2005 Canadian 1-Dollar (Loonie) Value Guide
What is your 2005 Canadian loonie worth? Complete price guide covering the Common Loon, Terry Fox (all 4 die-polishing grass varieties), Tufted Puffin Specimen, and Silver Flag Proof — with current CAD values by grade and finish.
Most 2005 Canadian loonies found in pocket change are worth $1.00 (face value). In certified gem grades or rare die varieties, values reach significantly more.
- Circulated (Common Loon or Terry Fox):$1.00 (face value)
- BU (MS60–MS62) — Common Loon:$2.75–$3.00
- BU (MS60–MS62) — Terry Fox:$2.92–$4.00
- Choice BU (MS63–MS64) — Either design:$4.00–$6.50
- Terry Fox Type 4 "No Grass" (MS64):$12.75–$15.00+
- Top-Pop Business Strike (MS67):$32.00–$50.00
- Proof-Like (PL65):$5.00–$6.00
- Tufted Puffin Specimen (SP65):$25.00–$41.95
- Canada Flag Silver Proof (PR65–PR68):$93.00–$103.46 (melt-dependent)
Found it shiny and mirror-like? It is almost certainly a Proof-Like coin broken from a collector set — not a rare high-grade business strike. See the Identification Guide for finish diagnostics.
Is it silver? Standard 2005 loonies are base metal (aureate bronze-plated nickel) with negligible melt value. A silver 2005 loonie does exist — the Canada Flag 40th Anniversary NCLT proof — but it is round (not 11-sided), weighs 25.175 grams, and is non-magnetic.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2005 Canadian loonie is one of the most design-rich years in the denomination's history. Two distinct reverses circulated simultaneously — the classic Common Loon (Robert-Ralph Carmichael) and the commemorative Terry Fox Marathon of Hope dollar (Stan Witten), which upon release became the first Canadian circulation coin ever to feature a Canadian citizen. Alongside these, the Royal Canadian Mint produced the set-only Tufted Puffin Specimen dollar and a .9999 fine silver Canada Flag 40th Anniversary proof, making 2005 one of the most varied loonie years on record. For the full denomination overview across all years, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as wrong-planchet strikes exist for 2005 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
The four distinct 2005 Canadian loonie designs: Common Loon (circulation), Terry Fox Marathon of Hope (circulation), Tufted Puffin (Specimen Set only), and Canada Flag (Silver Proof NCLT). (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
2005 Canadian Loonie Composition & Melt Value
The 2005 Canadian loonie exists in two entirely distinct metallurgical forms. Understanding which form you have is the first step in accurate valuation.
Base-Metal Circulation Coins (Common Loon, Terry Fox, Tufted Puffin, Base-Metal Proof)
All standard 2005 circulation loonies — encompassing the Common Loon business strike, the Terry Fox commemorative, the Tufted Puffin Specimen, and the base-metal Proof from the Double Dollar Set — are manufactured via the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary multi-ply plating process: alternating layers of copper and bronze are electroplated over a pure nickel core. This specific construction generates a precisely engineered electromagnetic signature for vending-machine and transit fare-box authentication. Because all constituent metals are base and industrial in nature, the intrinsic melt value of any 2005 base-metal loonie is negligible — well below the $1.00 face value. Numismatic grade and finish are the sole value drivers for these coins.
NCLT Fine Silver Proof (Canada Flag — .9999 Fine Silver)
The 2005 Canada Flag 40th Anniversary proof is struck in .9999 fine silver and occupies an entirely different value paradigm from its base-metal counterparts. Its secondary-market price tracks the global silver spot price. Based on silver spot data of approximately $4.11 CAD per gram as of February 2026, the melt value calculates as follows:
25.175 g × 0.9999 × $4.11 CAD/g ≈ $103.46 CAD
As of February 2026, this melt floor equals or slightly exceeds the typical catalogue numismatic value of $93.00–$103.46 CAD for standard PR65–PR68 examples, meaning these coins currently trade primarily as silver bullion derivatives rather than collector numismatic pieces, moving in tandem with the daily spot price.
Left: the 2005 loonie's distinctive 11-sided (hendecagonal) smooth edge found on all base-metal coins. Right: the round, reeded edge of the .9999 fine silver Canada Flag proof NCLT. Edge shape alone provides instant differentiation between the two compositions.
