Canadian 1, 2 and 5 Dollar Coins

SILVER DOLLARS

All Canadian silver dollar coins struck for circulation between 1935 and 1967 were struck to a standard of 23.33 grams of 80% silver with 20% copper, and are 36 mm diameter and 2.8 mm thick. Each coin contains 0.6 troy ounces actual silver. Most have the standard voyageur design by Emanuel Hahn, 1939, 1949, 1958, 1964 and 1967 have other commemorative designs which will be noted below.

In recent months the value of silver rose dramatically, significantly affecting the base price at which we can offer even the most common of these 800 fine silver dollars. At the time I am writing this silver has dropped somewhat and is now $35.50 per ounce (Canadian funds), so at 0.6 ounces in each coin there is over $21.00 worth of silver each coin. Considering the time and costs involved in listing, processing payments, and shipping, the base price at which I can afford to list even the commonest dates of these 800 fine dollars is now $24.00 plus applicable postage and taxes. This will change as the price of silver changes and I will make adjustments as need be.

GEORGE V
1911 to 1936

Although patterns were struck for a silver dollar in 1911, none were issued for circulation and the two examples known to still exist cannot be considered "Coin of the Realm", but rather are patterns for a proposed design that was never actually issued.


IMAGE OF 1935 TYPE ONLY

The first true circulating Canadian silver dollar was in 1935 with the voyageur reverse design. The obverse design by Percy Metcalfe shows a special commemorative crowned bust of George V with the inscription "GEORGIVS V REX IMPERATOR ANNO REGNI XXV" which can be translated as "GEORGE 5th, KING AND EMPEROR FOR THE 25th YEAR". (Emperor refers to his title as Emperor of India.)

1935 25th year of George V ........ ICCS MS-64   $110.00
1935 25th year of George V ........ ICCS MS-65   $325.00

1936 dollars looks much like the 1935, except it uses the slightly modified bust of George V, and the inscription around the bust now reads "GEORGIVS V DEI GRA REX ET IND IMP" (Latin for "GEORGE V BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA").


IMAGE OF 1936 TYPE ONLY



1936 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1936 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
1936 ................................... AU-58      SOLD
1936 .............................. ICCS MS-62      SOLD
1936 ................................... MS-62      SOLD
1936 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1936 .............................. ICCS MS-65   $775.00




GEORGE VI
1937 to 1952


IMAGE OF 1937 to 1938 and 1945 to 1947 TYPE ONLY

1937 saw George VI come to the throne. The reverse design remains the same but we have the new George VI bust and the inscription is now shortened to "GEORGIVS VI D G REX ET IND IMP" (latin for "GEORGE VI BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA".)






1937 ................................... AU-50    $45.00
1937 ................................... MS-63   $100.00
1937 ................................... MS-64   $245.00

1937 .............................. ICCS MS-64      SOLD




1938 ................................... XF-45    $70.00
1938 ........................... cleaned AU-50    $70.00
1938 ................................... MS-60      SOLD
1938 .............................. ICCS MS-60      SOLD




In 1939, a special silver dollar was issued with an image of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, with an inscription above the buildings that reads "FIDE SVORVM REGNAT", meaning "He reigns by the faith of his people". This coin actually commemorates the Royal Visit to Canada that year by George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother to the current Queen Elizabeth).


IMAGE OF 1939, TYPE ONLY



1939 ............................. cameo MS-63      SOLD




From 1940 to 1944, due to the second world war, no silver dollars were issued by Canada, but in 1945 they were again struck with the normal voyageur design, although from 1945 to 1948 the mintages were small.




1945 .............................. ICCS VF-30      SOLD
1945 .............................. ICCS XF-40      SOLD




1946 was the first date of silver dollar for which both regular and Short Water Line varieties have been noted.




1946 ................................... AU-50    $75.00
1946 .............................. ICCS MS-60      SOLD




The 1947 dollar comes with two different shaped 7's in the date. The Blunt 7 is has a tail that points down and slightly to the left. The Pointed 7 is slightly longer and the tail has a distinct curve at the end that makes it point down and very slightly to the right. 1947 dollars get even more complicated, because on some dies the HP below the King's head was punched in more than once, and specimens are seen with single, double, triple and even quadrupal HP's. Unless we have indicated a multiple HP, the coins should be assumed to be single HP.




