1874-H Canadian Five-Cent (Silver 'Fish Scale') Value Guide
What is your 1874-H Canadian five-cent 'fish scale' worth? Complete CAD price guide for the Crosslet 4, Plain 4, and rare 4/4 Repunched varieties across all grades (G-4 to MS-65). Silver content, authentication, and variety identification included.
The 1874-H Canadian five-cent 'fish scale' is struck in 92.5% sterling silver. In G-4, a Crosslet 4 is worth $16–$20 CAD and a Plain 4 is worth $18–$22 CAD — well above the ~$3.50–$4.00 silver melt value. In Gem Mint State, values reach $4,500+ (Crosslet 4) or $8,000+ (Plain 4). The rare 4/4 Repunched variety commands approximately $10,400 in MS-63 alone.
- Found in circulation (G-4 to F-12):$16–$55 depending on variety — numismatic value far exceeds the ~$3.50–$4.00 CAD silver melt
- Very Fine (VF-20):$70–$90 (Crosslet 4) / $80–$125 (Plain 4)
- Mint State (MS-63):$1,500–$2,200 (Crosslet 4) / $2,500–$3,500 (Plain 4)
- Gem (MS-65):$4,500+ (Crosslet 4) / $8,000+ (Plain 4)
- Rare 4/4 Repunched (MS-63): ~$10,400
- Specimen 'No H' (DC-16, Royal Mint London):$30,000+ at major auctions
Is it silver? Yes — apply a magnet. Sterling silver is non-magnetic; a genuine 1874-H will not be attracted. The 'H' mint mark is standard for all 1874 circulation strikes, not a variety — the entire mintage was produced at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham. Critical question: which variety is yours? Examine the final digit of the date with a 10× loupe — Crosslet 4 (more common) or Plain 4 (higher premium in high grades)? All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1874-H Canadian five-cent piece — affectionately nicknamed the 'fish scale' for its microscopic 15.5 mm diameter — marks a resumption of five-cent production after no coins of this denomination were struck in 1873. The entire mintage of 800,000 pieces was produced exclusively at Ralph Heaton & Sons in Birmingham, England (hence the 'H' mint mark), as Canada lacked domestic minting facilities. That 'H' is a standard feature of every 1874 circulation strike, not a variety. What elevates this date into a collector favourite is its complex variety ecosystem: the Crosslet 4 versus Plain 4 primary distinction, secondary 'Large 8' and 'Small 8' sub-varieties, and a celebrated repunched date — all struck in 92.5% sterling silver and all growing scarcer in high grades with each passing decade. For values across the full Victorian five-cent series, see our Canadian Five-Cent Value Guide.
Note: Grease-filled die strikes exist for this year in which the 'H' mint mark is faint or absent on circulation coins. These are considered struck-through grease errors and are outside the scope of this standard variety value guide.
1874-H Canadian Five-Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1874-H five-cent coin was struck on planchets of sterling silver — an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Pure silver is too soft for circulation; the copper addition provides the hardness required to withstand commercial use. At 1.162 grams and just 15.5 millimetres in diameter, the 'fish scale' is the smallest denomination in the Victorian silver standard system. The weight is also a critical authentication metric: a coin deviating significantly from 1.162 grams (allowing for wear) warrants closer scrutiny.
Melt Value
Based on a Canadian silver spot price of approximately $3.20–$3.43 per gram CAD (as of February 2026), the silver melt value of an 1874-H five-cent piece is roughly $3.50–$4.00 CAD. Even in the most heavily worn G-4 grade, the numismatic value of $16–$22 far exceeds this figure, making the 1874-H virtually immune to silver price volatility. Its value is driven entirely by collector demand, not bullion markets.
ℹ️ Magnet Test — Authentication Diagnostic
Sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) is non-magnetic. A genuine 1874-H five-cent piece will show no attraction to a magnet. If a coin marketed as an 1874 'fish scale' is attracted to a magnet, the composition is wrong — it is either a counterfeit, a wrong-planchet error, or a modern reproduction. Perform this test before purchasing any uncertified example.
Edge and Die Alignment
The 1874-H carries a reeded edge — a series of fine parallel grooves applied as a security feature to prevent 'clipping,' the historical practice of shaving silver from the coin's perimeter. A coin with a plain edge is not a genuine 1874 five-cent piece.