2005 Canadian Loonie Value Chart by Grade & Finish
2005 Canadian Loonie — Business Strikes (Circulation)
These coins were distributed in mint rolls and canvas bags for everyday commerce. Finding a pristine, unbagged example is the entire challenge — the violent rolling and bagging process at the Winnipeg facility leaves virtually all coins with contact marks. Unless sourced from a sealed original roll, circulated examples are worth face value. For Terry Fox coins, also check the foliage below the knee — see the Variants section for the four grass die-polishing types. Mintage data per Saskatoon Coin Club Canadian Mintage Records.
Condition comparison for the 2005 Canadian loonie: heavily circulated (left) vs. Choice BU MS63–64 (centre) vs. Gem BU MS65+ (right). The value cliff between circulated and certified gem grades is steep on modern base-metal issues. (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
| Design / Type | Circulated | BU (MS60–MS62) | Choice BU (MS63–MS64) | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon | $1.00 (face) | $2.75–$3.00 | $4.00–$6.50 | 32,336,000 | MS67 top-pop: ~$32.00–$50.00. Sources: Calgary Coin (Feb 2026). |
| Terry Fox (Type 1 — Normal Grass) | $1.00 (face) | $2.92–$4.00 | $5.00–$6.50 | 12,909,000 | First Canadian citizen on a circulation coin. Check foliage at knee for rare grass varieties — Type 4 (No Grass) in MS64 brings $12.75–$15.00+. |
ℹ️ The Value Cliff for Modern Loonies
On modern mass-produced base-metal loonies, the premium above face value is entirely conditional on perfection. An MS63 example brings $4–$6; a certified MS67 commands a multiple of that. Any visible scratch across the Queen's cheek, abrasion on the reverse field, or high-point friction on Terry Fox's shoulder instantly disqualifies a coin from Gem status. Grading submission costs (typically $25–$50+ per coin for ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) should be weighed carefully before submitting coins in the lower BU range.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
The aureate bronze plating on the 2005 loonie is highly chemically reactive. Cleaning with dips, polishing cloths, or even mild abrasives permanently destroys the original luster and leaves microscopic hairlines. Grading services permanently label cleaned coins as "Altered Surfaces" or "Details," eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail quality.
2005 Canadian Loonie — Proof-Like (PL) Collector Sets
Proof-Like coins were struck for uncirculated collector sets using higher striking pressure than business strikes. Their mirror-like fields and lightly frosted devices distinguish them from business strikes. Both the Common Loon and Terry Fox designs exist in PL finish. Mintage for PL sets is not separately reported by design. Values per Coins and Canada (Feb 2026).
| Design | Finish | PL65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon | Proof-Like (PL) | $5.00 | From PL uncirculated collector sets; originally packaged in flat pliofilm cellophane packs. |
| Terry Fox | Proof-Like (PL) | $6.00 | From PL uncirculated collector sets. PL finish is separate from business-strike valuation. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades of storage. If you see green slime or haze on fields, the coin requires professional conservation with pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or household cleaners. PVC-damaged coins revert to face value regardless of underlying grade.
2005 Canadian Loonie — Specimen (SP) — Tufted Puffin
The Tufted Puffin dollar was struck exclusively for the 2005 Specimen Set and was never distributed into general circulation. It features the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Specimen finish: parallel-lined (striated) matte fields paired with sharply detailed, brilliant frosted relief — visually unlike any business-strike or PL coin. With a mintage of only 39,918, it is substantially scarcer than either circulation design. Charlton reference: Ch# RC-225. Sources: CDN Coin — 2005 Specimen Set and Numista — 2005 Tufted Puffin Loonie.
| Design | Finish | SP65 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tufted Puffin | Specimen (SP) | $25.00–$41.95 | 39,918 | Set-only. Never circulated. Originally in red book-style presentation case. Charlton Ch# RC-225. |
2005 Canadian Loonie — Base Metal Proof (PR) — Double Dollar Set
The base-metal Proof Common Loon dollar was struck exclusively for the 2005 Proof Double Dollar (Canada Flag 40th Anniversary) Set. It exhibits deep, liquid-mirror fields and heavily frosted devices — a dramatic cameo contrast not present on PL coins. With a mintage of 63,562, it is considerably scarcer than PL examples. Source: London Coin Centre — Canada 2005 Flag Double Dollar Proof Set.
