Sell Newfoundland Coins
Upload photos of your Newfoundland coins and receive a free written estimate from Richard LeBlanc — an Ottawa-based Canadian coin buyer. 50-cent pieces, silver coins, pennies, 20-cent pieces, and inherited collections all considered. No mailing required until you accept an offer.
Written response within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell · Available across Canada
Why Newfoundland Coins Are Worth Assessing
Newfoundland issued its own coinage from 1865 until Confederation with Canada in 1949. These coins — struck in London and later at the Royal Mint — are among the most historically significant pieces in Canadian numismatics. They predate the Canadian decimal series and represent a distinct chapter in the country's monetary history.
Because Newfoundland coins are old and were produced in relatively small quantities, well-preserved examples are genuinely scarce. The silver denominations — 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents — contain 92.5% silver (sterling), giving them a meaningful melt value on top of their collector premium. Even common dates in good condition are worth more than their face value.
Key dates like the 1936 50-cent piece, the 1880 and 1885 20-cent pieces, and several low-mintage silver issues can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on condition. If you have Newfoundland coins in an inherited collection or tucked away in an envelope, it is worth having them assessed before selling.
Newfoundland Coins We Buy
SellMyCoins.ca buys all Newfoundland coin denominations. If you are unsure whether your coins qualify, upload photos anyway — there is no cost to find out.
The flagship denomination of the Newfoundland series. Struck from 1870 to 1900 and again in 1904, 1907, 1908, 1909, and 1919, with a final issue in 1936. The 1936 is the key date and is worth considerably more than other dates in any grade. Earlier dates from the 1870s and 1880s in high grades are also genuinely scarce. All contain 92.5% silver.
A denomination unique to Newfoundland — no other Canadian province issued a 20-cent coin. Struck from 1865 to 1900. The 1880 and 1885 are the key dates. All are 92.5% silver. Even common dates in circulated condition are worth a meaningful premium over silver melt value due to collector demand for this unusual denomination.
Struck from 1865 to 1896. Smaller than the 20-cent piece but equally collectible. Several dates have low mintages that make them scarce in any grade. High-grade examples of common dates are also worth a premium due to the age and difficulty of finding well-preserved pieces.
Struck from 1865 to 1896. The smallest silver denomination in the Newfoundland series. Key dates include the 1880 and 1881. Like other Newfoundland silver, well-preserved examples are scarce and command premiums well above silver melt value.
Copper large cents struck from 1865 to 1936. The 1936 cent is the key date of the copper series. Earlier dates from the 1880s and 1890s in high grades are also sought after. Newfoundland cents are popular with collectors of Victorian and Edwardian Canadian coinage.
Struck only in 1865. A short-lived denomination that makes it inherently collectible. Values depend heavily on condition — worn examples are worth a modest premium, while well-preserved pieces with original surfaces are genuinely scarce and command strong collector interest.
Key Dates and Scarce Issues
The following dates are among the most valuable in the Newfoundland series. If you have any of these, they are worth examining carefully before selling.
| Denomination | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50 cents | 1936 | Key date of the 50-cent series. Significantly more valuable than other dates in any grade. |
| 50 cents | 1885 | Low mintage. Scarce in all grades, especially above VF. |
| 50 cents | 1888 | Low mintage. Underappreciated date — worth examining carefully. |
| 50 cents | 1894 | Scarce in high grades. Strong collector demand. |
| 20 cents | 1880 | Key date of the 20-cent series. Rare in high grades. |
| 20 cents | 1885 | Low mintage. Scarce across all grades. |
| 10 cents | 1880 | Scarce date. Worth identifying carefully. |
| 5 cents | 1880 | Key date of the 5-cent series. |
| 5 cents | 1881 | Low mintage. Scarce in circulated grades. |
| 1 cent | 1936 | Key date of the cent series. Final year of Newfoundland coinage. |
| 2 cents | 1865 | Only year of issue. Inherently collectible as a one-year type. |
Not sure which date or denomination you have? Upload a photo — Richard will identify it for you.
Why Condition Matters for Newfoundland Coins
Newfoundland coins were struck between 1865 and 1936 — the youngest are now nearly 90 years old. Because they circulated heavily and were not widely saved by the public, well-preserved examples are genuinely scarce across most dates and denominations.