The die alignment is Coin Turn (180°): if the coin is flipped vertically (top to bottom), the reverse image appears upside down relative to the obverse. This is the standard alignment for Canadian and British coinage of the era and serves as a useful authentication diagnostic.
Toning and Surface Preservation
As a .925 silver alloy, the 1874-H reacts readily to atmospheric sulfur. Coins with 'original skin' — deep gray, russet, or iridescent blue-violet toning acquired over 150 years of natural aging — are widely preferred by specialist collectors. 'Dipped' coins, artificially brightened to appear silver-white, have lost their protective oxide layer and appear unnaturally bright under direct light. Dipping is considered cleaning and typically results in a 'Details — Cleaned' designation from grading services, substantially reducing value. Never chemically treat a Victorian 'fish scale' without consulting a professional numismatist.
1874-H Canadian Five-Cent Value Chart by Grade & Variety
Grade progression for the 1874-H Canadian five-cent: G-4 (flat silhouette, date readable), VF-20 (hair detail emerging, over 50% crown detail visible), and MS-63 (full cartwheel luster, sharp devices). The exponential price curve between MS-60 and MS-65 reflects 150-year survival rarity. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The 1874-H five-cent is valued on three primary axes: grade, variety, and surface quality. The table below reflects current retail market prices for problem-free, certified examples. Values sourced from Coins and Canada — 5 Cents 1858–1901 Price Guide, the NGC World Coin Price Guide, and PCGS Coinfacts for the 1874/4-H Plain 4. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
1874-H Five-Cent — Business Strike (Circulation) Values by Variety
| Grade | Crosslet 4 (Small Date) | Plain 4 (Large Date) | Plain 4 — 4/4 Repunched Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $16.00–$20.00 | $18.00–$22.00 | $25.00+ |
| VG-8 | $25.00–$30.00 | $28.00–$35.00 | $40.00–$50.00 |
| F-12 | $35.00–$50.00 | $40.00–$55.00 | $60.00–$80.00 |
| VF-20 | $70.00–$90.00 | $80.00–$125.00 | $150.00–$200.00 |
| XF-40 | $200.00–$250.00 | $220.00–$280.00 | $400.00+ |
| AU-50 | $400.00–$500.00 | $450.00–$550.00 | $700.00+ |
| MS-60 | $750.00–$900.00 | $800.00–$950.00 | $2,000.00+ |
| MS-63 | $1,500.00–$2,200.00 | $2,500.00–$3,500.00 | ~$10,400.00 |
| MS-65 | $4,500.00+ | $8,000.00+ | Rare — Unpriced |
Values represent retail prices for ICCS/PCGS/NGC-certified, problem-free examples as of February 2026. Cleaned, bent, holed, or otherwise impaired coins trade at steep discounts regardless of grade. Auction records for top-tier Gem examples have indicated realizations of over $7,500 for the finest known pieces.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1874-H Five-Cent
Cleaning a Victorian silver coin — with abrasives, polishes, acid dips, or even an ultrasonic cleaner — destroys the original luster and leaves microscopic hairlines visible under magnification. Grading services assign a 'Details — Cleaned' designation to cleaned coins, eliminating virtually all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. Original toning, however dark, is an asset. Do not attempt to 'brighten' an 1874-H.
Plain 4, Large 8 and 8/8 Repunched Sub-Varieties
Within the Plain 4 emission, two additional specialist sub-varieties are documented but are not priced in standard retail guides. The Plain 4, Large 8 features a '8' numeral in the date that is considerably larger than the accompanying '1' and '7' — the result of a mismatched punch used during die preparation at the Heaton facility. Mid-20th-century numismatic texts described this variety as 'Very Rare' and 'exceedingly underpriced.' The Plain 4, 8/8 Repunched shows clear doubling within the loops or along the edges of the '8.' Both are sought-after by advanced specialists, and auction records confirm strong premiums for certified 8/8 examples; consult specialist auction archives for current realized prices, as no general retail price is published.
