2021 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide
Find out what your 2021 Canadian quarter is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish — Business Strike, Specimen (Blanding's Turtle Set), and Silver Proof (Bluenose Set) — with current CAD market values as of February 2026.
Most 2021 Canadian quarters found in pocket change are worth their face value of $0.25 CAD. Certified Gem examples (MS65–MS66) reach $10–$25, and the rare Superb Gem MS67 can fetch $100–$150+.
- Circulated (VF–AU): Face value — $0.25
- Uncirculated (MS60–62):$0.25–$0.50
- Choice Uncirculated (MS63–64):$0.75–$2.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65–66):$10–$25
- Superb Gem (MS67):$100–$150+
- Specimen (SP) — Blanding’s Turtle Set:$5–$8
- Silver Proof (PR) — Bluenose Set:$22–$35 (silver melt floor: ~$21.36)
Is it silver? Standard circulation coins are multi-ply nickel-plated steel — strongly magnetic with negligible melt value. Silver Proof coins are 99.99% pure silver (6.00 g) and non-magnetic. Shiny does not mean Specimen — a mirror-bright coin from your change is almost certainly a business strike, not a collector finish. There is no 2021 “Klondike” quarter — that commemorative design exists only on the $1 Loonie. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2021 Canadian 25-cent coin pairs Emanuel Hahn’s iconic Caribou reverse — in continuous use since 1937 — with Susanna Blunt’s uncrowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, making this one of the final issues of that historic fourth-portrait effigy before the Queen’s passing in September 2022. With over 110 million struck for general circulation and specialized collector issues produced in Specimen and 99.99% pure silver Proof formats, the 2021 quarter spans a broad spectrum of collector interest. For values across all dates and grades in this series, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes and die clashes exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2021 Canadian 25-cent coin: Queen Elizabeth II obverse (Susanna Blunt portrait, 2003–2022) and Caribou reverse (Emanuel Hahn, 1937). These are the only standard designs for this denomination in 2021.
2021 Canadian Quarter Composition & Melt Value
The 2021 25-cent denomination was produced in two completely distinct metallurgical standards: a base-metal composition for circulation and a precious-metal composition for NCLT collector issues. Identifying the correct composition is essential before assigning any value.
Circulation and Specimen Issues: Multi-Ply Plated Steel
The Royal Canadian Mint’s proprietary multi-ply plated steel technology — introduced to the quarter series in 2000 — bonds alternating layers of copper (3.8%) and nickel (2.2%) over a steel core (approximately 94% of total mass). This electroplated architecture provides excellent tarnish and wear resistance in circulation. The dominant steel core makes these coins strongly magnetic; a standard refrigerator magnet will hold a circulation or Specimen 2021 quarter with ease. This is the single most important diagnostic test when evaluating a 2021 quarter: if it sticks to a magnet, it is a base-metal issue. The intrinsic metallic value of the steel, copper, and nickel content is negligible — there is no realizable melt value for circulation strikes. Their economic worth is entirely determined by face value ($0.25) or numismatic grade.
Side-by-side weight and visual comparison: the 4.40 g multi-ply plated steel circulation/Specimen coin (left) versus the 6.00 g 99.99% pure silver Proof coin (right). The weight difference is a reliable tactile diagnostic. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Collector Proof Issues: 99.99% Pure Silver
Coins issued in the “100th Anniversary of Bluenose” Pure Silver Proof Set are struck in four-nines fine silver. At 6.00 grams — significantly heavier than the 4.40 g steel coin — the weight difference is detectable by hand and immediately diagnostic. Silver is diamagnetic; it will not respond to a magnet. These are Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) coins intended exclusively for the numismatic market.
Silver Melt Value Calculation
The Silver Proof quarter carries a bullion floor based on its silver content. Using confirmed spot price data from SilverPrice.org and Canada Gold as of February 10, 2026 ($3.56 CAD per gram):
Melt Value = 6.00 g × 0.9999 × $3.56 CAD/g ≈ $21.36 CAD
This is the scrap-metal baseline only. Numismatic premiums for the Proof finish, Bluenose set provenance, and coin condition are added above this bullion floor. A collector should expect to pay significantly more than melt value to acquire a problem-free example.
The magnet test: a 2021 circulation quarter sticking firmly to a magnet (multi-ply plated steel), alongside a non-responding Silver Proof coin. This is the fastest single diagnostic for composition identification.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 2021 quarter — whether steel or silver — strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a “Details” or “Altered Surface” designation from grading services and loses all numismatic premium regardless of its underlying detail.