1947 blunt ........................ ICCS AU-50      SOLD




1947 point, quadruple HP .......... ICCS AU-55   $360.00
1947 point, single HP .................. MS-60   $395.00
1947 point, double HP ............. ICCS MS-60   $475.00




In 1947 India received its independence and George VI was no long Emperor of Indian. This meant the obverse had to be redesigned without "IND IMP" in the inscriptions on any 1948 or later issues. The redesign had to be done in England and it had to be done for every country in the British Commonwealth, and it was late in 1948 before the new half dollar dies were ready. During 1948, while waiting for new dies the mint needed to strike coins using the old design, so 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, double HP ............. XF-40   $260.00
1947 maple leaf, double HP ............. AU-50   $300.00




Late in 1948 dies for the 1948 dates silver dollars with the new obverse inscription arrived but only about 18,600 coins were struck, resulting in the rarest date Canadian silver dollar issued for circulations (only the 1911 pattern is rare). The new dies not only had the new "GEORGE VI DIE GRATIA REX" inscription, but a re-designed portrait with more deeply engraved hair on the King. While most grading guides show the same grading standard for all George VI silver dollars, this is incorrect because of these deeper hair lines. Dollars from between 1948 and 1952 would have to wear to VF before the hair looks a muted as it does on 1937 to 1947 dollars when still uncirculated.


IMAGE OF 1948 and 1950 to 1952 TYPE ONLY



1948 .............................. ICCS AU-55  $1500.00




In 1949 Newfoundland (up to then a separate country) joined with Canada to become the 10th province. To commemorate this event, silver dollars were issued with an image of the "Matthew", the ship sailed by the explorer John Cabot when he first visited Newfoundland in 1497. These coins tended to be saved so are seldom seen with significant wear on them. They were also handled more carefully for shipping from the mint than other coins in this period, and so have much fewer bag marks than other dollars of this period, and tend to be very nice looking coins in the high grades.


IMAGE OF 1949 TYPE ONLY



1949 ................................... MS-63    $35.00
1949 ................................... MS-64    $45.00
1949 ................................... MS-65      SOLD




In 1950 the regular voyageur reverse design was resumed. During the early and mid-1950's, silver dollar dies were at times re-polished in the mint, and parts of the designs were weakened or removed. This resulted in many variations on the number and length of the water lines in front of the canoe.




1950 regular water lines ............... AU-58      SOLD
1950 regular water lines .. lt tone ICCS MS-63    $62.50




1950 short water line .................. AU-50      SOLD
1950 short water line .................. AU-55      SOLD
1950 short water line .................. MS-62      SOLD
1950 short water line .................. MS-63      SOLD




As explained below for the 1955 Arnprior dollars, some 1950 and 1951 dollars exist with only 2 1/2 water lines, and are also known as Arnprior varieties, but in 1951 you also get a short water line variety which is often confused with the much rarer Arnprior variety. The 1951 short water line dollar cannot have any of the water lines touching the front of the canoe. I have been told that all PL 1951 dollars are of the short water line variety, although ICCS does not always mark it on the holders.




1950 arnprior ..................... PCGS MS-64      SOLD




1951 .............................. ICCS MS-63      SOLD

1951 short water lines ................. XF-40      SOLD
1951 short water lines ................. AU-50      SOLD
1951 short water lines ................. MS-62      SOLD




The 1952 silver dollars exists with both long (regular), short, and no water lines in front of the canoe. The short water line variety is listed in the trend sheet, but not the Charlton catalogue. ICCS will now only certify varieties listed in the Charlton catalogue, and so will not certify the short water line variety as to variety.




1952 .............................. CCCS MS-64    $70.00




1952 short water lines ................. MS-62    $70.00




1952 no water lines .................... MS-62      SOLD
1952 no water lines .................... MS-63      SOLD





ELIZABETH II
1953-present

Young Head Series


IMAGE OF 1953 to 1957 AND 1959 TO 1963 TYPE ONLY



You may note that there are many dates of the 1953 to 1967 dollars which we do not have available. In most cases this is not because they are rare, but because at the current very high silver prices their silver value exceeds their collector value unless they are rare varieties, cameo's, to very high quality, so we do not wrap them up for stock to list them for sale as single coins.





When the first issue of Elizabeth appeared in 1953, it was quickly noticed that her shoulder was bare. This was considered inappropriate, so the design was redrawn to include a fold of cloth over the shoulder, and a slight change in some of the letter forms. 1953 silver dollars occur in two types: SS (or SF) - shoulder strap NSS (or NSF) - no shoulder strap





1953 SS .......................... cameo MS-63      SOLD




1954 .............................. ICCS MS-62      SOLD
1954 .............................. ICCS MS-63      SOLD
1954 .............................. ICCS PL-60      SOLD




1954 short water lines ................. AU-58      SOLD




The term "Arnprior" was first applied to 1955 silver dollars with only one and a half water lines in front of the canoe, instead of the usual three, with no trace of a third waterline visible even at 10 x's magnification. Some references state that there are 2 1/2 water lines on the Arnprior, but they are confusing the bottom of the island with a water line. The first examples noted were among a group 2000 1955 dollars struck to order for a business in Arnprior Ontario, which handed them out as bonuses to their employees. The mint did not have any 1955 dollars available, so to fill that order set up for a special production run using a deteriorated reverse die that they had to re-polish, which is what removed one and a half of the water lines. That re-polished reverse die was used with two different obverse dies, one of which had a small crack between the "T" and "I" of "GRATIA", and was a fresher die with no die cracks. The Arnprior dollars with the die crack are considered to be more desirable and so command a higher price. It is commonly accepted that all 1955 dollars with that obverse die crack are of the 1 1/2 water line Arnprior variety, but this is not correct. There are non-Arnprior dollars with that die break in the occasional Proof-like set, and today (August 29, 2008) I was shown a partial roll of circulation strike 1955 dollars in which I saw two examples with the die break, but which were not of the Arnprior variety (the die breaks were slightly weak, but clearly visible).




