2018 Canadian One-Dollar (Loonie) Value Guide
Find out what your 2018 Canadian loonie is worth. Complete price guide for Business Strike, Classic Uncirculated Set, Burrowing Owl Specimen, Gold-Plated Silver Proof, and NCLT Captain Cook Proof — all values in CAD, updated February 2026.
Most 2018 Canadian loonies found in change are worth exactly $1.00 CAD — face value. In Gem Uncirculated condition, values reach $15–$25; trophy-grade certified examples can reach $300+.
- Circulated (pocket change):$1.00 (face value)
- BU (MS60–62):$2.00–$3.50
- Choice BU (MS63–64):$4.00–$8.00
- Gem Unc (MS65):$15.00–$25.00
- MS67 Business Strike (Trophy):$60–$120+
- MS68 Business Strike (Trophy):$150–$300+
- Burrowing Owl Specimen SP69 (raw):$25–$45
- Burrowing Owl SP70 (Certified):$75–$110
- Gold-Plated Silver Proof PR69/SP69:$60–$90
- NCLT Captain Cook Silver Proof PR69:$85–$145
Found in change? Worth $1.00. Coin looks shiny or came from a set? Check the reverse — a Burrowing Owl (not the Common Loon) confirms a Specimen Set coin worth $25–$45+. Wondering if it's silver? The standard 2018 loonie is brass-plated steel and strongly magnetic; a non-magnetic, heavier coin (~23 g) is an NCLT silver issue valued separately on precious-metal content. All values in Canadian dollars (CAD) as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2018 Canadian one-dollar coin continues the modern plated-steel Loonie series, pairing Susanna Blunt's uncrowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with Robert-Ralph Carmichael's iconic Common Loon reverse — unchanged since the denomination's debut in 1987. The defining collector distinction of 2018 is a Burrowing Owl Specimen design by Pierre Girard, which was strictly withheld from commerce and issued only within the annual Specimen Set. The Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg facility struck 33,930,000 coins for everyday circulation while Ottawa's numismatic division produced tightly capped collector issues across Specimen, Proof, and NCLT formats. For values spanning all Loonie years, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Note: Mint errors such as wrong-planchet strikes are documented for 2018 but fall outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2018 Canadian one-dollar coin — obverse bearing Susanna Blunt's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (Fourth Portrait, 2003–2022) and reverse with Robert-Ralph Carmichael's Common Loon. The micro-engraved maple-leaf security mark is positioned above the loon on the reverse.
2018 Canadian Loonie Composition & Melt Value
The 2018 loonie is built on the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology, adopted during the RCM's comprehensive currency modernization program in 2012. This construction replaced the solid aureate-bronze plated nickel alloy used for loonies struck between 1987 and 2011. The MPPS coin begins with a low-carbon steel core that provides structural rigidity and the coin's characteristic magnetic signature. Over this core, the RCM deposits successive electroplated layers: first a nickel adhesion coat that resists internal oxidation, then a copper intermediate binding layer, and finally an outer aureate brass coating that produces the denomination's distinctive golden-yellow appearance.
These stacked metallic layers serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. Each layer combination produces a unique electromagnetic signature (EMS) that modern vending machines and transit fare systems read to verify authenticity. Slugs or foreign coins of identical weight and diameter fail this EMS check because their metallic layering cannot replicate the calibrated conductivity of genuine MPPS coinage.
Magnetic Properties — Quick Authentication
The steel core makes the standard 2018 loonie strongly magnetic. A standard refrigerator magnet applied to the coin will produce a clear, firm attraction. This is a rapid, definitive screening step. Any 2018 loonie that does not respond to a magnet should be weighed: a genuine base-metal loonie weighs approximately 6.27 grams; a non-magnetic, substantially heavier coin is almost certainly an NCLT silver issue, not a circulation piece. For full official technical specifications, see the Royal Canadian Mint's circulation one-dollar page.
Melt Value — Base-Metal Circulation Issue
Because the 2018 loonie relies entirely on abundant industrial-grade base metals in microscopic plating thicknesses, its intrinsic commodity value is negligible and far below its $1.00 face value. No precious-metal content is present in the standard circulation coin. Numismatic value for this issue is driven entirely by grade, finish, and product format — not by metal content.
NCLT Silver Issues — Critical Distinction
Alongside the base-metal circulation program, the RCM released Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) silver dollars in 2018 carrying the same $1 nominal denomination. These include the Captain Cook at Nootka Sound commemorative Proof, struck on .9999 fine silver planchets weighing approximately 23.17 grams. Such NCLT coins are non-magnetic, significantly heavier than a circulation loonie, and their valuations are tied to both the daily silver spot price and specialized collector demand. The Canada Currency Act prohibits melting coins of the realm; silver NCLT dollars should be evaluated as numismatic collectibles rather than raw bullion.
