Canadian pennies, though no longer in circulation, still hold significant value for collectors. While most pennies from Canada are worth just their face value, certain rare editions have soared in worth due to their scarcity, unique features, or historical significance.
If you are a coin collector or simply have a jar of old pennies, there could be hidden treasures in your collection worth thousands of dollars. Below, we’ll explore 11 rare Canadian pennies, highlighting their unique characteristics, estimated values, and why they stand out among the vast array of coins.
1923 Small Cent
The 1923 Small Cent is arguably the rarest Canadian penny, with only 1,019,022 coins minted. Its rarity, combined with its historical context, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
A coin in good condition can fetch between $1,000 and $25,000. The 1923 penny is a must-have for serious numismatists and is one of the most valuable pennies in Canadian history.
1936 Dot Cent
The 1936 Dot Cent is famous for its unique dot located beneath the date. This rare design was created to commemorate King Edward VIII’s abdication and is one of the most valuable Canadian pennies.
At auctions, this coin can fetch up to $400,000, making it a prized possession for any coin collector. Its historical context, combined with its scarcity, elevates its value significantly.
1955 No Shoulder Fold (NSF) Penny
The 1955 No Shoulder Fold (NSF) penny is recognized for its distinctive error in the design of the shoulder fold on the Queen’s portrait. This variation is rare and particularly sought after in higher grades, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. It remains one of the most iconic error coins in Canadian numismatics.
1925 Canadian Penny
Only 1 million 1925 Canadian pennies were minted, making it a rare find today. Depending on its condition, the coin can be worth between $500 and $5,000. The 1925 penny is especially valued in uncirculated condition, as its scarcity and age contribute to its high collectible value.
2006 Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Penny
In 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint issued two types of pennies—magnetic and non-magnetic. This unique variation is due to the different metal compositions used for each type of penny. Collectors are drawn to these coins, with values ranging between $50 and $300, depending on the type and condition of the penny.
1922 Canadian Penny
The 1922 Canadian penny, like many early 1920s pennies, is valued for its rarity and age. With a low mintage and historical significance, it can fetch between $200 and $1,500. The 1922 penny is a coveted piece for collectors seeking to add early 20th-century coins to their collections.
1947 Maple Leaf Penny
The 1947 Maple Leaf penny features a small maple leaf near the date, marking a significant historical moment—the end of British colonial rule in India. This coin is often valued between $100 and $500. The maple leaf was added to indicate that the coin was minted after India’s independence, making it a key historical piece.
1985 Pointed 5 Penny
The 1985 Pointed 5 penny is a rare variant of the standard 1985 penny, featuring a pointed “5” in the date. This small but distinctive design variation makes it a collector’s item. Depending on its condition, the value of this penny ranges from $20 to $100.
1965 Large Beads Penny
The 1965 Canadian penny features two designs for the beads around Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait—small beads and large beads. The large beads version is rarer and more valuable, with a price range of $50 to $200. This penny’s distinction in design makes it a valuable find for collectors.
1967 Centennial Penny (Flying Dove)
Created to commemorate Canada’s 100th anniversary, the 1967 Centennial penny features a flying dove. While its value is generally between $20 and $50, proof versions and coins in excellent condition can fetch higher prices. This penny is an iconic symbol of Canada’s centennial celebrations.
1920 Large Cent
The 1920 Canadian Large Cent marks the final year of the large cent series, making it an important historical piece. Its value can range from $50 to $300, depending on its condition. As the last large cent in Canadian history, this coin is a significant find for any collector of Canadian coins.
| Coin Name | Year | Rarity Level | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 Small Cent | 1923 | Extremely Rare | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 1936 Dot Cent | 1936 | Extremely Rare | Up to $400,000 |
| 1955 NSF Penny | 1955 | Rare | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 1925 Canadian Penny | 1925 | Rare | $500 – $5,000 |
| 2006 Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Penny | 2006 | Rare | $50 – $300 |
| 1922 Canadian Penny | 1922 | Rare | $200 – $1,500 |
| 1947 Maple Leaf Penny | 1947 | Rare | $100 – $500 |
While Canadian pennies are no longer in circulation, some rare editions have skyrocketed in value due to their unique features, minting errors, and historical significance. If you have old pennies lying around, take a closer look—one of these rare coins could be worth a small fortune.
Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a casual numismatist, knowing which pennies to look out for can help you uncover hidden treasures in your collection.