1955 .... minor reverse flan flaw, cameo PL-64      SOLD




1955 ARNPRIOR no die break ............. XF-40      SOLD
1955 ARNPRIOR no die break .... polished AU-50      SOLD




1956 ............................. cameo MS-60      SOLD
1956 ................................... MS-62      SOLD




Unlike other dates in this series, 1957 dollars do not occur with a strong cameo effect and those rated as cameo will only be a weak cameo effect. Only recently has ICCS began to certify any 1957 dollars as being cameo.




1957 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1957 ........................ ICCS Cameo PL-64      SOLD
1957 .............................. ICCS PL-65    $70.00




In 1958, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of British Colombia becoming a British Territory, silver dollars were issued with an image of a Totem Pole (beaver totem) similar to those for which the Coastal Indians of British Colombia are well known. We are told that to some tribes, this is the "Death Totem", and many Native North Americans refuse to handle these dollars, due to their religious beliefs. This may be an Urban myth.


IMAGE OF 1958, TYPE ONLY



1958, Totem pole .................. ICCS MS-64      SOLD
1958, Totem pole ....................... PL-65      SOLD




In 1959 the standard Voyageur design resumes.





1960 ........ spotty toning . ICCS cameo MS-64      SOLD




1961 .............................. ICCS MS-64      SOLD




1962 ........................ ICCS cameo MS-64      SOLD




1963 .............................. Proof-like      SOLD




In 1964 silver dollars were issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference where, in 1864, the negotiations were started that led to Canadian Confederation as a distinct country. Some 1964 dollars are missing the "dot" between T and S of the designers initials, and are known as the "NO DOT" variety.


IMAGE OF 1964, TYPE ONLY



1964 .............................. ICCS MS-63    $30.00
1964 .............................. Proof-like      SOLD





ELIZABETH II

Mature Head Series




In 1965, it was decided that the portrait of Elizabeth should be brought up to date, with a more mature look, and with the addition of a tiara on her head.


IMAGE OF 1965 to 1966 TYPE ONLY



1965 type 1 (point, sm bd) .. ICCS cameo MS-62      SOLD
1965 type 1 (point, sm bd) ........ ICCS MS-64      SOLD

1965 type 2 (blunt) ............... Proof-like      SOLD

1965 type 3 (blunt, lg bd) .. ICCS cameo MS-62      SOLD

1965 type 5 (detached jewel) ........... MS-60    $40.00
1965 type 5 (detached jewel) ........... MS-63    $70.00




1966 dollars are found with both large and small beads on the obverse. The large bead variety is very common and most examples are worth only the value of the silver they contain, with very high grade examples with somewhat more. The 1966 small bead dollars are extremely rare to the point that in 25 years in the business no one has every brought one into our store (they are not generally found in standard bank rolls), an we have never owned one. Unless otherwise noted, the examples listed below are the common large bead variety.




1966 .... spotty toning ..... ICCS cameo PL-64    $60.00





IMAGE OF 1967 TYPE ONLY



In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a flying Canada goose on these silver dollar coins. Please note that the examples of this type we offer here are exceptional examples, either Proof-likes, Specimens or high end MS examples, often with a cameo portrait and/or goose. Normal examples, even in MS-60 to 62, or examples from proof-like or specimens sets with any problems, are very common and only worth the value of the silver they contain so we do not list them here. For most coins if listed as cameo it is only the portrait side where the cameo effect is important. On these 1967 coins many people like the cameo effect on the animals, so for these we will note if the cameo is on the portrait, on the Canada Goose, or both (you seldom get it on both, but they do show up sometimes in the specimen sets).





1967 Goose ........................ ICCS MS-64      SOLD
1967 Goose .................. ICCS CAMEO SP-64      SOLD
1967 Goose cameo both,  ICCS HEAVY CAMEO SP-66      SOLD
1967 Goose ............ ICCS HEAVY CAMEO SP-67      SOLD




The 1967 dollar was the last circulating SILVER dollar. From 1968 until 1986 similar dollar coins continued to be struck for circulation, but of nickel with no silver content. A listing of these issues will be found further below.