2021 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Value for the 2021 Canadian quarter is driven entirely by finish and grade. There are three distinct finish types, each valued on a separate scale. The overwhelming majority of examples in circulation are business strikes worth face value; premium value is reserved for certified high-grade examples and NCLT collector issues.
2021 Canadian Quarter — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Design | VF–AU (Circulated) | MS60–62 | MS63–64 | MS65–66 | MS67 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Caribou | $0.25 (face value) | $0.25–$0.50 | $0.75–$2.00 | $10–$25 | $100–$150+ | 110,560,000 | MS66 specific: $25–$45. Multi-ply plated steel; strongly magnetic. |
With 110.5 million struck, the 2021 Caribou quarter is an extremely common modern issue. In all circulated grades (VF through AU) — representing the vast majority of coins found in pocket change — supply vastly exceeds demand, and dealers assign no premium over face value. Even low-end Uncirculated examples (MS60–62) retrieved from bank rolls typically trade at only nominal premiums to cover handling costs. The dramatic value cliff occurs at MS65 and above: finding a flawless coin in a 110-million production run that was handled in bulk hoppers is statistically rare, which is why Gem examples command a genuine collector premium.
ℹ️ The Value Cliff
A 2021 quarter in MS64 might sell for around $2.00. In MS66, that same coin could sell for $25 or more. This dramatic multiplier reflects how rare pristine surfaces are in high-mintage production runs, and is precisely why professional grading is justified only for coins that genuinely appear flawless to the naked eye.
Grade comparison for the 2021 Canadian quarter: a circulated example (left) showing typical bag marks, an MS63 coin (center) with light contact marks, and a Gem MS66 example (right) with exceptional eye appeal. The jump in value from MS64 to MS65 is dramatic. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2021 Canadian Quarter — Specimen (SP) from Blanding’s Turtle Set
| Finish | Design | Gem SP65+ | Mintage (Sets) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) | Caribou | $5–$8 | 30,000 | From the 6-Coin Blanding’s Turtle Specimen Set. Multi-ply plated steel; strongly magnetic. Lined/matte fields; frosted relief. |
The Specimen coin carries the same Caribou design as the circulation strike but is chemically and visually distinct. It features a “lined” or matte background field with brilliant, semi-frosted relief — a finish unique to the RCM’s annual Specimen Sets. With a mintage of only 30,000 sets, these coins are technically far rarer than the circulation issue. However, because they are sold in secure packaging, virtually all existing examples remain in high grade (SP65 or higher), limiting the scarcity premium. Singles broken from sets typically trade between $5–$8 CAD — accessible entry-level collectibles representing approximately 20–30× face value.
2021 Canadian Quarter — Silver Proof (PR) from Bluenose Set
| Finish | Design | Gem PR65–66 | PR70 DCAM | Mintage (Sets) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Proof (PR) | Caribou | $22–$35 | $100–$150 | 20,000 | From “100th Anniversary of Bluenose” Pure Silver Proof Set. 99.99% silver; 6.00 g; non-magnetic. Mirror fields; frosted cameo devices. |
The Silver Proof quarter represents the premium tier for the 2021 date. Its value is floored by its silver content (approximately $21.36 CAD melt as of February 2026). Collector demand for the “Bluenose” 100th Anniversary set pushes retail prices for a single coin into the $22–$35 CAD range. The premium over melt is modest because the supply of singles broken from sets meets current demand. However, a coin certified PR70 DCAM — microscopically perfect with deep cameo contrast — can realize $100–$150, driven by Registry Set competition.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2021 Canadian Quarter Varieties
Unlike many earlier Canadian quarters (such as the 1973 Large Bust or 1992 provincial issues), the 2021 issue has no documented die varieties. Value is driven by two factors: condition rarity for business strikes and finish and provenance for NCLT collector issues.
A. Trophy-Level Examples
The primary driver for extreme value in modern Canadian quarters is condition rarity. Because coins are struck, poured into hoppers, and rolled in bulk, they acquire surface marks before leaving the Mint. A coin that escapes this process with zero imperfections is a statistical anomaly.
| Coin Description | Grade | Estimated Price (CAD) | Reason for Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Caribou Business Strike | MS-67 | $100–$150+ | Population rarity: MS67 is the practical ceiling for modern steel quarters. Flawless examples are exceedingly scarce despite the 110 million mintage. |
| 2021 Caribou Business Strike | MS-66 | $25–$45 | Condition conditional rarity: a high-end Gem accessible to advanced collectors but commanding a strong premium over face value. |
| 2021 Silver Proof (Bluenose Set) | PR70 DCAM | $100–$150 | Perfection: a “70” grade denotes a microscopically perfect coin. Collectors competing for Registry Sets drive these prices above standard Proof examples. |
It is crucial to understand that a 2021 quarter is not valuable because it is a 2021 quarter. It is valuable only if it achieves MS66 or higher. The vast majority of “shiny” coins found in change will grade MS62–64, falling squarely in the low-value category.
