoal, and iridescent toning as the copper oxidises over time — a patina that serious collectors actually value over artificially brightened surfaces.
Melt Value Calculation (February 2026)
Using a silver spot price of approximately $77.65 CAD per troy ounce (per the NGC World Coin Price Guide, accessed February 2026):
- Gross weight: 1.16 g
- Silver purity: 0.925
- Net pure silver weight: 1.16 g × 0.925 = 1.073 g
- Spot price per gram: $77.65 ÷ 31.1035 ≈ $2.50 CAD/g
- Approximate melt value:~$2.68 CAD
ℹ️ Numismatic Item, Not Bullion
Even the lowest collectible grade (G4, Small Date) trades at $18.00 CAD — more than six times the metal melt value of ~$2.68 CAD. Selling a 1858 five-cent as scrap silver would result in a significant financial loss. The silver content matters primarily as a diagnostic and authentication tool, not a value driver.
Magnetic Properties — Authentication
Sterling Silver is completely non-magnetic. Applying a strong rare-earth magnet to a genuine 1858 five-cent will produce no attraction whatsoever. A coin that clings to a magnet is either a modern counterfeit or struck on the wrong planchet — both circumstances warranting immediate scrutiny. Combined with the weight test (genuine: 1.16 g; fakes often run light), the magnet test is the fastest single authentication check available without specialised equipment. See the Identification Guide below for a full authentication checklist.
1858 Canadian Five-Cent Silver Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Values are stratified by die variety and finish. The market distinguishes sharply between the common Small Date and the much rarer Large Date at every grade level. Confirm your variety before consulting the table. All values in CAD as of February 2026, sourced from Coins and Canada (accessed February 2026).
Grade comparison — 1858 five-cent Small Date business strike: heavily circulated (G4, left) versus a choice uncirculated (MS63, right) example. Wear first appears on the hair braid above the ear and on the eyebrow (obverse) and on the ribbon knot and maple leaf veins (reverse). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1858 Canadian Five-Cent — Business Strikes (Circulation)
The business-strike population is dominated by the Small Date, which is readily available in lower grades. In grades of VF20 and above, the total population of all 1858 varieties thins dramatically. Mint State examples of any variety are scarce, and the Large Date in Gem Uncirculated is a true condition rarity commanding near-trophy prices.
| Type / Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Date (Common) | $18 | $31 | $46 | $78 | $148 | $222 | $408 | $962 | $3,300 | Readily available in lower grades. MS65 is a condition rarity. |
| Large Date (Key Variety) | $120 | $237 | $325 | $570 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $2,550 | $5,400 | $43,600 | Major price jump at all grades. Gem MS is a stopper for registry sets. |
| 5/5 Repunched | $50 | $123 | $245 | $343 | $588 | $980 | — | — | — | Premium applies primarily in mid-grades where the re-punching detail is visible. |
No separate mintage figures exist for individual varieties. The aggregate total mintage of 1,460,389 covers all business-strike varieties combined. Silver melt value (~$2.68 CAD) is negligible relative to all values in the table.
Finish comparison — 1858 five-cent business strike (left, cartwheel die-flow luster, minor bag marks) versus a Specimen strike (right, deeply reflective mirror fields, sharply frosted devices, squared rims). These are two fundamentally different products requiring separate valuation scales. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1858 Canadian Five-Cent — Specimen (SP) Strikes
Specimen strikes were produced for official presentation and archival purposes — not for public sale — using specially prepared polished planchets and polished dies. The result is a deeply mirrored field with boldly frosted, cameo-contrast devices and sharply squared rims that distinguish them immediately from business strikes. They are exceptionally scarce and represent the pinnacle of the 1858 issue as struck coins. Pricing is highly dependent on eye appeal (toning quality, cameo contrast) and pedigree. Values below represent typical results for certified examples.
| Finish / Variety | SP63 | SP64 | SP65 | SP66 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen — Small Date | $1,420 | $2,400 | $3,920 | — | See PCGS auction record: 1858 5c SD Plain Edge SP64 (PCGS) |
| Specimen — Large Date | $3,010 | $4,650 | $7,800 | $9,400 | Combines variety rarity with presentation-finish rarity. Often unique or one of very few known at SP66+. |
Exceptional eye-appeal pieces — particularly those with original deep cabinet toning or dramatic cameo contrast — can exceed catalogue estimates at auction. Third-party certification (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) is strongly recommended for any Specimen before purchase or sale.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Five-Cent Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1858 Canadian Five-Cent Varieties
The manual nature of die production at the Royal Mint during the 1850s makes the 1858 five-cent a rich field for variety collectors. Date digits were individually punched into each working die by hand, creating opportunities for re-punching, correction, and inconsistency. The primary financial distinction is the Large Date vs. Small Date, but sophisticated collectors also pursue overdates and re-punched denominations.