SILVER COMMEMORATIVE DOLLARS




From 1968 to 1970 only nickel dollars were struck, but in 1971 the mint realized there was collector demand for actual SILVER dollars and began a series of special commemorative actual silver dollars never meant for circulation. They were struck to the same 36 mm diameter as the earlier circulating silver dollars, so are easy to differentiate from the 32 mm nickel dollars. From 1971 to 1991 500 fine silver alloy was used with each dollar containing 0.375 of an ounce of silver. In 1992 the purity was increase to 925 fine (Sterling) with each coin containing 0.75 ounces of silver, but some dates between 2003 and 2007 were pure silver and contained 0.81 ounces of silver. From 1971 to 1980 these dollars were only struck in Specimen quality and were available either in single coin black imitation leather boxes or as part of the double dollar black leather box sets. Starting in 1981 both Brilliantly Uncirculated (BU) and Proof quality (mirror fields with frosted images) were struck, with the BU coins available only as single coins in plastic holders, but the Proofs available either as single coins in the black imitation leather boxes or included in the boxed Proof sets. The silver content is the same in both. The examples we offer below have been removed from their boxes or proof sets and put in plastic capsules. This allows us to package them for shipment at reasonable rates (our standard shipping rates). If you want one in the original boxes we can usually provide them, but it means the packages will be too thick to go letter mail and will have to be sent by parcel post making the postage cost far higher, and to some countries cannot be sent registered mail. We will ship that way if you wish (please let me know when ordering) but postage will be charged at actual costs.





Please note that the following 1971 to 1991 silver dollars contain 0.375 ounces. At the time I am writing this silver is $35.50 per ounce in Canadian funds so each coin contains $13.30 worth of silver. Considering the time and costs involved in listing, processing payments, and shipping, the base price at which I can afford to list even the commonest dates of these 500 fine dollars is now $16.50 plus applicable postage and taxes, with only those worth more listed for sale below. I have left a list of those that exist up, but marked sold, as a reference for people who have these or are looking for information on them. In some cases we do have them available, so contact us if there are ones you want and are willing to pay that base price for. Please note that base price will change as the price of silver changes, and we will periodically update the site to major changes.




1971, B.C. ... very attractive toning SPECIMEN      SOLD
1972, Voyageur .................... ICCS SP-67      SOLD
1973, RCMP .......................... SPECIMEN      SOLD
1974, Winnipeg .......................SPECIMEN      SOLD
1975, Calgary stampede .............. SPECIMEN      SOLD
1976, Library of Parliament ......... SPECIMEN      SOLD
1977, Queen's silver Jubilee ........ SPECIMEN      SOLD
1978, Commonwealth games ............ SPECIMEN      SOLD
1979, Griffon (ship) ................ SPECIMEN      SOLD
1980, Polar bear .................... SPECIMEN      SOLD
1981, Trans-Canada Railway ............. PROOF      SOLD
1982, Regina (Cow skull) ............... PROOF      SOLD
1983, World University games ........... PROOF      SOLD
1984, Toronto Sesquicentennial ......... PROOF      SOLD
1985, National Parks ................... PROOF      SOLD
1986, Vancouver train .................. PROOF      SOLD
1987, John Davis ....................... PROOF      SOLD
1988, Iron workers ..................... PROOF      SOLD
1989, Mackenzie ........................ PROOF      SOLD
1990, Henry Kelsey ..................... PROOF    $19.50
1991, Frontenac ........................ PROOF    $24.00





Most 1992 and newer silver dollars that are 92.5% silver contain 0.75 ounces of silver, except for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 which are pure silver and contain 0.81 ounces of silver. At the time I am writing this silver is $35.50 per ounce in Canadian funds so each 92.5% pure coin contains $26.25 worth of silver, and each pure coin contains $28.75 worth of silver. Considering the time and costs to list them, process payments, and then shipping them, the base price at which I can afford to list even the commonest dates of these is $30.00 for a 92.5% silver ones, and $33.00 for pure silver coins, plus applicable postage and taxes. Some of the more common ones we have marked sold and send them out to recover the silver, but some are marked sold because they are scarce and we do not have them. If there are types that interest you that marked sold, e-mail us and I will let you know if we have any available and at what price. Please note that base price will change as the price of silver changes, and we will periodically update the site to major changes.




