1962 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Silver Value Guide

Find out what your 1962 Canadian quarter is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish (Business Strike, Proof-Like, Heavy Cameo, Ultra Heavy Cameo), silver melt value, and how to identify the rare UHC designation. All values in CAD.

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Quick Answer

Most 1962 Canadian quarters are worth their silver melt value — approximately $5.25 CAD (based on early 2026 silver spot prices of ~$35 CAD/oz). Each coin contains 0.15 troy oz of silver. In the highest certified grades, Business Strike values climb to $150–$250 (MS-66), and Proof-Like examples with Ultra Heavy Cameo contrast can reach $300–$600+ CAD.

  • Circulated (VG-8 to AU-50): Silver melt value (~$5.25)
  • Uncirculated MS-60 to MS-62:$8–$12
  • Choice Unc MS-63:$15–$20
  • Gem Unc MS-65:$50–$80
  • Superb Gem MS-66:$150–$250
  • Proof-Like PL-65 (standard):$15–$25
  • Proof-Like PL-66 (standard):$40–$60
  • PL-65/66 Heavy Cameo (HC):$75–$125
  • PL-65/66 Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC):$300–$600+ — the premier rarity for this year

Is it silver? Yes — 80% silver, 20% copper (0.15 troy oz per coin). A magnet test confirms authenticity: the coin will not attract to a magnet.
Is it shiny or mirror-like? It may be a Proof-Like (PL) coin from a mint set rather than a high-grade Business Strike — use the PL value table for correct pricing.
Found in pocket change? Expect silver melt value only. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →

The 1962 Canadian 25-cent piece is among the final representatives of Canada's 80% silver quarter era — a standard the Royal Canadian Mint had maintained since 1920 and would continue through 1967. The Ottawa Mint struck 29,559,266 examples, pairing Mary Gillick's First Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with Emanuel Hahn's enduring caribou reverse, a design combination first introduced in 1937. Unlike other 1962 denominations famous for dramatic die varieties (the nickel's Double Date and the penny's Hanging varieties), the 1962 quarter is characterized by standardized die production — making finish quality and Cameo contrast the primary value drivers for serious collectors. For values across all Canadian quarter years, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

Note: Machine doubling (die deterioration) is sometimes observed on 1962 quarters but carries no numismatic premium and is outside the scope of this standard value guide.

1962 Canadian Quarter Composition & Silver Melt Value

1962 Canadian 25-Cent Specifications
Weight: 5.83 g (90 grains) | Composition: 80% Silver, 20% Copper | Diameter: 23.88 mm | Thickness: ~1.58 mm | Edge: Reeded (118 reeds) | Die Axis: Medal Alignment (↑↑) | Non-magnetic | Specific Gravity: ~10.1

The 1962 Canadian quarter belongs to the 80% Silver, 20% Copper era that defined Canadian dimes, quarters, and half-dollars from 1920 through the transitional period of 1967–1968. This .800 fineness alloy — distinct from the earlier Sterling standard (.925) and the American standard (.900) — gives the coin its characteristic silvery-white appearance and, critically, its intrinsic precious metal value.

Each 1962 quarter contains 0.15 troy ounces of pure silver, derived from its 5.83 gram total weight multiplied by the 80% silver fraction. Based on early 2026 silver spot prices of approximately $35 CAD per troy ounce, the melt value is approximately $5.25 CAD. This bullion floor means that even the most heavily circulated 1962 quarter retains meaningful intrinsic value and explains the coin's popularity as fractional silver stacking in coin rolls.

The softness of the 80% silver alloy is a critical grading consideration: silver is far more susceptible to bag marks and contact abrasion than the nickel and plated steel compositions that replaced it after 1968. This is the primary reason that high-grade (MS-65+) survivors of the 1962 quarter are genuine condition rarities despite the nearly 29.6 million mintage.

Magnetic Properties (Authentication Diagnostic)

The 1962 quarter is non-magnetic. Because the coin is composed of 80% silver and 20% copper — neither of which is ferromagnetic — a genuine 1962 quarter will not attract to a magnet under any circumstances. This is the fastest single test to confirm you are holding an authentic silver-era quarter rather than a post-1968 nickel or plated steel issue. If your coin clings to a magnet, it is not a 1962 silver quarter.

