2025 Canadian One-Dollar (Loonie) Value Guide
Find out what your 2025 Canadian one-dollar loonie is worth. Complete CAD price guide covering the Common Loon, Supreme Court 150th Anniversary Colourized and Non-Colourized, Monarch Butterfly Specimen, and Silver Proof issues — by grade, finish, and mintage.
Most 2025 Canadian loonies found in pocket change are worth $1.00 (face value). Brilliant Uncirculated examples from Special Wrap Rolls trade for $2.00–$6.00. Top-certified MS67 coins command ~$65–$95+. Silver Proof NCLT issues carry a melt floor of ~$89–$121 CAD and can reach $200–$275+ in certified PR70.
- Circulated (any design, pocket change):$1.00 face value
- Common Loon BU, MS60–MS63 (standard business strike):$2.00–$3.00
- Common Loon BU, MS60–MS63 (First Strikes Special Wrap Roll):$3.00–$5.00
- Supreme Court 150th Colourized BU, MS60–MS63:$2.50–$4.00
- Supreme Court 150th Non-Colourized BU, MS60–MS63:$2.00–$3.50
- Choice/Gem BU MS64–MS65 (any circulation design):$10.00–$25.00
- Trophy — Certified MS67 (Supreme Court 150th):~$65–$95+
- Monarch Butterfly Specimen (raw SP68, in 6-coin set):$15–$25
- Silver Proof — Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (raw PR69):$120–$165
- Silver Proof — Peace Dollar (raw PR69):$145–$200
- Silver Peace Dollar — Certified PR70 UCAM/DCAM:$200–$275+
Three quick checks: (1) Found in change? Face value — all circulated 2025 loonies trade at $1.00 regardless of design. (2) Shiny, from a set, or with mirror-like fields? You likely have a Specimen or Silver Proof NCLT — see the collector finish tables below. (3) Is it silver? Standard circulation loonies are brass-plated steel with zero precious metal content; NCLT Silver Proof issues are 99.99% pure silver with a melt floor of approximately $89–$121 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2025 Canadian one-dollar coin inaugurates a definitive new numismatic chapter: every circulating and collector issue now bears the fifth-portrait obverse of King Charles III, sculpted by Kingston, Ontario-based Canadian artist Steven Rosati — the first portrait change on the denomination since Queen Elizabeth II's effigy debuted in 1953. Alongside the perennial Common Loon reverse (Robert-Ralph Carmichael's 1987 design), the 2025 program introduces a landmark commemorative circulation issue for the 150th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada (established 1875), and three premium Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) silver proof issues. Base-metal circulation strikes were produced at the Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg facility; precious metal numismatic pieces at Ottawa. For the complete denomination history and series values, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes and wrong-planchet coins exist within broader Canadian coinage but are outside the scope of this standard, non-error value guide.
2025 Canadian Loonie Composition & Melt Value
Standard Circulation Composition (Common Loon & Supreme Court 150th)
The 2025 circulating one-dollar coin uses the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary multi-ply plating technology, perfected at the Winnipeg facility. The structural core is solid low-carbon steel; over this, microscopic alternating layers of copper and brass are deposited through a high-speed electroplating process. The outermost visible surface is a brass-alloy finish that produces the coin's characteristic aureate appearance while resisting rapid tarnishing. This layering is not merely decorative — it generates a precise electromagnetic signature that allows vending machines, transit fare boxes, and banking sorters to instantly verify authenticity and reject counterfeits.
Intrinsic Melt Value (Circulation Issues): These coins contain absolutely no gold, silver, or platinum. Their metallic value in global scrap markets is economically negligible — a fraction of one cent based on the weight of steel and base-metal plating. For circulating 2025 loonies, the concept of melt value is entirely irrelevant; financial worth is determined by face value ($1.00 CAD), condition, and collector demand.
Magnetic test: Because the core is steel, the standard 2025 circulating loonie is strongly attracted to a magnet. Any 2025 Common Loon or Supreme Court 150th coin that fails the magnet test should be treated as suspect.
