1953 Canadian 1-Cent (Penny) Value Guide: NSF vs SF, Proof-Like & Specimen Prices

What is your 1953 Canadian penny worth? Complete NSF vs SF price guide by grade and finish (Business Strike, PL, Specimen) with Hanging 3 variety values. All values in CAD.

Quick Answer

Most circulated 1953 Canadian pennies are worth $0.10–$6.00 CAD depending on variety (NSF vs SF). In top certified Gem Red grades, Shoulder Fold examples reach $1,000+.

  • Circulated NSF (G4–AU50):$0.10–$2.50
  • Circulated SF (G4–AU50):$0.10–$6.00
  • Uncirculated MS63 Red — NSF:$15.00  |  SF:$35.00
  • Gem MS65 Red — NSF:$100.00  |  SF:$250.00
  • Trophy SF (MS66/67 Red):~$500–$1,000+
  • Proof-Like (PL67):$600.00
  • Specimen (SP67):$1,200+

Found in a collection or looking shiny? A mirror-like 1953 cent is almost certainly a Proof-Like (PL) coin broken from a set — not a rare high-grade Business Strike. See the Finish Identification section to confirm. Is it silver? No — the 1953 Canadian penny is solid bronze (98% copper) with no silver content, worth roughly $0.02–$0.03 CAD in metal value. Variety matters most: the two major varieties (No Shoulder Fold and Shoulder Fold) are nearly equal in circulated grades but diverge dramatically in Mint State — correct attribution via the "I" Test is essential before valuing any uncirculated example. The Canadian penny was withdrawn from circulation on February 4, 2013, but 1953 examples remain abundant in collections. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →

The 1953 Canadian penny is the Coronation Year cent — the first one-cent coin struck during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, whose Laureate portrait, designed by British sculptor Mary Gillick, appeared on Canadian coinage from 1953 through 1964. A mid-year production difficulty at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa — the high-relief Gillick dies failed to fully strike up the Queen's shoulder strap — necessitated a die modification that created two distinct obverse varieties: the No Shoulder Fold (NSF) and the Shoulder Fold (SF). These varieties are the primary basis for attribution and valuation today. The 1953 issue was also historically significant as the inaugural year for the Mint's Proof-Like collector sets, sold in white cardboard holders. With a total circulation mintage of 67,806,016 pieces combined across both varieties, most examples are common in circulated grades, but Gem Red survivors of both — and especially the SF — are genuine condition rarities. For coverage of all years of the denomination, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.

Note: Mint errors — including off-center strikes, clips, and brockages — are known for 1953 but are outside the scope of this standard variety value guide.

1953 Canadian Penny Composition & Melt Value

1953 Canadian 1-Cent Specifications
Composition: Bronze (98% Cu, 0.5% Sn, 1.5% Zn)  |  Weight: 3.24 g (tolerance ±0.13 g)  |  Diameter: 19.05 mm  |  Thickness: 1.65 mm  |  Edge: Plain  |  Alignment: Medal (↑↑)  |  Non-magnetic

The 1953 Canadian cent was struck on a solid bronze planchet — 98% copper, 0.5% tin, and 1.5% zinc — a composition maintained for the denomination since the size reduction of 1920. Unlike later issues that shifted to copper-plated zinc or copper-plated steel to reduce production costs, the 1953 cent is a solid alloy. This gives it a characteristic density, resonance, and wear pattern distinct from post-1996 issues. Specifications are confirmed by Numista's 1-Cent Elizabeth II (1st Portrait) entry and the Royal Canadian Mint's historical 1-cent records.

Intrinsic Melt Value

With copper trading in the range of $3.50–$4.50 USD per pound in early 2026, the intrinsic metal value of a 3.24-gram 1953 cent is approximately $0.02–$0.03 CAD. Even in the lowest collectible grade (G4), the coin typically trades for $0.10 or more, representing a significant numismatic premium over melt. In high uncirculated grades, the metal value is statistically irrelevant to market pricing.

Magnetic Properties

The 1953 cent should not stick to a magnet. The bronze alloy is inherently non-magnetic. Magnetic attraction in a 1953-dated cent indicates either a counterfeit struck on a steel planchet or an extremely rare wrong-planchet error — both of which are outside the scope of this guide. The magnet test is a fast, non-destructive first authentication step.

