1930 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide

The 1930 Canadian 25-cent piece: obverse featuring King George V (portrait by Sir E. B. MacKennal, "B.M." initials at bust truncation) and reverse featuring the Crossed Maple Boughs design with Imperial Crown and date.

The 1930 Canadian quarter occupies a distinctive "semi-key" position within the George V series, produced during the opening phase of the Great Depression with a mintage of just 968,748 coins — a sharp decline from the 2.6+ million quarters struck in 1929. Issued at the Ottawa Mint under formal British Royal Mint administrative oversight — the final year before the Mint gained full Canadian independence in 1931 — the 1930 quarter is both a historically significant numismatic collectible and a 0.15-troy-oz silver asset whose intrinsic value establishes a substantial price floor in today's precious metals market. For cross-year values and the complete denomination history, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

Note: Die-state anomalies and other mint errors may exist for this date but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.

1930 Canadian Quarter Composition & Melt Value

Alloy Composition: .800 Fine Silver

The 1930 Canadian quarter is a binary silver-copper alloy: 80% Silver (Ag) and 20% Copper (Cu). This standard — known as ".800 fine" — became the basis for Canadian silver coinage in 1920, replacing the earlier Sterling (.925) standard. The increased copper content improved the coin's hardness and extended its circulation life. The coin weighs 5.8319 grams and measures 23.62 mm in diameter with a reeded (milled) edge. Die alignment follows medal alignment (↑↑).

Silver Content and Melt Value

Each 1930 quarter contains an Actual Silver Weight (ASW) of 0.15 troy ounces. At the February 2026 silver spot price of approximately $110.00 CAD per ounce, the intrinsic silver value calculates to approximately ~$16.50 CAD per coin (0.15 × $110.00). This melt floor is the dominant pricing mechanism for all heavily worn (G-4 through VG-8) examples, and even a damaged or problem coin retains this baseline intrinsic value.

Silver prices are volatile — capable of moving $5–$10 CAD per ounce on active trading days. Lower-grade values should be recalculated using the formula: 0.15 × current silver spot price (CAD/oz). The numismatic premiums in the value tables below assume the $110.00 CAD/oz figure documented in February 2026.

The reeded (milled) edge of the 1930 Canadian quarter reveals its silver-grey metallic composition — a quick visual check to distinguish it from later nickel or plated-steel issues. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Magnetic Properties: Authentication Diagnostic

The 80% Ag / 20% Cu alloy is completely non-magnetic. Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin: a genuine 1930 quarter shows zero attraction. Any magnetic response is a red flag — post-1968 Canadian quarters were struck on nickel planchets, and modern issues use plated steel cores, both of which are magnetic. The non-magnetic test is therefore a fast and reliable first-line authentication check for this silver-era issue.

Magnet test for the 1930 Canadian quarter: the 80% silver / 20% copper alloy is completely non-magnetic. Zero coin-to-magnet attraction confirms the correct silver composition. A magnetic response indicates a counterfeit or wrong-planchet anomaly requiring further expert examination.

1930 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 1930 quarter's market is driven by two distinct engines: the February 2026 silver spot price (~$110.00 CAD/oz) for circulated grades, and numismatic condition scarcity for About Uncirculated and Mint State examples. The tables below cover all documented price points. All values in CAD as of February 2026 for problem-free, uncleaned coins. Cleaned, polished, scratched, or environmentally damaged examples (graded "Details" by certification services) are worth melt value only, regardless of underlying detail.

1930 Canadian Quarter — Business Strike (Circulated Through Mint State)

A fully certified MS-66 example — a "Finest Known" contender given the extreme rarity of top-grade survivors — could command $8,000–$10,000 CAD or more driven by competition among registry set builders. Current certified population data and pricing are available at the PCGS ValueView for the 1930 25¢ and the NGC Price Guide for Canada 25 Cents KM 24a (1920–1936). For recent auction realizations across the George V quarter series, see the Heritage World Coin Auctions Showcase Auction 61318 catalogue on NumisBids.