âš ī¸ Do Not Melt Canadian Coins

The Currency Act of Canada prohibits the melting of coins that are legal tender. While 1962 silver quarters are actively traded as bullion by dealers and investors, private melting by individuals is illegal in Canada regardless of the coin's face value or silver content.

Technical specifications are documented by Numista's Canada 25 Cents (Elizabeth II, 1st portrait) catalogue entry and the Royal Canadian Mint's official 25-cents denomination page.

1962 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 1962 Canadian quarter was produced in two distinct strike contexts: Business Strikes (circulation coins) graded on the standard Mint State (MS) scale, and Proof-Like (PL) strikes produced with polished dies for annual mint sets. No Specimen (SP) or true Proof (PR) finish was produced for this issue. Values below reflect ICCS-standard CAD market estimates as of February 2026, synthesized from Charlton catalogue data, dealer pricing, and auction records.

For NGC population and pricing data on this series, see the NGC Canada 25 Cents KM-52 (1953–1964) price guide and the NGC Canada Silver Quarter series price guide.

1962 Canadian Quarter — Business Strike (Circulation)

GradeEstimated Value (CAD)Notes
VG-8 to AU-50 (Circulated)Melt valueAll circulated grades trade as silver bullion. ~$5.25 CAD at early 2026 spot prices.
MS-60 to MS-62$8–$12Uncirculated but heavily bag-marked. Minimal numismatic premium over melt.
MS-63$15–$20Choice Uncirculated. Common collector grade; noticeable contact marks in fields or on cheek.
MS-64$25–$35Very Choice. Fewer, smaller marks. Full cartwheel luster. Significant step up in eye appeal.
MS-65$50–$80Gem. The condition cliff — fields must be clear of distracting marks; strike must be sharp. Liquidity decreases as price rises.
MS-66$150–$250Rare. Price highly dependent on eye appeal and original toning. Only minor marks visible under magnification.
MS-67—The "Unicorn". Population in single digits to low double digits at PCGS and ICCS. No reliable standard estimate — registry set competition drives realized prices well above any standard range.

Rainbow-toned examples — silver quarters stored in paper envelopes that developed natural russet, blue, and magenta coloration — frequently sell for 2× to 5× the price of an equally graded brilliant white coin, depending on the quality and originality of the toning.

â„šī¸ The MS-65 Condition Cliff

The jump from MS-64 ($25–$35) to MS-65 ($50–$80) and then to MS-66 ($150–$250) is dramatic. This is a direct consequence of the soft 80% silver alloy: bag contact during mint shipping damaged virtually all 1962 quarters before collectors could set them aside. Coins that escaped this damage without a single distracting mark are genuinely scarce. Certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is essential for any coin claimed to grade MS-65 or higher — the premium is too large to rely on a seller's word.

Grade comparison of 1962 Canadian quarters showing AU-50 circulated coin versus MS-63 Choice Uncirculated versus MS-65 Gem Uncirculated, illustrating progressive improvement in surface preservation and luster

Grade comparison: a circulated 1962 quarter (AU-50, left) versus a Choice Uncirculated MS-63 (centre) versus a Gem MS-65 (right). Note the progressive improvement in luster, surface preservation, and field clarity. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1962 Canadian Quarter — Proof-Like (PL) & Cameo Designations

Proof-Like coins were struck with specially polished production dies for annual mint sets. The 1962 PL quarter is distinguished by mirror-like fields and, on early-die-state examples, frosted devices. The Cameo contrast designation — awarded by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC based on the degree of device frosting versus field mirror depth — is the single most important value multiplier for PL coins from this year.

Cameo DesignationGradeEstimated Value (CAD)Notes
Standard (No Cameo)PL-65$15–$25Common in original packaging. Both fields and devices fully brilliant.
Standard (No Cameo)PL-66$40–$60Premium for quality PL surfaces. Strong demand from set collectors.
Heavy Cameo (HC)PL-65/66$75–$125Strong, heavy frost on devices with clear mirror-field contrast. Significant collector demand.
Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC)PL-65/66$300–$600+The premier rarity of the 1962 issue. Devices appear thickly frosted (white icing) against deep, liquid-mirror fields. ICCS population reports have shown single-digit numbers certified at this designation.

