Canadian Twenty-five Cent
and Twenty Cent Coins

QUEEN VICTORIA
1837 TO 1901

PROVINCE OF CANADA 20 CENT, 1858 only

Young Head

In 1858, before Canadian Confederation, 20 cent pieces were issued under the Province of Canada. Because these coins were the proto-types of the first issue of Canadian 25 cent pieces after Confederation in 1870 they are often included in collections of Canadian decimal coins. The image above shows only the type, and is not a coin currently for sale.

There are a number of minor varieties of this type, although there are two significant ones in how the 5 of 1858 is depicted. On normal ones, the 5 is quite naturally shaped and usually fairly strong on the coin. But on some of them, the 5 deteriorated on the die and had to be re-engraved, and the re-engraving was not well done resulting in bits of extra metal (most notably at the back of the upright of the 5) and the 5 will almost always be weaker and all of the digits in the date slightly thickened. One should expect examples of this re-engraved variety to have that weak 5.

 1858 ................................... VF-30   $215.00

 1858 re-engraved 5 .. weak reverse center F-12      SOLD
 1858 re-engraved 5 ... small obverse dig XF-40      SOLD





CANADA 25 CENT

Mature Head, 1870 to 1901


(image of type only)

In recent years the value of silver has risen dramatically and is now significantly affecting the base price at which we can offer silver quarters. At the time I am writing this silver is about $27.70 per ounce (Canadian funds). From 1870 to 1919 Canada quarters are struck to a standard of 5.81 grams of 92.5% (sterling) silver and so at currently have about $4.80 worth of silver in them. From 1920 to 1966 there were struck to a standard of 5.83 grams of 80% silver so at $27.70 silver contain about $4.15 worth of silver (slightly less for 1967 and 1968 quarters). Considering the time and costs involved in listing, processing payments, and shipping them, the base price at which I can afford to list even the commonest dates of between 1870 and 1919 is $6.50 (generally not a problem for dates before 1908) and between 1920 and 1967 is $5.50. Examples worth less than that we send out to recover the silver. These base prices will change as the price of silver changes and I will make adjustments as I update this page.




 1870 obverse 1 .............. toned, ICCS F-15   $ 80.00
 1870 obverse 1 ......................... VF-30   $160.00
 1870 obverse 1, over dipped (white) ICCS XF-40      SOLD
 1870 obverse 1 ......................... XF-40   $245.00




 1871 H ................................... G-4      SOLD




 1872 H obverse 2 ............... SCRATCHED G-4    $ 6.50
 1872 H obverse 2 ....................... VF-30      SOLD
 1872 H obverse 2 ....................... XF-40      SOLD
 1872 H obverse 2 ................. toned AU-50   $295.00




 1874 H ................................... G-6      SOLD
 1874 H .................................. F-12      SOLD
 1874 H ................................. VF-30    $80.00

The coin below has VF details, but the coin must have been dug up somewhere and is now very rough and corroded. It is in an ANACS holder certified as genuine, and is priced at less than 10% of what a normal VF-20 would sell for (about what a G-4 would sell for).

 1875 H blunt 5 .. ANACS CLEANED CORRODED VF-20      SOLD




 1880 H wide O ........................... aG-3    $77.50
 1880 H wide O ..... heavy rim damage, ICCS G-6      SOLD




 1881 H ..................... toned, ICCS VF-30   $285.00




 1882 H ................................... G-6      SOLD




 1883 H .................................. aG-3      SOLD
 1883 H ....................... scratches VG-10      SOLD
 1883 H .................................. F-15      SOLD
 1883 H ............................ ICCS VF-20   $120.00




 1885 curved ............................. F-12      SOLD

 1885 straight .......... obverse scratches G-6      SOLD




 1886/7 ................................. VF-20      SOLD




 1888 narrow 8's ................ cleaned AU-50   $475.00

 1888 wide 8's ............ reverse scratch G-6      SOLD




1899 quarters come with two varieties: an open 9 and closed 9, which describe the size of the gap between the main body of the 9 and the tail of the 9. The two types are listed and illustrated in the Charlton Catalogue, but at this time ICCS only certifies these for grade, probably because there is no difference in price.