Three-grade comparison for the 1930 Canadian quarter: G-4 (flat silhouette, date readable), VF-20 (crown outline distinct, some leaf vein detail), and MS-63 (full cartwheel luster, sharp crown jewels and wreath). The jump from VF-20 ($50–$70) to MS-63 ($1,400–$1,700) reflects the genuine scarcity of uncirculated survivors from the Depression era. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1930 Canadian Quarter — Specimen (SP) Strike

A separate and entirely distinct category exists for the Specimen (SP) strike. These are not circulation coins — they were produced with polished dies and specially prepared planchets for official presentations, archives, or institutional purposes. The 1930 Specimen quarter bears the characteristic satin or matte finish of Royal Canadian Mint specimen work during the George V era, distinct from the cartwheel luster of business strikes and from the mirror-field finish of modern proofs. Rims are sharply squared, and device detail is razor-sharp throughout.

Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1930 Canadian Quarter Varieties

The 1930 Canadian quarter does not have major catalogued die varieties. No re-punched dates or doubled dies appear in the Charlton Standard Catalogue or other primary references for this date. Value is driven by grade and, at the apex, by finish — specifically the exceptionally rare Specimen strike. The following covers the key variants that collectors and investors track.

Trophy Variant: The 1930 Specimen (SP) Strike

The most valuable 1930 quarter is not a die variety but a finish variant: the Specimen (SP) strike. Produced with polished dies and specially prepared planchets, these coins display a satin or matte surface quality — the hallmark of Royal Canadian Mint specimen production during the George V era — along with sharply squared rims and immaculate detail throughout the crown's jewels and the maple leaf veins.

• What it is: A special striking produced for official presentations, diplomatic purposes, or institutional record — not for public sale or general circulation.
• Rarity: The 1930 specimen set is described as excessively rare. Unlike the 1908 or 1937 specimen sets which were offered to the public, the 1930 examples are believed to be "proofs of record." A unique or near-unique 1930 specimen set has been noted at auction, placing these firmly in the domain of institutional collections or ultra-high-net-worth portfolios.
• Value:$30,000+ CAD — fully auction-dependent. See the Geoffrey Bell Auctions listing for the 1930 Canadian 25 Cents for market context on this issue.
• Critical warning: Do NOT confuse a dull, heavily toned, or improperly stored business strike with a genuine Specimen. Authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is mandatory before assigning any Specimen premium.

Finish comparison: Business Strike (left) shows cartwheel luster with bands of light sweeping across the surface. Specimen (right) displays a satin/matte finish with no mirror fields, uniformly silky surfaces, and sharply squared rims — the distinct visual signature of Royal Canadian Mint George V-era specimen production. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Advanced Collector Tier: Fully Struck Examples

Within the business strike population, a "fully struck" 1930 quarter — showing complete definition of the crown's jewels and the King's shoulder fold, plus full maple leaf vein detail from stem to tip — commands a premium over the typically soft strikes of the era. While not a catalogued Charlton variety, a certified example with a noted strong strike will attract competitive bidding in the MS-63 to MS-65 range, where condition rarity is extreme and any differentiating quality factor is rewarded.

Advanced Collector Tier: Die States (Clashes and Cracks)

Advanced collectors of George V coinage sometimes document die clashes (a ghosted image of the opposing die transferred to the coin surface when dies strike without a planchet between them) and die cracks (raised lines on the coin's surface from cracks in the hardened steel die). Both phenomena occur on 1930 quarters due to the era's die fatigue. Unless particularly spectacular, these add only modest value and are catalogued informally rather than as major Charlton-listed varieties.

1930 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide

Use the following 30-second checklist to confirm what you have, distinguish a business strike from the rare Specimen finish, and assess which value tier applies to your coin.