★ Specimen 'No H' (DC-16): The Trophy Variety
A Specimen-finish 1874 five-cent struck at the Royal Mint in London — and therefore bearing no 'H' mint mark — is catalogued as DC-16. With mirrored fields, frosted devices, and razor-sharp squared rims, it is the finest 1874 five-cent variety in existence. Examples have appeared in legendary collections including the Norweb Collection (Stack's Bowers Galleries) and the Cornerstone Collection. Valuations often exceed $30,000 at major auctions. This is an intentional specimen striking — not a grease-filled die error — and should not be confused with a circulation coin that has a faint 'H.'
All values in CAD. For values across the full Victorian five-cent series (1858–1901), see our Canadian Five-Cent Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1874-H Canadian Five-Cent Varieties
The 1874-H five-cent variety ecosystem is organized in a clear three-tier hierarchy: the primary Crosslet 4 / Plain 4 distinction visible to any collector with a 10× loupe, secondary '8' numeral sub-varieties for the specialist, and tertiary repunching anomalies for the advanced attributor. For detailed die-state and attribution background, see the Calgary Coin Victorian five-cent variety guide and the specialist attribution at CoinVarieties.com — Canada 1874-H 5 Cents.
Trophy-Level Varieties
1. Specimen 'No H' (DC-16) — Royal Mint, London
The rarest 1874 five-cent variant is not a circulation coin at all. A Specimen-finish striking was produced at the Royal Mint in London — presumably as a pattern or presentation piece — and carries no 'H' mint mark because it was not produced at the Heaton facility. Catalogued as DC-16 in Canadian reference works, it exhibits razor-sharp strike quality, squared wire-like rims, deeply mirrored fields, and frosted devices that stand in stark relief against the reflective background. Examples have surfaced in landmark collections including the Norweb Collection (Stack's Bowers Galleries, 1996) and the Cornerstone Collection, the latter described as featuring quality 'unmatched at any point in Canadian numismatics.' Auction valuations for Specimen-grade examples often exceed $30,000. Decades may pass between public appearances.
2. Plain 4, 4/4 Repunched Date
The 4/4 Repunched Date is the trophy variety within the circulation-strike category. Recognized by the Charlton Standard Catalogue and attributed by ICCS and CCCS, it shows a secondary ghost image of the '4' numeral — offset to the north or south of the primary digit — the result of an initial misaligned die punch corrected by a second blow. The premium is dramatic: a standard Plain 4 in MS-63 trades for $2,500–$3,500, while a certified 4/4 example in the same grade commands approximately $10,400. For auction records see the PCGS Coinfacts entry for the 1874/4-H 5C Plain 4. In MS-65, examples are so rare they are effectively unpriced in standard guides.
Close-up of the 1874-H Plain 4, 4/4 Repunched Date. The secondary ghost image of the '4' numeral — offset from the primary punch — is the key diagnostic. A certified (ICCS/PCGS) example in MS-63 commands approximately $10,400 CAD. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Primary Varieties — Crosslet 4 vs. Plain 4
3. Plain 4 (Large Date)
The Plain 4 — where the horizontal beam of the final '4' in the date ends abruptly without a crosslet or serif — is slightly scarcer than the Crosslet 4 in overall population, and the premium accelerates significantly in high grades. In G-VF, the market often treats both varieties with near-parity. At XF-40, the Plain 4 brings $220–$280 versus $200–$250 for the Crosslet 4. At MS-63, the gap becomes substantial: $2,500–$3,500 (Plain 4) versus $1,500–$2,200 (Crosslet 4). A 10× loupe and good lighting are sufficient for confident identification at the coin show or table.
4. Crosslet 4 (Small Date)
The Crosslet 4 — identified by the distinct vertical crossbar at the right end of the horizontal beam of the '4' numeral, creating a serif-like cross — is the more frequently encountered variety and serves as the standard reference coin for the 1874 date. Slightly more common in population reports than the Plain 4, it remains the natural starting point for type collectors seeking a single representative example of the year. In MS-65, it commands $4,500+, making it a significant purchase in top grades despite being the 'common' variety.