 1889 closed 9 ..................... ICCS VF-20      SOLD




 1890 H .............................. ICCS G-4      SOLD
 1890 H ................................... G-6      SOLD




 1891 .................................... aG-3      SOLD




 1892 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1892 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
 1892 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1892 .................................... F-15    $82.50
 1892 ................................... AU-50      SOLD




 1893 ............. light obverse scratches G-6      SOLD
 1893 ................................... VG-10      SOLD




 1894 ..................................... G-6      SOLD




 1900 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1900 .................................... F-15      SOLD
 1900 ................................... VF-20    $62.50
 1900 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD
 1900 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
 1900 ............................... NGC AU-55      SOLD




 1901 .................................... aG-3      SOLD





EDWARD VII
1902 TO 1910


(image of type only)


 1902 ..................................... G-4    $12.00
 1902 .................................... F-12      SOLD
 1902 ............................... NGC AU-55      SOLD




 1902 H ................................... G-6      SOLD
 1902 H .................................. VG-8      SOLD
 1902 H ................................. VG-10      SOLD
 1902 H ................................. XF-40      SOLD




 1903 ..................................... G-4      SOLD




 1904 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1904 ..................................... G-4      SOLD




 1905 ..................................... G-4    $ 9.00
 1905 ..................................... G-6    $11.50
 1905 .................................... F-15      SOLD




Part way through 1906, the reverse design was slightly modified, resulting in large and small crown varieties, referring to the crown at the top of the reverse. The "small" crown type was made early in the year and is very rare. The "large" crown type was made through most of the year and is common. There are a number of ways to tell them a part, but easiest is by the length of the thin bar between "CANADA" and "1906" which is fairly short (ending at the edge of the 0) on the common large crown, and much longer (ending above the 6) on the rare small crown type.




 1906 large crown ................. cleaned G-6      SOLD
 1906 large crown ......................... G-6      SOLD
 1906 large crown ........................ F-15      SOLD




 1906 small crown ......................... G-6      SOLD




 1907 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1907 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
 1907 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1907 .................................... F-12      SOLD




The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs remained the same, the die axis for was changed from "coinage" to "medal", except for the 1 cent coins which had always been made at medal axis. Coinage die axis means that if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin around the other side comes out upside down. Medal axis means it comes out the same way up.




 1908 .......................... small digs G-4      SOLD
 1908 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1908 .................................... VG-8    $25.00
 1908 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1908 .................................... F-12      SOLD




 1909 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
 1909 .................................... F-12      SOLD
 1909 .................................... F-15      SOLD




 1910 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1910 .................................... F-12    $20.00
 1910 .................................... F-15    $31.50
 1910 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
 1910 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD
 1910 .. obverse scratch in front of chin VF-30    $30.00
 1910 ................................... VF-30    $69.50
 1910 ........................... cleaned AU-50      SOLD
 1910 ................................... AU-50      SOLD





GEORGE V
1911 TO 1936

The 1911 coins, lacking "DEI GRATIA" in the obverse inscription, are known as "GODLESS COINS". They are considered to be a different type than the rest of George V's issues.




 1911 Godless ............................. G-6      SOLD



(image of type only)



In 1912, the "DEI GRATIA" again appeared on the obverse of all Canadian Coins.




 1912 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD
 1912 ................................... AU-55      SOLD




 1913 .................................... F-12      SOLD
 1913 ................................... VF-20      SOLD




 1914 .................................... F-15      SOLD




 1915 ..................................... G-4      SOLD




 1916 .............................. ICCS VF-30      SOLD




 1917 ................................... XF-40      SOLD




 1918 .......................... scratched F-15      SOLD
 1918 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
 1918 ................................... AU-50      SOLD




 1919 .................................... F-15      SOLD
 1919 .............................. ICCS AU-50      SOLD




 1920 ................................ VG-8/G-4      SOLD
 1920 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1920 ................ attractively toned MS-64      SOLD




 1921 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1921 .................................... VG-8      SOLD




From 1922 to 1926 no Canadian 25 cent coins were struck.