2018 Canadian Loonie Value Chart by Grade & Finish
2018 Common Loon — Business Strike (Circulation)
With a mintage of 33,930,000 from the Winnipeg facility, circulated examples carry no numismatic premium beyond face value. The exponential value increase begins at the Gem Uncirculated (MS65) threshold, where a coin has survived bulk hopper ejection, counting machinery, and rolling without sustaining distracting bag marks. The MS67 and MS68 values reflect trophy-level condition rarity — see the Variants section for context on why these grades command dramatic premiums.
| Design / Type | Circulated | BU (MS60–62) | Choice BU (MS63–64) | Gem Unc (MS65) | MS67 † | MS68 † | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon — Business Strike | $1.00 | $2.00–$3.50 | $4.00–$8.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | $60–$120+ | $150–$300+ | 33,930,000 |
† MS67 and MS68 are trophy-level grades. Certified by PCGS or NGC. Values are highly volatile and auction-dependent. Source: PCGS/NGC Auction Records and Trends, February 2026.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Chemical dips strip the microscopic brass plating from MPPS coins, exposing the dull copper or nickel layers beneath and permanently destroying luster. Third-party grading services assign a punitive "Details – Cleaned" or "Questionable Color" designation to altered coins, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. A cleaned 2018 loonie reverts to $1.00 face value.
Grade progression illustration for the 2018 Canadian loonie Business Strike: BU/MS60 (left, with typical bag marks from hopper ejection), Gem Unc/MS65 (centre, nearly mark-free), and trophy MS67 (right, pristine surfaces). Condition drives an extreme value cliff from $1 to $120+. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2018 Common Loon — Classic Uncirculated Set
Coins from the Classic Uncirculated Set were hand-selected and never submitted to bulk hopper processing, so the expected grade range starts at Choice BU rather than the lower BU range typical of loose roll finds. These coins carry the Common Loon reverse design identical to the circulation strike. Mintage was capped at 75,000 sets — a fraction of a percent of the 33.9 million circulation run — conferring a modest but genuine premium over raw roll coins at equivalent grades.
| Design / Type | Choice BU (MS63–64) | Gem Unc (MS65) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon — Classic Uncirculated Set | $5.00–$10.00 | $15.00–$30.00 | 75,000 |
Source: Charlton Standard Catalogue (2024), RCM Data. Values in CAD, February 2026.
Side-by-side comparison of the two 2018 Canadian one-dollar designs: Common Loon (left, standard circulation / Classic Set / Proof) by Robert-Ralph Carmichael, and Burrowing Owl (right, Specimen Set exclusive) by Pierre Girard. Spotting the Owl on a reverse immediately identifies a coin sourced from the 2018 Specimen Set.
2018 Burrowing Owl — Specimen (SP)
The Burrowing Owl design was produced exclusively for the 2018 six-coin Specimen Set, capped at 30,000 units and available directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. The Specimen finish features finely lined, matte background fields under magnification — a world-exclusive RCM technique — contrasted against heavily frosted, brilliant relief devices. This coin is never found in bank rolls or pocket change. The SP70-certified price reflects the premium paid by registry set collectors for perfect-preservation examples certified by PCGS or NGC. See the RCM's official 2018 6-Coin Specimen Set page for original issue details.
| Design / Type | Finish | SP69 (Raw / OGP) | SP70 (Certified) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burrowing Owl | Specimen (SP) | $25.00–$45.00 | $75.00–$110.00 | 30,000 |
Source: Charlton Standard Catalogue (2024), RCM, PCGS/NGC Pop Reports, February 2026.
2018 Common Loon — Gold-Plated Silver Proof (Silver Proof Set)
The $1 coin within the 2018 Silver Proof Set features the familiar Common Loon reverse, selectively plated with pure gold over a .9999 fine silver planchet. The set was themed around the 240th Anniversary of Captain Cook at Nootka Sound and was restricted to 15,000 units. The deep cameo Proof finish — liquid-mirror fields against heavily frosted devices — is the defining visual characteristic. These coins are struck multiple times by diamond-polished dies at reduced speed, producing a finish unachievable on standard circulation equipment. For press coverage of the Silver Proof Set release, see CoinNews: Canadian 2018 Silver Proof Set Released.
| Design / Type | Finish | Collector Finish (PR69/SP69) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon — Gold-Plated Silver | Proof (PR/PF) | $60.00–$90.00 | 15,000 |
Source: Charlton Standard Catalogue (2024), NGC Price Guide, February 2026.
