2002 Canadian Loonie ($1) Value Guide
What is your 2002 Canadian Loonie worth? Complete CAD price guide covering the Standard Loon business strike, Proof-Like, Family of Loons Specimen, and Sterling Silver Proof — values by grade as of February 2026.
Most circulated 2002 Canadian Loonies are worth exactly $1.00 CAD (face value). Gem Uncirculated business strikes reach $10.00–$15.00. The Sterling Silver Proof carries a bullion floor of approximately $63.40 CAD and trades at $85.00–$95.00. Top-certified trophy examples reach ~$335.00.
- Found in change / circulated:$1.00 (face value only — over 2.3 million minted)
- Brilliant Uncirculated Business Strike (MS60–MS62):$3.00–$4.00
- Gem Uncirculated Business Strike (MS65):$10.00–$15.00
- Proof-Like (PL65, from mint sets):$11.00–$12.00
- Family of Loons Specimen (SP68, from Specimen sets):$15.00–$25.00
- Sterling Silver Proof — Standard Loon (PR68):$85.00–$95.00
- Golden Jubilee Coach Gold-Plated Silver Proof (PR68):$50.00–$65.00
- Trophy — Golden Jubilee Coach PR70 Deep Cameo:~$335.00
Three critical questions to ask before valuing your coin:
- Is it shiny or mirror-like? A brilliant coin found loose is almost certainly a Proof-Like from a broken mint set, not a rare high-grade business strike — worth $11–$12 at PL65, not hundreds of dollars.
- Does the reverse show a family of loons (adult with wings raised and chicks)? If yes, you have the exclusive “Family of Loons” Specimen design, struck only for the 2002 Specimen set — worth $15–$25 in typical SP68.
- Is it silver? Base-metal 2002 Loonies are Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel and are strongly magnetic. A non-magnetic coin must be confirmed as a Sterling Silver Proof by weight (25.18 g) and diameter (36.07 mm) — worth $85.00+ for its silver content alone.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Value is determined by design (Standard Loon vs. Family of Loons vs. Golden Jubilee Coach), finish (Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, or Proof), and grade. See full value chart →
The 2002 Canadian one-dollar Loonie occupies a singular position in modern Canadian numismatics. That year marked two concurrent milestones: the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II—fifty years since her 1952 accession—and the fifteenth anniversary of the Loonie itself, first introduced to circulation in 1987. To honour both occasions, the Royal Canadian Mint engineered a multi-design, multi-finish program featuring three distinct reverse designs—the Standard Loon, the Family of Loons, and the Golden Jubilee Coach—distributed strictly across four separate product tiers. Every 2002 dollar coin, regardless of design or finish, carries the commemorative dual-date inscription 1952–2002 beneath the Queen’s portrait. For the complete denomination price history, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-centre strikes and wrong-planchet coins exist for 2002 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
Side-by-side comparison of the two primary 2002 Loonie reverse designs: the Standard Loon (Carmichael) issued for circulation, and the Family of Loons (Grondin) exclusive to Specimen sets. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2002 Canadian Loonie Composition & Melt Value
The 2002 Loonie program encompasses two entirely distinct metallurgical profiles depending on the product tier. Understanding which composition you hold is the single most important step in any valuation exercise.
Base-Metal Issues (Business Strike, Proof-Like, and Specimen)
The standard circulating coin, the Proof-Like strike, and the Specimen strike are all constructed from Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel—a proprietary Royal Canadian Mint composition introduced with the Loonie in 1987. A pure nickel core accounting for 91.5% of total mass is electroplated with an aureate (copper-tin) bronze alloy comprising the remaining 8.5%, producing the denomination’s characteristic warm golden colour. Because the core is pure nickel—a highly ferromagnetic element—the standard 2002 Loonie exhibits a strong, immediate response to a neodymium magnet. No precious metal is present in any base-metal 2002 issue. Intrinsic melt value for these coins is negligible and wholly superseded by their $1.00 CAD face value and any applicable numismatic premium.