1992, Kingston to York stage coach ..... PROOF      SOLD
1993, Stanley Cup Hockey ............... PROOF      SOLD
1994, RCMP dog team .................... PROOF      SOLD
1995, Hudson's Bay Company ............. PROOF      SOLD
1996, John McIntosh Apple .............. PROOF      SOLD
1997, USSR-Canada hockey, 25 years  .... PROOF      SOLD
1997, Flying loon, 10th anniversary .... PROOF      SOLD
1998, RCMP Anniversary ................. PROOF      SOLD
1999, Juan Perez ....................... PROOF      SOLD
2000, Voyage of Discovery .............. PROOF      SOLD
2001, National Ballet of Canada ........ PROOF      SOLD
2001, 90th Anniversay (1911) ........... PROOF      SOLD
2002, 50th Anniv. Elizabeth ............ PROOF      SOLD
2003, Cobalt silver discover ........... PROOF      SOLD
2003, Coronation Anniv. 2003 on reverse, PROOF      SOLD
2004, French Settlement ................ PROOF      SOLD
2004, French Settle, PRIVY MARK ... CCCS MS-65   $125.00
2004, Poppy ............................ PROOF      SOLD
2006, Victoria cross ......... gold trim PROOF      SOLD





NICKEL DOLLARS


Voyageur design used from 1968 to 1987.



The following 1968 to 1987 dollar coins are struck in pure nickel and at 32 mm are smaller than the 36 mm actual silver dollars made during this same period. They will also attract to a magnet while the silver ones will not. During this period may dates are the standard voyageur design, but others were special commemorative's. We will note the special commemorative's in their listings, and if such is not noted you can assume it is the voyageur design. From 1968 to 1980 these come as standard circulation strikes (MS, AU, XF, etc) which were issued in rolls through the banks, Proof-like quality strikes issued in the standard official poly-pack Proof-like sets (selected very nice coins), and Specimen strikes which were double struck to give them sharper images and higher lustre and which were issued in both the double dollar black leather box sets, and special specimens sets which in early years were in red leatherette double penny sets, and later years in the hard blue boxed sets. From 1981 to 1986 they still come as standard circulation strikes to issue through the banks, proof-like strikes in the standard poly-pack PL sets, specimen strikes in the blue boxed sets, but in the double dollar black leather box sets they changed to Proof strikes which have mirror like fields and frosted images. A few special commemorative's were also issued in either proof and/or specimen strike in various types of single coin boxes. 1987 is different because there are no circulated strikes, but rather only Proof-like, specimen and Proof strikes in the sets. As with the cased silver dollars, these nickel dollars from sets or issued with boxes will not be shipped without the boxes as it makes the shipping costs too high (and those from sets have to be removed from the sets). We don't have capsules for most of these so they will be in standard card 2x2's.




In 1968 there are six varieties of the nickel dollar. The first three describe the nature of the tip of the island that sticks out in front of the canoe, and the last two describe variations that occur in the water lines in front of the canoe. Please note that we refer to the upper two water lines as the "horizon lines" and the bottom water lines as "water lines" (some references call them all horizon lines) : 1) REGULAR ISLAND 2) SMALL ISLAND 3) NO ISLAND 4) DOUBLED HORIZON LINES. 5) DOUBLED WATER AND DOUBLE HORIZON LINES. 6) EXTRA WATER LINE (above the regular ones, and found only in PL sets).




1968 regular island ............... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

1968 small island ...................... AU-55      SOLD
1968 small island ...................... MS-63    $10.00
1968 small island ................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.00

1968 no island ......................... MS-60      SOLD
1968 no island .................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.50

1968 double horizon lines .............. AU-50      SOLD

1968 extra water line ............. PROOF-LIKE    $30.00




1969 .............................. ICCS MS-64    $20.00
1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




The 1970 nickel dollar commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Province of Manitoba's entry into Canadian confederation, and shows official Provincial flower of the prairie crocus. The standard Queen's portrait is on the obverse. All examples of this type are made of nickel.


1970 nickel dollar reverse type



1970 Manitoba commemorative ....... ICCS MS-64    $12.50
1970 Manitoba commemorative ....... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




The 1971 nickel dollar commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Province of British Columbia's entry into Canadian confederation, and shows the Provincial crest with the Provinces official flower of the Dog Wood above. The standard Queen's portrait is on the obverse. These nickel examples are only 32 mm, but the same design was also struck in 500 fine silver at 36 mm.


1971 nickel dollar reverse type



1971 British Columbia commem. ..... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1971 British Columbia commem. cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




The 1973 nickel dollar commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Province of Prince Edward Islands entry into Canadian confederation, and shows the provincial legislature building. The standard Queen's portrait is on the obverse, although it uses a slightly modified "small bust" design as one also see's on the 1973 quarters. These were only struck of nickle.


1973 nickel dollar reverse type



1973 PEI commemorative ............ ICCS MS-65    $65.00
1973 PEI commemorative ............ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




The 1974 nickel dollar commemorates the 100th anniversary of the city of Winnipeg, showing a large 100 with a typical view of how the city looked in 1874 in the left O and how it looked in 1974 in the right. The standard Queen's portrait is on the obverse. The same type was also struck in silver, but the silver ones are larger.