A. Trophy-Level Varieties (Highest Documented Values)
The following represent the pinnacle of 1858 five-cent valuation. These coins rarely appear on the open market and typically surface only in major name auctions or established specialist sales.
| Variety | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Grade Requirement | Documented Result / Catalogue Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Date — Gem MS | Inherently rarer die variety + extreme condition rarity in Gem Mint State; a registry-set stopper | MS65 or better (PCGS/ICCS) | ~$43,600 CAD (estimated catalogue value, MS65) | Coins and Canada |
| Large 5 / Small 5 — Gem MS | Spectacular re-punched denomination: a larger '5' punch driven over a smaller '5'. High-grade examples with full detail are exceedingly rare. | MS65 | $13,200 USD (~$17,800 CAD) | CoinVarieties |
| Specimen — Large Date | Combines the rarity of the Large Date variety with the extreme scarcity of a Specimen finish; often unique or one of two to three known at SP66+ | SP66+ | ~$9,400 CAD (catalogue value, SP66) | Coins and Canada |
| Large Date over Small Date (RP-1) — AU | The overdate 'holy grail' of the series; extremely rare in high grades due to the die's limited useful life after the correction | AU55+ | $1,100 CAD (Breit Collection result, AU50) | George Manz Coins (dealer record) |
Close-up diagnostic of the 1858 'Large 5 / Small 5' re-punched denomination variety. Look for a secondary curved outline — the ghost of the original smaller punch — visible inside or adjacent to the main loop of the '5' in '5 CENTS'. The detail is clearest in VF20 and above. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Varieties (Diagnostic Split Points)
These varieties can be identified on circulated coins with a loupe or good magnification. Diligent examination of dealer inventory — especially pieces graded below the variety premium threshold — can turn up significant finds.
| Variety | Charlton / Attribution | Diagnostic (1 line) | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Date | Variety 2 | Loops of both '8's are elliptical (oval); the '5' and final '8' digits are visibly taller than the '1' and first '8' | 5×–10× base Small Date value |
| 5 Over 5 (Repunched) | Unlisted / Var | Distinct doubling or offset outline visible on the '5' in '5 CENTS' | 2×–3× base value (mid-grades) |
| Large Date over Small Date | RP-1 / LD/SD | Ghost outlines of smaller underlying digits visible within or beneath the date numerals (requires magnification) | High — rare; specialist coins only |
| Inverted 'V' for 'A' | Re-entry | The 'A' in REGINA or GRATIA shows a secondary inverted-V punch beneath the primary letter | +20% to +50% |
| Repunched 8s (Double 8) | Double 8, Nos. 1–3 | Secondary outline visible inside or outside the loops of the '8' digit(s) | +50% to 2× base value |
Diagnostic field guide for the 1858 Large Date over Small Date (RP-1) overdate. The 'ghost' of the original small-date punch is most evident within the '5' (secondary curve inside the main loop) and the final '8' (double bottom or crossing lines through the loops). Magnification of 10× or stronger is required. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Additional variety references and visualisations are available at CoinVarieties — Canada 1858 5 Cents and Numista: 5 Cents — Victoria — Canada.
1858 Canadian Five-Cent Identification Guide
Use this checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value tables or submitting for grading. The 1858 five-cent is sometimes confused with later Victorian issues (1870–1901) or misattributed regarding its variety — both errors with significant financial consequences.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse bears the Queen Victoria Laureate Head — a youthful portrait of the Queen with a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon, facing left, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon of the Royal Mint. If you see a more mature portrait (Jubilee Head or Old Head), the coin is a later Victorian issue (post-1870), not an 1858.
- Date Check: Read the date clearly as 1858. Check also for the overdate variety (large digits over small — see below).
- Edge Check: The edge is reeded (milled) — fine parallel grooves running around the perimeter. A smooth or plain edge on a coin of this type would be anomalous.
- Silver Ring Test: Drop the coin gently on a clean wooden surface. Genuine sterling silver produces a distinct, high-pitched ringing tone, unlike the dull thud of nickel or the flat sound of steel. This is a supplementary — not definitive — test.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification — CRITICAL): Hold a strong rare-earth magnet near the coin. A genuine 1858 five-cent is completely non-magnetic — it will not be attracted to the magnet at all. Any attraction indicates a modern counterfeit or wrong-planchet anomaly. Always perform this test before any significant transaction.
- Weight Test: A genuine 1858 five-cent should weigh 1.16 grams on a calibrated scale. Modern counterfeits often run light. A bent coin (common for this thin 'fishscale' denomination) is considered damaged regardless of detail level.
- No Mint Marks: There are no mint marks on the 1858 five-cent coin. It was struck at the Royal Mint in London. No 'W,' 'H,' or other mark should be present on a genuine example.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike: Cartwheel die-flow luster radiating from the centre (on uncirculated examples); standard handling marks; natural satin surface.
- Specimen: Deeply mirrored, glass-like fields; sharply frosted, cameo-contrast devices; squared, wire-thin rims — the result of specially prepared dies and planchets. Specimens should always be certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before sale.
- Variety Check — Small Date vs. Large Date (THE CRITICAL STEP): See detailed diagnostic below.
The definitive date diagnostic — Small Date (left) vs. Large Date (right). On the Small Date, all four digits are the same height and the loops of both '8's are round and symmetrical. On the Large Date, the '5' and final '8' are visibly taller and 'looming' compared to the '1' and first '8', and both '8' loops are elliptical (oval) rather than round. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Detailed Variety Diagnostic: Small Date vs. Large Date
This distinction is the single most important financial determination for any 1858 five-cent coin. It is subtle to the untrained eye but clear under 5×–10× magnification.
Small Date (Common — Standard Variety):
- The loops of both '8' digits are round and symmetrical.
- All four date digits (1, 8, 5, 8) are approximately the same vertical height.
- The characters appear evenly spaced and well-balanced.
Large Date (Key Variety — Charlton Variety 2):
- The loops of both '8' digits are elliptical (oval) — slightly narrower and taller than on the Small Date.
- The '5' and the final '8' are perceptibly taller and larger than the '1' and the opening '8' — creating a visually 'looming' effect for the last two digits.
- The '5' often appears slightly more open at the top of its arc.
Magnet test demonstration — a rare-earth magnet held above a 1858 five-cent coin showing no attraction. Sterling Silver (.925 Ag) is non-magnetic. Any coin that clings to the magnet is not a genuine 1858 sterling silver five-cent piece. Weight verification (1.16 g on a calibrated scale) provides a second independent authentication check.
⚠️ Counterfeit & Alteration Alert
Modern counterfeits of key dates (particularly the 1858 Large Date) have appeared on the market. They frequently have incorrect weight (too light) or are magnetic — both immediate disqualifying signs. Alterations — Small Date coins tooled to mimic Large Date characteristics — are also a risk, though the fundamentally different font style of the genuine Large Date makes convincing alteration difficult. For any coin claimed to be a Large Date or a Specimen strike, third-party certification from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended before purchase. Reference the PCGS Canada Population Report for certified population context.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1858 Five-Cent
Victorian silver coins frequently develop deep grey, charcoal, or iridescent blue toning over time — known as 'cabinet toning'. Serious Canadian collectors actively prefer original, undisturbed surfaces. Dipping or polishing an 1858 five-cent to make it appear 'shiny' destroys the original surface structure and can reduce its numismatic value by 50% or more. A cleaned coin will be graded 'Details — Cleaned' (damaged) by certification services, permanently impairing its premium. Leave the patina alone.
1858 Canadian Five-Cent Silver Value FAQs
What is a 1858 Canadian five-cent coin worth?
Value depends primarily on variety (Small Date vs. Large Date) and grade. A circulated Small Date (G4) is worth approximately $18 CAD; the same grade in Large Date is approximately $120 CAD. In top Gem Uncirculated condition, the Small Date reaches $3,300 while the Large Date reaches $43,600. Specimen presentation strikes trade from $1,420 to $9,400 depending on variety and grade. All values as of February 2026 in CAD.
Is the 1858 five-cent coin rare?
The Small Date (the standard variety) was produced as part of a total mintage of 1,460,389 for the year and is not rare in circulated grades — it is relatively available in G4 through VF20. However, high-grade Small Date examples (EF40 and above) are disproportionately scarce because the thin 'fishscale' coin was easily bent and heavily worn in circulation. The Large Date (Charlton Variety 2) is genuinely rare at all grades, with the Gem Uncirculated population extremely limited. Specimen strikes of either variety are exceptionally rare, as they were not sold to the public but distributed for official presentation purposes.
What makes a 1858 five-cent coin valuable — variety, grade, or finish?
All three factors compound each other. Variety is the largest single driver: a Large Date is worth 5×–10× a Small Date at the same grade. Grade creates steep value cliffs above EF40, where population drops sharply. Finish (Specimen vs. Business Strike) creates a separate valuation tier entirely. Within Specimen coins, eye appeal — original toning quality, cameo contrast, pedigree — can push values well beyond standard catalogue estimates. The combination of Large Date + Specimen finish + high SP grade represents the apex of this series.