Sterling Silver NCLT Proof Issues
The Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) Silver Proof variants—including the Standard Loon Silver Proof and the Golden Jubilee Coach Gold-Plated Silver Proof—are struck in .925 Sterling Silver. They are significantly larger and heavier than base-metal coins, with a historical silver-dollar diameter of 36.07 mm and a mass of 25.18 grams. Each contains exactly 0.7488 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW). Based on prevailing spot prices in early 2026, the baseline metallurgical value of these silver issues hovers at approximately $63.40 CAD, establishing a hard pricing floor regardless of numismatic condition. Silver is diamagnetic: these coins do not respond to a magnet, providing an instant non-destructive diagnostic to separate them from base-metal coins or potential counterfeits.
⚠️ Authentication Alert: Magnet Test + Weight Confirmation
If your 2002 Loonie does not stick to a magnet, do not assume it is automatically valuable. Immediately confirm weight (25.18 g on a calibrated digital scale) and diameter (36.07 mm with calipers). A base-metal counterfeit attempting to pass as a Silver Proof must fail both tests. A legitimate Silver Proof passes both.
Physical scale comparison: the base-metal Loonie (26.5 mm, 7.0 g, plain hendecagonal edge) next to the Sterling Silver Proof (36.07 mm, 25.18 g, reeded edge). The size and weight difference is immediately apparent when both are held together. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2002 Canadian Loonie Value Chart by Grade, Design & Finish
The 2002 Loonie program spans three distinct reverse designs and four finish types. Each finish operates on a completely separate value scale. Prices shown are in CAD as of February 2026 based on data from the Coins and Canada price guide, the NGC Price Guide, the Charlton Standard Catalogue (2024 edition), and additional retail market sources cited in the Methodology section.
Grade comparison for the 2002 Standard Loon business strike: a circulated coin with heavy bag marks (worth $1.00 face value), a BU/MS60–62 example with moderate contact marks ($3–$4), and a Gem Uncirculated MS65 example with pristine surfaces ($10–$15). The difference between MS64 and MS65 represents the critical “value cliff.” (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Standard Loon — Business Strike (Circulation) | Robert-Ralph Carmichael
The Standard Loon design was the sole circulation-issue reverse for 2002, representing its first return to mass-production circulation since 1997. With 2,301,000 units struck, circulated examples are abundant and worth exactly face value. The numismatic premium does not engage meaningfully until the MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) tier, where the difficulty of finding a bag-mark-free example from bulk automated production commands a genuine collector premium. Grade data sourced from Saskatoon Coin Club mintage records and Charlton Catalogue (2024).
| Design | Circulated | BU (MS60–62) | MS65 (Gem Unc) | MS67+ (Trophy) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Loon (Carmichael) — Business Strike | $1.00 (face value) | $3.00–$4.00 | $10.00–$15.00 | Frequently exceeding $100+ | 2,301,000 |
ℹ️ The Value Cliff
Any business strike grading below MS64 is essentially worth its $1.00 CAD face value. The premium only activates meaningfully at the MS65 Gem Uncirculated tier. Submitting a business strike to a third-party grader is financially viable only if you are highly confident the coin will achieve MS66 or MS67 — grades that require complete freedom from the heavy bag marks and rim dings endemic to bulk nickel planchet transport.
Standard Loon — Proof-Like (PL) | From 2002 Uncirculated Cellophane Sets
Proof-Like coins feature highly reflective mirror fields combined with brilliant, unfrosted devices. They were issued exclusively in flat, pliofilm-sealed cellophane uncirculated sets. Though visually superior to business strikes, their abundance in intact sets keeps typical values highly accessible. Mintage is not separately reported for PL singles; they were included in general annual uncirculated set totals. Pricing sourced from Coins Unlimited retail data and the Charlton Catalogue (2024).
| Design | Finish | PL63 | PL65 (Typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Loon (Carmichael) | Proof-Like (PL) | $5.00–$7.00 | $11.00–$12.00 | From cellophane/pliofilm sets only. Mintage included in general PL set totals. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm (cellophane) packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades. If you see green slime on the coin surface, it requires professional conservation with pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or commercial brass cleaners. PVC-damaged coins revert to face value regardless of underlying detail.
ℹ️ PL Set Contamination
Many 2002 uncirculated sets have been broken open over the years. A “shiny” or “mirror-like” 2002 Loonie found loose is almost certainly a PL coin extracted from a set, not a rare high-grade business strike. Dealers routinely discount raw “Uncirculated” coins of this era because they assume PL set origin.