NCLT Silver Proof Composition (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Peace Dollar, 50th Anniversary Beaver)
The 2025 Non-Circulating Legal Tender silver issues use 99.99% pure silver (four nines fine) — a markedly higher purity than historic Canadian coins struck in 80% or 92.5% silver. These coins are completely non-magnetic and feature a traditional reeded (serrated) edge, in sharp contrast to the plain 11-sided edge on base-metal loonies. The Peace Dollar additionally features selective yellow gold plating over its 99.99% silver substrate.
As of late February 2026, silver spot prices were trading at approximately $89.00–$91.00 USD per Troy Ounce, converting to approximately $119.54 CAD per Troy Ounce (SilverPrice.org, Feb 2026). The following melt values are drawn from calculations in the source document:
| NCLT Issue | Composition | Weight | Troy Oz Content | Approx. Melt Value (CAD, Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Silver Proof — Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (2000–2025) | 99.99% Pure Silver | 23.17 g | 0.7449 oz | ~$89.04 CAD |
| Silver Peace Dollar (Susan Taylor design) | 99.99% Pure Silver + selective gold plating | 31.39 g | 1.009 oz | ~$120.61 CAD |
| Special Edition Silver Proof — 50th Anniversary Beaver Emblem | 99.99% Pure Silver | 23.17 g | 0.7449 oz | Equivalent to Tomb dollar formula above |
Melt values fluctuate with daily silver spot prices. The 50th Anniversary Beaver dollar shares identical weight and composition with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dollar; the equivalent melt calculation applies per the document's stated formula. The Canadian Currency Act prohibits the melting of legal tender coins for their metallic content.
Plain 11-sided hendecagonal edge of a base-metal circulation loonie (left) versus the reeded edge of a 99.99% silver NCLT proof (right). Edge type is the fastest visual check to distinguish circulation from silver proof issues. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
💡 Quick Composition Test
Apply a magnet and inspect the edge. If the coin is strongly attracted to the magnet and has a plain 11-sided edge, it is a base-metal circulation strike worth face value. If it is non-magnetic and features a reeded edge, it is an NCLT silver proof — confirm with weight verification before assessing against the silver spot price.
2025 Canadian Loonie Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Values reflect typical retail, dealer, and secondary market prices as of February 2026. All values in CAD. Grade terminology follows the document's protocol: circulated coins (from pocket change or commercial transit) carry face value only; premiums begin with Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS60–MS63) specimens extracted from RCM Special Wrap Rolls before entering the banking system. Collector finishes (Specimen, Proof) are only available through dedicated RCM numismatic products.
2025 Canadian Loonie — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Design / Type | Circulated / Pocket Change | BU MS60–MS63 | Choice/Gem BU MS64–MS65 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon (Charles III) | $1.00 (Face) | $2.00–$3.00 | $10.00–$15.00 | TBD (mass production) | Standard loon reverse; Robert-Ralph Carmichael design (1987) |
| Supreme Court 150th Anniversary — Colourized | $1.00 (Face) | $2.50–$4.00 | $12.00–$18.00 | 2,000,000 | Blue enamel on 150th logo; bilingual inscriptions; Silvia Pecota design |
| Supreme Court 150th Anniversary — Non-Colourized | $1.00 (Face) | $2.00–$3.50 | $10.00–$15.00 | 1,000,000 | Identical engraving; no enamel applied; lower mintage than colourized variant |
Sources: Royal Canadian Mint — Supreme Court of Canada Commemorative Program; Coins and Canada; Canada Gazette Order SOR/2025-38 (Feb 2026).
ℹ️ The Modern Value Cliff
Any 2025 loonie retrieved from commercial pocket change — even a seemingly pristine example — is considered a circulated coin and commands no numismatic premium above face value. The Winnipeg Mint can strike up to 15 million plated coins per day; heavy planchets ejected into steel hoppers and transported in canvas bags inevitably suffer bag marks and contact abrasions. Premiums exist only for coins extracted directly from RCM Special Wrap Rolls or official collector packaging before entering the banking system.
