Part of the Newfoundland Coins Value Guide — covering all denominations, silver content, and what affects value.
Newfoundland 20 Cent Coins
The Newfoundland 20 cent piece is one of the most unusual coins in North American numismatics. No other Canadian province or territory ever issued a 20-cent denomination — making this a truly unique piece of monetary history.
Why Did Newfoundland Use 20 Cents?
When Newfoundland began issuing its own coinage in 1865, the colony chose a 20-cent piece rather than the 25-cent piece used in Canada. The reason was practical: Newfoundland's currency was tied to the British pound sterling, and 20 cents divided evenly into the Newfoundland dollar in a way that aligned with British monetary conventions of the era.
The 20-cent piece was struck in 92.5% sterling silver and weighed 4.71 grams — slightly lighter than a Canadian quarter. The obverse features the reigning British monarch, while the reverse shows the denomination "TWENTY CENTS" surrounded by a wreath, with "NEWFOUNDLAND" at the top and the date at the bottom.
Production ran from 1865 to 1900, when the 20-cent piece was replaced by a 25-cent coin. The switch was made to align Newfoundland's coinage more closely with Canadian and American denominations, as the 20-cent piece caused confusion in commerce.
All Newfoundland 20-cent pieces are collectible. With mintages ranging from 30,000 to 125,000 and a production run of only 35 years, these coins are genuinely scarce compared to most 20th-century Canadian issues.
Newfoundland 20 Cent Value by Date
Values in Canadian dollars. All coins are 92.5% silver, 4.71g.
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | EF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | 100,000 | $35 | $80 | $200 | $450 |
| 1870 | 50,000 | $55 | $130 | $320 | $700 |
| 1872H | 90,000 | $35 | $80 | $200 | $450 |
| 1873 | 45,797 | $60 | $140 | $350 | $800 |
| 1876H | 50,000 | $50 | $120 | $300 | $650 |
| 1880 | 30,000 | $80 | $190 | $480 | $1,100 |
| 1881 | 60,000 | $40 | $95 | $240 | $540 |
| 1882H | 100,000 | $30 | $70 | $175 | $400 |
| 1885 | 40,000 | $80 | $190 | $480 | $1,100 |
| 1888 | 75,000 | $35 | $80 | $200 | $450 |
| 1890 | 100,000 | $30 | $70 | $175 | $400 |
| 1894 | 100,000 | $30 | $70 | $175 | $400 |
| 1896 | 125,000 | $28 | $65 | $165 | $375 |
| 1899 | 125,000 | $28 | $65 | $165 | $375 |
| 1900 | 125,000 | $28 | $65 | $165 | $375 |
Approximate retail values. Uncirculated examples command significant premiums.
Key Dates
Both dates have mintages of only 30,000–40,000 and are the most sought-after in the series. EF examples regularly sell for $1,000+.
The 1870 has a mintage of 50,000 and is noticeably harder to find than the 1865. Values are roughly 50% higher than common dates.
With fewer than 46,000 struck, the 1873 is among the scarcer dates. The odd mintage figure suggests a portion of the order was cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Newfoundland 20 cent piece silver?
Yes. All Newfoundland 20-cent pieces are struck in 92.5% sterling silver and weigh 4.71 grams, giving them a silver content of approximately 0.140 troy ounces.
Why did Newfoundland stop making 20 cent coins?
In 1904, Newfoundland switched to a 25-cent denomination to align with Canadian and American coinage. The 20-cent piece caused confusion in everyday commerce because it was easily confused with a quarter.
Are Newfoundland 20 cent coins hard to find?
Yes, relative to most Canadian coins. With mintages of 30,000 to 125,000 and a production run ending in 1900, these coins are genuinely scarce. Even common dates are worth $28+ in VG condition.
Does SellMyCoins.ca buy Newfoundland 20 cent pieces?
Yes. We actively buy Newfoundland 20-cent coins in all grades. Upload photos for a free estimate.
Have a Newfoundland 20 Cent Coin?
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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.