Canadian pennies may no longer be in circulation, but they still hold great value for collectors. Some rare Canadian pennies are worth thousands of dollars due to unique features or low mintage numbers. If you have any old Canadian pennies lying around, you could be sitting on a small fortune! Here’s a list of the most valuable Canadian pennies, including their unique traits and estimated worth.
1. 1923 Small Cent
Rarity: The 1923 Small Cent is the rarest of all Canadian pennies.
Value: $1,000 – $25,000
Why It’s Valuable: This penny is incredibly scarce, with only 1,019,022 coins ever minted. Its limited production makes it a prized item for collectors.
2. 1936 Dot Cent
Rarity: One of the most sought-after pennies.
Value: Up to $400,000
Why It’s Valuable: This penny has a small dot next to the date, symbolizing coins struck during King Edward VIII’s abdication. Only a few are known to exist.
3. 1955 No Shoulder Fold (NSF) Penny
Rarity: Rare due to the distinctive “No Shoulder Fold” design.
Value: $1,000 – $3,000
Why It’s Valuable: The NSF penny is harder to find in high grades, which makes it a highly collectible coin.
4. 1925 Canadian Penny
Rarity: Known for its scarcity, especially in uncirculated condition.
Value: $500 – $5,000
Why It’s Valuable: With only 1,000,000 pennies minted, this coin’s rarity makes it valuable.
5. 2006 Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Penny
Rarity: Unique due to composition differences.
Value: $50 – $300
Why It’s Valuable: In 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint issued both magnetic and non-magnetic versions, making it an interesting find for collectors.
6. 1922 Canadian Penny
Rarity: Rare due to its age and low mintage.
Value: $200 – $1,500
Why It’s Valuable: Its age and low mintage make it a valuable collector’s item.
7. 1947 Maple Leaf Penny
Rarity: Features a small maple leaf beside the date.
Value: $100 – $500
Why It’s Valuable: The maple leaf was added to indicate the penny was struck after India gained independence from the British Empire.
8. 1985 Pointed 5 Penny
Rarity: Rare due to design variations.
Value: $20 – $100
Why It’s Valuable: The pointed “5” in the date is different from the regular blunt “5,” making it a unique variant.
Valuable Canadian Pennies
Year & Type | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
---|---|---|
1923 Small Cent | $1,000 – $25,000 | Lowest mintage of all Canadian pennies |
1936 Dot Cent | Up to $400,000 | Extremely rare with dot mark |
1955 No Shoulder Fold | $1,000 – $3,000 | Unique design variant |
1925 Penny | $500 – $5,000 | Scarce due to low mintage |
2006 Magnetic/Non-Magnetic | $50 – $300 | Composition variations |
1922 Penny | $200 – $1,500 | Low mintage |
1947 Maple Leaf | $100 – $500 | Special maple leaf mark |
1985 Pointed 5 | $20 – $100 | Unique date design |
Conclusion
While Canadian pennies might seem like small change, certain rare editions can be worth thousands. Whether it’s an error coin, a unique commemorative, or a high-grade version, it’s always a good idea to check your old pennies for these hidden treasures. You could be holding a valuable piece of Canadian history!
FAQ’s
What is the rarest Canadian penny?
The 1923 Small Cent is the rarest, with only 1,019,022 coins ever minted.
Why is the 1936 Dot Cent valuable?
It features a dot next to the date, marking coins struck during King Edward VIII’s abdication.
How much is a 1955 No Shoulder Fold penny worth?
Depending on its condition, it can sell for $1,000 to $3,000.