Newfoundland Coins Value Guide
Newfoundland issued its own coins from 1865 until it joined Canada in 1949. These pre-Confederation coins — struck in sterling silver and copper — are collected across Canada and can be worth far more than their face value.
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Why Newfoundland Coins Are Collected
Before Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949, it operated as a separate British dominion with its own currency. The Royal Mint in London struck Newfoundland coins from 1865 onward, producing a complete series of denominations: the 1-cent, 5-cent, 10-cent, 20-cent, 25-cent, and 50-cent pieces. A small number of gold $2 coins were also issued between 1865 and 1888.
Because Newfoundland coins were only issued for roughly 80 years and in relatively small quantities compared to Canadian federal coinage, they are genuinely scarce. The silver denominations — struck in 92.5% sterling silver — carry both a metal value and a collector premium. Many people discover Newfoundland coins in inherited collections, old coin albums, or jars of mixed coins and are surprised to learn what they may be worth.
If you have found Newfoundland coins and want to know their value, the most reliable approach is to have them assessed by someone who actively buys and sells them. Upload photos for a free estimate — no coin knowledge required.
Newfoundland Coin Denominations
A summary of every denomination issued by Newfoundland, the years they were struck, and what to look for.
1-Cent (Large Cent)
1865–1936
Bronze / CopperCommon dates are worth a few dollars in circulated condition. Key dates like the 1936 cent and certain Victorian issues can be worth considerably more in high grades.
5-Cent
1865–1947
Sterling Silver (92.5%)Small silver coins with strong collector interest. Scarce dates include the 1885, 1888, and 1894. Even common dates carry a silver premium.
10-Cent
1865–1947
Sterling Silver (92.5%)Popular with collectors. Key dates include the 1885 and 1888. Condition is critical — a well-preserved example can be worth many times more than a worn one.
20-Cent
1865–1900
Sterling Silver (92.5%)Unique to Newfoundland — no other Canadian province issued a 20-cent coin. Scarcer than the 10-cent and 50-cent pieces. All dates carry collector interest.
25-Cent
1917–1919
Sterling Silver (92.5%)Only issued for three years. Relatively scarce and sought after by collectors of Newfoundland coins. Both dates are worth researching.
50-Cent
1870–1919
Sterling Silver (92.5%)The flagship Newfoundland coin for most collectors. Key dates include the 1888 and 1894. Even common dates in circulated condition can be worth $50–$200 or more.
Newfoundland also issued gold $2 coins from 1865 to 1888. These are rare and valuable — if you have one, upload photos immediately for an assessment.
What Affects the Value of a Newfoundland Coin
Six factors determine what a Newfoundland coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for before getting an estimate.
Date and Mintage
Some years had very low production numbers. A coin from a low-mintage year is scarcer and worth more to collectors than a common date from the same series.
Condition
Coins are graded from heavily worn (Poor) to uncirculated (Mint State). A Newfoundland 50-cent in Fine condition might be worth $50; the same coin in Very Fine or better could be worth $200 or more.
Silver Content
All Newfoundland silver coins contain 92.5% silver — higher than the 80% silver in most Canadian coins. Even a common date has a base value tied to the current silver spot price.
Collector Demand
Newfoundland coins are a distinct collecting area with dedicated buyers. Demand for key dates and high-grade examples remains strong in the Canadian numismatic market.
Professional Grading
Coins certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC typically sell for more because the grade is independently verified. A graded coin gives buyers confidence and often commands a premium.
Denomination
The 50-cent and 20-cent pieces attract the most collector interest. The 20-cent is unique to Newfoundland, making it especially appealing to collectors of provincial coinage.
Do Not Clean Your Newfoundland Coins
Cleaning is the most common mistake people make with inherited coins. Even a gentle rinse or wipe can permanently remove the original surface and cut the value of a coin by 50% or more. Leave everything exactly as you found it and submit photos for a professional assessment first.
Explore Newfoundland Coin Guides
Each guide below covers a specific denomination or topic in more detail.
Sell Newfoundland Coins
How to get a free estimate and sell your Newfoundland coins.
Newfoundland Silver Coins
Which Newfoundland coins contain silver and what they may be worth.
Newfoundland Silver Coin Values
Detailed value tables for every silver denomination — 5¢ to 50¢.
Newfoundland 50-Cent Value
Key dates, value ranges, and what affects the 50-cent piece.
Newfoundland 50 Cent Coins
Complete key-date table for the flagship Newfoundland coin.
Newfoundland 20-Cent Coin Value
The unique 20-cent piece — dates, silver content, and value.
Newfoundland 20 Cent Coins
Full date-by-date value table for the 20-cent series.
Newfoundland Penny Value
Large cent values from 1865 to 1936, including key dates.
Newfoundland Coin Grading
How grading works for Newfoundland coins with real-world examples.
Rare Newfoundland Coin Dates
The rarest dates across all denominations and what they are worth.
Free Coin Estimate
How the free photo estimate process works.
Sell an Inherited Coin Collection
What to do if you inherited a collection that includes Newfoundland coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Newfoundland coins worth anything?
Yes. Many Newfoundland coins contain sterling silver and carry collector value beyond their metal content. The 50-cent piece, 20-cent piece, and 10-cent piece are particularly sought after. Value depends on the date, denomination, condition, and collector demand.
Which Newfoundland coins are silver?
Newfoundland 5-cent, 10-cent, 20-cent, 25-cent, and 50-cent coins are struck in sterling silver (92.5% silver). The 1-cent and 2-cent pieces are copper. Even common silver Newfoundland coins are worth more than face value due to their silver content.
What are the most valuable Newfoundland coins?
The most valuable Newfoundland coins include the 1888 and 1894 50-cent pieces, the 1885 and 1888 10-cent pieces, and the 1936 50-cent coin. Key date cents such as the 1936 and 1947 can also carry significant premiums in high grades.
How do I find out what my Newfoundland coins are worth?
Upload clear photos of both sides of each coin through the free estimate form at SellMyCoins.ca. Richard LeBlanc reviews every submission personally and provides a written estimate within 24–48 hours. There is no cost and no obligation to sell.
Get a Free Newfoundland Coin Estimate
Upload clear photos of your Newfoundland coins for a free written estimate from Richard LeBlanc. No coin knowledge required — just clear photos of both sides.
Get a Free Newfoundland Coin EstimateMost photo submissions reviewed within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell
This guide covers the value of Newfoundland coins, including all denominations from the 1-cent to the 50-cent piece. If you have Newfoundland coins and want to know what they may be worth, 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.