B. Findable Variants Worth Checking
| Variant | How to Identify | Rarity Factor | Typical Premium (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) Strike | Lined/matte background fields; frosted caribou and portrait; strongly magnetic | 30,000 sets produced — set exclusive | $5–$8 (~20–30× face value) |
| Silver Proof Strike | Deep mirror fields; heavy frosted cameo devices; non-magnetic; 6.00 g weight | 20,000 sets produced — set exclusive | $22–$35 (100×+ face value) |
| First Strike (Special Wrap Roll) | “First Strike” logo on special paper coin roll wrap | Packaging scarcity; cleaner strikes from start of production run | ~$0.50/coin ($15–$25/roll) |
⚠️ The Klondike Quarter Does Not Exist
A common search query is “rare 2021 Klondike quarter.” This variant does not exist. The 125th Anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush commemorative design — featuring a gold-panning scene and the red-and-white Ëdhä Dädhēchą symbol — was applied exclusively to the $1 Loonie denomination. If you have found a coin with this design, you hold a 2021 Canadian Loonie, not a quarter. The RCM did not issue any Klondike-themed 25-cent coin in 2021 or any other year. See the official RCM Klondike Gold Rush page for confirmation that this was a $1 denomination product.
Clarification comparison: the 2021 Canadian 25-cent coin (Caribou reverse, left) alongside the 2021 $1 Loonie (Klondike Gold Rush reverse, right). The panning-for-gold scene and coloured symbol appear only on the dollar coin. If your coin has this design, it is a Loonie, not a quarter.
2021 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have and determine whether it belongs to a premium category.
Step 1: Confirm the Basics
- Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, uncrowned. Portrait by Susanna Blunt (used 2003–2022).
- Reverse: Caribou head facing left, designed by Emanuel Hahn (used since 1937).
- Date: 2021.
- Denomination: 25 CENTS.
Quick design check: Does your coin show people panning for gold, or a red-and-white Dene symbol?
- YES: You have a 2021 $1 Loonie (Klondike Gold Rush), not a quarter. It is worth $1.00 at minimum.
- NO: Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: The Magnet Test (Composition Verification)
Hold a magnet to the coin.
- Sticks firmly to magnet: Multi-ply plated steel. This is the standard composition for both the Circulation (Business Strike) and Specimen issues.
- Does NOT stick to magnet: Likely 99.99% pure silver. Proceed to Step 3 to confirm Proof status.
Step 3: Finish Identification (The Critical Step)
Finish is the single greatest value driver after composition. Here is how to distinguish the three types:
- Business Strike (Circulation): Shiny metallic lustre. Light reflects in a “cartwheel” pattern on high-grade coins when tilted. Background fields are smooth but not mirror-like. Likely has small scratches or “bag marks” from contact with other coins. Value: Face value ($0.25) unless certified MS65+.
- Specimen (SP): Very sharp, crisp details. Distinctive “lined” or matte background fields (fine parallel lines visible under magnification) with brilliant, semi-frosted Queen and Caribou. Strongly magnetic (steel). Should be pristine if unhandled. Value: ~$5–$8 CAD.
- Proof (PR): Deep, black-appearing mirror fields. Heavily frosted, white-appearing Queen and Caribou (cameo contrast). Non-magnetic (silver). Value: ~$22–$35+ CAD.
Step 4: Condition Check (For Business Strikes)
If you have confirmed a standard steel circulation coin:
- Examine the Queen’s cheek and the Caribou’s neck under good lighting.
- Scratches or scuffs visible? → Face value ($0.25).
- Looks virtually flawless, like a jewel? → Place in a protective flip immediately without touching the surfaces; do not clean it. It may be an MS65+ candidate worth professional evaluation.
Finish identification guide for the 2021 Canadian quarter: Business Strike (left, cartwheel luster, visible bag marks), Specimen SP (centre, lined matte fields with frosted devices), and Silver Proof PR (right, deep mirror fields with heavy cameo frost). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
ℹ️ Is That Shiny Coin a Specimen?
With over 110 million business strikes and only 30,000 Specimen sets produced, a “shiny” 2021 quarter encountered loose is almost certainly a high-grade business strike, not a Specimen coin. The visual difference is clear under close inspection: Specimen coins have the distinctive lined field texture, not the cartwheel luster of a business strike. Dealers routinely discount raw “Uncirculated” quarters from this era because most grade MS62–64, well below the value cliff at MS65.