âš ī¸ PVC Damage Risk on PL Coins

Many 1962 Proof-Like coins remain in their original soft plastic packaging from the mint sets. Over decades, PVC in these holders breaks down and releases acidic gas that reacts with the silver alloy to form a green, sticky residue. If you see green slime on a 1962 PL quarter, the coin requires immediate conservation using pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or abrasive cleaners. A coin with PVC damage that has progressed to pitting reverts to melt or face value regardless of the underlying grade.

Side-by-side comparison of a 1962 Canadian quarter Business Strike showing cartwheel luster versus a Proof-Like showing flat mirror fields

Business Strike (left) versus Proof-Like (right) surface comparison on a 1962 Canadian quarter. The Business Strike shows characteristic cartwheel luster that rolls across the surface. The PL coin shows flat mirror-like fields. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For auction price archives on the 1962 Canadian quarter, see PCGS auction prices for the 1962 Canadian 25-cent. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1962 Canadian Quarter Varieties

Unlike the 1962 nickel and penny — denominations famous for catalogued die varieties — the 1962 quarter has no widely recognized die varieties listed in the Charlton Standard Catalogue or attributed by major grading services. The search for value therefore shifts entirely to finish quality, Cameo contrast, and condition rarity. The following represent the primary value tiers for specialists.

1. The Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC) PL-65/66 — The Premier Prize

The most valuable non-error 1962 quarter is a Proof-Like specimen carrying the Ultra Heavy Cameo designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC. These coins exhibit devices with thick, white frosting that appears as "white icing" in stark contrast to deep, black-mirror fields. The visual effect is dramatic — the Queen's portrait and the caribou appear to float off the coin's surface.

UHC examples are exceptionally rare for 1962. ICCS population reports have at times shown single-digit numbers certified at the UHC level for this issue. The rarity derives from die wear: the frost on die devices erodes rapidly with successive strikes, meaning only the very first coins struck from a freshly polished die can achieve this designation. Estimated value: $300–$600+ CAD at PL-65/66.

2. The MS-67 Business Strike — The Condition Unicorn

In the MS (Business Strike) category, a certified MS-67 1962 quarter is described in numismatic literature as a "unicorn", PCGS and ICCS populations for this grade are extremely low, often in the single digits or low double digits. These coins represent an almost perfect confluence of early die state, flawless planchet, and survival without any bag contact — an extraordinary coincidence given that nearly 29.6 million were struck and immediately released into commerce.

MS-67 examples carry no standard market estimate because they are so rarely offered. When they do appear — particularly in competitive Registry Set contexts where collectors seek the finest-known specimen of a date — realized prices can substantially exceed any standard guide value. Potential buyers and sellers are advised to consult recent auction records at services such as Heritage World Coin Auctions via NumisBids for comparable sales data.

3. Rainbow-Toned MS-65/66 Examples

Silver quarters from 1962 stored in paper envelopes or coin albums frequently develop natural toning over decades — concentric rings of russet, gold, blue, and magenta known as "rainbow toning". When the toning is even, original, and enhances the coin's eye appeal, these specimens regularly sell for 2× to 5× the price of an equally graded brilliant white coin. A brilliant MS-65 at $50–$80 can become a $150–$400 coin if premium original toning is present.

Conversely, "dipped" coins — those treated with acidic solutions to remove tarnish — typically sell at a significant discount to their brilliant-white equivalents because the dipping process strips original luster and leaves the fields flat and lifeless.

4. MS-Cameo Business Strikes — Anomalous Collector Pieces

On rare occasions, a polished production die was put into service for regular circulation striking, producing Business Strike coins (graded MS rather than PL) with Cameo or Heavy Cameo contrast. These coins — sometimes called "PL-looking business strikes" — are highly prized by finish variant specialists because they represent the absolute first impressions of a production run. No standard value estimate exists for these anomalous pieces; they are collected as curiosities and typically command significant premiums over standard MS coins of the same grade.