 1927 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
 1927 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
 1927 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1927 .................................... F-15      SOLD
 1927 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
 1927 ................................... MS-63  $2150.00




 1928 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1928 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1928 .................................... F-15      SOLD
 1928 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
 1928 ............................. toned XF-45      SOLD




 1929 .............................. ICCS VF-20    $16.50
 1929 ................................... VF-20    $17.00
 1929 ................................... VF-30    $28.00
 1929 .............................. ICCS EF-40      SOLD
 1929 .............................. ICCS AU-55      SOLD




 1930 ................................... VF-30      SOLD




 1931 ................................... VF-30      SOLD




 1932 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1932 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
 1932 ................................... XF-45      SOLD




 1933 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1933 ........................ light marks F-15      SOLD




 1934 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1934 .................................... F-15    $24.50
 1934 ................................... VF-30      SOLD




 1935 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
 1935 .................................... F-15      SOLD
 1935 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
 1935 ......................... hairlined XF-40      SOLD
 1935 ................................... XF-40    $82.50
 1935 ................................... XF-45      SOLD




 1936 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
 1936 ................ minor marks by date F-12    $ 6.50
 1936 .................................... F-12      SOLD
 1936 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD
 1936 ................................... VF-20      SOLD




Some 1936 quarter dies developed a small die break between the ribbons at the bottom of the reverse, and are known as the "bar" variety. This die break is seen on both regular and dot 1936 quarters and shows that it occurs on more than one die in a very similar way. We have noticed that the bar is stronger on some coins than on others, and that the length of the die break can vary as well.



(image of 1936 bar variety)


 1936 BAR ........................... ICCS F-12      SOLD
 1936 BAR ................................ F-15      SOLD
 1936 BAR ........... minor obverse scuff VF-20      SOLD




When Edward VIII accessioned as King in 1936, preparations were made to strike 1937 coins with his image. His abdication late in 1936 eliminated the need for those dies, but created a short notice need for dies with the image of George VI throughout the British Commonwealth. The masters for those designs had to be prepared in England, which took time, so at the beginning of 1937 no dies were yet available, so to fill the need for coins, George V coins dated 1936 but with a small dot below the date to indicate they were really made in 1937, were struck in the 1, 10 and 25 cent denominations. When the new George VI dies were finally ready, all 1936 "dot" coins still in the mint were destroyed, including all of the 1 and 10 cent coins as none had yet been issued. Only the 1936 "dot" quarters had already been released, making them the only 1936 "dot" coins available to the average collector. The few 1936 "dot" 1 and 10 coins coins that now exist are all specimen strikes whose origins are clouded in controversy as it is uncertain when and by whom they were struck. They were unknown prior to the mid 1940's, when a small group of them suddenly appeared and were all sold to a single collector under rather mysterious circumstances, although it is fairly certain they were made at the Royal Canadian Mint and are not simply fakes. Most 1936 "dot" quarters are very weak on the "CA" in CANADA due to excessive wear that occurs from that being the low point on the die they were struck with. A small number were struck with a die that was not low at that point, and so have a strong "CA". It is likely the low "CA" on that die resulted from deterioration of the die during use. In spite of there being no mention of this difference in the price guides, strong "CA" examples are worth a premium. A sub-variety of the 1936 dot exits with both the dot and the bar as described above.




 1936 Dot ............................ aG-3/G-6    $17.50
 1936 Dot ................................. G-6    $27.50






GEORGE VI
1937 to 1952


(image of 1937 to 1947 type only)


 1937 .................................... F-15    $ 7.50
 1937 .............................. ICCS MS-64    $72.50




 1938 ................................... VF-20    $11.50
 1938 ................................... AU-55      SOLD




 1939 .................................... F-15    $ 8.50
 1939 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
 1939 ................................... AU-50      SOLD




 1940 ........ 30 DEGREE DIE ROTATION ... VF-30    $10.00
 1940 ................................... XF-40    $ 8.50
 1940 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.50
 1940 ................................... AU-50    $10.00
 1940 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
 1940 ................................... AU-58    $15.00
 1940 ........................ ICCS cameo MS-62    $35.00




 1941 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
 1941 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
 1941 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
 1941 ................................... AU-58    $17.00




 1942 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
 1942 ................................... XF-40    $ 8.50
 1942 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.50
 1942 ................................... AU-50    $10.00
 1942 ................................... AU-55    $18.50
 1942 ................................... AU-58    $21.50
 1942 ................................... MS-60    $25.00




 1943 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
 1943 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
 1943 ................................... MS-60      SOLD
 1943 .............................. ICCS MS-60    $25.00
 1943 .............................. ICCS MS-63    $82.50