Magnet test demonstration for 1953 Canadian bronze penny showing the coin is non-magnetic, confirming genuine bronze composition

Magnet test: a genuine 1953 Canadian bronze penny will not be attracted to a magnet. Magnetic attraction signals a wrong-planchet error or counterfeit — not a standard variety.

⚠️ Bronze Disease Risk

The 98% copper content makes 1953 cents highly susceptible to bronze disease — a self-sustaining chloride corrosion process that appears as powdery, pale green spots. Any coin showing active corrosion must be quarantined immediately to prevent spread to adjacent coins. Active bronze disease typically renders a coin ungradable by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC, eliminating all numismatic premium.

ℹ️ Storage Recommendation

Store 1953 cents in non-PVC flips (Mylar) or chemically inert capsules. Avoid the pliable soft-plastic holders common in the 1970s–80s: their PVC content degrades over time, producing a green residue that permanently damages copper surfaces and the coin's original lustre.

1953 Canadian Penny Value Chart by Grade, Variety & Finish

Value for the 1953 Canadian penny is determined by three intersecting factors: variety (No Shoulder Fold vs Shoulder Fold), grade, and color designation (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown). Correct variety identification — detailed in the Identification Guide — is a prerequisite for accurate pricing. All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026 and represent typical retail prices for problem-free, uncleaned coins.

1953 Canadian Penny — Business Strike (Circulation)

ℹ️ Color Designations for Mint State Grades

The MS60 column assumes Brown (BN) or Red-Brown (RB) surfaces. The MS63 and MS65 columns assume Full Red (RD) — meaning 95% or more of the original copper-red mint lustre is intact. A Brown (BN) example in MS63–MS64 typically trades at only 20–30% of the Red price; a Red-Brown (RB) example at roughly 40–60% of Red. Circulated grades (G4–AU50) naturally assume a Brown finish from wear. Do not confuse a chemically polished coin with a genuine Red specimen — polished coins appear pinkish or orange and are graded "Details (Cleaned)," carrying no numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail.

VarietyG4VG8F12VF20EF40AU50MS60 (BN/RB)MS63 (Red)MS65 (Red)Notes
1953 NSF (No Shoulder Fold)$0.10$0.15$0.25$0.50$1.00$2.50$5.00$15.00$100.00Available in high grade; gems are price-sensitive. MS66+ pricing not cited in source data.
1953 SF (Shoulder Fold)$0.10$0.15$0.30$0.75$4.00$6.00$12.00$35.00$250.00Significant rarity in full Gem Red. MS66/67 Red: ~$500–$1,000+ (see Trophy section).

The value gap between the two varieties is negligible in circulated grades (G4–VF20) — often just a few cents — but becomes dramatic at EF40 and above. At AU50, the SF commands nearly 3–4× the NSF price, reflecting how difficult it is to find a lightly circulated SF with strong eye appeal. At MS65 Red, the SF (at $250) is 2.5× the NSF (at $100), confirming the SF's genuine status as a condition rarity.

The impact of color designation is equally dramatic on SF examples: an SF in MS64 Brown (BN) is approximately $15, while the same coin grading MS64 Red (RD) can reach $60+. Preserving original red lustre on a 1953 cent is statistically unusual — copper oxidizes readily, and the overwhelming majority of the 67,806,016 pieces struck have toned to brown.

Grade comparison of 1953 Canadian penny showing worn G4 circulated example versus Gem MS65 Full Red uncirculated example

Grade comparison: worn G4 circulated 1953 cent (left, ~$0.10) versus a Gem Uncirculated MS65 Full Red example (right, up to $250 for the SF variety). The value cliff between circulated and Gem Red is the defining market dynamic of this issue. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Color designation comparison for 1953 Canadian penny showing Full Red, Red-Brown, and Brown examples side by side

Color designation comparison for mint-state 1953 Canadian pennies: Full Red / RD (left), Red-Brown / RB (centre), and Brown / BN (right). Full Red commands the highest premiums; Brown examples in MS63–MS64 trade at roughly 20–30% of the equivalent Red price. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins

Cleaning strips original lustre from copper and leaves microscopic hairlines visible under magnification. Cleaned 1953 pennies are graded "Details (Cleaned)" by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC and lose essentially all numismatic premium regardless of their underlying detail sharpness. A naturally toned brown coin in Fine condition is worth more than a chemically brightened coin of the same detail level.