2021 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs
What is a 2021 Canadian quarter worth?
The answer depends almost entirely on grade and finish. A circulated example from pocket change is worth its face value of $0.25 CAD. A certified Gem Uncirculated (MS65–66) business strike trades for $10–$25. A Specimen coin from the Blanding’s Turtle Set is worth approximately $5–$8, and a Silver Proof from the Bluenose Set is worth $22–$35 based on silver content plus a collector premium. The rare MS67 business strike can reach $100–$150+.
Is there a 2021 “Klondike” quarter?
No — this is a widespread misconception. The 125th Anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush design was applied exclusively to the 2021 $1 Loonie denomination. No 25-cent coin was struck with this design. If you find a coin featuring a gold-panning scene or the red-and-white Dêne symbol dated 2021, you have a Loonie ($1), not a quarter.
Is my 2021 Canadian quarter silver?
Almost certainly not. Standard circulation and Specimen-finish 2021 quarters are struck in multi-ply nickel-plated steel and are strongly magnetic. The only silver 2021 quarter is the 99.99% pure silver Proof coin issued exclusively in the “100th Anniversary of Bluenose” collector set. These are non-magnetic and weigh 6.00 grams versus the 4.40 grams of a steel coin — use the magnet test and the weight difference to confirm.
What makes a 2021 Canadian quarter valuable?
For business strikes, value is driven entirely by condition: only examples grading MS65 and above carry meaningful premiums. The jump from MS64 (~$2) to MS66 (~$25+) illustrates how dramatic the grade cliff is in this high-mintage issue. For collector issues, finish and provenance drive value — the Silver Proof is floored by its silver melt value (~$21.36 CAD) and the Specimen carries a modest rarity premium from its 30,000-set mintage.
What is the difference between a Specimen and a Proof finish?
Both are collector finishes, but they look and feel distinctly different. A Specimen coin has lined or matte background fields with sharp, semi-frosted devices — it is struck in multi-ply plated steel and is magnetic. A Proof coin has deep, black-appearing mirror fields and heavily frosted white devices (cameo contrast) — it is struck in 99.99% pure silver and is non-magnetic. The 2021 Specimen comes from the Blanding’s Turtle 6-Coin Set (30,000 mintage); the Proof comes from the Bluenose Pure Silver Proof Set (20,000 mintage).
Should I get my 2021 Canadian quarter graded?
Grading is only economically justified when the coin’s potential certified value comfortably exceeds grading fees. For 2021 quarters, professional submission makes sense only if the coin appears genuinely flawless — a likely MS66 or MS67 candidate — or if it is a Silver Proof you believe may grade PR69 or PR70. Standard MS63–64 coins are worth less than the cost of grading. The key test: is the coin’s surface flawless under a loupe at 5–10x magnification? If not, save the submission fee.
Which grading service is best for a 2021 Canadian quarter?
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard and is preferred by most domestic collectors; their holders align with Charlton Standard Catalogue pricing references. PCGS and NGC are US-based alternatives whose “slab” holders provide superior liquidity in the North American market and are preferred for high-value examples (MS67+) and by investors. A PCGS or NGC holder may command a higher realized price than an equivalent ICCS grade in cross-border auction markets.
Can I melt my 2021 Canadian quarter?
For the steel circulation coin, there is no realizable melt value — the intrinsic metal content is worth fractions of a cent. For the Silver Proof coin, the silver content has a meaningful melt value (~$21.36 CAD as of February 2026), but the numismatic value of a problem-free Proof example exceeds its scrap value. It is generally not in a collector’s financial interest to melt a Silver Proof when the coin’s numismatic premium adds value above spot.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide represent typical CAD market prices for problem-free coins as of February 2026. Data was drawn from the following primary sources:
- Royal Canadian Mint (mint.ca): Confirmed circulation mintage of 110,560,000 for the 2021 25-cent coin, Klondike design as $1 denomination only, and Blanding’s Turtle Specimen Set specifications.
- Silver Spot Price: Melt value calculation based on February 10, 2026 data from SilverPrice.org and Canada Gold ($3.56 CAD/gram).
- Numista: Coin specifications and type reference via Numista — Canada 25 Cents (Elizabeth II, 4th portrait).
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins: Grading standards, pricing structure references, and variety definitions.
- Heritage Auctions / PCGS Auction Archives: Referenced for high-grade (MS66–MS67) and PR70 DCAM realization data.
- ICCS: Canadian grading standard alignment for grade-to-value mapping.
Market values are subject to change with spot prices (for silver issues) and collector demand. This guide covers standard non-error strikes only. All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
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.