1974 nickel dollar reverse type



1974 WINNIPEG COMMEM. ............. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMMEM. . Heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $20.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMMEM. ............... SPECIMEN    $ 3.00

Inside the left 0 there is a Red River cart and on nearly all of these the the oxen's yoke has only a single upright shown (as below on the right) but a small number have two uprights and are known as double yoke varieties. There are a number of variations of how the second yoke upright is positioned, but most that we see have it slightly to the left of the first upright (as below on the left) and are known as the "double yoke #2" variety.


1974 nickel dollar, double yoke details on left, single yoke on right.



1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2 ..... AU-50    $60.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2 ..... AU-58    $65.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2 ..... MS-60    $77.50
1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2 ..... MS-62   $110.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2 ..... MS-63   $125.00
1974 WINNIPEG COMM. double yoke #2  ICCS MS-64   $160.00

There are many other minor varieties in the 1974 Winnipeg nickel dollars, and you will find a fairly detailed discussion of them with better images than I can provide, on Ken Potters website.




From 1975 to 1981 only voyageur design nickel dollars were struck although there were minor changes in the design. In 1977 the denticle border around the voyageurs was replaced with a beaded border but it was only used the one years as the denticle border resumes in 1978. But also starting in 1977 but continuing on until this series ends in 1987, the northern lights behind the voyageurs which had previously been shown via recessed lines is now shown via raised lines.




1975 .............................. ICCS MS-64    $16.50
1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00




1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1976 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.00




In 1977 there are three nickel dollar varieties in the length of the water lines in front of the canoe, and if the first jewel at the front of the Queen's crown is attached or detached : Type #1 - attached jewel with short water lines Type #2 - detached jewel with long water lines Type #3 - detached jewel with short water lines




1977 Type 1 SWL attached jewel ......... MS-63      SOLD

1977 Type 2 long water lines ...... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1977 T-2  ICCS numis. BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $30.00




1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1978  ICCS numismatic BU MS-66 (PROOF-LIKE-66)    $12.50




1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1979  ICCS numismatic BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $30.00




1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1980  ICCS numismatic BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $30.00
1980 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.00




1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1981  ICCS numismatic BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $40.00
1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




In 1982 there were two types of nickel dollar made. The first is standard voyageur design and the second a commemorative for Canada's new constitution. 1982 and 1984 are the only years where both voyageur and commemorative dollars were struck in nickel.




1982 voyageur ..................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1982  ICCS numismatic BU MS-66 (PROOF-LIKE-66)    $12.50
1982 Voyageur .......................... PROOF    $ 5.00




The second 1982 nickel dollar design commemorates Canada establishment of a Constitution that year. It shows an image of the fathers of confederations from 1867 taken from a famous painting of them. While we have not illustrated the obverse of one of these, it had a modified design with a small Queen's head, and an inscription that reads "CANADA 1982 DOLLAR" above, and "ELIZABETH II" below. These were only struck of nickel and exists in circulation, specimens and proof strikes.


1982 nickel dollar Constitution reverse type

1982 Constitution ................. ICCS MS-64    $12.50
1982 Constitution ................... SPECIMEN    $ 4.00




1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1983  ICCS numismatic BU MS-66 (PROOF-LIKE-66)    $12.50
1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




In 1984 there were also two types of nickel dollar made. The first the standard voyageur design, and the second type is a commemorative for Jacques Cartier. 1982 and 1984 are the only years where both voyageur and commemorative dollars were struck in nickel




1984 voyageur ..................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1984, ICCS numismatic BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $30.00
1984 voyageur .......................... PROOF    $ 5.00




The second 1984 nickel dollar design commemorates the 450'th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's landing at Gaspe, Quebec. It shows an image of Jacques Cartier standing in front of a cross and two soldiers behind and to the sides. The reverse uses the same obverse as the 1982 Constitution dollar but with the inscriptions "CANADA 1984 DOLLAR" above, and "ELIZABETH II" below. These were only struck of nickel and exist in circulation, Specimens and proof strikes.


1982 nickel dollar Constitution reverse type

1984 Jacques Cartier .............. ICCS MS-64    $16.50
1984 Jacques Cartier ................... PROOF    $ 6.00




1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1985  ICCS numismatic BU MS-66 (PROOF-LIKE-66)    $12.50
1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00
1986  ICCS numismatic BU MS-67 (PROOF-LIKE-67)    $28.50
1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 5.00




In 1987 no nickel dollars were issued for circulation, as the aureated-bronze plated nickel "LOONS" were introduced that year, but for some reason standard nickel dollars were struck for inclusion in the Proof-like, Specimen and Proof sets.