| Design | Finish | PR65 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon | Proof (PR) — Base Metal | $10.00–$13.00 | 63,562 | Exclusively from the 2005 Proof Double Dollar Set. Originally in clamshell presentation case. |
2005 Canadian Loonie — Silver Proof (PR) NCLT — Canada Flag
The 2005 Canada Flag 40th Anniversary proof dollar is Non-Circulating Legal Tender struck in .9999 fine silver. Its value is primarily driven by the silver spot price; see the Composition section for the full melt calculation. NGC KM 549 price data available at NGC Price Guide — Canada Dollar KM 549. Specifications verified via Numista — 2005 Canada Flag Dollar.
| Design | Finish | PR65–PR68 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Flag (Standard Silver) | Silver Proof (PR) — .9999 Silver | $93.00–$103.46 | 95,431 | Melt-dependent as of Feb 2026. Trades primarily as silver bullion derivative. Melt floor ≈ $103.46 CAD. |
| Canada Flag — Red Enamel / Gold-Plated (Specialty) | Silver Proof (PR) — Specialty | ~$240.00–$250.00 | — | At PF67 UHC. Highly limited variants over .9999 silver base. Source: George Manz Coins / Charlton Catalogue (Feb 2026). |
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2005 Canadian Loonie Varieties
Trophy-Level Variants
2005 Red Enamel & Gold-Plated Canada Flag Dollar (Specialty NCLT)
These highly limited specialized releases apply vibrant red enamel or rich gold plating over the .9999 fine silver Canada Flag base. Their extreme visual appeal and significantly lower production population versus the standard silver proof place them well above the standard issue in value. At PF67 Ultra Heavy Cameo, examples have traded at approximately $240.00–$250.00 CAD. Reference: George Manz Coins / Charlton Catalogue (Feb 2026).
2005 Common Loon / Terry Fox — Top-Pop Business Strike (MS67)
Achieving a certified MS67 on a base-metal 2005 business strike is statistically exceptional. The coin must possess utterly flawless fields, perfectly struck devices, and booming original cartwheel luster without a single visible contact mark under magnification. ANACS MS67 examples have been recorded at approximately $32.00–$50.00 CAD; PCGS and ICCS top-pop examples may command higher premiums for competitive registry sets.
2005 Tufted Puffin Specimen Dollar
Exclusive to the 2005 Specimen Set (mintage: 39,918), the Tufted Puffin dollar is far scarcer than either circulation design. In pristine SP65 condition, examples trade between $25.00 and $41.95 CAD. The Specimen finish — parallel-lined matte fields with brilliant frosted relief — gives these coins an unmistakable visual profile that cannot be confused with a business strike or PL coin. Charlton reference: Ch# RC-225. Sources: CDN Coin, Numista.
Left: the 2005 Tufted Puffin Specimen reverse — exclusive to the 39,918-mintage Specimen Set, with the RCM's distinctive matte-lined fields and brilliant frosted relief. Right: the standard Common Loon reverse for comparison. (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
Findable Varieties: Terry Fox Grass Die-Polishing Types
The most actionable, findable varieties in 2005 reside exclusively within the Terry Fox commemorative. As the Mint struck nearly 13 million Terry Fox loonies, the reverse dies experienced significant wear and occasional die clashing. To extend die life or remove clashing evidence, mint personnel polished the die surfaces using abrasive tools. Because the landscape details — pine trees and grass near Terry Fox's legs — were engraved in very shallow, low relief, aggressive polishing progressively erased these details from the die entirely. The Coins and Canada Terry Fox Dollar Varieties article documents four distinct progressive die states.
How to check: Use a 10x jeweler's loupe. Focus on the area immediately in front of the runner's forward shin and knee. Full foliage visible = Type 1 (common). Flat, featureless field matching the blank background sky = Type 4 (rare). For certified examples of the Type 4, see Colonial Acres — ICCS-Certified 2005 No Grass Terry Fox MS65.
Progressive die-polishing on the 2005 Terry Fox loonie reverse. Top left: Type 1 (full pine trees and grass, ~68% of mintage). Top right: Type 2 (trees erased, grass remains, ~7%). Bottom left: Type 3 (trees and shin lawn erased, ankle fringe remains, ~20%). Bottom right: Type 4 (completely flat, all foliage gone, ~5% — the rarest and most valuable). Use a 10x loupe on the zone in front of the forward knee. (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
| Type | What's Visible at the Knee/Shin | Approx. % of Terry Fox Run | Premium Impact | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 — Normal Grass | Full grass around both legs; full cluster of pine trees clearly visible in front of forward knee | ~68% | None — face value unless high BU | Coins and Canada |
| Type 2 — No Trees | Pine trees in front of forward knee entirely erased; grass below knee remains intact | ~7% | Slight premium in BU condition | Coins and Canada |
| Type 3 — Half Grass | Trees erased; lawn before first tibia erased; long fringe of grass remains visible near ankle | ~20% | Minimal to moderate premium | Coins and Canada |
| Type 4 — No Grass | Trees and all grass completely missing; background is a flat, smooth field | ~5% | $12.75–$15.00+ in MS64 | Colonial Acres (ICCS MS65), Coins and Canada |
💡 Hunting Tip
Type 4 "No Grass" coins represent approximately 5% of the Terry Fox mintage of 12,909,000 — meaning this variety was produced in substantial numbers. They are genuinely findable in pocket change and circulation rolls. The only tool required is a 10x jeweler's loupe and 30 seconds per coin.