1953 Canadian Penny — Collector Finishes (PL & SP)

The 1953 Proof-Like (PL) issue is historically significant as the first year the Royal Canadian Mint issued collector sets in white cardboard holders. With an approximate set mintage of only 1,200 sets, these are legitimately scarce issues. Coins broken from their original packaging are common in the market, but an intact, unbroken set is a distinct collectible. For broader context on early Canadian PL set collectibility, see this NGC analysis of Canadian Proof-Like sets by Jim Bisognani. The Specimen (SP) finish was reserved for official VIP presentations and was never offered to the general public in meaningful quantities.

FinishPL63 / SP63PL64 / SP64PL65 / SP65PL66 / SP66PL67 / SP67Cameo / Contrast Notes
1953 Proof-Like (PL)$30.00$50.00$100.00$250.00$600.00Heavy Cameo (HC/DCAM) is extremely rare for 1953-era PLs. Documented premium: +50% to +100% for strong contrast.
1953 Specimen (SP)$50.00$100.00$200.00$500.00$1,200+Distinct double-struck satin finish. Often found in leather presentation cases. Not publicly sold in volume.

Intact PL Set (1¢ through $1 dollar): An original, unbroken 1953 PL set in its white cardboard holder is valued at approximately $1,200–$1,500 CAD. The set's value is driven heavily by the included silver dollar and by the rarity of the intact, undisturbed packaging itself (mintage ~1,200 sets).

⚠️ PVC Damage Risk

While 1953 PL sets were originally housed in white cardboard holders rather than soft PVC flips, coins subsequently rehoused by collectors in older PVC storage may show green PVC residue. If you see green slime on a PL coin's surface, the coin requires professional conservation with pure acetone — do not attempt to clean it yourself. PVC-damaged coins revert to face or melt value regardless of their underlying grade.

Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. Sources: NGC Price Guide — Canada Cent KM-49 and PCGS Canada Values Price Guide. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1953 Canadian Penny Varieties

The 1953 cent market is structured around two tiers: trophy-level survivors commanding prices far above typical retail, and cherry-picker varieties identifiable with a 10× loupe. Both are documented in the source literature and are non-error catalogue varieties.

A) Trophy-Level Examples

The following certified examples represent the upper echelon of the 1953 cent market. Values reflect certified, graded specimens from top-tier services (ICCS or PCGS).

CoinWhy It Commands a PremiumMinimum RequirementDocumented Value Range
1953 SF Red MS66/67SF dies were prone to weak strikes and rapid die erosion. A fully struck, flawless Red gem is a statistical outlier among an already scarcer variety. The SF population in MS66 is significantly below that of the NSF at the same grade.MS66 Red (ICCS or PCGS)~$500–$1,000+
1953 PL67 Heavy Cameo (HC/DCAM)Early-era PLs from 1953–1955 rarely exhibit the strong black-and-white cameo contrast seen on issues from the 1960s onward. A Heavy Cameo or Deep Cameo designation at PL67 is exceptionally rare for this issue.PL67 + HC or DCAM~$1,500+ (Est.)
1953 Specimen (SP) RedTrue Specimens were struck for VIP presentation and were not sold publicly in volume. Surviving Red examples are scarce, as the double-struck satin surfaces were equally susceptible to oxidation.SP65 Red or higher$500–$800+

B) Cherry-Picker Varieties (Findable With a 10× Loupe)

These varieties can be attributed by any collector with basic magnification equipment. Diagnostics are confirmed in the Calgary Coin Canadian cent commentary and the Saskatoon Coin Club 1-cent varieties guide.