Primary variety diagnostic: Crosslet 4 (left) versus Plain 4 (right). The Crosslet 4 has a vertical serif crossbar at the right end of the '4' beam; the Plain 4 ends cleanly without any serif. The premium for the Plain 4 accelerates sharply above VF-20. Use a 10× loupe for confident attribution. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Specialist Sub-Varieties (Plain 4)
5. Plain 4, Large 8
Within the Plain 4 emission, specialist research — notably in the 58th Catalogue of Canadian Decimal Coins — identified a sub-variety where the '8' in the date is considerably larger than the accompanying '1' and '7' figures. The loops of this oversized '8' are more open, and the overall height of the numeral visibly exceeds that of the flanking digits, indicating that a mismatched punch was utilized during die preparation at Heaton. Mid-20th-century numismatic texts characterized it as 'Very Rare' and 'exceedingly underpriced' — an assessment that still resonates for specialists who can identify it in a generic Plain 4 holder. Current retail pricing is not listed in standard guides; specialist auction records are the appropriate reference.
6. Plain 4, 8/8 Repunched
The 8/8 Repunched shows clear doubling within the loops or along the outer edges of the '8' numeral. Noted in specialist catalogues and described as a 'sought-after variety' for advanced collectors, it is typically unlisted ('—') in general retail price guides. Auction records confirm strong premiums for certified examples, but the rarity of certified specimens means standard retail pricing is not available.
Secondary variety comparison: Plain 4, Large 8 (left) versus Plain 4, Small 8 (right). The Large 8 numeral visibly exceeds the height of the flanking '1' and '7'; on the standard Plain 4, Small 8, all date numerals are proportionally uniform. A 10× loupe and careful height comparison are required. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1874-H Canadian Five-Cent Identification Guide
Obverse of the 1874-H Canadian five-cent: Queen Victoria 'Young Head' portrait by Leonard C. Wyon, facing left, with hair in a double-ribbon fillet and bun. The legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA arcs around the bust; CANADA appears at the bottom. The highest wear point — hair immediately above the ear — is the primary grading diagnostic for this design.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch (Obverse): The portrait depicts a youthful Queen Victoria facing left, her hair styled in a double fillet (two ribbons) with a bun at the back — the 'Young Head' effigy by Leonard C. Wyon, used on Canadian five-cent coins from 1858 until 1901. The legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA ('Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen') with CANADA at the bottom. The denticles (tooth-like beads) around the rim are of the 'raised' or 'narrow' border style characteristic of 1874 issues.
- Reverse Design: A crossed maple leaf wreath frames the denomination 5 CENTS in the center, surmounted by St. Edward's Crown. The date 1874 appears inside the wreath at the bottom of the reverse.
- Mint Mark — The 'H' (Standard, Not a Variety): On any genuine 1874 circulation strike, the 'H' mint mark is located at the very bottom of the reverse, below the ribbon that ties the wreath stems together and directly above the rim denticles. This mark is present on every 1874 circulation coin — it is standard, not a variety. A faint or missing 'H' on a circulated coin almost always indicates a grease-filled die impression (a struck-through error), not the legendary Royal Mint Specimen.
- Edge: The edge is reeded (parallel grooves around the full perimeter). A plain edge indicates the coin is not a genuine 1874-H five-cent piece.
- Die Alignment: Flip the coin vertically (top to bottom): the reverse should appear upside down relative to the obverse. This Coin Turn (180°) alignment is standard for Canadian Victorian coinage and a useful authenticity check.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a magnet. A genuine 1874-H is 92.5% sterling silver and non-magnetic. Any attraction to a magnet signals the wrong composition — a critical red flag before purchase or submission for grading.
- Primary Variety Diagnostic — The 4 Test: Using a 10× loupe, examine the final digit of the date. Does the horizontal beam of the '4' end with a vertical crossbar (serif)? If yes: Crosslet 4 (slightly more common). If the beam ends cleanly without any crossbar: Plain 4 (slightly scarcer; higher premium in XF and above). If you can see a faint secondary ghost image of a second '4' offset from the first: 4/4 Repunched Date (rare, major premium).
- Secondary Diagnostic — The 8 Test (Plain 4 only): On a confirmed Plain 4, compare the height of the '8' to the flanking '1' and '7'. If the '8' is noticeably taller with more open loops, you may have the specialist-level Large 8 sub-variety. If all numerals are proportionally uniform, this is a standard Plain 4, Small 8. Check also for doubling within the loops of the '8' (8/8 Repunched).