The 2005 Canada Flag 40th Anniversary Silver Proof dollar (standard version, left) alongside a specialty Red Enamel variant (right). The standard proof trades near its silver melt floor (~$103.46 CAD); the Red Enamel and Gold-Plated specialty versions reach approximately $240–$250 CAD at PF67 UHC. (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
2005 Canadian Loonie Identification Guide
Accurately identifying which 2005 loonie you have is essential — a circulated Common Loon and a Tufted Puffin Specimen look superficially similar at a glance but occupy entirely different value tiers. Use the following 30-second checklist before attempting any valuation.
30-Second Attribution Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse must feature Queen Elizabeth II. The 2005 loonie uses the Susanna Blunt Fourth Portrait — the Queen is uncrowned and untiared, facing right. This bare-head effigy was introduced in 2003 and continued through 2022. If the coin shows a crowned or diademed Queen, it is from a different year.
- Reverse Design: Identify the central reverse motif. Is it a Common Loon swimming in water? A Terry Fox runner in mid-stride with a landscape background? A Tufted Puffin bird? Or the Canadian Flag? Each design determines which value table applies.
- Edge Check: Count the sides. All base-metal 2005 loonies — business strikes, PL, Specimen, and base-metal Proof — have an 11-sided (hendecagonal) smooth edge. The Silver Proof Canada Flag has a round, reeded edge. This single check instantly separates the silver NCLT from all base-metal issues.
- Weight Check (if available): Base-metal coins weigh exactly 7.0 grams. The silver NCLT weighs 25.175 grams. Any coin weighing dramatically more than 7 grams is the silver proof.
- Magnet Test: Apply a standard magnet to the coin. The base-metal aureate bronze-plated nickel core means standard 2005 loonies strongly attract to a magnet. The .9999 fine silver Canada Flag proof is diamagnetic and will NOT attract to a magnet. A non-magnetic loonie strongly indicates the silver NCLT — always confirm with weight and edge shape as secondary checks.
- Finish Identification (The Critical Step):
- Business Strike: Standard radial (cartwheel) luster that rolls across the coin in broad bands when slowly tilted under a single light source. Bag marks and contact marks are normal and expected. Found in rolls and pocket change.
- Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like, uniformly reflective fields in which you can see your reflection. Lightly frosted devices. Noticeably more brilliant than a business strike, but lacking the stark black-and-white cameo contrast of a true Proof. Originally in flat pliofilm cellophane packs.
- Specimen (SP): The Tufted Puffin dollar only. Distinctive parallel-lined (striated) matte fields paired with sharply detailed, brilliant frosted relief. The matte background is unlike any other finish and is unmistakable under magnification. Originally in a red book-style presentation case.
- Proof (PR): Deep, liquid-mirror fields with heavily frosted, stark-white devices — dramatic black-and-white cameo contrast. Base-metal Proofs came in clamshell cases within the Double Dollar Set; silver Proofs in dedicated NCLT packaging.
- Terry Fox Grass Variety Check: If the reverse shows the Terry Fox runner, apply a 10x loupe to the area immediately in front of the runner's forward shin and knee. Full foliage (trees and grass) = Type 1 (common). Completely flat, featureless field = Type 4 (rare, worth $12.75–$15.00+ in MS64). See the Variants section for complete type diagnostics.
- Mint Marks: No mint marks appear on standard 2005 circulation loonies, regardless of production facility. This is standard for Canadian circulation coins of this era. The presence or absence of a mint mark is not a diagnostic for this year.