VarietyCatalogue ReferenceIdentification (1 Line)Why It's Scarcer / NotableTypical Value Impact
Shoulder Fold (SF)Standard Catalogue Variety"I" in DEI is nearly straight with minimal serifs; points directly at a denticle.Genuinely scarcer than NSF in AU and Mint State grades due to die deterioration and heavy die use.2× to 5× base value in AU/MS grades
"Hanging 3"Zoell #C77rFaint curved line connecting the maple leaf to the top of the digit '3' in the date.Die clash remnant: the Queen's chin outline from the obverse die was transferred to the reverse die during clashing.$5–$30 (grade dependent)
Proof-Like (PL)N/A — Collector IssueMirror fields; frosted portrait; sharp, squared rims.Inaugural cardboard holder set; set mintage approximately 1,200. Often broken from original packaging.$30–$600+ per coin (see full PL table)

The "Hanging 3" (Zoell #C77r) — Explained

The "Hanging 3" is a classic die clash variety. During production, obverse and reverse dies occasionally strike each other without a planchet between them. The force of this impact impresses a faint ghost of each die's design onto the other. In the case of the 1953 cent, the outline of Queen Elizabeth's chin from the obverse die was transferred to the reverse die. This clash mark appears as a faint, curved line that seems to "hang" from the maple leaf twig downward toward the top of the digit '3' in the date. Catalogued as Zoell #C77r, this variety is sought after by specialists and adds modest but documented value — approximately $5–$30 depending on grade — to an otherwise standard coin.

Close-up of 1953 Canadian penny reverse date area showing Hanging 3 die clash line (Zoell #C77r) running from maple leaf twig to top of digit 3

"Hanging 3" (Zoell #C77r): close-up of the 1953 Canadian penny reverse date area. A faint curved die clash line runs from the maple leaf twig toward the top of the digit '3' — a ghost impression of Queen Elizabeth's chin transferred to the reverse die during a die-clash event. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1953 Canadian Penny Identification Guide

Correctly attributing a 1953 Canadian penny requires two primary determinations: variety (No Shoulder Fold vs Shoulder Fold) and finish (Business Strike vs Proof-Like vs Specimen). The variety is best confirmed using the "I" Test on the obverse legend — not by trying to see the shoulder fold itself, which wear on circulated coins can fully obliterate.

1953 Canadian penny reverse showing maple leaf twig design by G.E. Kruger-Gray with date and denomination, common to all 1953 varieties

1953 Canadian penny reverse: the maple leaf twig design used on all 1953 cents regardless of variety or finish. The "Hanging 3" die clash line, when present, appears as a faint curve near the top of the digit '3' in the date field.

30-Second Forensic Checklist

  1. Monarch Check: Confirm the portrait is Queen Elizabeth II wearing a wreath of laurels — the Laureate (First) Portrait designed by Mary Gillick, used on Canadian coinage from 1953 through 1964.
  2. Date Check: Confirm 1953 in the date field on the reverse.
  3. Magnet Test: Apply a magnet to the coin. It should not be attracted. The bronze alloy is non-magnetic. A 1953-dated cent that sticks to a magnet is either a counterfeit or a wrong-planchet error — both outside the scope of this guide.
  4. Variety Check — The "I" Test (Critical): Use a 10× loupe to examine the letter "I" in "DEI" on the obverse legend. See the full diagnostic below.
  5. Finish Check: Determine whether the surface is cartwheel lustre (Business Strike), mirror-like (Proof-Like), or satin/double-struck (Specimen). See Finish Identification below.
  6. Mint Mark Check: No mint marks are present on any 1953 Canadian cent. All were struck at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The "W" Winnipeg mark was not used for this era. If you see any mint mark, suspect a non-Canadian coin.
  7. Color Check (Mint State Only): Under natural light, assess lustre: 95%+ original orange-red = Red (RD); partial toning = Red-Brown (RB); fully toned = Brown (BN). Color designation is irrelevant for circulated grades but drives dramatic value differences in Mint State.

The "I" Test: NSF vs SF Diagnostic

This is the industry-standard attribution method for 1953 cents. It is essential to understand that the name "No Shoulder Fold" refers to the struck result — the shoulder fold detail was present in Gillick's original design but failed to strike up due to the high relief of the original dies. The fold itself cannot be used reliably for attribution on worn coins; the "I" survives even on heavily circulated examples.