Family of Loons — Specimen (SP) | Jean-Luc Grondin | From 2002 Specimen Sets
The “Family of Loons” design by wildlife artist Jean-Luc Grondin was struck exclusively as a Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) Specimen issue, distributed solely within the 2002 leatherette presentation Specimen set. It was never released for general circulation. Specimen coins feature a superior exacting strike with matte, finely parallel-lined fields and brilliantly frosted raised devices. With a restricted mintage of 67,672 sets, this design carries genuine baseline scarcity. Pricing sourced from Coins Unlimited, Colonial Acres, and Numista (Family of Loons).
| Design | Finish | SP68 (Typical Survivor) | SP69 (Trophy) | Mintage (Sets) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family of Loons (Grondin) | Specimen (SP) | $15.00–$25.00 | ~$55.00–$60.00 | 67,672 |
The parallel-lined matte Specimen fields easily reveal microscopic hairlines if the coin has been removed from its original leatherette case and handled carelessly. High-grade survivors that remain pristine in their original packaging represent the most desirable examples.
Standard Loon — Sterling Silver Proof (.925 Ag) | NCLT
The Standard Loon Silver Proof is an NCLT issue struck in .925 Sterling Silver with a deep cameo finish. Its valuation rests on two pillars: numismatic finishing quality and substantial intrinsic bullion value (~$63.40 CAD melt floor as of early 2026). With a mintage of just 29,688, this issue represents genuine absolute scarcity alongside its precious metal premium. Pricing sourced from Numista (Standard Loon Silver) and the Charlton Catalogue (2024).
| Design | Finish | PR68 (Typical) | Bullion Floor (early 2026) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Loon (Carmichael) | .925 Silver Proof (Heavy Cameo) | $85.00–$95.00 | ~$63.40 CAD | 29,688 |
Golden Jubilee Coach — Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Proof (.925 Ag) | NCLT
The Golden Jubilee Coach design commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with a 24-karat gold-plated finish over .925 Sterling Silver. Despite the visually striking presentation, its higher mintage (exceeding 65,000 units in standard packaging) results in softer typical market prices than the lower-mintage Standard Loon Silver Proof. However, in PR70 Deep Cameo condition — where microscopic flaws under 5× magnification are entirely absent — this coin is a certified trophy piece. Pricing sourced from the NGC Price Guide and Colonial Acres retail data (February 2026).
| Design | Finish | PR68 (Typical) | PR70 Deep Cameo (Trophy) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Jubilee Coach (Anniversary Design) | .925 Silver Proof, 24k Gold-Plated | $50.00–$65.00 | ~$335.00 | 65,315 (Standard) / 32,642 (Proof) |
All values in CAD. Represent typical secondary market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price history, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide. NCLT valuations must never be cross-applied to circulation (CLT) coins — an SP67 Specimen is an expected average survivor of a purpose-built collector issue, while an MS67 business strike is a statistical anomaly from bulk automated production.
Most Valuable 2002 Canadian Loonie Varieties
The 2002 Canadian one-dollar series carries no Charlton-recognized major die varieties such as repunched dates, dramatic doubled dies (DDO/DDR), or overdates with separate pricing tiers. Numismatic value in this series is driven entirely by design identification, finish tier, and conditional rarity at the top of the grading scale. The critical “variants” are product-based splits, not struck die anomalies.
A. Trophy-Level Examples (Not Typical — Require Top-Population Certification)
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade Required | Documented Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Golden Jubilee Coach Gold-Plated Silver Proof | Absolute technical perfection on a precious metal NCLT issue. Over 65,000 minted, but a PR70 requires flawless fields and perfectly uniform frosted cameos under 5× magnification with no milk spotting — a microscopic fraction of total mintage achieves this. | PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo (Top Pop) | ~$335.00 (PCGS Auction Records / certified market, Feb 2026) |
| 2002 Family of Loons Specimen | Matte Specimen fields easily reveal microscopic hairlines upon removal from original packaging. Near-perfect SP69 survivors from the 67,672 original sets command a significant conditional premium over the already-restricted base. | NGC SP69 | ~$55.00–$60.00 (certified market retail data, Feb 2026) |
| 2002 Standard Loon Business Strike | Massive conditional rarity. The 2,301,000 business strikes were ejected into bulk hoppers and transported in canvas bags, ensuring virtually all carry immediate contact marks. A flawless MS67 or MS68 is a statistical anomaly requiring immense searching. | PCGS / ICCS MS67 or MS68 | Frequently exceeding $100+ (numismatic consensus, Feb 2026) |
Trophy-tier 2002 Loonies: the Golden Jubilee Coach in a certified PR70 Deep Cameo holder (~$335) and the Family of Loons in a certified SP69 holder (~$55–$60). The same designs in typical grades (PR68, SP68) trade for a fraction of these prices — demonstrating how conditional rarity, not absolute rarity, drives peak values for modern Royal Canadian Mint issues. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Split Points (What to Check in Hand)
Unlike mid-twentieth-century varieties that require loupe examination of mint marks or numerals, the most actionable 2002 Loonie splits are visible to the naked eye. The key diagnostic is reverse identification combined with a magnet test.