 1944 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
 1944 ................................... XF-45    $12.00
 1944 ................................... AU-50    $14.00
 1944 ................................... AU-55    $20.00




 1946 ................................... MS-62      SOLD
 1946 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
 1946 ........................ dark toned MS-63      SOLD
 1946 .............................. ICCS MS-64    $165.00




 1947 .................................... MS-62    $77.50
 1947 .................................... MS-63      SOLD




The 1947 dot quarter is a mint error caused by a deteriorating die that has developed small pits that result in small raised dots on each coin. This particular variety is popular with many collectors because the largest dot is in exactly the same position as the maple leaf on the 1947 ML quarters (discussed below).




 1947 dot ................................ VG-8      SOLD
 1947 dot ............................... VF-30      SOLD




In 1947, India received its independence, so "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from the King's titles on any British Commonwealth coins dating 1948 or newer. In 1948, while waiting for dies with the corrected titles to be sent from England, Canadian coins dated 1947, with "IND IMP", were struck with a small maple leaf behind the date to indicate they were actually minted in 1948.




 1947 maple leaf ........................ XF-40    $ 9.00
 1947 maple leaf . dark un-even toned NGC MS-64      SOLD




POST 1947 INSCRIPTIONS


(image of 1948 to 1952 type only)


 1948 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
 1948 .............................. ICCS MS-63      SOLD




 1949 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
 1949 ................................... MS-60      SOLD




 1950 ................................... XF-40      SOLD




 1951 high relief ....................... AU-50      SOLD




 1952 low relief ........................ VF-20      SOLD
 1952 low relief ........................ MS-60      SOLD





ELIZABETH II
1953 to present

Young Head Series


(image of 1953 to 1964 type only)



When the first issues of Elizabeth's appeared in 1953, it was quickly noticed her shoulder appeared bare, resulting from the cloth fold on her shoulder being engraved too weakly engraved into a low point on the die (high point on the coin) to strike up fully. These are known as the "NO SHOULDER STRAP" (NSS) variety, although traces of a very weak shoulder fold are visible on most high quality examples. The bare shouldered look was considered inappropriate, so new dies were cut with that fold of cloth showing strongly, creating the "SHOULDER STRAP" or (SS) variety. There were other changes in the design, including to some of the letter forms, for quarters the date was made slightly smaller. All 1953 NSS quarters have large dates, and all 1953 SS quarters have small dates, providing a simply way to tell them apart if the shoulder strap are is too worn to see clearly.




 1953 NSS large date .................... AU-55      SOLD
 1953 NSS large date .................... MS-64      SOLD




 1953 SS (SD) ........................... MS-62      SOLD




 1954 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
 1954 ................................... AU-55      SOLD




 1955 ............ ICCS ULTRA HEAVY CAMEO PL-66   $495.00




 1956 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
 1956 .................. ICCS heavy cameo PL-66   $225.00




 1957 .............................. ICCS MS-64      SOLD




 1958 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 1958 .................. light cameo PROOF-LIKE    $18.00




 1960 ................................... MS-62      SOLD




 1961 ...... light toned heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




 1962 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




 1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




 1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50
 1964 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 1964 .... heavy cameo both sides light mark PL    $12.50
 1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 1964 .................. ULTRA CAMEO PROOF-LIKE    $80.00





Mature Head Series

 1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




 1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50

To celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins in 1967 depicted animals common to Canada, with a lynx on these 25 cent coins. These are common coins and average ones get sent out to scrap the silver, so the examples offer will all be very nice exmaples, either from Proof-like and Specimen sets, or circulation strikes grading MS-63 or higher, often with a cameo portrait and/or lynx. During the first half 1967 these were struck to the 800 fine standard and contain 0.15 ounces of silver. During the last half of the year, they were struck to a 500 fine standard containing 0.094 ounces of silver. For circulation strikes (MS or BU) there is no simply way to tell them a part so silver value examples are bought and sold based on the average of 0.1225 ounces of silver. All of the Proof-like and Specimen quality were struck earlier in the year and so are the 800 fine standard.