Four finishes side by side on the 2005 Canadian loonie. Left to right: Business Strike (cartwheel radial luster, typical bag marks), Proof-Like (mirror fields, light frost on devices), Specimen (parallel-lined matte fields, sharp brilliant relief — Tufted Puffin only), Proof (deep mirror fields, heavy white-frost cameo contrast). (Illustration — not photos of your exact coins)
ℹ️ PL Set Contamination
With collector sets produced in the millions for 2005, many have been broken open over the decades. A "shiny" or "mirror-like" 2005 loonie found loose is almost certainly a PL coin, not a rare high-grade business strike. The flat, reflective fields that result from PL production are the giveaway — business strikes never look this uniformly brilliant without artificial polishing (which leaves tell-tale parallel hairlines). Dealers routinely discount raw "Uncirculated" loonies from this era because they assume PL origin unless the coin demonstrates clear cartwheel business-strike luster.
Magnet test for the 2005 Canadian loonie: the standard base-metal circulation loonie (aureate bronze-plated nickel core) strongly attracts to a magnet (left). The .9999 fine silver Canada Flag proof is diamagnetic and slides away (right). Non-magnetic = almost certainly the silver NCLT — confirm with weight (25.175 g) and round reeded edge. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Artificial Polishing Red Flag
Unscrupulous sellers occasionally polish standard business-strike loonies to mimic a Proof-Like finish in an attempt to secure a set premium. Artificial polishing leaves parallel hairline scratches easily identifiable under a 10x jeweler's loupe, and polished coins will not display the genuine frosted devices of authentic Royal Canadian Mint Proof-Like strikes. When authenticity is uncertain, submit to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for authentication and grading.
2005 Canadian Loonie Value FAQs
What is a 2005 Canadian loonie worth?
Most 2005 loonies in circulated condition (Common Loon or Terry Fox) are worth exactly $1.00 face value. In Brilliant Uncirculated condition (MS60–MS62), the Common Loon brings $2.75–$3.00 and the Terry Fox brings $2.92–$4.00. In Choice BU (MS63–MS64), both designs range from $4.00–$6.50. The rare Terry Fox Type 4 "No Grass" die variety commands $12.75–$15.00+ in MS64. Certified top-pop MS67 business strikes bring approximately $32.00–$50.00. Set-only issues (Tufted Puffin Specimen, Silver Flag Proof) carry their own distinct premiums. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 2005 Canadian loonie rare?
Standard business strikes are not rare — 32,336,000 Common Loon and 12,909,000 Terry Fox dollars were struck for circulation. However, meaningful scarcity does exist in specific places: the Tufted Puffin Specimen (only 39,918 produced, set-only) is genuinely scarce. The Terry Fox Type 4 "No Grass" die variety represents approximately 5% of the Terry Fox mintage and requires active searching to locate. Perfect certified examples (MS67 or above) across all circulation designs are condition-rare, as surviving the Mint's bagging and rolling process flawlessly is statistically improbable.
Is my 2005 Canadian loonie silver?
The standard 2005 circulation loonies — both the Common Loon and Terry Fox — are not silver. They are aureate bronze-plated nickel (91.5% Ni, 8.5% bronze plating) with negligible melt value. A silver 2005 loonie does exist: the Canada Flag 40th Anniversary NCLT proof, struck in .9999 fine silver (25.175 g). It is identifiable by its round shape (not 11-sided), reeded edge, significantly heavier weight (25.175 g vs. 7.0 g), and non-magnetic properties. If your coin is non-magnetic, round, and heavy — it is likely the silver NCLT, currently valued at $93.00–$103.46 CAD based on silver spot.
How do I tell the difference between a Proof-Like and a business-strike 2005 loonie?
Tilt the coin slowly under a single, focused light source and rotate it. A genuine Business Strike shows a rolling "cartwheel" luster — broad bands of brilliance that sweep across the coin's surface as you rotate it. A Proof-Like coin has flat, uniformly mirror-like fields in which you can literally see your reflected face. If you can see a clear reflection in the fields, it is Proof-Like. Note that a "shiny" loonie found in pocket change or at a coin show is almost certainly PL — genuine MS67+ business strikes are exceptionally rare and would need third-party certification to confirm.
What are the Terry Fox grass varieties, and how do I find them?
Progressive die polishing on the Terry Fox reverse removed the shallow landscape details (pine trees and grass) in front of the runner's shin and knee in stages. Four types are documented: Type 1 (full foliage, ~68% of mintage — common), Type 2 (trees erased, grass remains, ~7%), Type 3 (trees and shin lawn erased, ankle fringe remains, ~20%), and Type 4 (all foliage completely erased, smooth flat field, ~5%). Examine the zone in front of the forward knee with a 10x loupe. Type 4 in MS64 brings $12.75–$15.00+. Full diagnostics from Coins and Canada — Terry Fox Dollar Varieties.