| Variant | How to Identify | Why It’s Distinct | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family of Loons (“Loon Dance”) — Specimen | Reverse shows an adult loon with wings raised in a territorial display, accompanied by small chicks in the water. Coin must also exhibit Specimen matte/lined fields and frosted devices. | Exclusively struck for the 2002 Specimen set (67,672 sets); never released for bulk commercial circulation. Confirmed NCLT by design alone. | Base value $15–$25 in well-preserved SP condition vs. $1.00 face value for a circulating business strike. |
| Standard Loon Proof-Like (PL) | Highly reflective, mirror-like fields with brilliant, unfrosted loon devices; standard 1952–2002 obverse dual-date. Was issued in flat cellophane (pliofilm) sealed packs. | Only obtainable from original 2002 Uncirculated Proof-Like cellophane sets distributed by the RCM. Not available from circulation. | Nominal premium over face value — $10–$12 at PL65. |
| Sterling Silver Proof (Standard Loon or Jubilee Coach) | Does NOT respond to a magnet. Weighs 25.18 g (vs. 7.0 g base metal). Diameter 36.07 mm (vs. 26.5 mm). Features reeded (milled) edge instead of plain. | Struck in .925 Sterling Silver specifically for elite NCLT collector sets. Mintage ~29,688 (Standard Loon) or ~65,315 (Jubilee Coach standard packaging). Precious metal content establishes a hard $63.40 CAD melt floor. | Strong premium: $85.00–$95.00 (Standard Loon) or $50.00–$65.00 (Jubilee Coach) at PR68. |
2002 Canadian Loonie Identification Guide
The Royal Canadian Mint’s highly segmented 2002 Golden Jubilee product strategy means that accurate identification requires a systematic, sequential checklist. Follow these steps in order.
The 30-Second Diagnostic Checklist
Monarch Check: The obverse features the crowned, mature effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Canadian sculptor Dora de Pédery-Hunt — the Third Portrait used on Canadian coinage from 1990 through 2003. The portrait shows a mature Queen wearing the Diamond Diadem crown.
Date Check (Critical Authentication Step): Directly below the Queen’s bust truncation, confirm the presence of the dual date 1952–2002. There is no standard single-year “2002” on this denomination for this issue year. Any 2002 Canadian dollar bearing only a single “2002” date is immediately suspect and warrants further investigation before purchase or valuation.
Reverse Design Identification:
A. One loon swimming past a wooded island — Standard Loon (Robert-Ralph Carmichael design). Could be a Business Strike, Proof-Like, or Silver Proof. Proceed to Step 4 to distinguish.
B. Adult loon with wings raised in display, with small chicks in water — Family of Loons (Jean-Luc Grondin design). This design guarantees the coin is a Specimen (NCLT) strike — stop here and value as SP.Finish Determination:
• Business Strike: Standard factory mint luster with cartwheel-effect light reflection. May have bag marks, abrasions, and rim dings from bulk hopper handling.
• Proof-Like (PL): Highly reflective, mirror-like fields with brilliant, unfrosted devices. Was issued in flat, pliofilm-sealed cellophane packs.
• Specimen (SP): Finely parallel-lined or matte fields with brilliantly frosted raised devices. Sharply squared rims. Issued in leatherette or plastic presentation cases.