Reverse of the 1874-H Canadian five-cent with the 'H' mint mark location highlighted. The 'H' sits below the ribbon tying the wreath stems and directly above the rim denticles — standard on every 1874 circulation strike. A missing 'H' on a worn circulation coin is almost always a grease-filled die impression, not the Royal Mint Specimen.
Finish Identification
The 1874-H exists in two distinct finish categories. Correctly identifying the finish is critical before any valuation attempt:
- Business Strike (Circulation): Standard cartwheel luster radiates from the coin's center in rotating arcs of brightness as the coin is tilted under light. Uncirculated examples show this characteristic luster clearly. Bag marks and minor contact marks in the fields are expected and do not affect the grade unless severe. The 'H' mint mark will be present.
- Specimen 'No H' (DC-16, Royal Mint London): Specimen coins display razor-sharp strike quality with squared wire-like rims, deeply mirrored fields (intense mirror-like reflectivity), and frosted devices (the portrait and design elements appear a stark matte white against the mirror background). The absence of the 'H' mint mark is the first immediate diagnostic. These pieces were never intended for circulation and show none of the handling marks expected on business strikes. If you believe you have a Specimen, seek ICCS attribution immediately and handle the coin minimally.
Finish comparison: Business Strike (left) with cartwheel luster, natural contact marks, and the standard 'H' mint mark, versus Specimen 'No H' DC-16 (right) with deep mirror fields, frosted white devices, squared rims, and no 'H'. If you believe you have a Specimen, consult ICCS before any further handling. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Authentication Warning: Spark Erosion Counterfeits and Altered Dates
Victorian 'fish scale' counterfeits produced via spark erosion show pitted fields and mushy, soft device detail that can masquerade as heavy wear. On a genuine 1874-H, the serif of the 'H' mint mark should be crisp and distinct. Consistent, sharp reeding should run around the full edge perimeter. Additionally, be alert to the possibility of added or altered mint marks. When purchasing any EF or higher example without third-party certification, submit to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for authentication before paying a premium.
ℹ️ Strike Weakness — Not the Same as Wear
Some 1874-H coins were produced with soft central detail — a characteristic of certain Heaton die states. A coin may be fully Mint State (no friction anywhere) but appear lower-grade because the hair detail above the ear was never fully struck up by the dies. ICCS and other grading services account for this: a coin can be certified MS-62 with softly struck devices if there is demonstrably no friction wear. This is a known characteristic of some 1874 issues, not a flaw of the individual coin.
1874-H Canadian Five-Cent Value FAQs
What is an 1874-H Canadian five-cent coin worth?
Value depends on variety and grade. A Crosslet 4 in G-4 is worth approximately $16–$20 CAD; the same coin in MS-63 brings $1,500–$2,200. A Plain 4 commands higher premiums: $18–$22 in G-4 rising to $2,500–$3,500 in MS-63 and $8,000+ in MS-65. The rare 4/4 Repunched variety commands approximately $10,400 in MS-63. The Specimen 'No H' (DC-16) exceeds $30,000 at major auctions. See the full value chart above for all grades and varieties.
Is my 1874-H five-cent coin silver?
Yes. The 1874-H five-cent coin is struck in sterling silver: 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. You can confirm this with a magnet — sterling silver is non-magnetic, so a genuine 1874-H will not be attracted. The coin weighs approximately 1.162 grams. Its silver melt value is roughly $3.50–$4.00 CAD at current silver prices, but its numismatic value far exceeds this in every grade from G-4 upward.
What is the difference between the Crosslet 4 and Plain 4?
The distinction lies in the final digit of the date. The Crosslet 4 has a vertical crossbar (serif) at the right end of the horizontal beam of the '4' numeral, giving it a cross-like appearance. The Plain 4 ends cleanly without any crossbar. In G-4, the price difference is marginal (roughly $2–$3). In MS-63, the gap is significant: $2,500–$3,500 (Plain 4) versus $1,500–$2,200 (Crosslet 4). Identification requires a 10× loupe and good raking light.
My 1874 five-cent has no 'H' mint mark — is it the rare Specimen?