1987 voyageur ..................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1987 voyageur .......................... PROOF    $ 6.00






BRASS "LOON" DOLLARS




In 1987 a new type of $1.00 circulating coin was issue to replace both the older nickel dollars and the paper $1.00 bills. The coins are sometimes refereed to as "brass" dollars but are actually bronze plated over pure nickel cores with a total of 91.5% nickel and 8.5% bronze. The obverse design was the tiara head design by Arnold Machin, while the new swimming loon reverse design was a joint effort of Robert Carmichael and Terrance Smith. As soon as they appeared people started calling them "loonies" which is a name that has stuck to this day. In some years other commemorative designs were used, which will be discussed below. In 1987 only they were issued 7.0 grams, 26.72 mm diameter and 1.95 grams thick which was only slightly heavier and larger than a quarter making them easily mistaken for a quarter when pulling from one's pocket feel alone, so they were made 11 sided allowing blind people could easily differentiate them. All of these that we offer, including those in Proof or Specimen quality, are in standard 2x2 card holders unless otherwise specified.




1987 ................................... MS-62    $ 2.50
1987 .............................. ICCS MS-66    $42.50
1987 ................................... PROOF    $12.00

In 1988 the size of the loon dollars was reduced to 26.50 mm diameter and 1.75 mm thick, while the weight was retained at 7.0 grams. I have not done the measurements to find out how they managed to reduce both the diameter and thickness without reducing the weight, but I assume the designs and rims have to be lower relief and thus the body of the coin is thicker. The alloys remained the same as the 1987's, and all of these specifications remain the same for all "loonie" dollars up to the current year.




1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 8.00




1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 8.00

A new obverse design by Dora De Pedery-Hunt and Ago Aarand was introduced in 1990 and used until 2003, showing Queen Elizabeth wearing a diamond diadem and necklace. The reverse design remained the same as in 1987.




1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1990 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 4.00
1990 ................................... PROOF    $ 8.00




1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1991 ................................... PROOF    $12.00

In 1992 two different dollar designs were issued at the same time for circulation. The first has the standard swimming loon design used in previous years, except that the date below the loon was change from a single date to a double date of 1867 - 1992 to commemorate Canada's 125 anniversary as a country. The second was the first in a series of special commemorative loon dollars, in this case designed by Rita Swanson and Ago Aarand showing three children seated on the ground in front of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. The standard loon was struck in Mint state for circulation as well as in Proof-like, Proof and Specimen quality for collector sets. The Parliament design was struck in Mint state for circulation and Proof quality for sets, but not in Proof-like or Specimen quality.




1992 loon ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
1992 loon .............................. PROOF    $12.00




1992 parliament ........................ MS-63    $ 4.00




1993 ................................... PROOF    $ 6.50

In 1993 only the standard swimming loon design was issued, but again in 1994 two different dollar designs were issued at the same time for circulation. The first has the standard swimming loon design and the second depicting the national War Memorial in Ottawa. The standard loon was struck in Mint state for circulation as well as in Proof-like, Proof and Specimen quality for collector sets. The war memorial design was struck in Mint state for circulation and Proof quality for sets, but not in Proof-like or Specimen quality.




1994 loon ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1994 loon ........................... SPECIMEN      SOLD
1994 loon .............................. PROOF    $ 6.50




1994 war memorial ...................... MS-63    $ 3.50
1994 war memorial ...................... PROOF    $ 8.50

1995 again saw two different designs for circulation, one being the standard swimming loon design and the second commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and Canada's service as peace keepers under the United nations. The design of this second coin shows the Peacekeeping Monument in ottawa that had been unveiled three years earlier. The standard loon was struck in Mint state for circulation as well as in Proof-like, Proof and Specimen quality for collector sets. The peacekeeper design was struck in Mint state for circulation and Proof quality for sets, but not in Proof-like or Specimen quality.

1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.50
1995 ................................... PROOF    $ 6.50




1995 peace keeper ...................... PROOF    $ 8.50

In 1996 only the standard swimming loon type was issued, and was issued in Mint State for circulation as well as in Proof-like, Specimen and Proof quality for collector sets.

1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.50
1996 ................................... PROOF    $10.00




From 1997 to 2001 no loon dollars were struck for circulation so they do not exist in standard Mint State. They were issued in each of those years in Proof-like, Specimen and Proof quality for inclusion in collectors sets, and the only way to get one is if it was taken out of one of those sets. In 1997 they also struck special flying loon design to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the loon dollars, but it was also only issued in the Canada Day sets, and blue boxed specimens sets, both in Specimen quality.




1997 regular loon ................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.50
1997 regular loon ...................... PROOF    $10.00


IMAGE OF 1997 Flying Loon, TYPE ONLY



1997 flying loon .................... SPECIMEN    $36.50




Starting in 1998 the mint felt a need to differentiate the coins struck at Ottawa from those struck at the Winnipeg mint, but placing a small "W" mint mark in front of the Queen's neck on those coins struck at Winnipeg. There is no mint mark on coins struck at Ottawa. On these Loon coins the W mint mark is only seen on some coins in 1998, 2000 and 2003.