 1967 lynx .............................. MS-63    $ 6.00
 1967 lynx ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.00
 1967 lynx .. heavy cameo both sides PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 1967 lynx ........................... SPECIMEN    $ 7.00
 1967 lynx . heavy cameo both sides SPECIMEN-63    $10.00
 1967 lynx .... heavy cameo both sides SPECIMEN    $25.00




1968 saw a return to the standard Caribou reverse design. Early in the year, these were struck in silver at the 500 fine standard, containing 0.0937 ounces of silver per coin but unless very high quality (MS-63 or better) they are just worth the value of the silver they contain. Those struck later in the year are pure nickel and contain no silver. While a practiced eye can see the color difference, for most people the easiest way tell them a part is with a magnet as nickel ones stick to a magnet and silver ones do not. All 1968 quarters in Proof-like sets are nickel.




 1968 silver ....................... ICCS MS-66      SOLD
 1968 silver ................. ICCS CAMEO MS-66   $110.00





NICKEL 25 CENTS




As discussed above, during 1968 the alloy of our quarters was changed from 50% silver to pure nickel and there with no change in size or weight but a magnet can be used to tell them a part for 1968, and all dated after 1968 are nickel. For the majority of dates, nickel 25 coins are very common and not worth the time and trouble to list for sale unless of exceptional quality, usually from proof-like, specimen or proof sets, or for the few rare dates and/or varieties which will discussed below where appropriate. If you don't see a particular date listed here, please do not assume it is rare as it is more likely to be too common (thus low value) for us to list.




 1968 nickel ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1968 nickel ................ heavy cameo PL-64    $ 5.00
 1968 nickel ................ ultra cameo PL-65    $60.00




 1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




 1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




Beginning in 1971, the mint begins striking three different striking qualities of coins, with a fourth added in 1981 : Mint state (abbreviated MS) which are coins struck for issue through the banks and have average lustre and surface qualities. In most cases MS coins have little value unless in the highest range of the MS coins, and those are seldom seen. We don't list most dates in MS because they are not of high enough value to justify the time and trouble to list and/or ship them. Proof-like (abbreviated PL) are standard mint set coins, usually from the pliofilm packaged sets, red double penny sets, and later the blue book set, but in later dates there were a variety of other types of sets they can come from. PL coins coins have a much higher lustre than MS coins, mostly because they are struck from dies in their newest die state. They also have very minimal marks (the average PL is a PL-64) as they did not go through as many of the mint handling processes as MS coins do, but they are not perfect coins and one should not expect them to be absolutely mark free. Specimen (abbreviated SP or SPEC) which were in the black leather double dollar sets from 1971 to 1980, and for later dates in various types sets. Like PL coins they are struck from dies in their freshest die state but differ in being double struck to give them a higher lustre and sharper images, and they do not go through any mint handling processes before going into the sets so are nearly mark free. The rims tend and edges tend to be a little sharper although this is not obvious on a casual inspection. When we list a coin as being a specimen, it is because we personally took it from a specimen set before listing it here. Proof (abbreviated PR) coins are very nice coins found mostly issued in the double dollar black leather boxed proof sets starting in 1981, although some specialty coins did come other ways. The coins are clearly differing from the other striking qualities by being double struck from specially prepared dies so they have mirror fields and frosted images (and ultra cameo effect) and are specially handled so they go into the sets in near perfect condition as possible.




 1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




 1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




During 1973 a special issue of quarters was struck to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Along with the commemorative reverse showing a Mounted Police officer, the obverse with the Queens head was lightly modified from previous years.




 1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




Early in 1973, a small number of the quarters were accidentally struck using a 1972 obverse die with the regular large head with less detail, and the more numerous smaller beads around the border. These are known as the large bust variety, and it is estimated that only about 1 in 10,000 of the 1973 quarters is this variation, about half of which come from mint sets, and are found in both the proof-like and specimen sets.




 1973 large bust ........................ XF-40      SOLD
 1973 large bust ................... ICCS PL-66   $385.00
 1973 large bust ................... ICCS SP-65   $295.00




1974 saw a return to the regular caribou reverse design, and a return to the Queen's portrait that had been used on the pre-1973 issues.




 1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

 1974 5% off-center mint error ..... circulated    $25.00




 1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




 1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25




 1977 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1978 quarters come in two varieties depending on the size of the denticles on the reverse. While there is a clear difference in size between the two types, the easiest way to tell them apart is by the gap between the denticles and the lettering, which is much smaller on the large denticle type. The small denticle type is the rare one, and to the best of my knowledge only occurs on circulation strikes, never in the mint sets.





