Willow Coin

Canadian Coin Grading -- The Basics

Canadian Coins are graded to determine their value in the collector market. Coins that are uncirculated tend to have little wear and as a result tend to fetch a higher collector price. Most dealers and collectors will examine the monarch side of the coin first, as it is common for all coins no matter the denomination for that particular time period. It is because of this that the wear on the monarch side of the coin tends to be most important when determning the grade.

Grades in Canada range from "1" meaning completely worn, to "70" meaning theoritical perfection. Very few coins in Canada ever obtain a number over 65. As a result any coin given a grade over 60 is considered "Mint State". See below for a listing of grades and a photo of an example. All the example coin photos provided are from a well known Canadian grading service.

In addion to circulated coins, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued many other coins solely produced for the colletor market. These coins were never meant to go into circulation and as a result, depending on their finish are often referred to as "proof like", "specimen", or "proof". These coins are still evaluated on the scale mentioned above but are not termed "Mint State" but rather "proof like", "specimen", or "proof". Determining a value for these types of coins is often directly related to the number produced by the mint.

This is a very well preserved example of Canada's first issued Dominion Banknote. Dated 1870 these highly collectible notes fetch premium prices at auction if in reasonable condition.