Left to right: the standard 2025 Common Loon reverse, the Supreme Court 150th Colourized reverse (note deep blue enamel on the circular 150 logo), and the Supreme Court 150th Non-Colourized reverse (identical engraving, no enamel). Mintage of the non-colourized variant (1,000,000) is exactly half that of the colourized (2,000,000). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2025 Canadian Loonie — Special Wrap Roll (Uncirculated)
The Royal Canadian Mint's Special Wrap Roll program isolates coins in brilliant uncirculated condition before they enter the banking system. Roll packaging carries an original issue price of $54.95 CAD for 25 coins ($2.20 per coin cost basis), establishing a price floor above face value for raw BU examples broken from these rolls. The "First Strikes" designation on the Common Loon roll adds a pedigree premium sought by Registry Set collectors.
| Design / Product | BU MS60–MS63 | Choice/Gem BU MS64–MS65 | Mintage (Roll Allocation) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Loon — First Strikes Special Wrap Roll | $3.00–$5.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | 175,000 (7,000 rolls) | "First Strikes" holographic label; restricted allocation |
| Supreme Court 150th Colourized — Special Wrap Roll | $4.00–$6.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | 375,000 (15,000 rolls) | Uncirculated colourized SCC coins sealed by RCM |
| Supreme Court 150th Non-Colourized — Special Wrap Roll | $4.00–$6.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | 250,000 (10,000 rolls) | Lower overall allocation; scarcer in mixed bank rolls |
Sources: RCM — SCC Colourized Special Wrap Roll; RCM — SCC Non-Colourized Special Wrap Roll; eBay sold data; Coins Unlimited (Feb 2026).
Grade comparison for a 2025 base-metal loonie: left shows BU MS63 (original luster intact but visible bag marks on fields); center shows Choice BU MS65 (sharp strike, minimal distracting contact marks); right shows trophy-grade MS67 (virtually flawless fields — statistically rare given bulk minting process). The jump from MS65 to MS67 can represent a value increase of 300% or more. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2025 Canadian Loonie — Monarch Butterfly Specimen (NCLT)
The Monarch Butterfly dollar is exclusively available within the 2025 6-Coin Specimen Set, which retails for $64.95 CAD. It is never struck for circulation and carries a unique lined matte Specimen finish developed by the RCM. When broken from the set, the dollar coin represents a high proportional share of the set's value. The entire global mintage is capped at 30,000 sets.
| Finish / Product | Typical Raw Grade (SP68) | Trophy Certified SP70 | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch Butterfly — Specimen (SP) in 6-Coin Set | $15.00–$25.00 | ~$140–$180 | 30,000 sets | Base metal (brass-plated steel); designed by Julius Csotonyi; available only in set |
Source: RCM — 2025 Specimen Set (Monarch Butterfly); eBay sold data (Feb 2026).
2025 Canadian Loonie — NCLT Silver Proof Issues
Silver Proof dollars are pure NCLT products, never intended for circulation, struck in 99.99% pure silver with deep mirror fields and heavily frosted cameo devices. Their base values are anchored to both numismatic premium and silver spot prices. The 50th Anniversary Beaver Emblem dollar shares an identical 23.17g specification with the Tomb dollar; retail pricing for that issue was not available in the source document at time of publication.
| Design | Designer | Typical Raw PR69 | Trophy Certified PR70 UCAM/DCAM | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Silver Proof — Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (2000–2025) | Pandora Young | $120.00–$165.00 | — | 35,000 | 23.17 g, 99.99% silver; reeded edge; 25th anniversary of the tomb's completion |
| Fine Silver Peace Dollar (Lady Peace) | Susan Taylor | $145.00–$200.00 | ~$200–$275+ | 8,000 | 31.39 g, 99.99% silver + selective gold plating; ultra-restricted mintage |
| Special Edition Silver Proof — 50th Anniversary Beaver Emblem | Steve Hepburn | — | — | 15,000 | 23.17 g, 99.99% silver; pricing not available in source document at publication |
Sources: RCM — Fine Silver Proof Dollar (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier); Colonial Acres Coins retail data; BullionSharks; GovMint (Feb 2026).