Side-by-side comparison of 1953 Canadian penny NSF and SF obverse varieties showing the I in DEI diagnostic test for variety attribution

The "I" Test: NSF obverse (left) showing a flared, bone-shaped "I" in DEI pointing between two denticles. SF obverse (right) showing a nearly straight "I" with minimal serifs pointing directly at a denticle. This is the definitive attribution diagnostic. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

FeatureNo Shoulder Fold (NSF)Shoulder Fold (SF)
"I" in DEI — ShapeFlared ends; large prominent serifs; "bone" shapeNearly straight; very small or absent serifs
"I" in DEI — AlignmentPoints between two border denticlesPoints directly at a denticle
Shoulder AreaStrap/fold line weak or absent (high-relief die; metal failed to fully fill)Fold line visible (modified lower-relief dies; metal flowed completely)
Mnemonic"Flare is No Fair" (NSF = Flared I)"Straight is Great" (SF = Straight I)
Relative Scarcity in GemMore common in MS65+ RedSignificantly scarcer in MS65+ Red — genuine condition rarity

Variety diagnostics confirmed via the Saskatoon Coin Club 1-Cent Major Varieties guide. For Specimen vs Proof-Like surface diagnostics, see this Numista forum discussion on Specimen strike identification.

Finish Identification: Business Strike vs PL vs Specimen

With approximately 1,200 PL sets produced and many broken open over the decades, a "shiny" 1953 cent found loose in a collection is almost certainly a PL coin, not a rare high-grade Business Strike. Dealers routinely discount raw "Uncirculated" 1953 cents from this era on the assumption of PL origin. Correct finish identification can mean the difference between a $5 coin and a $30+ coin at the same surface quality.

  • Business Strike: The fields (background) display a "cartwheel" lustre — a spinning band of light that rotates as you tilt the coin under a point light source. Surface texture is standard for machine-struck coinage, with typical bag marks and handling traces.
  • Proof-Like (PL): Fields are highly reflective and mirror-like — you should be able to see a clear reflection of your fingertip or a text label. The devices (Queen's portrait, lettering) have a contrasting frosted, matte texture. Rims are sharper and more "square" than business strikes. Original packaging: white cardboard holder with a cellophane window.
  • Specimen (SP): A distinct double-struck finish with a satin or subtly lined surface texture — neither the cartwheel lustre of a business strike nor the full mirror of a PL. Specimens show exceptionally sharp device detail and squared rims. Original packaging: leather or leatherette presentation case.
Finish comparison for 1953 Canadian penny showing Business Strike cartwheel lustre versus Proof-Like mirror fields versus Specimen satin surface

Finish comparison for 1953 Canadian pennies: Business Strike (left, cartwheel lustre rotating under light), Proof-Like (centre, mirror fields with frosted portrait), and Specimen (right, satin double-struck surface with sharp squared rims). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1953 Canadian Penny Value FAQs

What is a 1953 Canadian penny worth?

Value depends on variety and grade. A circulated No Shoulder Fold (NSF) is worth $0.10–$2.50 CAD; a circulated Shoulder Fold (SF) ranges from $0.10 to $6.00. In top Gem Red grades (MS65), values reach $100 for NSF and $250 for SF. Proof-Like (PL67) coins reach $600, and Specimen (SP67) coins reach $1,200+. Trophy SF examples in MS66/67 Red have documented values of ~$500–$1,000+. All values are as of February 2026 in CAD.

What is the difference between the NSF and SF, and why does it matter for value?

The No Shoulder Fold (NSF) was produced using the original high-relief dies derived from Mary Gillick's model. The Shoulder Fold (SF) was produced using modified, lower-relief dies introduced mid-year when the original dies failed to fully strike up the gown's shoulder strap detail. In circulated grades the price difference is a matter of cents. However, in AU and Mint State grades the SF commands 2× to 5× the NSF price because the SF dies — which were used heavily to meet production quotas — suffered rapid deterioration, leaving few survivors with full Gem surfaces. At MS65 Red, the SF ($250) is 2.5× the NSF ($100).

How do I tell the NSF from the SF without looking at the shoulder?

Use the "I" Test: examine the letter "I" in "DEI" on the obverse legend with a 10× loupe. On the NSF, the "I" has large, flared serifs (a "bone" shape) and points between two border denticles — "Flare is No Fair." On the SF, the "I" is nearly straight with minimal or absent serifs and points directly at a denticle — "Straight is Great." Do not rely on seeing the shoulder fold itself on circulated coins; wear obliterates it and makes it unreliable for attribution.