Should I get my 2005 loonie graded by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
Grading makes economic sense only when the potential certified value significantly exceeds the cost of submission (typically $25–$50+ per coin). For standard MS63–MS64 business strikes worth $4–$6.50, submitting is rarely cost-effective. However, if you believe you have a Type 4 "No Grass" Terry Fox or a potential MS67 top-pop business strike, certification is worthwhile. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian domestic standard and carries the most credibility among specialist collectors; it grades by a conservative standard. PCGS and NGC offer broader international liquidity and are preferred for high-end registry set competition. An ICCS-graded MS65 carries significant weight in Canadian collector markets; the same coin might receive MS66 from PCGS or NGC.
What is the difference between the Proof-Like (PL), Specimen (SP), and Proof (PR) finishes?
All three are collector-quality finishes but are produced by different processes and carry different premiums. Proof-Like (PL): mirror-like fields, lightly frosted devices; from flat pliofilm cellophane collector sets. Both Common Loon and Terry Fox exist in PL. Specimen (SP): the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary finish featuring parallel-lined (striated) matte fields and brilliantly sharp frosted relief; exclusive to the 2005 Tufted Puffin dollar in a red book-style presentation set. Proof (PR): the deepest mirror fields and the most heavily frosted, stark-white devices of any finish — the dramatic "black-and-white cameo" look; base-metal Proof Loon from the Double Dollar Set clamshell, and silver Flag Proof from dedicated NCLT packaging.
Why does the 2005 Terry Fox dollar have historical significance?
Upon its release in 2005 — the 25th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope — the Terry Fox dollar became the first Canadian circulation coin ever to feature a Canadian citizen. Designed by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Stan Witten, it depicts Fox in mid-stride against a Canadian landscape. Its historical significance, its slightly lower mintage versus the Common Loon (12,909,000 vs. 32,336,000), and the presence of four documented progressive die-polishing varieties make it the more numismatically interesting of the two 2005 circulation designs.
How do I authenticate my 2005 loonie?
The standard 2005 base-metal loonie should strongly attract to a magnet, weigh 7.0 grams, measure 26.5 mm across, and have an 11-sided smooth edge. A non-magnetic coin with a round reeded edge and 25.175 g weight is the silver NCLT. Be aware that unscrupulous sellers may polish business strikes to mimic a PL finish — authentic PL coins show genuine frosted devices under magnification, while artificially polished coins show parallel hairline scratches. When grade or authenticity is in question, submission to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC provides definitive verification.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect current CAD secondary-market prices as of February 2026, compiled and verified from the following primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — Terry Fox Dollar Varieties (Feb 2026): Terry Fox Type 1–4 die-polishing diagnostics, percentage breakdowns, and base PL/business-strike values.
- NGC Price Guide — Canada Dollar KM 549 (Feb 2026): Secondary-market reference for Silver Proof NCLT valuations.
- Calgary Coin Gallery — Canadian Dollar and Two Dollar Coins (Feb 2026): Retail pricing verification for business strikes and collector issues.
- Numista — 2005 Tufted Puffin Loonie and Numista — 2005 Canada Flag Dollar: Mintage figures and physical specification verification.
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities: Verified mintages for Common Loon (32,336,000) and Terry Fox (12,909,000).
- CDN Coin — 2005 Specimen Set (Tufted Puffin): Specimen Set pricing and mintage reference.
- Colonial Acres Coins — 2005 No Grass Terry Fox, ICCS MS65 (Feb 2026): Certified pricing verification for the Type 4 No Grass variety.
- George Manz Coins / Charlton Catalogue (Feb 2026): Reference for Red Enamel and Gold-Plated Flag NCLT specialty values.
- Royal Canadian Mint (mint.ca) — 1-Dollar: Official specifications and design attribution.
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (current edition): Die-variety attribution (Ch# RC-225 Tufted Puffin), NCLT specifications, and methodology cross-reference.
- Canadian Coin News — Terry Fox Numismatic Legacy: Historical context for the Terry Fox commemorative issue.
All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Values represent typical secondary-market prices and will vary based on coin condition, third-party certification service, and current market conditions. Silver melt values are derived from spot data of approximately $4.11 CAD per gram as of February 2026 and will fluctuate with the commodities market. This guide covers standard (non-error) values only; error coins are out of 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.