1947 Maple Leaf Coins
The 1947 Maple Leaf coins are the most famous key dates in Canadian numismatics. Struck as a workaround during a royal portrait transition, they are rare, historically significant, and highly valuable.
Why Do 1947 Maple Leaf Coins Exist?
The story of the 1947 Maple Leaf coins begins with a royal transition. In 1947, India gained independence from Britain, and King George VI dropped the title "Emperor of India" (abbreviated IND:IMP on Canadian coins) from his official titles. This meant the Royal Canadian Mint needed to update the obverse dies on all Canadian coins to reflect the new, shorter title.
The problem: new dies were not ready in time. The Mint had already prepared 1947-dated dies for production, but could not legally strike coins with the old "Emperor of India" title after the change took effect. The solution was ingenious — a tiny maple leaf was added after the date "1947" on the existing dies to indicate that these coins were actually struck in 1948 using 1947-dated dies, while the new portrait was being prepared.
The result is one of the most fascinating and collectible series in Canadian coinage. The 1947 Maple Leaf coins were struck in relatively small quantities across all six denominations, making them scarce in all grades and extremely rare in uncirculated condition.
The 25 cent Maple Leaf is the crown jewel of the series, with a mintage of only 1,524 pieces — making it one of the rarest Canadian coins ever struck for circulation. Even a worn example is worth thousands of dollars.
Mintages and Values by Denomination
All silver denominations (5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1) are 80% silver. Values shown are approximate retail ranges.
| Denomination | Mintage | VG Value | EF Value | MS Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1¢ Maple Leaf | 43,855 | $15–$30 | $80–$150 | $300–$800+ |
| 5¢ Maple Leaf | 9,595 | $100–$200 | $400–$700 | $1,500–$4,000+ |
| 10¢ Maple Leaf | 4,431 | $200–$400 | $800–$1,500 | $3,000–$8,000+ |
| 25¢ Maple Leaf | 1,524 | $500–$1,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| 50¢ Maple Leaf | 38,433 | $30–$60 | $150–$300 | $600–$2,000+ |
| $1 Maple Leaf | 65,595 | $25–$50 | $120–$200 | $400–$1,200+ |
Values are estimates only. Upload photos for a free personal assessment.
How to Identify a 1947 Maple Leaf Coin
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my 1947 coin has a maple leaf?
Look immediately after the "7" in the date. A small, distinct maple leaf should be visible. Use a magnifying glass or loupe — the leaf is small but clear on genuine examples. If there is no leaf, you have a regular 1947 coin.
Is the 1947 Maple Leaf 25 cent coin really worth thousands?
Yes. With a mintage of only 1,524 pieces, the 1947 Maple Leaf quarter is one of the rarest Canadian coins ever struck for circulation. Even heavily worn examples regularly sell for $500–$1,000, and EF examples can exceed $4,000.
Are 1947 Maple Leaf coins silver?
The 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, 50 cent, and dollar denominations are all 80% silver. The 1 cent is bronze (copper, tin, zinc) and has no silver content.
I found a 1947 coin — how do I tell if it's a Maple Leaf?
Upload a clear, close-up photo of the date area to SellMyCoins.ca. We can identify whether your coin has the maple leaf variety and give you a free estimate of its value.
Should I have my 1947 Maple Leaf coin graded before selling?
For coins in VF condition or better, grading by ICCS or PCGS is usually worthwhile. For heavily worn examples, the cost of grading may exceed the benefit. Contact us for guidance specific to your coin.
Think You Have a 1947 Maple Leaf Coin?
Upload a close-up photo of the date area and get a free purchase estimate from SellMyCoins.ca. These are among the most valuable Canadian coins — don't sell without knowing what you have.
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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.