Is my 1953 Canadian penny rare?

Most 1953 cents are common — total circulation mintage was 67,806,016 across both varieties. In circulated grades, both NSF and SF are plentiful. Rarity emerges only at the high end: a fully struck, Gem Red SF in MS65 or above is a genuine condition rarity. PL sets, with an approximate mintage of only 1,200 sets, are legitimately scarce. The "Hanging 3" die clash variety (Zoell #C77r) is documented and collectible but adds modest rather than dramatic value.

Is the 1953 Canadian penny silver? What is it made of?

No — the 1953 Canadian penny contains no silver whatsoever. It is solid bronze: 98% copper, 0.5% tin, and 1.5% zinc. Its intrinsic metal value is approximately $0.02–$0.03 CAD based on early 2026 copper prices. A quick magnet test confirms: bronze is non-magnetic, and a genuine 1953 cent will not be attracted to a magnet. Silver Canadian coins of this era are found in the higher denominations (10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1).

Does the color of my 1953 penny affect its value?

Significantly — but only in Mint State (uncirculated) grades. A 1953 SF cent in MS64 Brown (BN) is approximately $15, while the same coin in MS64 Red (RD) can reach $60+. Red-Brown (RB) examples typically trade at roughly 40–60% of the equivalent Red price; Brown (BN) examples at only 20–30% of Red. The vast majority of the 67 million+ pieces struck have naturally toned to brown, making full-Red survivors genuinely uncommon. Circulated grades are not affected by color designation — they are already assumed to be brown from wear.

What is the difference between a Proof-Like (PL) and a Specimen (SP)?

A Proof-Like coin has mirror-like fields with a contrasting frosted portrait — produced using specially prepared dies and planchets at standard striking pressure. The 1953 PL was issued in the RCM's inaugural white cardboard holder. A Specimen coin has a distinctly different, double-struck satin or subtly lined surface — neither the cartwheel lustre of a business strike nor the full mirror of a PL — and was struck for official VIP presentations, not offered to the public. Specimen coins generally command higher prices than PLs at equivalent grade levels, and their distinctive finish can be confirmed by the Numista Specimen diagnostic discussion.

What is the "Hanging 3" variety?

The "Hanging 3" (Zoell #C77r) is a die clash variety created when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. The force of this impact transferred the outline of Queen Elizabeth's chin from the obverse die onto the reverse die. The clash mark appears as a faint curved line running from the maple leaf twig toward the top of the digit '3' in the date. It is documented in the Zoell Variety Catalogue and adds approximately $5–$30 in value depending on grade, making it a worthwhile cherry-pick for variety specialists.

Should I get my 1953 Canadian penny graded by ICCS or PCGS/NGC?

Grading is economically justified only when the coin's certified value significantly exceeds the grading cost (typically $30–$60+ per submission). For most circulated 1953 cents worth under $5, grading is not cost-effective. However, for Mint State Red examples — especially SF coins in MS63 and above — certification by ICCS (the dominant Canadian standard) or PCGS (for broader international liquidity) can substantially increase realizable value and provide permanent, verifiable variety attribution. An SF in MS65 Red ($250) or higher clearly justifies the grading cost. Cross-grading an ICCS holder to PCGS is common practice for high-value assets destined for international auction.

Can I still spend a 1953 Canadian penny?

Yes — the Canadian penny remains legal tender even though the Royal Canadian Mint ceased distributing it on February 4, 2013. However, retailers are not obligated to accept pennies for transactions, and the Mint no longer produces or distributes them. In practice, any 1953 cent is worth a minimum of $0.10 as a collectible in G4 — ten times face value — making it inadvisable to spend one. Gem examples are worth dramatically more.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide are synthesized from major Canadian and international numismatic references and reflect typical retail market prices as of February 2026. All values are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). This guide covers standard catalogue varieties only; mint errors are explicitly outside scope.

Market prices are approximate and reflect typical retail transactions. Individual auction results may vary. Values do not constitute an offer to buy or sell. This guide covers standard non-error varieties only.

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.