How to Identify Canadian Coins
A plain-language guide for people who have found old coins and want to know what they have — no coin knowledge required.
Most Canadians who contact SellMyCoins.ca are not coin collectors. They have found a jar of old coins, inherited a collection, or discovered something interesting in a drawer. They want to know: what do I have, and could any of it be worth selling?
This guide walks you through the basics of identifying Canadian coins — what to look for, what the different types are, and what makes some coins more valuable than others.
Not sure what you have? You do not need to identify your coins before getting started. Just upload a few photos and we will identify them and provide a free purchase estimate — no obligation to sell.
Six Things to Look at on Any Canadian Coin
These six observations will tell you most of what you need to know.
The date is usually on the obverse (front, portrait side). For Canadian coins, dates before 1968 on silver denominations are significant — those coins contain real silver.
The reverse (back) shows the denomination. Common Canadian denominations: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1. Newfoundland also issued a unique 20-cent piece.
The portrait tells you the era. Victoria (1858–1901), Edward VII (1902–1910), George V (1911–1936), George VI (1937–1952), Elizabeth II (1953–2022). Each era has distinct portrait styles.
Some early Canadian coins have mintmarks: "H" for Heaton Mint (Birmingham) or "C" for Ottawa. These can significantly affect value. Most modern coins have no mintmark.
Condition (grade) dramatically affects value. Look for wear on the high points of the design. Coins with sharp details and original lustre are worth far more than worn examples.
Never clean a coin before having it appraised. Cleaning destroys collector value permanently. Even a coin that looks dirty may be worth significantly more uncleaned.
Canadian Coin Types at a Glance
A brief overview of each denomination and what to watch for.
Large Cent (1858–1920)
Copper coins about the size of a modern toonie. Feature a maple wreath on the reverse. Older dates and certain varieties can be worth considerably more than face value.
Tip: Look for the date and check for the "H" mintmark (Heaton Mint, Birmingham).
Small Cent (1920–2012)
The familiar small copper penny. Most are worth face value, but key dates like 1936 dot, 1955 no shoulder fold, and certain 1953 varieties are valuable.
Tip: Check the shoulder of the Queen portrait for fold details on 1953–1964 coins.
Five Cent (Nickel)
Canada issued silver 5-cent pieces until 1921, then tombac and steel during WWII, and nickel from 1955 onward. The 1921 five cent is one of Canada's rarest coins.
Tip: Pre-1922 five-cent coins are silver. WWII-era coins (1942–1945) are tombac or steel.
Ten Cent (Dime)
Canadian dimes were 80% silver until 1967 and 50% silver in 1967–1968. The 1936 dot dime is extremely rare. Most silver dimes are worth their melt value at minimum.
Tip: Any dime dated 1967 or earlier is likely silver. Check for the 1968 silver variety.
Twenty-Five Cent (Quarter)
Quarters were 80% silver until 1967 and 50% silver in some 1967–1968 issues. The 1936 dot quarter is a major rarity. Most silver quarters are worth melt value or more.
Tip: Silver quarters are heavier than modern ones. A magnet test helps — silver is not magnetic.
Fifty Cent
Canadian 50-cent pieces were silver until 1967. They are less commonly found in circulation and often in better condition. Many are worth well above melt value.
Tip: Look for the 1921 half dollar — it is one of the most valuable Canadian coins.
Silver Dollar (1935–1967)
Large silver dollars featuring the iconic voyageur canoe design. The 1948 dollar is the key date. Many silver dollars are worth $20–$100+ depending on condition and date.
Tip: Check the water lines on the voyageur design — more lines often indicates a more valuable variety.
Newfoundland Coins (pre-1949)
Before joining Confederation in 1949, Newfoundland issued its own coins: 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 25 cent, and 50 cent pieces. Many are silver and quite scarce.
Tip: Newfoundland coins show "NEWFOUNDLAND" on the reverse. The 20-cent piece is unique to Newfoundland.
Is My Coin Silver?
Many Canadian coins minted before 1968 contain real silver. Here is a quick way to tell:
Dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars dated 1967 or earlier are almost certainly silver. Some 1968 coins are silver, some are not.
Silver is not magnetic. If a coin sticks to a magnet, it is steel (common in WWII-era coins). If it does not stick, it may be silver or nickel.
Silver coins have a bright white-grey colour. Nickel coins look similar but slightly warmer. Copper coins are obviously reddish-brown.
Silver coins are noticeably heavier than modern base-metal coins of the same size. A silver quarter feels heavier than a modern quarter.
For a complete list of which Canadian coins are silver, see the guide: Which Canadian Coins Are Silver?
Still Not Sure What You Have?
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