Almost certainly not. The most common explanation for a missing 'H' on an 1874 circulation coin is a grease-filled die: debris clogged the 'H' recess during production at Heaton, resulting in a faint or absent impression. This is a struck-through error with no collector premium. A genuine Specimen 'No H' (DC-16) exhibits deep mirror fields, frosted devices, and razor-sharp squared rims — characteristics immediately apparent and entirely absent on a worn circulation strike. A damaged or worn coin with a missing 'H' is not a Specimen. Have any 'No H' candidate examined by ICCS or PCGS before drawing conclusions.
What is the rarest 1874-H variety?
Among documented varieties, the Specimen 'No H' (DC-16) struck at the Royal Mint in London is the rarest, with auction valuations exceeding $30,000. Within circulation strikes, the Plain 4, 4/4 Repunched Date is the key rarity, commanding approximately $10,400 in MS-63. Among specialist sub-varieties, the Plain 4, Large 8 is described as 'Very Rare' in specialist catalogues, though current retail pricing for it is not established in standard guides.
Should I get my 1874-H five-cent coin graded?
Grading certification delivers meaningful value primarily from VF-20 and above. In G-VF grades, certification fees may not be recouped against the retail premium. For EF-40 and above — where values range from $200+ for standard varieties — ICCS certification (Canada's primary grading service) is strongly recommended to document authenticity, grade, and variety. For any coin suspected to be a 4/4 Repunched, Large 8, or 8/8 Repunched, variety attribution certification is essential: the identification alone dramatically changes the value. PCGS and NGC are US-based alternatives with strong global market acceptance.
What is a 'fish scale' coin?
'Fish scale' is the affectionate collector nickname for Canada's Victorian-era silver five-cent pieces, struck from 1858 to 1901. The name reflects the coin's exceptionally small size — just 15.5 mm in diameter and 1.162 grams — making it the tiniest denomination in the silver standard system and easy to overlook in the hand. These coins were produced abroad at the Royal Mint in London and (from certain years) at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham because Canada lacked domestic minting facilities during this era.
Does original toning hurt the value of my 1874-H?
No — it generally helps, or at minimum does not harm value. Original toning (deep gray, russet, or iridescent blue-violet accumulated over 150 years of natural aging) is widely preferred by specialist Victorian-series collectors and does not negatively impact grade. Artificially brightened ('dipped') coins appear unnaturally white, have lost their protective oxide layer, and typically receive a 'Details — Cleaned' designation from grading services, substantially reducing numismatic value. Never chemically treat an 1874-H without consulting an experienced numismatist.
How does the mintage of 800,000 affect rarity?
The official mintage of 800,000 pieces is relatively modest for the series. Survival rates for Victorian 'fish scales' are disproportionately low because of their small size (easy to lose), their sterling silver content (frequently melted during silver price spikes), and heavy circulation use. In low grades (G to F), the 1874-H is obtainable. In Mint State — particularly MS-64 and above — it is a statistical survival anomaly that represents 150 years of avoiding loss, wear, and melting. An MS-65 example is genuinely rare regardless of the headline mintage figure.
Methodology & Sources
Value data for this guide were synthesized from current retail market pricing as of February 2026, drawing on the following primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — 5 Cents 1858–1901 Price Guide: Primary CAD retail reference for Victorian five-cent values across all grades and varieties.
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM 2 (1858–1901): US-based grading service pricing for certified examples.
- PCGS Coinfacts — 1874/4-H 5C Plain 4 (Regular Strike): Auction records and population data for the 4/4 Repunched variety.
- Calgary Coin Gallery — Victorian Five-Cent Variety Guide: Variety attribution criteria and grading diagnostics.
- CoinVarieties.com — Canada 1874-H 5 Cents: Specialist variety attribution reference.
- Canadian Coin News — Cornerstone Collection: Specimen 'No H' auction provenance and valuation context.
- Stack's Bowers Galleries — The Norweb Collection (1996): Historical auction provenance for the Specimen 'No H' DC-16 variety.
- Silver Price Canada: Reference for CAD silver spot price used in melt value context.
The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the 58th Catalogue of Canadian Decimal Coins were consulted for variety attribution and specialist sub-variety identification. All prices represent typical retail market values for certified, problem-free examples and are provided for educational purposes only. The International Coin Certification Service (ICCS) is the recommended grading authority for Canadian coins; PCGS and NGC are widely accepted US-based alternatives.
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.