 1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




 1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




 1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1980 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.00




 1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.00




 1982 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1982 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
 1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75
 1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75
 1987 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75
 1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




 1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75
 1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




 1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
 1990 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




In 1991 only about 459,000 25 cents were struck, almost none of which were put into general circulation. That is less than 1 for every 60 Canadians.




 1991 ................................... MS-60    $12.50
 1991 ................................... MS-62    $15.00
 1991 ................................... MS-63    $19.50
 1991 .............................. ICCS MS-65   $110.00
 1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $17.50
 1991 ................................... PL-67      SOLD
 1991 ................................ SPECIMEN    $17.50
 1991 ................................... PROOF    $17.50




Starting in 1992, all proof quarters were struck from sterling silver rather than the usual nickle alloys. Due to the 1992 provincial quarter program, no circulation strike 1992 caribou quarters were made, but they were included in the regular mint sets, and so are seen in PROOF-LIKE, SPECIMEN and PROOF quality.




 1992 caribou ...................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 1992 caribou ........................... PROOF    $12.50




In 1992, 12 different 25 Cents were struck for circulation, one for each of the 10 provinces and two territories, with designs depicting scenes important to each region. The standard circulation and the proof-like quality coins are made of nickel, but the Proof quality coins are of sterling silver.




 1992 ALBERTA .................... SILVER PROOF    $10.00
 1992 SASKATCHEWAN ............... SILVER PROOF    $10.00
 1992 QUEBEC ..................... SILVER PROOF    $10.00
 1992 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ......... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1992 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ....... SILVER PROOF    $10.00
 1992 NEWFOUNDLAND ............... SILVER PROOF    $10.00
 1992 NORTH WEST TERRITORIES ..... SILVER PROOF    $10.00



 1992 OFFICIAL Proof-like set of 12 quarters             
and a aurate commemorative $1.00 in the                 
original card holder .............. PROOF-LIKE    $18.50

 1992 OFFICIAL PROOF SET OF 12 QUARTERS                  
STRUCK FROM STERLING SILVER AND IN THE                  
ORIGINAL PLUSH CASE .................... PROOF    $99.50




In 1993, the standard caribou design 25 cents were again struck for circulation.




 1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
 1993 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.50




 1994 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
 1994 ................................... PROOF    $ 6.00




 1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
 1995 ................................... PROOF    $ 6.00




Beginning with 1996, all Proof strikes of standard 25 cent coins are of sterling (92.5%) silver at 5.9 grams. Proof-like, specimen and circulation strike coins continue to be pure nickel at 5.05 grams. Because the mint did not create a fully sealed packaging for the proof sets, silver coins in these sets will often have a light golden brown toning, especially around the edges and one should expect these coins to have some of that toning, which can be fairly attractive.




 1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
 1996 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 5.00
 1996 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00




In 1997 and 1998 no quarters were struck for circulation, but were included in the PROOF-LIKE, SPECIMEN and PROOF sets, so are available in those qualities.




 1997 ................................ SPECIMEN      SOLD
 1997 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00




In 1998, the Canadian Mint experimented with placing a "W" mint mark on those cons minted at the Winnipeg mint, but the experiment was abandoned part way through the year, and examples with the "W" mint mark are much more scarce than those without.




 1998 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.50

 1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary, special sets of coins were struck with the sizes, alloys, and general reverse designs of the 1908 coins, but Queen Elizabeth's portrait and the date shown as "1908 - 2008". The early sets were struck with an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved un-popular with collectors, but are now the scarer type. The later sets have a mirror proof finish.




1908-1998 ........................ MATTE-PROOF      SOLD
1908-1998 ....................... MIRROR-PROOF    $17.00




1999 was a rather interesting year for Canadian quarters. As with the 1997 and 1998 quarters, the standard Caribou design was struck, but only for the mint sets.