30-Second Identification Checklist

1. Monarch Check: The obverse bears a left-facing crowned bust of King George V, wearing the Imperial State Crown and Robes of State fastened with a bow at the shoulder. The encircling legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP: — "George V, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India." The designer's initials "B.M." (Sir E. B. MacKennal / Bertram MacKennal) appear at the bust truncation, crisp and legible on EF-40 and better examples, worn flat on heavily circulated coins. This George V portrait ran on Canadian coinage from 1911 through 1936.
2. Reverse Check: The reverse displays the denomination 25 CENTS and CANADA within a wreath of two crossed maple boughs (approximately 21 leaves with detailed veining), surmounted by the Imperial Crown. The date 1930 appears within the wreath. The "Crossed Maple Boughs" reverse design continued through 1936, after which the modern Caribou reverse was introduced for George VI.
3. Date Confirmation: Confirm the date reads exactly 1930. There are no dual dates, commemorative legends, or privy marks on this issue.
4. Edge Check: The edge is reeded (milled) with fine, regular vertical grooves running around the full circumference. A plain or lettered edge would indicate the wrong coin entirely.
5. Magnet Test — Composition Verification: Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. A genuine 1930 quarter is completely non-magnetic (80% Ag / 20% Cu alloy). Zero attraction confirms the silver composition. Post-1968 Canadian quarters were struck on nickel planchets; modern issues use magnetic plated-steel cores. A magnetic response from a coin dated 1930 is an immediate red flag requiring expert examination.
6. Marks Check: There are no mint marks on 1930 Canadian quarters. The Ottawa Mint did not use distinguishing mint marks on circulation coinage during this era. No "W," "H," privy marks, or anniversary symbols apply to this date. The presence of any such mark is anomalous.
7. Finish Identification — Critical Step:
   • Business Strike (MS): Displays cartwheel luster — bands of light sweep across the coin in a circular pattern when tilted under a directional light source. Contact marks (bag marks from coinage storage) are normal and expected. This is the finish on all circulation-issue 1930 quarters.
   • Specimen (SP) — Extremely Rare: Displays a satin or matte surface quality with no cartwheel luster and no mirror fields. Rims are sharply squared. Surfaces are immaculate with razor-sharp device detail throughout. If you believe you have a genuine 1930 Specimen quarter, do not handle it further — submit directly to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for authentication. A dull, heavily toned, or improperly stored business strike must not be confused with the genuine Specimen finish.
8. Grading Focus Points — Crown and Wreath:
   • Obverse high points (wear first): The band of the crown (jewels and pearls), the King's eyebrow, the tip of the mustache, and the ribbon bow on the shoulder. At EF-40, only the very tips of these features show friction.
   • Reverse high points (wear first): The outer tips of the maple leaves and the raised leaf vein lines. Full vein detail throughout the wreath indicates VF-20 or better.
   • "B.M." initials diagnostic: Sharp and complete on EF-40 and above; blurred or absent on F-12 and below, or on late die states.

Close-up grading reference for the 1930 quarter obverse: the crown's jewels and pearl band (red circle) are the primary wear indicator — from fully defined at EF-40 to a flat outline at G-4. The "B.M." designer initials at the bust truncation (yellow label) serve as a secondary grading diagnostic. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1930 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs

Methodology & Sources

All values in this guide are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and reflect estimated retail market prices as of February 2026. Values represent typical retail prices for problem-free, uncleaned examples; actual market prices depend on specific coin quality, eye appeal, toning character, strike sharpness, and buyer demand at time of sale. This guide covers business strikes and the documented Specimen finish only — errors and die-state anomalies are out of scope.

Primary sources consulted:

• NGC Price Guide — Canada 25 Cents KM 24a (1920–1936)
• PCGS ValueView — 1930 Canada 25¢ (Mint State Population)
• Heritage World Coin Auctions Showcase Auction 61318 — Canadian Coins (NumisBids)
• Geoffrey Bell Auctions — 1930 Canadian 25 Cents
• Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — primary variety attribution and mintage reference
• Canadian 25-Cent Major Varieties — Saskatoon Coin Club
• Canadian Coin Photo Grading Guide, George V 25¢ — Saskatoon Coin Club
• Canadian Quarters Reference — Calgary Coin Gallery
• 25 Cents George V — Numista Coin Catalogue
• What's the Score? Your Guide to Coin Grading — Royal Canadian Mint
• Silver spot price reference: Canada Gold — Today's Silver Prices

Values are estimates only and do not constitute a guarantee of buy or sell prices. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.