âš ī¸ The "Double Date" Myth

A widely circulated belief holds that a premium "Double Date" variety exists for the 1962 Canadian quarter. This is incorrect. The famous Double Date variety is a Charlton-listed variety on the 1962 5-cent piece (nickel) — not the quarter. What appears to be doubling on the date of a 1962 quarter is almost invariably Die Deterioration or Machine Doubling: production artifacts caused by die erosion or press-looseness that create a flat, shelf-like double image. These carry no numismatic premium. Unless a coin is certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC with a specific attribution (which is virtually non-existent for this issue), any claimed "Double Date" quarter should be treated as an ordinary worn die example. See the Canadian Coin News variety reference for further context on 1962 die deterioration.

Side-by-side comparison of Machine Doubling die deterioration on a 1962 Canadian quarter date versus a true doubled die, showing the visual difference between a shelf-like production artifact and genuine variety doubling

Side-by-side comparison: genuine Machine Doubling (Die Deterioration) on the left shows a flat, shelf-like ghost image with no separation between the original and secondary impression. A true doubled die (right, for reference) would show rounded, distinct duplicate device elements with clear separation. The 1962 quarter has no catalogued doubled-die variety. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Three-way cameo comparison on 1962 Canadian quarter Proof-Like coins: standard no-cameo versus Heavy Cameo versus Ultra Heavy Cameo designation showing progressive frosting intensity on devices against mirror fields

Three-level cameo comparison on 1962 Canadian quarter Proof-Like coins: Standard (no cameo, all brilliant, left), Heavy Cameo (strong frost on caribou and Queen's portrait, centre), and Ultra Heavy Cameo (thick white icing on devices against deep black mirror fields, right) — the rarest and most valuable designation for this issue. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1962 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide

Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value tables.

30-Second Identification Checklist

  1. Obverse — Portrait Check: The 1962 quarter displays the First Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by British artist Mary Gillick. The effigy shows a young, uncrowned Queen facing right, wearing a wreath of laurel leaves tied with a ribbon. Her shoulders bear a simple tunic. The legend reads ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen). This portrait was used on Canadian coinage from 1953 to 1964. If you see a tiara, diadem, or no crown at all, you have a coin from a different year range.

  2. Reverse — Design Check: The reverse displays a caribou head facing left, designed by Emanuel Hahn and in continuous use since 1937. The legend reads CANADA at the top, 25 CENTS at the bottom, and the date 1962 to the right of the caribou's neck. The antler rack and fur texturing are key design elements.

  3. Date Check: Confirm the date reads 1962 only (no dual dates — the 1962 quarter is not a commemorative issue).

  4. Edge Check: The edge should be reeded with 118 fine ridges running parallel to the coin's axis. A plain edge indicates the wrong coin. A coin with no reeding at all or fewer, coarser reeds suggests a plated copy or incorrect denomination.

  5. Magnet Test — Composition Verification (Critical): Hold a magnet near the coin. A genuine 1962 Canadian quarter will not attract to the magnet because it is 80% silver and 20% copper — neither is ferromagnetic. If the coin clings to the magnet, it is not a 1962 silver quarter and may be a later nickel or plated-steel issue. This is the single fastest authentication test available without equipment.

  6. Mint Mark Check: There are no mint marks on the 1962 Canadian quarter. All 29,559,266 examples were struck at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa; no distinguishing mark was applied to circulation coins. This is standard for Canadian circulation coinage of this era. The absence of a mint mark is correct — do not search for one.

  7. Finish Identification — The Critical Value Step:

    • Business Strike (MS): Exhibits a characteristic cartwheel luster — a rolling, radial shimmer that moves across the coin as it is tilted under light. Fields and devices share this same lustrous quality. Contact marks in the fields are expected and do not indicate cleaning.
    • Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like, flat fields that reflect like a polished surface. Produced from polished dies in specially handled mint sets. A PL coin will show your reflection in the field. Early die-state PL coins also display frosted (matte-white) devices against these mirror fields — the Cameo effect. A coin that looks "mirror bright all over" without the cartwheel roll is almost certainly a PL, not a high-grade Business Strike.