 1999 caribou ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.25
 1999 caribou ..................... silver PROOF    $12.50




The quarters issued for circulation in 1999 were a set of 12 different commemorative's, which record different aspects of Canadian History. The coins struck to be issued through the banks or for the standard Proof-like sets of the 12, were struck from nickel, while the Proof striking that came in a plush fitted box were struck from sterling silver. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE OFFICIAL PROOF-LIKE SETS, WHILE THE SETS INSIDE THE BOXES AND THE COINS WILL BE IN PERFECT CONDITION, THE OUTER PROTECTIVE BOXES WILL ALMOST ALWAYS BE SLIGHTLY BEAT UP (this is just the way they normally come to us).




 1999 JANUARY ...................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 FEBRUARY...................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 MARCH ........................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 APRIL ........................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 MAY .......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 JUNE ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 JULY ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 AUGUST ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 SEPTEMBER .................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 OCTOBER ...................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 NOVEMBER ..................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 1999 DECEMBER ..................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00



 1999 OFFICIAL Proof-like set of 12 quarters             
and mint medallion in the original card holder          
................................... PROOF-LIKE    $18.50

 1999 OFFICIAL PROOF SET OF 12 QUARTERS                  
STRUCK FROM STERLING SILVER AND IN THE                  
ORIGINAL THICK HARD OVAL CASE .......... PROOF    $99.50




Some interesting variations have just come to light in that they accidentally struck some of the November and October commemorative quarters with an obverse die meant for the standard Caribou quarter, and so these do not have the words "25 CENTS" on them anywhere. These are known as muled die errors.




 1999 November mule error .......... PROOF-LIKE    $95.00




In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The blanks were first nickel plated, then copper plated, with the 1 cent coins struck on the copper plating, but the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent were given a second nickel plating before being struck. A small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicated the coins were on plated blanks. No "P" coins were issued for circulation in 1999, but sets of them were made as test tokens for calibrating vending machines to accept them. The vending machine companies were required to return test tokens after they are done with them, but some of the tokens appeared on the market at very high prices (over $100 each). The mint decided to get in on the action and made about 20,000 sets of 1999 "P" coins to sell directly to collectors at just over $100 per set of 5 coins. The packaging was similar to Proof-like sets, so we call these coins Proof-likes, although there exact status is not certain. The 1999 P 25 cent below has the standard Caribou design and is from one of these sets.




 1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




Starting in 1999, in some years Canada struck a number of different quarters, including both the standard caribou type, and various special commemorative types. Some of the commemorative types have special colored areas in the design (usually just red), but others do not. For all coins listed below, will will indicated any of the colored coins as being colorized. If we make no such indication, you can assume the coin is not colored. PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY OF THE SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE OFFERED BELOW ARE IN STANDARD 2x2 HOLDERS. For those types that came in official packaging, they are no longer in that original packaging unless otherwise stated.




In 2000 the first circulation strike "P" coins were minted, but only on 5 cent coins were coins were officially released for circulation (both plated "P" and solid nickel without the "P" 5 cent pieces were minted in 2000). A few 2000 dated "P" 10, 25 and 50 cent coins were struck, and while they were never officially released for circulation, some have turned up having been accidentally released. 2001 saw the official issues of other denominations begin to appear.

2000 was another interesting year year for Canadian quarters. Again the standard Caribou design was struck but only for the mint sets, and they exist with (Winnipeg mint) and without (Ottawa mint) the W mint mark. All of the silver proofs are without a mint mark.




 2000 caribou ..................... silver PROOF    $12.50




For circulation in 2000, they issued 12 different quarters commemorating aspects of Canadian life, and again, the denomination of "25 CENTS" is under the Queens head, rather than between the Caribou's antler as on the regular quarters. The official mint Proof-like sets are in an oval card holder, with the coins pressed into holes in the card, and includes a small (quarter sized) mint medal. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE OFFICIAL PROOF-LIKE SETS, WHILE THE SETS INSIDE THE BOXES AND THE COINS WILL BE IN PERFECT CONDITION, THE OUTER PROTECTIVE BOXES WILL ALMOST ALWAYS BE SLIGHTLY BEAT UP (this is just the way they normally come to us).




