Valuation of Canadian Centennial Currency
- 1). Determine whether you have Canadian centennial coins by comparing them to images in a standard reference work on Canadian coins (a book or website). The obverse, or front, of all the coins have a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, as all Canadian coins have had since 1952. The reverse, or back, of each coin features distinct designs shared by no other Canadian coins. One-cent coins feature a dove; five-cent coins have a rabbit; 10-cent coins show a mackerel; 25-cent coins feature a wildcat (bobcat); 50-cent coins have a wolf; and one-dollar coins have a Canada goose.
- 2). Assess the condition of the coins by inspecting them visually. Proof and uncirculated examples will be more valuable than circulated specimens. Proof coins are double-struck by the mint and have a mirror-like surface, while uncirculated coins show no signs of wear but are not mirror-like. Circulated coins tend to command lower prices than proof or uncirculated coinage. Sometimes these are worth nothing more than face value, especially if they have been well worn.
- 3). Consult a standard price guide, such as North American Coins & Prices or the Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 (both are published annually). They will give an approximate market value of the coins, but not necessarily what a dealer or other buyer would be willing to pay for a particular Canadian centennial coin. Another approach would be to check commercial websites, such as eBay, to see how much the coins are selling for.
- 4). Determine the silver content of your silver centennial coins. The 1967 25-cent piece, for example, contains an average of 0.12 troy ounces of silver. Multiply the number of 25-cent coins you have by 0.12 troy ounces to arrive at a total number of troy ounces. Then multiply that total by the international spot price of silver, which is widely available online or in newspapers, to determine their value. Centennial dollar coins contain 0.6 troy oz. of silver; 50-cent coins contain 0.2925 troy oz.; and 10-cent coins contain an average of 0.48 troy oz.
- 5). Contact a coin dealer that your trust for a definitive estimate of how much your Canadian centennial coins would fetch if you sold them. An ethical dealer will make an estimate for you and maybe even offer to buy them, though you are under no obligation to sell.