For key dates, the difference between a worn example and a high-grade one can be dramatic. A heavily circulated 1936 50-cent piece might be worth a few hundred dollars; the same coin in near-mint condition could be worth several thousand. For common dates, the premium for high grades is smaller but still meaningful.
One important note: Newfoundland coins that have been cleaned or polished are worth less than original-surface examples, even if they look brighter. If your coins have been cleaned, Richard will note this in the assessment — it does not disqualify them from an offer, but it does affect the value.
Selling an Inherited Newfoundland Coin Collection
Newfoundland coins frequently appear in inherited collections — often mixed in with Canadian coins, British coins, and other pieces accumulated over a lifetime. If you have inherited a collection and are not sure what it contains, upload photos of everything. We will identify any Newfoundland coins present and provide a written purchase estimate for the full collection.
You do not need to separate the Newfoundland coins from the rest of the collection before submitting. A few clear photos of each coin — or each page of an album — are all that is needed to get started. The assessment is free and there is no obligation to sell.
How to Sell Your Newfoundland Coins
Photograph both sides of each coin in natural light using your smartphone. For albums or folders, photograph each page. Submit through the form on this page — up to 20 photos per submission.
Richard reviews your photos and sends a written estimate within 24–48 hours. Each coin is identified, its condition assessed, and a purchase offer provided — itemized so you can see the reasoning behind each value.
If you accept the offer, Richard provides clear Canada Post shipping instructions. Once your coins arrive and are verified, payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer — typically the same day or next business day.
What to Expect
The photo estimate is completely free. There are no estimate fees, no consultation charges, and no obligation to sell.
You receive a written offer that lists each coin individually with its assessed value. Nothing is vague or verbal.
You can take as long as you need to review the offer. If you decline, your coins stay with you — there is nothing to return.
We use Canada Post shipping options for mail-in coin sales. Once you accept an offer, Richard provides clear instructions on how to package and send your coins safely. Tracked shipping is recommended, and signature confirmation or insurance may be suggested depending on the value of the shipment.
Payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer the same day or next business day after your coins arrive and are verified.
Richard buys Newfoundland coins from sellers in every province and territory. The entire process is handled remotely — your location does not matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Newfoundland coins worth selling?
Yes. Newfoundland coins are among the most collected pre-Confederation Canadian coins. Silver denominations contain real silver content, and many dates are genuinely scarce. Even common Newfoundland coins in good condition are worth more than face value. Key dates and high-grade examples can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Which Newfoundland coins are most valuable?
The 1936 Newfoundland 50-cent piece is the key date of the series. Other valuable issues include the 1885, 1888, and 1894 50-cent pieces, the 1880 and 1885 20-cent pieces, and low-mintage dates across all denominations. Newfoundland pennies from the 1880s and 1890s in high grades are also sought after.
Does condition affect the value of Newfoundland coins?
Yes, significantly. Newfoundland coins are old and well-preserved examples are genuinely scarce. A high-grade Newfoundland 50-cent piece can be worth many times the value of a worn example of the same date. Condition is one of the most important factors in the assessment.
Do I need to mail my Newfoundland coins to get an estimate?
No. The estimate is based entirely on photos. You only mail your coins after receiving a written offer and deciding to accept it. Once you accept, Richard emails you a prepaid Canada Post shipping label at no cost to you.
Can I sell a mixed collection of Newfoundland and Canadian coins together?
Yes. You do not need to separate your Newfoundland coins from the rest of a collection. Upload photos of everything and Richard will assess the full collection in a single written offer.
I inherited some old coins and am not sure if any are Newfoundland coins. Can Richard help identify them?
Yes. Upload photos of any coins you are unsure about and Richard will identify them. Newfoundland coins are often mixed in with Canadian and British coins in inherited collections and can be easy to overlook without specialist knowledge.
Get a Free Newfoundland Coin Estimate
Upload photos of your Newfoundland coins and receive a written estimate from Richard within 24–48 hours. Free, no obligation, available across Canada.
Get a Free Newfoundland Coin EstimateNo mailing required upfront · No obligation to sell · Canada-wide
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.
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.
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.
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.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.