Is the 1858 five-cent coin made of silver — and does the silver content make it valuable?
Yes, every 1858 Province of Canada five-cent coin is struck in Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). The coin weighs 1.16 grams, yielding approximately 1.073 grams of pure silver, with a melt value of roughly $2.68 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. However, the lowest collectible grade (G4, Small Date) already trades at approximately $18 CAD — more than six times that melt value. The silver content is relevant for authentication (the coin is non-magnetic and has a characteristic silver ring tone) but is not a primary value driver. This is a numismatic collectible, not a bullion item.
How do I tell a Small Date from a Large Date on my 1858 five-cent?
Use 5×–10× magnification and examine the date digits carefully. On the Small Date, all four digits are roughly the same height and the loops of both '8' digits are round and symmetrical. On the Large Date, the '5' and final '8' are noticeably taller than the '1' and the first '8' (a 'looming' effect), and both '8' loops are elliptical (oval) rather than round. The distinction is genuine — it results from a completely different punch set — and cannot be replicated by tooling, making it a reliable diagnostic. When in doubt, submit to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for variety attribution.
What is a Specimen strike, and how is it different from a shiny business strike?
A Specimen (SP) coin was struck using specially prepared, highly polished dies onto carefully prepared polished planchets, producing a deeply mirrored, glass-like field with sharply frosted, cameo-contrast devices and squared wire-thin rims. These were produced for official presentation and archival sets — not for public circulation. A business strike that has simply been well-preserved or lightly cleaned can appear superficially bright, but it will not have the mirror-depth fields, the frosted device contrast, or the squared rims of a genuine Specimen. If you believe you have a Specimen, third-party certification is essential — a confirmed Specimen Small Date at SP63 is worth $1,420, compared with $408 for a business-strike MS60.
Should I get my 1858 five-cent coin professionally graded?
It depends on the coin. For a circulated Small Date in G4–VF20, the cost of grading (~$30–$60 CAD per coin, depending on service and turnaround) may equal or exceed the coin's value — making grading uneconomical. However, for any coin in EF40 or above, any Large Date regardless of grade, any suspected Specimen, or any coin with a notable variety claim, certification from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended. ICCS is the domestic Canadian standard and is widely trusted within the country. PCGS and NGC are preferred for trophy coins (MS65+) intended for the global or US auction market. PCGS hard-slab holders also provide superior physical protection for this thin, bend-prone denomination.
Is there a risk of counterfeit 1858 five-cent coins?
Yes. Modern counterfeits of key-date Canadian Victorians, including the 1858 Large Date, have appeared on the market. Two quick checks will catch most fakes: (1) Magnet test — a genuine coin is non-magnetic; a magnetic coin is counterfeit. (2) Weight test — a genuine coin weighs 1.16 grams; counterfeits frequently run light. Beyond fakes, watch for alterations where a Small Date has been tooled to appear as a Large Date. The genuine Large Date has a fundamentally different font style (elliptical '8' loops, proportionally larger '5' and final '8') that is difficult to convincingly replicate through tooling. For significant transactions, always require a certified slab from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail and auction market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian dollars. Prices represent neither floor nor ceiling but the central range of dealer asking prices and auction realisations for certified and properly attributed examples. Individual results can vary significantly based on eye appeal, pedigree, toning, and cameo contrast.
Primary Sources:
- Coins and Canada — 5 Cents 1858 to 1901 (accessed February 2026) — primary pricing matrices and variety visualization
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM#2 (accessed February 2026) — world coin valuations and silver spot data
- NGC Canada 5 Cents KM#2 — alternate series entry (accessed February 2026)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1858 5c Small Date Plain Edge SP64 (accessed February 2026)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1858 5c Small Date MS65 (accessed February 2026)
- PCGS Canada Population Report — 1858–1967 (accessed February 2026)
- CoinVarieties — Canada 1858 5 Cents variety attributions and auction data (accessed February 2026)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian Five-Cent Reference (accessed February 2026)
- Colonial Acres — 1858 Small Date Canada 5 Cents retail pricing (accessed February 2026)
- Numista — 5 Cents, Victoria, Canada (accessed February 2026)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — variety attribution (Variety 2 for Large Date; RP-1 for overdate)
- Royal Canadian Mint — Five Cents denomination history (accessed February 2026)
Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate with market conditions, silver spot price, and individual coin quality. This guide is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute an appraisal or offer to purchase.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.