• Proof (PR): Deep mirror-black fields providing stark high-contrast dark cameo effect against heavily frosted white devices. Struck multiple times at high pressure. Issued in premium velvet or leather clam-shell cases.Magnet Test (Composition Verification):
Apply a neodymium magnet to the coin.
• Sticks firmly: Base-metal Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel (Business Strike, PL, or Specimen base-metal). Value determined by finish and grade.
• Does not stick: Likely a Sterling Silver NCLT Proof — proceed immediately to Step 6 for weight and diameter confirmation.
• Does not stick but seems too small/light: Could be a counterfeit. Confirm with calibrated measurements.Weight and Diameter Confirmation (for non-magnetic coins only):
Measure with a calibrated digital scale and calipers.
• 7.0 g / 26.5 mm: Base-metal (if non-magnetic, suspect counterfeit).
• 25.18 g / 36.07 mm: Sterling Silver Proof — authentic NCLT issue with ~$63.40 CAD melt floor.Edge Check:
• Plain (11-sided / hendecagonal): Standard base-metal Loonie (Business Strike, PL, Specimen).
• Reeded (milled): Sterling Silver Proof issue.No Documented Mint Marks: Standard Canadian practice — no mint marks appear on 2002 Loonie circulation or base-metal collector issues. The absence of any mark is normal and expected.
The 2002 Loonie obverse featuring Dora de Pédery-Hunt’s crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The red circle highlights the dual-date inscription “1952–2002” below the bust truncation — present on every 2002 dollar coin. A coin with a single “2002” date is highly suspect. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Four-way finish comparison for the 2002 Canadian Loonie: Business Strike (standard cartwheel luster with bag marks), Proof-Like (mirror fields, unfrosted devices), Specimen (matte parallel-lined fields, frosted devices), and Proof (deep mirror fields with heavy white device frost). Finish identification is the single most critical valuation step for this series. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The magnet quick-test for 2002 Loonies: a base-metal Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel coin (left) attracted firmly to a neodymium magnet, confirming standard composition; a Sterling Silver Proof coin (right) showing no attraction. If your coin doesn’t stick, immediately verify weight (25.18 g) and diameter (36.07 mm). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
The Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel composition is particularly susceptible to chemical cleaning. Commercial brass cleaners, acidic dips, or polishing cloths strip the microscopic aureate bronze layer, leaving an unnatural whitish-yellow glare rather than the original warm golden luster. A cleaned coin is graded “Details” (damaged) by all major grading services and loses all numismatic premium permanently, regardless of its underlying design detail.
2002 Canadian Loonie Value FAQs
What is a 2002 Canadian Loonie worth?
It depends entirely on which product tier you hold. A circulated 2002 Loonie from pocket change is worth exactly $1.00 CAD (face value) — over 2.3 million were struck for circulation and they remain common. A Gem Uncirculated business strike (MS65) is worth $10.00–$15.00. A Proof-Like (PL65) from a mint set trades at $11.00–$12.00. The Family of Loons Specimen (SP68) commands $15.00–$25.00. The Sterling Silver Proof (PR68) typically trades between $85.00–$95.00, supported by a ~$63.40 CAD silver melt floor. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Why does the 2002 Loonie have two dates (1952–2002)?
The dual-date inscription “1952–2002” appears on all 2002 Canadian dollar coins to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II — marking exactly fifty years since her accession to the throne in 1952. The dual date also coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of the Loonie denomination itself, first introduced in 1987. A single-year “2002” date does not exist on this denomination for this issue year; any coin bearing only a single date warrants authentication scrutiny.
What is the “Family of Loons” and how do I know if I have one?
The “Family of Loons” (also called the “Loon Dance”) is a distinct reverse design by wildlife artist Jean-Luc Grondin, depicting an adult loon with wings raised in a territorial display accompanied by small chicks in the water. It is immediately distinguishable from the standard solitary loon swimming past a wooded island. The Family of Loons design was exclusively struck for the 2002 Specimen set (mintage 67,672 sets) and was never released for general circulation. If your coin shows this design, it is a Specimen (NCLT) issue worth $15.00–$25.00 in typical SP68 condition.
Is my 2002 Loonie silver?