Left: the 2025 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Fine Silver Proof dollar (23.17 g, 99.99% silver, mintage 35,000), featuring a top-down architectural view of the monument. Right: the 2025 Silver Peace Dollar by Susan Taylor (31.39 g, 99.99% silver with selective gold plating, mintage 8,000) — the most restricted and highest-value silver loonie of the 2025 program. Both feature deeply frosted cameo devices over mirror-polished fields. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
All values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide across all years, see our Canadian Loonie Value Guide.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Applying chemical dips, abrasive cloths, or even a towel to a 2025 loonie will immediately strip original mint luster and leave microscopic hairlines detectable under a grader's loupe. ICCS, PCGS, and NGC will assign a "Cleaned" or "Details Grade" designation, destroying all numismatic premium and returning the coin to face value. For the colourized Supreme Court variant, harsh chemical solvents will degrade the cured enamel application, ruining the coin entirely.
Most Valuable 2025 Canadian Loonie Varieties
Modern quality control at the Royal Canadian Mint — including digital laser scanning, algorithmic die-wear tracking, and frequent die replacement — has virtually eliminated the dramatic doubled dies and repunched mint marks that defined 20th-century numismatics. Value differentiation for 2025 loonies is driven almost entirely by condition rarity and planned institutional mintage disparities rather than die anomalies.
A) Trophy-Level — Highest Documented Values (Not Typical)
The highest valuations in modern Canadian coinage are not driven by design scarcity but by the extreme rarity of top-condition preservation. Advanced collectors building competitive Registry Sets on PCGS and NGC platforms aggressively seek "Top Pop" coins graded MS67, MS68, or PR70. Because base-metal loonies are struck rapidly into bulk bins, a truly flawless MS67 Business Strike requires a dealer to search through thousands of brilliant uncirculated coins, absorbing significant grading fees.
| What (Design / Certification) | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade / Finish Required | Documented High-End Value (CAD) | Source / Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court 150th (Colourized or Non-Colourized) | Absolute condition rarity: industrial bag marks render 99.9% of production below MS65; an MS67 represents virtually pristine, undisturbed fields | Certified MS67 (ICCS / NGC / PCGS) | ~$65–$95+ | eBay Sold Data; AWG-Hamilton (Jan/Feb 2026) |
| Common Loon — "First Strikes" Special Wrap Roll | "First Releases" / "First Strikes" pedigree on slab label combined with MS66 or MS67 grade commands a modern-issue premium among Registry Set collectors | Certified MS66 / MS67 (NGC / PCGS) | ~$42–$75 | eBay Sold Data; Tegocoins (Feb 2026) |
| Silver Peace Dollar (Susan Taylor) | Perfect proof finish on 99.99% silver; Ultra Cameo (UCAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast; ultra-restricted mintage of 8,000 | Certified PR70 UCAM / DCAM (NGC / PCGS) | ~$200–$275+ | BullionSharks; GovMint Retail (Feb 2026) |
| Monarch Butterfly Specimen | Flawless preservation of delicate matte-lined Specimen finish; requires careful extraction from mint set without PVC exposure or handling friction | Certified SP70 (NGC) | ~$140–$180 | eBay Sold Data (Feb 2026) |
These figures represent absolute pinnacle acquisitions for specialized Registry Set collectors. They do not represent the value of a typical coin found in pocket change or a standard uncirculated roll. For current PCGS population data on Canadian coins, see the PCGS Population Report.
B) Findable Varieties — Institutional Mintage Disparities
For the everyday collector, actionable targets in the 2025 one-dollar program come from the official mintage differences between the two Supreme Court variants and the unique characteristics of each product channel.