2018 Captain Cook at Nootka Sound — NCLT Silver Proof
Distinct from the Silver Proof Set dollar above, the RCM also issued a standalone Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) pure silver commemorative dollar celebrating the 240th Anniversary of Captain Cook at Nootka Sound. This coin carries its own mintage of 20,000 and trades as a precious-metal collectible. Its baseline value incorporates the intrinsic worth of the .9999 fine silver planchet plus a topical numismatic premium driven by maritime and exploration collecting themes.
| Design / Type | Finish | Collector Finish (PR69) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Cook at Nootka Sound (NCLT) | Proof (PR/PF) | $85.00–$145.00 | 20,000 |
Source: RCM Data, NGC Price Guide, February 2026.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price history, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2018 Canadian Loonie Varieties
The Royal Canadian Mint's integration of computer-aided design, laser die-cutting, and automated quality control has virtually eliminated catalogue-recognized die varieties in modern production. For the 2018 loonie, rarity is defined by extreme condition preservation and restricted product packaging, not by traditional die varieties. The Charlton Standard Catalogue does not list any major die varieties — such as doubled dates or missing design elements — for the 2018 base-metal circulation issue.
A. Trophy-Level — Highest Documented Values
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Required Grade / Finish | Documented Value Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon Business Strike | Extreme condition rarity — nearly all circulation coins suffer catastrophic hopper and roll damage; flawless preservation is a statistical anomaly in a run of 33.9 million. | MS67 (PCGS/NGC) | $60–$120+ | PCGS/NGC Auction Records, February 2026 |
| Common Loon Business Strike | Supreme top-population registry set requirement — represents the absolute pinnacle of automated production preservation for this issue. | MS68 (PCGS/NGC) | $150–$300+ | NGC Census, Auction Data, February 2026 |
| Burrowing Owl Specimen | Perfect preservation of the world-exclusive RCM Specimen finish; highly sought by avian and wildlife topical collectors; hard mintage cap of 30,000. | SP70 (PCGS/NGC) | $75–$110 | PCGS/NGC Pop Reports, Recent Sales, February 2026 |
Trophy-level values are highly volatile and dependent on competing registry set collectors at the moment of auction. They are not typical for the vast majority of surviving 2018 one-dollar coins.
Trophy-grade condition study: an MS67 business strike loonie (left) showing pristine, mark-free fields and full cartwheel luster — compared against a typical MS63–64 example (right) exhibiting scattered bag marks from bulk hopper ejection. The difference between these grades represents over $100 in market value. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Variants Worth Checking
| Variant / Format | How to Identify | Why It's Rarer | Typical Premium Impact | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burrowing Owl (Specimen Set) | Reverse features a Burrowing Owl instead of a Loon; fields exhibit a finely lined, matte finish under magnification. | Exclusive to the 2018 6-Coin Specimen Set; capped at 30,000 units globally. Never found in circulation. | $25–$45 over face value for pristine raw OGP examples. | Charlton (2024), RCM Specimen Set page |
| First Strikes — Special Wrap Roll | Original paper wrapper explicitly reads "First Strikes / Premières Frappes." | Limited to exactly 5,000 sets; represents the earliest, sharpest strikes from fresh Winnipeg dies before die degradation. | Intact sealed rolls carry a $150+ premium over standard commercial bank rolls. | RCM Archives |
| Classic Uncirculated Set Strike | Sourced from the sealed 2018 Classic Uncirculated Set; exhibits proof-like brilliance with an absence of deep bag marks. | Mintage limited to 75,000 sets — a fraction of the 33.9 million circulation run. | Modest premium of $5–$15 depending on preservation level. | Charlton (2024), RCM Data |
ℹ️ No Major Die Varieties for 2018
The Charlton Standard Catalogue does not recognize major die varieties — such as doubled dates, missing elements, or bead-alignment variants — for the 2018 base-metal circulation loonie. Value is driven by grade, finish, and product origin, not by traditional variety attribution.
2018 Canadian Loonie Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly what you have before checking any value table.
- Monarch Check: The obverse should bear Susanna Blunt's portrait — an uncrowned, right-facing mature Queen Elizabeth II. This is the Fourth Portrait, used on Canadian coins from 2003 through 2022. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D G REGINA.
- Reverse Design Check: Identify the primary reverse device. The Common Loon (Robert-Ralph Carmichael) appears on Business Strike, Classic Uncirculated Set, and Proof issues. The Burrowing Owl (Pierre Girard) appears only on the Specimen Set coin — this single visual check immediately separates the most collectible 2018 variant from all others.
