10 Rarest & Most Valuable Canadian Pennies Worth a Mint

Canadian pennies, though no longer in circulation, can still hold significant value for collectors. While most people view them as just pocket change, some rare Canadian pennies are worth far more than their face value sometimes even reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. These coins are highly prized due to unique minting errors, limited production years, or historical significance.

If you have any old Canadian pennies, it’s worth taking a closer look, as you might be holding a hidden gem. In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 rarest and most valuable Canadian pennies that are worth a mint, providing insights on what makes them so special and why they are highly sought after in the numismatic world.

Quick Fact

The Royal Canadian Mint ceased the distribution of pennies in 2013 due to rising production costs and changes in consumer demand. The last new penny was minted in 2012, and the Canadian government began withdrawing pennies for melting.

Rare Canadian Pennies That Could Be Worth a Lot

Before spending your older Canadian coins as regular currency (whether you’re in Canada or the US), it’s a good idea to inspect them closely. While some pennies, like the 1943 Canadian penny, may not be worth much, others can be quite valuable. Below is a chart of rare Canadian pennies and their potential value in US dollars.

Canadian Penny	Value
1936 Dot Canadian Penny	Up to $402,000
1858 Canadian Large Cent	Up to $21,000+
1887 Victoria Cent	Up to $17,000+
1859 Narrow 9 Canadian Penny	Up to $11,000+
1953 Canadian Penny	Up to $3,200+
1925 Canadian Penny	Up to $2,700
1921 Canadian Penny	Up to $2,700
1922 Canadian Penny	Up to $1,900+
1955 Canadian Penny	Up to $1,900+
1940 Newfoundland Penny	Up to $1,800

1858 Canadian Large Cent

The 1858 Canadian large cent is considered one of the rarest pennies in Canadian history, particularly when found in near mint condition. Produced in London, these early pennies are larger than the modern versions. A well-preserved example of this coin was sold for over $21,000 in 2019, highlighting its significant value among collectors.

1859 Narrow 9 Canadian Penny

Minting errors can greatly increase a coin’s value, and the 1859 “narrow 9” Canadian penny is a prime example. The die used to stamp the coin features a slight doubling of the date, except for the number 9, creating a distinct error. In excellent condition, one of these rare pennies fetched over $11,000 at auction in 2010, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.

1887 Victoria Cent

Although 1.5 million 1887 Canadian cents were minted, finding one in near-mint condition is extremely rare. Older pennies, especially those in excellent shape with sharp details, are often more valuable than newer ones. A pristine example of the 1887 Canadian penny featuring Queen Victoria sold for over $17,000 in 2010, demonstrating its considerable worth to collectors.

1921 Canadian Penny

Despite the Royal Canadian Mint producing 7.6 million pennies in 1921, this coin remains one of the rarest you’ll encounter in your Canadian change. Few have survived, especially in good condition. Depending on the state of preservation, these pennies can range in value from just a few dollars to over a thousand. A particularly well-preserved 1921 penny sold for nearly $2,700 at auction in 2019, showcasing its appeal to collectors.

1922 Canadian Penny

With only about 1.2 million minted, the 1922 Canadian penny is rarer than the 1921 version and much harder to find in excellent condition. While worn coins may only fetch around $15, those with well-preserved details and clear print can be worth significantly more. A particularly fine example of the 1922 penny sold for over $1,900 at auction in 2019, highlighting its value among collectors.

1925 Canadian Penny

With just over 1 million minted, the 1925 Canadian penny is among the rarest in terms of original quantity. Due to its age, finding one in good condition is quite challenging. Even a worn penny can be worth a few dollars, but a near-mint example can command a much higher price. In 2019, a well-preserved 1925 penny sold for nearly $2,700. Coins with crisp details and legible print are especially valuable to collectors.

1936 Dot Canadian Penny

The 1936 Dot Canadian penny is a highly rare coin featuring King George VI. Although the date on the coin reads 1936, it was actually struck in 1937. What makes this penny particularly valuable is the small, distinct dot located just beneath the date. A mint-condition example of this coin fetched around $402,000 at auction in 2010, making it one of the most sought-after pennies among collectors.

1940 Newfoundland Penny

Pennies from Newfoundland, prior to its union with Canada in 1949, can be quite valuable. While the 1940 Canadian penny is not particularly rare, with over 85.7 million minted, the 1940 Newfoundland penny is much harder to find in good condition. Coins with clear, well-preserved details are especially sought after. In 2017, one such penny sold for nearly $1,800, showcasing its rarity and appeal to collectors.

1953 Shoulder Fold Canadian Penny

While the 1953 Canadian penny is generally not considered particularly rare or valuable, certain variations can be worth more. The key difference lies in the details of Queen Elizabeth’s dress on the coin. Pennies featuring a shoulder strap or shoulder fold on her dress are rarer and can sell for around $60, depending on their condition. In 2019, a set of 1953 Canadian coins in proof condition, including the shoulder strap penny, sold for over $3,200, highlighting the premium value of these variations.

1955 No Shoulder Fold Canadian Penny

Although more than 56.4 million 1955 Canadian pennies were minted, the “no shoulder fold” version is quite rare. To identify this variant, use a magnifying glass to check for a shoulder strap or fold on Queen Elizabeth’s gown. If the strap or fold is missing, the penny could be worth $125 or more. One such penny sold for over $1,900 in 2019, making it a valuable find for collectors.

Quick Tip

Several factors can influence a coin’s value, but certain years of Canadian pennies are more likely to be worth something significant. Pay attention to pennies minted before 1925, as well as those from the 1950s. If you have one in great condition, it’s worth taking a closer look to see if it’s valuable.

Store Coins Carefully to Preserve Their Value

Before you hand over your Canadian pennies to the bank for melting, take a moment to reconsider. Since pennies are no longer being minted, even those from more common years could increase in value over time. If your coins are in excellent condition, it’s worth storing them properly to maintain their state. By doing so, you could be preserving a potential treasure for future generations, even if they aren’t considered rare today.

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