    Important: Many PL sets have been broken open over the decades. A loose "shiny" 1962 quarter offered as a high-grade Business Strike may well be a PL coin removed from its original packaging. This distinction is critical because PL coins have their own separate value scale. When in doubt, compare the coin under direct light: a cartwheel roll = Business Strike; flat mirror = PL.

  8. Die Deterioration Check: Examine the date numerals under 5× to 10× magnification. Many 1962 quarters show a flat, shelf-like secondary image on the date or lettering — this is die deterioration or machine doubling, a common production artifact for a high-volume year. It carries no numismatic premium. True doubled-die varieties (rounded, distinct, separated secondary elements) are not catalogued for the 1962 quarter. See the Saskatoon Coin Club Elizabeth II coin grading photo guide for visual references to help distinguish die deterioration from genuine variety attributions.

âš ī¸ Never Clean Your Coins

Cleaning a 1962 silver quarter with any abrasive, polish, or acidic solution destroys the original cartwheel luster and leaves microscopic hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from grading services and loses all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. A dipped coin — treated with acid to restore whiteness — appears flat, bright, and lifeless compared to an original-luster specimen and is heavily discounted by experienced buyers.

1962 Canadian quarter obverse showing Mary Gillick First Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with laurel wreath and legend ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA, and reverse showing Emanuel Hahn caribou head with CANADA and 25 CENTS

The 1962 Canadian quarter obverse (left) shows Mary Gillick's First Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a laurel wreath, with the legend ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA. The reverse (right) shows Emanuel Hahn's caribou head design with CANADA above, 25 CENTS below, and the date 1962 to the right of the neck.

Magnet test on a 1962 Canadian silver quarter showing the coin does not attract to a magnet, confirming its 80% silver 20% copper composition as non-magnetic

Magnet test on a 1962 Canadian quarter: the coin does not attract to a strong magnet, confirming its 80% silver, 20% copper composition. A coin that sticks is not a genuine 1962 silver quarter.

1962 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs

What is a 1962 Canadian quarter worth?

Most 1962 Canadian quarters are worth their silver melt value — approximately $5.25 CAD based on early 2026 silver spot prices. Every circulated example (VG-8 through AU-50) falls into this bullion category. Uncirculated specimens begin at $8–$12 (MS-60 to MS-62) and climb steeply: $15–$20 at MS-63, $50–$80 at MS-65, and $150–$250 at MS-66. Proof-Like coins with Ultra Heavy Cameo designation command $300–$600+ — the highest standard value for the year. All values are in Canadian dollars as of February 2026.

Is my 1962 Canadian quarter silver?

Yes. The 1962 Canadian quarter is struck in 80% silver and 20% copper, containing 0.15 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. This composition was standard for Canadian 25-cent pieces from 1920 through 1967, after which the Mint transitioned away from silver. To confirm, apply a magnet: a genuine 1962 silver quarter will not attract to the magnet. Coins that are magnetic are post-1968 nickel or plated-steel issues.

What makes a 1962 Canadian quarter valuable?

Three factors drive value above the silver melt floor, in order of importance: (1) Grade — the closer to perfect MS-66 or MS-67, the rarer and more valuable the coin due to the softness of the silver alloy; (2) Finish — Proof-Like coins from mint sets exist on a separate, higher value scale from circulation Business Strikes at the same grade; and (3) Cameo contrast — PL coins with Heavy Cameo or Ultra Heavy Cameo designations command extraordinary premiums, with UHC examples reaching $300–$600+ CAD compared to $15–$25 for a standard PL-65. Rainbow-toned examples with original, attractive toning can also sell for 2× to 5× the brilliant-white price at any given grade.

Is a 1962 Canadian quarter rare?

In circulated grades, no — nearly 29.6 million were struck and billions of circulated examples exist. However, in true Gem condition (MS-65 and above), the 1962 quarter is a genuine condition rarity due to the softness of the 80% silver alloy and the heavy bag handling coins received at the Mint. MS-66 examples are legitimately scarce, and MS-67 coins are described in numismatic literature as a "unicorn" with PCGS and ICCS populations measured in single digits to low double digits. The Ultra Heavy Cameo PL designation is similarly rare, with ICCS population reports at times showing single-digit numbers certified.

Is there a rare "Double Date" variety on the 1962 quarter?

