I have a jar of old Canadian coins. Are they worth anything?

If the coins are dated 1967 or earlier, yes — they contain silver and are worth at least $2–$25 each in metal content alone. Some may be worth significantly more as collector coins. A single 1948 silver dollar in a jar of coins is worth $500–$5,000. Upload photos for a free assessment before spending or discarding anything.

My grandfather collected coins for 50 years. How do I find out what the collection is worth?

A 50-year collection assembled by a dedicated collector almost certainly contains valuable coins. Upload photos of the albums, folders, and any loose coins. We will work through the collection systematically and identify the most valuable pieces. Most photo submissions are reviewed within 24–48 hours.

Are old Canadian pennies worth anything?

Common-date 20th century pennies (1920–1996) are worth face value. However, large cents (pre-1920) are worth $5–$300+ depending on date and condition. Newfoundland large cents are worth $10–$500+. Certain key dates like the 1936 dot cent are worth thousands. Always check before discarding.

What if I only have a few coins — is it worth submitting?

Absolutely. There is no minimum. A single coin can be worth hundreds of dollars, and the assessment is free regardless of quantity. Many people submit photos of just one or two coins they found and receive a detailed written response.

How do I know if a coin has been cleaned?

Cleaned coins often have an unnaturally bright or shiny appearance, hairline scratches visible under light, or an artificial look compared to naturally toned coins. If you are unsure, do not clean anything — submit photos and we will assess the surfaces. A cleaned coin is worth 30–70% less than an uncleaned example.

Are Royal Canadian Mint collector coins worth anything?

Most modern RCM collector coins (issued after 1980) are worth close to their issue price or face value. The exceptions are early specimen sets (pre-1970), certain low-mintage issues, and proof sets from the 1970s. If you have RCM sets, submit photos — some are worth $100–$500+, while others are worth $20–$30.

Beginner's Guide

Is My Coin Collection Worth Money?

You found a jar of old coins, inherited a collection, or discovered an album in the attic. Now you are wondering: is any of this worth anything? The honest answer: it depends — but there are clear signs to look for, and specific price ranges that apply to the most common Canadian coin finds.

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The Short Answer

Almost certainly

If the collection contains Canadian coins dated 1967 or earlier, it has at least silver melt value — typically $2–$25 per coin. A jar of 50 old dimes and quarters is worth $50–$200 in silver alone.

Possibly much more

If the collection includes key dates, Newfoundland coins, silver dollars, or rare varieties, individual coins could be worth hundreds or thousands. One 1948 silver dollar is worth $500–$5,000.

Do not assume

Modern coins (post-1968) and common foreign coins are usually worth face value only. But always check before discarding — one key date can be worth more than the rest of the collection combined.

Signs Your Collection Has Real Value

Canadian coins dated 1967 or earlier

$2–$25+ each in silver alone

These are silver (dimes, quarters, 50-cent pieces, dollars) or at minimum have collector value above face value. Pre-1920 coins are 92.5% silver; 1920–1967 coins are 80% silver.

Silver dollars

$25–$10,000+

Canadian silver dollars (1935–1967) are worth $25–$5,000+ each. The 1948 dollar is the key date, worth $500–$5,000. The 1936 dot dollar is extremely rare and worth $10,000+.

Newfoundland coins

$10–$1,000+

Pre-Confederation Newfoundland coins are highly collectible. Even common dates are worth $10–$50 each; key dates like the 1880 and 1900H are worth $200–$1,000+.

Coins in albums or folders

Varies — often $200–$2,000+

A collector assembled these deliberately. Date sets and type sets often have significant value, especially if complete. A complete set of Canadian silver dollars is worth $500–$2,000+.

Old pennies (large cents)

$5–$500+

Canadian large cents (pre-1920) and Newfoundland large cents can be worth $5–$500+ depending on date and condition. Common dates are worth $5–$20; key dates are worth much more.

Gold coins

$500–$3,000+

Any gold coin is worth at minimum its gold content — typically $500–$3,000+ for pre-1920 Canadian gold coins. Ottawa Mint sovereigns (identifiable by a "C" mintmark) are worth $800–$3,000+.

Proof or specimen sets

$20–$500+

Royal Canadian Mint proof and specimen sets are worth $20–$500+ depending on year and completeness. Pre-1970 specimen sets are the most valuable.

50-cent pieces

$8–$10,000+

Canadian 50-cent pieces are underappreciated. The 1921 50-cent piece is worth $500–$10,000+ in any grade. Even common pre-1968 50-cent pieces are worth $8–$30 in silver content.

What Is Probably Not Worth Much

Canadian coins dated 1968 and later (nickel — no silver content, worth face value only)

Common foreign coins from countries with low collector demand (most are worth $0.01–$1)

Heavily worn coins with no readable date (worth melt value only, if silver)

Cleaned coins — cleaning destroys collector value permanently, leaving only melt value

Modern commemorative coins sold at face value by the Mint (most are worth face value only)

Coin sets sold through television or mail-order channels (gold- or silver-plated, not genuine precious metal)

Even if most of a collection falls into these categories, it is worth checking every coin — one key date can be worth more than the rest of the collection combined.

How to Find Out What Your Collection Is Worth

Do not clean anything

Cleaning destroys collector value permanently. Leave every coin exactly as you found it — even if it looks dirty, tarnished, or dull. The dark toning on old silver coins is called patina and collectors prefer it.

Photograph everything

Take clear photos of both sides of each coin using natural light. For albums, photograph each page. A smartphone camera is sufficient. Do not remove coins from albums or holders.

Upload for a free purchase estimate

Submit photos to SellMyCoins.ca. We will identify what you have, assess the grade, and provide a free written purchase estimate within 24–48 hours. No coin knowledge required.

Decide what to do

Once you have a written purchase estimate, you can make an informed decision — sell, keep, or explore other options. No pressure either way. The estimate is free and there is no obligation to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Out What Your Collection Is Worth

Upload photos and get a free, honest assessment within 24–48 hours. No charge, no obligation — just a clear answer.

Get Your Free Estimate

Written response within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell

This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.

How Coin Values Are Determined

Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.

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Rarity

Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.

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Condition

Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.

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Silver or Gold Content

Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.

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Collector Demand

Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.

Related Coin Value Guides

Identify Your Canadian Coins →Selling an Inherited Collection →Estate Coin Collection Appraisal →Selling a Coin Collection in Canada →What Canadian Coins Are Worth Money →Canadian Silver Coins Guide →← Back to Homepage

Get a Free Coin Estimate

If you believe you may have a valuable Canadian coin, upload clear photos using our free estimate form. We will review your coins and provide an estimated value — no obligation to sell.

Most photo submissions reviewed within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell