Making Cents of the Queen's Canadian Coinage

The Complete Guide to Canada Dollar Elizabeth II Coins (1953–2022)

Canada dollar Elizabeth II coins span nearly seven decades of numismatic history, from elegant 80% silver pieces to the beloved modern Loonie. Here is a quick overview of the main types collectors search for:

Queen Elizabeth II first appeared on Canadian coinage in 1953, shortly after her coronation. She remained on every Canadian dollar coin until her passing on September 8, 2022 — a reign of 70 years.

That makes her the longest-reigning monarch in Canadian history, and her coins tell that entire story in silver, nickel, and brass.

Whether you are hunting key-date varieties like the 1966 Small Beads dollar (mintage of just 485), tracking down a proof commemorative, or simply curious about melt values, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The Era of Silver: Canada Dollar Elizabeth II (1953–1967)

For the first fifteen years of her reign, the canada dollar elizabeth ii was a hefty, prestigious coin made of 80% silver. These "big silver dollars" are favorites at Coins Online LLC because they combine bullion value with classic artistry.

The primary design during this era was the "Voyageur," originally created by Emanuel Otto Hahn. It depicts a voyageur and a First Nations guide paddling a birch-bark canoe. If you look closely at the cargo bundles in the canoe, you will see the initials "HB" for the Hudson's Bay Company.

The obverse (the "heads" side) initially featured the youthful portrait of the Queen designed by Mary Gillick. In this version, the Queen is shown laureate—wearing a wreath of laurel leaves rather than a heavy crown.

Technical Specifications of the 1957 Silver Dollar

To give you an idea of what to expect when holding one of these treasures, let’s look at the Technical specifications of the 1957 Silver Dollar.

• Weight: 23.33 grams
• Diameter: 36.06 mm
• Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.600 ounces

Key Varieties of the Canada Dollar Elizabeth II

Not all silver dollars were created equal! In 1965 and 1966, the Royal Canadian Mint used different dies that created tiny variations. For the 1965 issue, collectors look for the "Small Beads" vs. "Large Beads" varieties on the obverse, and the "Blunt 5" vs. "Pointed 5" on the date.

The absolute "Holy Grail" of this era is the 1966 Small Beads silver dollar. While the Large Beads version had a mintage of nearly 10 million, the Small Beads variety had a mintage of only 485 coins. These can fetch thousands of dollars in high grades like MS63.

By 1965, the portrait had changed to the Arnold Machin effigy, showing a slightly more mature Queen wearing a tiara. Even if a coin isn't a rare variety, the high silver content provides a solid "melt value" baseline that keeps these coins in high demand.

Commemorative Silver Issues and the "Death Dollar"

One of the most famous coins we handle is the 1958 British Columbia Centenary dollar. It features a striking totem pole against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

For years, an apocryphal story circulated that this was a "Death Dollar." Rumor had it that First Nations people disliked the coin because the figure at the top of the totem pole was a Raven, which supposedly symbolized death. However, numismatic experts and cultural historians have debunked this. The figure is actually a Bear with her cub—and in Northwest Coast cultures, neither the Bear nor the Raven is a universal symbol of death. Despite the myth being false, the nickname stuck, and it remains a popular conversation piece!

Other notable silver commemoratives include the 1986 Vancouver Centenary Dollar. Unlike the earlier 80% silver coins, this one was a non-circulating collector's piece struck in 50% silver. It features a steam locomotive, symbolizing the arrival of the transcontinental railroad in Vancouver. You can find Market values for Vancouver Centenary Dollar ranging from €15 to €48 depending on whether it is a brilliant uncirculated or proof version.

The Birth of the Loonie: A Modern Canada Dollar Elizabeth II

In 1987, Canada made a massive change. To save money and increase the lifespan of currency, the government replaced the $1 paper bill with a gold-colored coin. This was the birth of the "Loonie."

Designed by Robert Ralph Carmichael, the reverse features a common loon floating on water. While the coin looks like gold, it is actually made of brass-plated steel (originally an "aureate bronze" plating over nickel).

• Weight: 7 grams
• Diameter: 26.4 mm
• Shape: 11-sided (Hendecagonal)
• Edge: Plain

The 11-sided shape was chosen so that visually impaired citizens could easily distinguish it from other coins. It was an instant hit, though it took a few years for Canadians to fully say goodbye to their $1 bills.

Collecting the Modern Canada Dollar Elizabeth II

The Loonie has seen dozens of commemorative designs over the years, celebrating everything from the Olympics to Terry Fox. However, the most poignant modern issue arrived at the end of the Queen's reign.

In 2022, the Royal Canadian Mint released a special $2 "Toonie" (the Loonie's larger, bimetallic cousin) to honor the late Queen. This coin features a black nickel mourning band around the outer ring, surrounding the traditional polar bear design by Brent Townsend. It’s a beautiful, somber tribute that saw a mintage of over 4 million coins.

We also can't forget the paper side of things! In 2015, the Bank of Canada issued a special $20 commemorative polymer note. This marked the moment Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada's history, surpassing Queen Victoria. It features a metallic portrait of the Queen wearing a tiara—the first time she was shown with a crown on a Canadian bank note! This portrait was based on a famous 1951 photograph by Yousuf Karsh.

Rarity and Grading Standards for Collectors

When we evaluate a canada dollar elizabeth ii at Coins Online LLC, we look at several factors. For high-value coins like the 1966 Small Beads or high-grade silver Voyageurs, third-party grading is essential.

• NGC & PCGS: These are the gold standards for grading. A coin graded "MS63" (Mint State 63) will be worth significantly more than one in "AU" (About Uncirculated) condition.
• Proof vs. Uncirculated: Proof coins are struck multiple times on polished blanks specifically for collectors. They have a mirror-like finish. Uncirculated coins are intended for sets but don't have that same deep mirror look.
• Key Dates: Always check your change or inherited collections for 1953 (Small Fold variety), 1955 (Arnprior variety), and the aforementioned 1966 Small Beads.

Recent market data and auction results show that while common circulating Loonies are worth face value, silver proofs and rare varieties continue to climb in price. For example, a 1986 Proof Vancouver dollar recently sold for about $43 USD, while high-grade 1958 "Death Dollars" can reach nearly $200 in PL67 (Proof-Like) condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth II Dollars

Which Canada dollar Elizabeth II coins are made of real silver?

Any Canadian dollar minted between 1953 and 1966 is 80% silver. In 1967, the Mint produced some 80% and some 50% silver dollars (they look identical, so they are usually bought at a 65% average silver price). From 1968 onwards, circulating dollars were made of nickel. However, the Mint continued to produce special "Collector" silver dollars (like the 1986 Vancouver Centenary) which are often 50% or 92.5% (Sterling) silver.

What is the "Death Dollar" and is it actually rare?

The "Death Dollar" is the 1958 British Columbia Centenary commemorative. It isn't particularly rare—over 3 million were minted—but it is highly collectible due to the myth surrounding its totem pole design. You can usually find a nice uncirculated example for under $60 USD.

How much is a 1987 Canada dollar Elizabeth II worth today?

If it’s a standard Loonie you found in your pocket, it’s worth exactly one Canadian dollar. However, if you have a specimen or proof version in its original plastic case from the Mint, it might be worth $5 to $10. The value of the 1987 issue lies more in its historical significance as the first year of the Loonie rather than its metal content or rarity.

Conclusion

The canada dollar elizabeth ii is more than just currency; it is a metallic timeline of a historic 70-year reign. From the heavy silver coins of the 1950s that clinked in the pockets of voyageurs to the high-tech polymer notes and black-ringed toonies of the 2020s, these pieces capture the evolution of a nation.

At Coins Online LLC, we take pride in helping collectors find these pieces of history. Whether you are looking for a silver "Death Dollar" to complete a set or want to invest in the bullion value of 80% silver Voyageurs, we have the expertise and the inventory to help you grow your collection.

With competitive prices, low shipping, and a 14-day return policy, we've been serving the numismatic community since 1999. Start your collection today and own a piece of the Queen's Canadian legacy!