No. The famous Double Date variety of 1962 belongs to the 5-cent piece (nickel), not the quarter. What appears as date doubling on many 1962 quarters is Die Deterioration or Machine Doubling — production artifacts caused by die erosion or mechanical looseness in the press. These create a flat, shelf-like secondary impression with no rounded or separated elements and carry no numismatic premium. The 1962 quarter has no catalogued doubled-die variety recognized by the Charlton Standard Catalogue or major grading services. Do not pay a premium for a "Double Date" 1962 quarter unless it is certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC with an explicit variety attribution — which is virtually non-existent for this issue.

What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Proof-Like coin?

A Business Strike (MS) is a regular circulation coin struck with standard production dies that show characteristic cartwheel luster — a rolling shimmer visible when the coin is tilted under light. A Proof-Like (PL) coin is struck with specially mirror-polished dies for annual mint sets; the fields appear as flat, reflective mirrors. PL coins are not true Proofs (they are not double-struck, and frosted devices are not standard across the entire run), but early die-state PL examples exhibit Cameo contrast. These are two distinct products valued on entirely separate scales — a PL-65 and an MS-65 from 1962 are not interchangeable, and a PL coin found loose outside its original packaging should be valued by the PL scale, not the MS scale.

What does Cameo, Heavy Cameo, or Ultra Heavy Cameo mean?

These designations describe the degree of visual contrast between the frosted (matte-white) design devices and the mirror-like fields on a Proof-Like coin. When a die is freshly polished, the devices retain an original frosted texture from the master hub while the fields are mirror-smooth. The very first coins struck display stark black-and-white contrast: Cameo (CAM) means noticeable but light contrast; Heavy Cameo (HC) means strong, eye-catching frost; Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC) means the maximum possible contrast — devices look like thick white icing on a black mirror background. As the die wears with successive strikes, the frost on the devices smooths away and the cameo effect disappears. This makes UHC examples extremely rare for any issue, including 1962, and commands a premium of $300–$600+ CAD versus $15–$25 for a standard no-cameo PL-65.

Should I get my 1962 Canadian quarter graded?

The economics of grading depend on the coin's likely grade. Professional grading fees at ICCS, PCGS, or NGC typically range from $20–$50+ CAD per coin. For a coin that will grade MS-63 ($15–$20) or PL-65 standard ($15–$25), grading costs exceed the numismatic value — leave it raw. For coins that appear to be MS-65 ($50–$80) or better, or PL examples with obvious Cameo contrast, certification is strongly recommended because the premium is real, the distinction from lesser coins is subjective, and buyers of coins at these price levels require the assurance of an independent grade. ICCS is the standard Canadian service and is most recognized by Canadian dealers; PCGS and NGC are US-based alternatives with strong international liquidity. For registry-set purposes, PCGS or NGC slabs often command the highest prices in competitive bidding environments such as Alliance Coin & Banknote auctions or The Canadian Numismatic Company Prominence Sale.

What do I do if my 1962 quarter has green residue on it?

Green residue on a 1962 quarter is almost certainly PVC contamination from soft plastic coin holders (flips) that contained Polyvinyl Chloride. Over decades, PVC breaks down and releases acidic gas that reacts with the silver to form a sticky green slime. If caught early, a coin can be conserved using pure acetone (not nail polish remover, which contains acetone with other chemicals that harm coins). Allow the coin to soak briefly, then rinse with distilled water and allow to air-dry — never rub or wipe. If the PVC has progressed to etching or pitting the coin's surface, the damage is irreversible and the coin's numismatic value is lost; it reverts to silver melt value.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide reflect CAD market estimates as of February 2026, synthesized from the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, dealer pricing pages (including Calgary Coin Gallery Canadian quarters), and population/auction data from NGC's KM-52 Canada 25-Cent price guide, the NGC Canada Silver Quarter series guide, and PCGS auction price records for the 1962 Canadian 25-cent. Technical specifications are sourced from Numista and the Royal Canadian Mint. Prices represent typical realized values for ICCS-graded specimens; raw (uncertified) coins often realize less. Silver melt values are illustrative and fluctuate with daily spot prices — always verify current rates before a transaction. This guide covers standard (non-error) values 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.