Canadian pennies may no longer be in circulation, but certain rare editions are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a significant amount of money. Whether you’re a numismatist or simply curious about the coins in your change jar, it’s worth knowing which Canadian pennies are valuable. Here’s a list of the 11 most valuable Canadian pennies, along with details on their unique features, values, and what makes them so special.
1. 1923 Small Cent
- Rarity: This penny is the rarest of all Canadian pennies due to its limited mintage.
- Value: Depending on condition, it can be worth between $1,000 to $25,000.
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1923 penny had a low mintage of only 1,019,022 coins, making it incredibly scarce today.
2. 1936 Dot Cent
- Rarity: One of the most sought-after Canadian pennies.
- Value: Can sell for up to $400,000 at auctions.
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few are known to exist, as the dot was used to denote coins struck during King Edward VIII’s abdication.
3. 1955 No Shoulder Fold (NSF) Penny
- Rarity: Rare due to the distinctive “No Shoulder Fold” design.
- Value: Worth between $1,000 to $3,000.
- Why It’s Valuable: The NSF variety is harder to find in high grades, making it highly collectible.
4. 1925 Canadian Penny
- Rarity: Known for its scarcity, especially in uncirculated condition.
- Value: Can fetch between $500 to $5,000.
- Why It’s Valuable: Only 1,000,000 pennies were minted in 1925, leading to its rarity today.
5. 2006 Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Penny
- Rarity: Unique due to composition differences.
- Value: Can range from $50 to $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: Older pennies from the early 1920s are rare.
- Value: Typically worth between $200 to $1,500, depending on condition.
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage and age contribute to its value.
7. 1947 Maple Leaf Penny
- Rarity: Features a small maple leaf beside the date.
- Value: Can range from $100 to $500.
- Why It’s Valuable: This special mark was added to indicate the coin was struck after India gained independence from the British Empire.
8. 1985 Pointed 5 Penny
- Rarity: Rare due to design variations.
- Value: Worth between $20 to $100.
- Why It’s Valuable: The pointed 5 in the date is distinct from the regular blunt 5, making it a unique variant.
9. 1965 Large Beads Penny
- Rarity: Features large beads around the Queen’s portrait.
- Value: Can sell for between $50 to $200.
- Why It’s Valuable: This version is rarer than its small beads counterpart, which was more commonly circulated.
10. 1967 Centennial Penny (Flying Dove)
- Rarity: Celebrated Canada’s centennial with a special design.
- Value: Typically worth $20 to $50, but higher for proof versions.
- Why It’s Valuable: Collectors value it for its unique design featuring a flying dove.
11. 1920 Large Cent
- Rarity: The last year of the large cent series.
- Value: Typically valued at $50 to $300.
- Why It’s Valuable: As the last large cent, it marks the end of an era in Canadian coinage.
Summary of 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 |
| 1965 Large Beads | $50 – $200 | Rare large beads design |
| 1967 Centennial | $20 – $50 | Commemorative design |
| 1920 Large Cent | $50 – $300 | Last of the large cent series |
Conclusion
Canadian pennies might seem like small change, but certain rare editions can be worth a significant amount. Whether it’s a rare error coin, a unique commemorative issue, or a high-grade version of a regular penny, it’s worth examining your old coin collections for these hidden treasures. Keep an eye out for these 11 valuable Canadian pennies—you may just have a valuable coin sitting in your collection!
FAQs
Are Canadian pennies still in circulation?
No, the Canadian penny was officially discontinued in 2013, but they can still be found in old collections.
What makes a Canadian penny valuable?
Rarity, condition, errors, and special designs significantly increase the value of a Canadian penny.
How can I determine if my Canadian penny is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and look for any errors or unique features. High-grade coins are generally more valuable.
Where can I sell my valuable Canadian pennies?
You can sell them at coin auctions, on online platforms like eBay, or to local coin dealers.
Are proof pennies more valuable than regular ones?
Yes, proof coins are typically more valuable due to their limited mintage and superior quality.