1998 ................................... PROOF    $15.00




1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
1999 ................................... PROOF    $17.50




2000 ................................... PROOF      SOLD




2001 ................................... PROOF      SOLD




In 2002, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's 50th anniversary as Queen, nearly all Canadian coins including the $1.00 coins were struck with the date moved to the obverse below the Queen's head, and shown with double date "1952 to 2002". After 2002 they returned the date to it's normal position on the reverse below the loon. A commemorative design for the 15th anniversary of the Loon dollars, was also issued, showing a family of loons swimming with the male doing a "loon dance". This commemorative was only issued in Specimen quality in collector sets.




2002 double dated....................... PROOF    $10.00




2003 a new Queen's portrait design was introduced part way through the year. Coins struck earlier in the year used the same tiara (crowned) head obverse as previous years, issued only without mint mark (Ottawa). Part way through the year a new Queen's portrait by Susanna Blunt and Susan Taylor was adopted showing an un-crowned Queen (without her tiara) what is still in use today. This newer design was issued in 2003 with both without mint mark for Ottawa, and with the "W" mint mark for Winnipeg and was the last time the "W" appeared on the loon dollar, but the "W" coins only occur in Proof-like quality in sets and were not issued for circulation. 2003 is the last year in which no special collector design brass dollars were issued.




2003 W un-crowned ................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.00




2004 regular loon ................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




2004 flying goose ................... SPECIMEN      SOLD




2005 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




2007 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.00




2008 logo, regular loon ........... PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.00




2009 logo, regular loon ................ PROOF      SOLD






TWO DOLLAR COINS

In 1994 and 1995 the Royal Canadian mint was experimenting with different shapes, alloys and weights for the proposed $2.00 coins that were eventually issued in 1996. Test tokens were made of various possibilities, with 17 different types now documented. The only type officially made for sale to the public were the 28 mm, 7.30 grams, 1.7 mm thick with interrupted serrations, bi-metallic tokens of the format that was eventually adopted for the $2.00 coins.




IMAGE OF THE TEST TOKEN BELOW

Type TT-200.6, 9.3 gr, 24.6 mm, reeded .......      SOLD





In 1996 Canada stopped issuing $2.00 bills and replaced them with a bimetallic $2.00 coin, commonly known as a "twoonie". The standard design has a polar bear on it, but a few commemorative's with other designs have been struck and will be noted in the descriptions of those types. In most years the proof strikes are of sterling silver and contain 0.262 ounces of silver, although in 1996 they made proofs in various alloys, including nickel silver and gold. At the time I am writing this silver is $35.50 per ounce, so the silver proof examples contain $9.30 worth of silver so considering the time and costs involved in listing, processing payments, and shipping, the base price at which I can afford to list even the commonest dates of these 500 fine dollars is now $12.50 plus applicable postage and taxes. There are a few years when commemorative designs were struck and which we will describe when listing. Any for which special types are not indicated are of the standard single bear design.




1996 ..................... nickel/bronze PROOF    $10.00




1997 ................................... PL-66    $12.50
1997 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 6.75




From 1998 to 2003 Canadian coins struck at the Winnipeg mint have a small "W" mint mark in front of the Queen's neck. Those without the "W" were struck at the Ottawa mint. If we do not indicate a "W" mint mark, you can assume the coin is an Ottawa mint coin.




$2.00 coins usually have a small raised line around the brass center on both sides of the coin, except for the silver proofs which do not have that line. A few Proof-like 1999 Nunavut $2.00 coins are missing that line on the reverse although it is present on the obverse. The reverse die was probably cut for striking Proof coins, but never polished and frosted as a proof die would be. Coins struck with two dies not intended to be used together are referred to as Mule Errors.




1999 Nunavut ........................... MS-63      SOLD




2000 W single bear ................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00

2000 single bear ................ silver PROOF    $12.50




2001 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00




2003 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.50




2004 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




2005 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




2007 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




2008 logo, Bear type .............. PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




2008 Quebec city commem. .................. BU      SOLD




2010 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD





FIVE DOLLAR GOLD COINS

From 1912 to 1914, Canada struck $5.00 gold coins to the same purity and weight standards as the American $5.00 gold coins of that period.


IMAGE OF 1912 to 1914 TYPE ONLY



1913 ................................... MS-62      SOLD





TEN DOLLAR GOLD COINS

From 1912 to 1914, Canada struck $10.00 gold coins to the same purity and weight standards as the American $10.00 gold coins of that period.


IMAGE OF 1912 to 1914 TYPE ONLY



1912 ............................... NGC MS-62      SOLD





CANADIAN MINT GOLD SOVEREIGNS

In 1908 to 1911, 1913, 1914, and 1916 to 1919, gold sovereigns were struck at the Royal Canadian mint, with a "C" mint mark on the ground line below the horse's hoof.


Canada Gold Sovereign TYPE ONLY



1911 C ................................. MS-63      SOLD