 2000 ACHIEVEMENT .................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 INGENUITY .................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 CREATIVITY ................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 PRIDE ........................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 HEALTH ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 NATURAL LEGACY ............... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 HARMONY ...................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 CELEBRATION .................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 FAMILY ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 WISDOM ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 FREEDOM ...................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2000 COMMUNITY .................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00



 2000 OFFICIAL Proof-like set of 12 quarters             
and mint medallion in the original card holder          
................................... PROOF-LIKE    $18.50

 2000 OFFICIAL PROOF SET OF 12 QUARTERS                  
STRUCK FROM STERLING SILVER AND IN THE                  
ORIGINAL THICK HARD OVAL CASE .......... PROOF      SOLD

 2000 NATURAL LEGACY QUARTER struck on a                 
4.67 gram blank with only partly formed                 
rim and reeding, consistent with the blank              
being intended for a 5 cent ....... CCCS MS-64   $225.00





A mule error occurs in a few of the 2000 millenium quarters sets where the Obverse Queen's head die was used with the map medallion reverse that occurs at the top center of the set. These are much rarer than the 1999 Sept. and Nov. Mule quarters.




 2000 Map mule error ............... PROOF-LIKE   $495.00

 2000 PRIDE (Canada day), colourized PROOF-LIKE    $12.50




 2001 P, normal caribou ............ PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.25




 2001 P, Canada day ........... colorized MS-65    $12.50




 2002 P, caribou double dated ...... PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
 2002 P, caribou double dated ........ SPECIMEN    $ 4.00




 2002 P, Canada day ........... colorized MS-65    $19.00




 2003 P, normal caribou ............ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
 2003 P, caribou ..................... SPECIMEN    $ 4.00




 2003 WP, normal caribou ........... PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00




 2003 P Canada day (polar bear) .. colorized PL    $ 9.00




 2004 P, fIRST settlement ................. UNC    $ 1.00
 2004 P, fIRST settlement .......... ICCS MS-65    $22.50




 2005 P, Alberta .......................... UNC    $ 1.00




 2005 P, Saskatchewan ..................... UNC    $ 1.00
 2005 P, Saskatchewan .............. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00




 2005 P, Veterans ......................... UNC    $ 1.00




 2005 P, Christmas ............ colorized PL-65    $15.00
 2005 P, Christmas ............ colorized PL-66    $40.00




 2006 P, Canada day ........... colorized PL-65      SOLD




The 2006 P breast cancer quarters come in three different colorized forms. Those made for circulation have the recessed center with color only on the center ribbon, and are referred to below as "colorized UNC". The second type are the same as the circulation strikes but struck to PL quality. The third are special issue Proof-like examples, which do not have the recessed center, and have color on the three outer ribbons as well as the center ribbon.




 2006 P, Breast cancer .......... colorized UNC    $ 1.00




 2006 P, Christmas ............ colorized PL-66    $12.50




 2006 P, Quebec Carnival ................               
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




 2006 "GIANT QUARTER" (34.5 mm), colorized              
crown ............................... SPECIMEN    $22.50




 2006 P, Montreal Canadians ...................          
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
 2006 P, Montreal Canadians.  This coin is PL            
quality (Numismatic BU) ........... ICCS MS-66     SOLD




 2007 Canada day .............. colorized PL-65     SOLD




 2007 Maple Leaf .............. colorized PL-65     SOLD




 2007 Christmas ............... colorized PL-65     SOLD




 2007 Baby rattle ............. colorized PL-65     SOLD




 2007 Balloons ................ colorized PL-65     SOLD




 2007 Bouquet ................. colorized PL-65    $12.50




 2007 "GIANT QUARTER" (34.5 mm), colorized              
royal coach ......................... SPECIMEN      SOLD




 2007 Calgary Flames ..........................          
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE    $16.00

 2007 Ottawa Senators .........................          
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE    $16.00
 2007 Vancouver Canucks .......................          
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE    $16.00
 2007 Edmonton Oilers .........................          
................... (numismatic MS) PROOF-LIKE    $16.00




 2007 OLYMPIC BIATHLON ............. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

 2007 OLYMPIC HOCKEY ............... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




 2008 logo ........................... SPECIMEN      SOLD




 2008 OLYMPIC FREESTYLE ............ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2008 OLYMPIC BOBSLED .............. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2008 OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATING ....... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
 2008 OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDING ......... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




 2008 SANTA ................... colorized PL-65      SOLD




 2009 logo ........................... SPECIMEN    $12.50




 2010 logo ................................. PL    $ 7.50




 2010 OH CANADA, colored maple leafs ....... PL      SOLD