| Variant | How to Identify | Why It Is Scarcer | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court 150th — Non-Colourized Variant | The circular 150th anniversary logo on the reverse is purely engraved metal with no blue enamel paint applied | Authorized circulation mintage is exactly 1,000,000 — half the 2,000,000 mintage of the colourized version | Slightly higher base BU premium due to 50% lower absolute market supply |
| Supreme Court 150th — Mixed Bank Roll Concentration | Sourced from standard brown bank-wrapped commercial rolls (distinct from RCM Special Wrap); non-colourized coins appear at approximately a 1-in-3 ratio in mixed rolls | RCM mixed rolls inherently favor the colourized variant; finding a pristine non-colourized coin in a mixed commercial roll is statistically harder | Negligible impact on raw coin value; drives secondary demand for unsearched original mixed bank rolls |
| Monarch Butterfly Specimen Finish | Parallel finely lined matte fields contrasting against brilliantly frosted raised devices — never found in circulation; only available in the 2025 6-Coin Specimen Set | Never issued for circulation; entire global mintage capped at 30,000 sets | Commands $15–$25 base premium solely for specialized finish and low mintage |
Close-up comparison of the Supreme Court of Canada 150th anniversary logo: left shows the Colourized Variant with deep blue enamel filling the circular background of the sesquicentennial logo (mintage 2,000,000); right shows the Non-Colourized Variant with identical engraving but no paint application (mintage 1,000,000 — exactly half). This is the key diagnostic to determine which variant you hold. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Major mint errors can be very valuable but are out of scope for this non-error value guide.
2025 Canadian Loonie Identification Guide
Accurate identification of a 2025 Canadian one-dollar coin requires a structured approach: assess the obverse effigy, reverse design, striking finish, edge type, weight, and magnetic properties in sequence. The following 30-second checklist will confirm exactly what you have.
30-Second Diagnostic Checklist
The 2025 Canadian loonie obverse, featuring the fifth-portrait effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. Red circle highlights the "SR" initials located at the bottom right of the lapel. Outer legend reads CHARLES III D·G·REX. This portrait appears on all 2025 one-dollar issues — both base-metal circulation and silver NCLT proofs. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Step 1 — Monarch / Obverse Check: Examine the obverse (heads side). Confirm the left-facing portrait of King Charles III, designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. His initials "SR" are located at the bottom right of the lapel. The outer legend must read CHARLES III D·G·REX. If you see Queen Elizabeth II's portrait instead, you have a pre-2023 loonie.
Step 2 — Reverse Design Identification:
- Standard Circulation: Does the reverse depict a common loon swimming in water? If yes, this is the standard Common Loon issue (Robert-Ralph Carmichael design, introduced 1987).
- Commemorative Circulation: Does the reverse depict the architectural façade of the Supreme Court of Canada building with bilingual inscriptions? If yes, check for colour: does the circular "150" logo feature a painted deep blue background enamel? If yes → Colourized Variant (mintage 2,000,000). If no → Non-Colourized Variant (mintage 1,000,000).
- NCLT Collector Design: Does the reverse feature a Monarch Butterfly, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or an allegorical figure (Lady Peace)? These instantly identify the coin as a premium numismatic product that was never intended for circulation.
Step 3 — Edge Type Check:
- 11-Sided Plain Edge (Hendecagonal): All base-metal circulation loonies (Common Loon and Supreme Court 150th variants) feature an eleven-sided, completely smooth edge — the Reuleaux polygon profile that distinguishes the loonie from all other denominations.
- Reeded Edge: NCLT Silver Proof issues (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Peace Dollar, 50th Anniversary Beaver) feature traditional reeding along the edge.
Step 4 — Weight Verification (Composition Test):
- All base-metal circulation issues (Common Loon, both SCC variants) must weigh precisely 6.27 grams.
- The Silver Proof Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the 50th Anniversary Beaver Emblem dollars weigh 23.17 grams.
- The Silver Peace Dollar weighs 31.39 grams.
- Any coin that deviates significantly from its expected weight is suspect.
Step 5 — The Magnetic Quick-Test:
- Base-metal circulation loonies have a solid steel core — they will be strongly attracted to a magnet. A 2025 Common Loon or Supreme Court coin that does not respond to a magnet is highly suspect.
- NCLT 99.99% Silver Proof coins are completely non-magnetic. If a coin with a reeded edge is also non-magnetic, it is consistent with a silver proof issue.
- Always confirm with weight + edge as a secondary check, as counterfeiters occasionally use plated iron planchets to replicate the steel-core magnetic signature.
Magnet test comparison: a standard 2025 circulation loonie (brass-plated steel core) is strongly attracted to a neodymium magnet, confirming base-metal composition. A 2025 NCLT silver proof dollar held nearby shows zero magnetic attraction. Use weight and edge type as secondary confirmation. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Step 6 — No Documented Mint Marks: The 2025 circulating loonie carries no mint mark, which is standard for Canadian circulation coinage of this era. No "W" (Winnipeg) or "O" (Ottawa) marks appear on the base-metal issues described in this guide.
