1936 Canadian Dot Coins
The 1936 Dot coins are the holy grail of Canadian numismatics. With only a handful of known examples — most in museum collections — these coins represent the pinnacle of Canadian coin rarity.
The Story Behind the 1936 Dot Coins
The year 1936 was one of the most turbulent in British royal history. King George V died in January 1936, and his son became King Edward VIII. But Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson — meaning that within a single year, Canada had three different kings: George V, Edward VIII, and George VI.
The Royal Canadian Mint faced a practical problem: new dies for 1937 coins featuring King George VI's portrait were not ready when the new year began. To bridge the gap, the Mint struck coins in early 1937 using 1936-dated dies — but added a small dot to the reverse to indicate that these were actually 1937-production coins.
The result was a tiny number of coins struck with the "1936 Dot" designation. For the cent, only three examples are confirmed to exist. For the 10-cent piece, approximately five are known. A 25-cent dot coin has been reported but its authenticity remains debated among numismatists.
Most 1936 Dot coins ended up in the collection of the Bank of Canada Museum or other institutional collections. The few that have appeared at auction have set Canadian numismatic records.
Known 1936 Dot Varieties
1936 Dot Cent (1¢)
The rarest of the dot coins. Two are in the Bank of Canada Museum collection. The third sold at a 2010 Heritage auction for $402,500 USD — a Canadian numismatic record at the time.
1936 Dot 10 Cent (10¢)
Slightly more available than the cent but still extraordinarily rare. A circulated example sold for $184,000 USD at Heritage in 2010. Most known examples are in institutional collections.
1936 Dot 25 Cent (25¢)
The existence of a 1936 Dot quarter has been reported but is disputed. If genuine, it would be the rarest Canadian coin ever identified. No confirmed public sale exists.
How to Identify a 1936 Dot Coin
The dot appears on the reverse of the coin, below the date "1936."
On the cent, the dot is below the maple leaves on the reverse.
On the 10-cent piece, the dot is below the fishing schooner.
The dot should be part of the original die — not added afterward. Under magnification, it should show the same surface texture as the surrounding field.
Genuine 1936 Dot coins should be authenticated by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I actually find a 1936 Dot coin?
It is theoretically possible but extraordinarily unlikely. With only 3–5 known examples of each denomination, the odds are vanishingly small. However, unknown examples have surfaced before — the 2010 auction coin was a previously unknown example.
What should I do if I think I have a 1936 Dot coin?
Do not clean it, do not show it to anyone who might alter it, and do not sell it without authentication. Contact a reputable grading service (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) immediately. You can also contact SellMyCoins.ca for guidance.
Are there other 1936 dot coins besides the cent and dime?
A 1936 Dot quarter has been reported but its authenticity is disputed among numismatists. No confirmed 1936 Dot coins exist for other denominations.
What is the most expensive Canadian coin ever sold?
The 1936 Dot cent holds the record for the highest price realized for a Canadian coin at public auction — $402,500 USD at Heritage Auctions in 2010.
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This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.
Rarity
Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.
Condition
Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.
Silver or Gold Content
Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.