- Date Check: Confirm 2018 appears on the reverse. No dual dates apply to this standard issue.
- Edge Check: Run a fingernail around the edge. The loonie has an eleven-sided smooth plain edge (mathematically a Reuleaux polygon). It should feel uniformly flat between each side, with no reeding.
- Magnet Test — Composition Verification: Apply a standard magnet to the coin. A genuine 2018 circulation loonie uses a steel core and will be firmly attracted to the magnet. If the coin shows no magnetic attraction, weigh it: approximately 6.27 grams confirms base metal (possible counterfeit if non-magnetic); significantly heavier (≈23 g) confirms an NCLT silver issue. Silver is diamagnetic and produces zero magnetic response.
- Security Mark Check: Examine the reverse above the loon under 5x–10x magnification. A genuine 2018 loonie features a micro-engraved laser mark: a single maple leaf enclosed within a small circle. This anti-counterfeiting feature is extremely difficult to reproduce and is absent from counterfeits.
- Finish Identification — THE Critical Step:
- Business Strike: Even, radial cartwheel luster that shifts as the coin is tilted. Fields are uniformly brilliant but lack deep reflectivity. Almost universally shows bag marks (small sharp indentations) under magnification unless graded MS67+.
- Specimen (SP): Finely lined, matte background fields visible under magnification. Central devices are heavily frosted and brilliant. Rims are sharply squared. This finish is never found in bank rolls — its presence alone identifies a Specimen Set coin.
- Proof (PR/PF): Deep, liquid mirror-like fields that appear pitch-black under direct perpendicular lighting. Devices are heavily frosted, creating a stark cameo contrast. On 2018 silver Proof dollars, selective gold plating may be present.
ℹ️ "Shiny" ≠ High-Grade Business Strike
A visually brilliant 2018 loonie found loose is far more likely to be a Specimen Set coin broken from its original packaging than a rare high-grade Business Strike. The lined matte fields of the Specimen finish can resemble brilliance under non-critical lighting. When in doubt, examine the fields under 10x magnification — matte Specimen striations are unmistakable once you know what to look for.
Three surface finishes of the 2018 Canadian loonie illustrated side by side: Business Strike (left, radial cartwheel luster with typical bag marks), Specimen (centre, finely lined matte fields with frosted devices), and Proof (right, deep mirror fields with heavy cameo contrast). Correctly identifying finish is the most critical step in determining value. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Magnet quick-test for the 2018 Canadian loonie: a standard magnet held near the coin (left) shows firm attraction — confirming the steel MPPS core of a genuine base-metal loonie. An NCLT silver proof dollar (right) shows no attraction. This one-second test separates base-metal circulation issues from precious-metal NCLT coins.
Close-up of the 2018 Canadian loonie's micro-engraved laser security mark: a maple leaf inside a small circle, positioned above the loon on the reverse. Visible at 10x magnification, this feature is absent from counterfeits. 10× magnification detail illustration.
2018 Canadian Loonie Value FAQs
What is a 2018 Canadian loonie worth?
A circulated 2018 loonie found in everyday change is worth exactly $1.00 CAD — its face value. The coin has no silver content, and its base-metal intrinsic value is negligible. Premiums apply only to uncirculated examples (from $2.00–$3.50 at BU to $15–$25 at Gem MS65), specific collector products (Specimen $25–$45; Silver Proof $60–$90), or trophy-grade certified coins (MS67–MS68: $60–$300+).
Is a 2018 Canadian loonie rare?
In circulated condition, no — the Winnipeg facility struck 33,930,000 coins and they remain abundant in commerce. Genuine rarity is restricted to coins certified at MS67 or MS68 by PCGS or NGC (condition rarity, not mintage rarity), the Burrowing Owl Specimen (30,000 produced, never circulated), and intact sealed First Strikes Special Wrap Rolls (5,000 sets). Standard uncirculated coins are common.
What makes a 2018 loonie valuable?
Three factors drive premium value: (1) Grade — the exponential condition cliff that begins at MS65 and becomes parabolic at MS67 and MS68; (2) Finish — the Burrowing Owl Specimen and Gold-Plated Silver Proof command multiples of face value regardless of grade, simply because they were restricted collector issues; and (3) Product origin — coins from sealed First Strikes rolls or intact Classic Uncirculated Sets carry modest premiums over loose unsourced coins at equivalent grades.
Is my 2018 loonie silver?