Step 7 — Finish Identification (Critical for Value):
Three finish types for 2025 Canadian one-dollar coins. Left: Business Strike (standard commercial luster, note subtle bag marks and field abrasions from bulk minting). Center: Specimen finish (finely lined parallel matte background fields contrasting against brilliantly frosted raised devices — exclusive to the Monarch Butterfly coin in the 6-coin Specimen Set). Right: Silver Proof finish (deep mirror-like fields with heavily frosted white cameo devices — exclusive to NCLT silver issues). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
- Business Strike (Circulation): Standard commercial cartwheel luster. Fields will almost certainly show minor bag marks, scuffs, or friction from automated bin transit — even on coins that appear relatively new.
- Specimen (SP): Applicable only to the Monarch Butterfly dollar. Background fields are meticulously textured with fine, parallel laser lines creating a distinct matte appearance; raised devices (butterfly, portrait) are brilliantly frosted. Exclusively from the 2025 6-Coin Specimen Set.
- Proof (PR): Applicable only to NCLT silver issues. Deep, highly reflective mirror-like background fields contrast sharply against heavily frosted, white cameo devices. Struck multiple times at high pressure using specially polished dies. Distributed exclusively in protective acrylic capsules within clamshell presentation cases.
⚠️ "Shiny" Does Not Mean Rare
A 2025 loonie that appears mirror-like or unusually shiny found loose in a collection is almost certainly a Specimen or Proof coin removed from its original packaging — not a rare high-grade Business Strike. Dealers often discount raw "uncirculated" modern loonies because set contamination is common. Assess the finish carefully before assuming grade rarity.
2025 Canadian Loonie Value FAQs
What is a 2025 Canadian loonie worth?
It depends entirely on design, finish, and condition. A circulated 2025 loonie from pocket change — Common Loon or Supreme Court 150th — is worth $1.00 face value in CAD regardless of how new it looks. Brilliant Uncirculated examples from Special Wrap Rolls trade for $2.00–$6.00. Top-certified MS67 coins reach ~$65–$95+. NCLT Silver Proof issues start at $120–$165 (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and rise to $200–$275+ for a certified Peace Dollar in PR70 DCAM. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 2025 Canadian loonie rare?
For standard circulation types, rarity is driven purely by condition — not design scarcity. The Common Loon was struck in mass-production quantities (mintage TBD) and is abundant. The Supreme Court 150th Colourized variant had a mintage of 2,000,000; the Non-Colourized variant is scarcer at 1,000,000. The NCLT Silver Peace Dollar, with a mintage of only 8,000, is genuinely limited. The Monarch Butterfly Specimen is capped at 30,000 sets. A certified MS67 Business Strike is statistically scarce due to the bulk minting process, even though millions of the underlying coins exist.
What makes a 2025 Canadian loonie valuable?
Four primary split points create numismatic value: (1) Exceptional grade — MS66 or MS67 for business strikes, SP70 for the Specimen, or PR70 for silver proofs; (2) Product source — coins remaining sealed in RCM Special Wrap Rolls or original collector packaging confirm uncirculated provenance; (3) Finish exclusivity — Specimen and Proof finishes are never distributed through banking channels; (4) Precious metal content — NCLT silver issues have an intrinsic melt floor anchored to global silver spot prices (~$89–$121 CAD per coin at February 2026 prices). A circulated coin satisfies none of these conditions and is worth face value.
Is my 2025 Canadian loonie made of gold or silver?
No — the standard 2025 circulation loonie (both Common Loon and Supreme Court 150th variants) is composed of three-ply brass-plated steel: a solid steel core electroplated with alternating copper and brass layers. The aureate color is a brass finish, not gold. It contains zero precious metal. Only the dedicated NCLT issues (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Peace Dollar, 50th Anniversary Beaver Emblem) are struck in 99.99% pure silver, with the Peace Dollar additionally featuring selective gold plating. The quickest test: apply a magnet — circulation loonies will stick; silver proofs will not.