Standard 2002 Loonies — whether circulation, Proof-Like, or Specimen — are not silver. They are Aureate Bronze-plated Nickel and are strongly attracted to a magnet. Only the NCLT Sterling Silver Proof issues (.925 silver, 25.18 g, 36.07 mm diameter, reeded edge) contain precious metal. A simple magnet test distinguishes them instantly: if it sticks, it is not silver. If it does not stick, confirm with a scale (25.18 g) and calipers (36.07 mm) before assigning silver-proof value.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL), Specimen (SP), and Proof (PR) finishes?
Business Strike: Mass-produced for commerce; standard cartwheel luster; contact marks are expected. Proof-Like (PL): Struck on business-strike planchets using polished dies; produces reflective mirror fields without full cameo contrast; issued in flat cellophane sets. Specimen (SP): Struck with specialized dies producing finely parallel-lined (matte) fields and brilliantly frosted devices; issued in leatherette presentation cases; a superior finishing tier exclusive to the 2002 Family of Loons design. Proof (PR): The highest technical standard — struck multiple times under high pressure with specially prepared dies producing deep mirror-black fields and brilliant white frosted devices; exclusive to precious metal NCLT issues in 2002.
How do I tell a Sterling Silver Proof apart from a base-metal coin?
Use a three-step physical test. (1) Magnet: Silver is diamagnetic; a base-metal coin sticks, a silver coin does not. (2) Weight: Base-metal = 7.0 g; Silver Proof = 25.18 g — the difference is immediately obvious on a calibrated digital scale. (3) Diameter and edge: Base-metal = 26.5 mm with a plain hendecagonal (11-sided) edge; Silver Proof = 36.07 mm with a reeded (milled) edge. A coin that passes all three silver checks is an authentic NCLT issue with a ~$63.40 CAD bullion floor as of early 2026.
Should I get my 2002 Loonie graded by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS?
For a business strike, grading is only financially justifiable if you are highly confident the coin will achieve MS66 or higher — grading fees typically exceed the numismatic premium of any coin below that threshold. For the Family of Loons Specimen or either Silver Proof issue, certification at SP68 or PR68+ better protects the coin and may support a modest premium. ICCS (Toronto) is the domestic Canadian standard and is regarded by the market as applying a conservatively strict Sheldon-scale interpretation for Canadian coins — meaning an ICCS MS65 may cross favorably to PCGS or NGC. International auction houses and Registry Set collectors predominantly use PCGS and NGC for maximum liquidity.
What makes a 2002 Loonie worth $335?
The ~$335.00 figure relates specifically to the Golden Jubilee Coach Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Proof certified at PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo — the absolute highest attainable grade. The coin itself is not rare in an absolute sense (over 65,000 were minted), but achieving a perfect PR70 grade requires completely flawless fields and uniformly frosted devices under 5× magnification, without a single milk spot or handling mark. Only a microscopic fraction of the total mintage survives the grading process at this level. The premium is driven by Registry Set competition: wealthy collectors pay aggressively to hold the highest-certified example in a curated collection, not because the underlying coin is scarce.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect secondary market prices as of February 2026 for non-error 2002 Canadian one-dollar coins. All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Market prices for modern Canadian coins are dynamic; values at the MS65+ and PR70 trophy tiers may shift as additional examples are submitted for grading.
Primary sources consulted:
- Calgary Coin Gallery — Canadian Dollar and Two Dollar Coins: Design distribution and finish narrative
- Coins and Canada — 2002 One Dollar Price Guide: Secondary market grading matrices and retail pricing
- NGC Coin Explorer & Price Guide — Canada Dollar KM 443a: Certified Proof and Specimen retail ceilings
- Royal Canadian Mint (mint.ca) — One Dollar: Archival mintage data and metallurgical specifications
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities: Verified circulation mintage of 2,301,000
- Coins Unlimited — 2002 Standard Loon BU: BU and PL retail pricing data
- Colonial Acres — 2002 Specimen Set with Family of Loons Dollar: Specimen set retail and mintage confirmation
- The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (2024/2025 editions): Mintage validation, variety categorization, historical retail benchmarks
- PCGS Auction Records and certified market retail data: Trophy-level PR70 and MS67+ realizations
Values reflect typical secondary market conditions and are not guarantees of future sale prices. Numismatic values fluctuate with market demand, grading population changes, and commodity prices (for silver issues). This guide covers standard non-error coins only; error coins are outside its scope.
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.