Almost certainly not. The standard 2018 circulation loonie is Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) — brass-plated steel with negligible base-metal intrinsic value. Apply a magnet: it will stick firmly to a genuine circulation loonie. The only 2018 silver dollars are NCLT issues (the Gold-Plated Silver Proof in the Silver Proof Set and the standalone Captain Cook commemorative), which weigh approximately 23.17 grams and show zero magnetic response.
What is the Burrowing Owl variant and how do I identify it?
The Burrowing Owl is the 2018 Specimen Set's exclusive reverse design, created by Pierre Girard. It was strictly withheld from circulation and released only within the annual 6-Coin Specimen Set (30,000 sets). Identification is straightforward: if the reverse shows a Burrowing Owl instead of the Common Loon, it is definitively a Specimen coin. Under magnification, its fields display the distinctive finely lined matte texture exclusive to the RCM Specimen finish. Raw examples in original government packaging trade for $25–$45; PCGS/NGC SP70-certified examples reach $75–$110.
Should I get my 2018 loonie graded?
Only if the coin is exceptional. Grading fees from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC typically start at $30–$50+ CAD equivalent per coin. A coin must achieve at least MS65 on the Sheldon scale before grading costs become economically viable relative to the premium earned. For Specimen and Proof coins already in original government packaging (OGP), the OGP itself lends market credibility without requiring third-party slabbing unless you are targeting the registry set community. ICCS is the respected domestic Canadian standard; PCGS and NGC slabs command a liquidity premium in the international registry set market.
What is the difference between the Specimen and Proof finishes?
Both are premium collector finishes, but they are produced by different methods and produce visually distinct surfaces. The Specimen (SP) finish — exclusive to the Burrowing Owl coin — features finely lined, matte background fields (visible as parallel striations under 10x magnification) with heavily frosted, brilliant devices. The Proof (PR/PF) finish — used for the Silver Proof Set and NCLT dollars — features deep, liquid mirror fields that appear pitch-black under direct perpendicular lighting, combined with heavy device frosting that creates a stark cameo contrast. Neither finish is ever found in bank rolls.
What are First Strikes Special Wrap Rolls?
The RCM released a limited collection of Special Wrap Rolls in 2018 containing Common Loon business strikes sourced from the very first production runs of the year — struck from the freshest, sharpest dies before normal wear degraded strike quality. The collection was limited to exactly 5,000 sets and is identifiable by an original paper wrapper explicitly printed "First Strikes / Premières Frappes." Intact, sealed rolls carry a $150+ premium over standard commercial bank rolls. Once a roll is opened, the provenance premium is largely lost. Details from the RCM's official First Strikes product page.
Why does a magnet stick to my loonie?
The 2018 loonie uses a low-carbon steel core as its base material — a feature of the RCM's Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology adopted in 2012. Steel is ferromagnetic, which is why the coin is attracted to a magnet. This is completely normal and expected. In fact, magnetic attraction confirms authenticity for a base-metal circulation loonie; non-magnetic "loonies" of normal weight and diameter should be examined carefully for counterfeit characteristics.
What if my coin looks cleaned or artificially bright?
Cleaning is catastrophic for numismatic value. Chemical dips strip the microscopic outer brass plating from MPPS coins, exposing the underlying copper or nickel electroplated layers and leaving a harsh, unnatural surface. Grading services — ICCS, PCGS, and NGC — assign a "Details – Cleaned" or "Questionable Color" designation to altered coins, eliminating all premiums and reducing the coin to its $1.00 face value. Never clean a coin; if you suspect cleaning, disclose this when selling and do not submit to grading services with the expectation of a standard numerical grade.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian dollars (CAD). Data was synthesized from the following primary authorities:
- The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, Volume 1: Numismatic Issues, 77th Edition (2024) — primary authority on recognized varieties, set mintages, and baseline retail valuations. Charlton 77th Edition announcement (Numismatic Bibliomania Society).
- Royal Canadian Mint — Official 1-Dollar Circulation Page — technical specifications and MPPS composition data.
- PCGS CoinFacts & Population Report — auction realization data and market trends for modern high-grade business strikes.
- NGC Price Guide & Census — global market pricing and registry set data for certified variants.
- Coins and Canada (coinsandcanada.com) — supplementary historical market trend analysis.
- Canadian Coin News — RCM January Releases — collector set release context.
- Numista — 2018 Canadian Dollar Sales Data — secondary market reference.
Market values for modern coins — particularly trophy-grade MS67/MS68 examples — are highly volatile and dependent on competing bidders at the moment of auction. All prices represent ranges, not guarantees. 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.