What is the difference between the Colourized and Non-Colourized Supreme Court 150th coins?
Both variants feature the identical engraved reverse design by Silvia Pecota, depicting the Supreme Court of Canada façade with the sesquicentennial 150 logo. The Colourized variant has a deep blue enamel applied to the background of the circular logo during minting; the Non-Colourized variant is purely engraved metal with no paint. The Colourized version has a higher authorized circulation mintage (2,000,000) compared to the Non-Colourized (1,000,000). The lower mintage gives the Non-Colourized a slightly higher BU premium, and it appears less frequently in mixed commercial bank rolls (approximately a 1-in-3 ratio per the source document).
What is the Monarch Butterfly Specimen dollar and how does it differ from other 2025 loonies?
The Monarch Butterfly dollar is a base-metal (brass-plated steel) NCLT coin exclusively available within the 2025 6-Coin Specimen Set ($64.95 CAD retail). It was never issued for circulation. Its distinguishing feature is the RCM's unique Specimen finish: background fields are treated with fine parallel laser lines creating a matte-textured appearance, while raised devices are brilliantly frosted — a deliberate contrast unique to the Specimen striking process. The total mintage is strictly capped at 30,000 sets globally. In raw condition at SP68, it trades for $15–$25; a certified SP70 can reach ~$140–$180.
Should I get my 2025 loonie professionally graded?
Grading economics for modern Canadian coins require careful evaluation. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service, Toronto) is the Canadian standard and is referenced by the Charlton Standard Catalogue. PCGS and NGC slabs often command higher final auction realizations for top-pop (MS67+) coins due to broader global liquidity and the marketing value of "First Strikes" or "Early Releases" labels. However, grading fees (typically $25–$50+ per coin plus submission costs) quickly exceed the numismatic value of most circulated or typical BU examples. Grading is economically justified only for coins you believe may achieve MS67+ or SP70/PR70, where the value cliff of 300% or more can easily absorb those costs. For most 2025 loonies worth $2–$15, grading is not recommended.
What are the 2025 silver proof loonies worth, and do silver prices affect them?
Yes — silver spot prices directly set the minimum floor for NCLT silver proofs. At approximately $119.54 CAD per Troy Ounce (late February 2026), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (23.17 g) has a melt floor of ~$89.04 CAD, and the Peace Dollar (31.39 g) has a melt floor of ~$120.61 CAD. Retail values sit above these floors: the Tomb trades for $120–$165 (raw PR69), and the Peace Dollar trades for $145–$200 (raw PR69), rising to $200–$275+ in certified PR70 UCAM/DCAM. If silver spot prices fall significantly, numismatic premiums provide a buffer for well-preserved examples; if spot prices rise further, even lightly graded silver proofs gain value proportionally.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail, dealer, and secondary market prices in Canadian Dollars as of February 2026. Pricing data is drawn from the following primary sources:
- Royal Canadian Mint (mint.ca): Official product pages confirming 2025 lineups, technical specifications, authorized mintages, and Special Wrap Roll distribution details. See the RCM Supreme Court Commemorative Program page and individual product listings.
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, 78th Edition (2026): CLT vs. NCLT segmentation logic, variety delineations, and baseline cataloguing structures.
- Canada Gazette Order SOR/2025-38: Official government order authorizing the two Supreme Court of Canada commemorative circulation coins, confirming characteristics and designs.
- Coins and Canada (coinsandcanada.com): Baseline retail pricing metrics across MS60–MS65 grading thresholds for 2025 modern releases.
- PCGS Population Report — Canadian Coins: Statistical scarcity assessment and value premiums for ultra-high-grade (MS66/MS67) and "First Releases" certified examples.
- Colonial Acres Coins; Coins Unlimited; eBay Sold Data: Secondary market retail pricing for Special Wrap Rolls and premium NCLT silver products.
- SilverPrice.org (Canada): Silver spot pricing derived from February 24–27, 2026 trading data (~$89 USD / ~$119.54 CAD per Troy Ounce) used for intrinsic melt calculations.
This guide covers standard (non-error) values only. Market values fluctuate; consult current grading service price guides and recent auction results before making buying or selling decisions.
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.