1881 Canadian Penny Enthusiasts: These Historic Newfoundland $2 Coins Could Make You Wealthy
The arrival of French colonists in the 1660s marked the first appearance of European currency in what would become Canada. Though more than a century would pass before Canada began issuing its currency, today’s monetary system features ten distinct denominations between notes and coins. However, the historical pieces from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador have captured serious collectors’ attention.
The modern Canadian monetary system showcases paper currency in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars, alongside a range of coins that have become part of daily life. From the humble nickel to the distinctive “loonie” and “toonie,” each piece serves its purpose in contemporary commerce. Yet beneath this familiar surface lies a treasure trove of historical coins that command astronomical prices in today’s market.
At the forefront of these valuable pieces stands the 1872 Newfoundland Victoria Gold with its distinctive reeded edge. With fewer than ten examples ever struck, this coin represents the pinnacle of rarity in Canadian numismatics. A prime specimen last traded hands for $27,025 in 2003, with market watchers suggesting its value would be substantially higher in today’s collecting environment.
The 1865 Newfoundland Victoria Gold Specimen is historically significant as the colony’s pioneering two-dollar coin. These London-produced pieces showcase exceptional minting quality, particularly in the matte finish that adorns Queen Victoria’s portrait. Specimens in superior condition have approached values of $23,000 in the marketplace.
Not to be overlooked, the 1881 Newfoundland Victoria Gold demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship that sets it apart from its contemporaries. The detailed execution of Queen Victoria’s portrait, from individual hair strands to the intricate leaves of her laurel wreath, speaks to the exceptional skill of its creators. An excellent example achieved $11,400 when it sold in 2019.
Even more recent additions to Canadian currency can hold surprising value. Consider the two-dollar “toonie,” introduced on February 19, 1996, as a replacement for the paper note. While most circulate at face value, the rare 1996 “beaded” variant, with just four known examples, commanded 5,400 Canadian dollars at auction in September 2021.
Contemporary Canadian coinage includes the five-cent nickel, ten-cent dime, twenty-five-cent quarter, and the now-iconic one- and two-dollar pieces. However, their historical predecessors from Newfoundland’s colonial period continue to excite serious collectors and investors.
For numismatists and collectors, these historical Newfoundland pieces represent more than mere currency – they’re tangible connections to Canada’s colonial heritage under British rule. The combination of superior craftsmanship, extreme scarcity, and historical significance has transformed these pieces from simple monetary instruments into highly coveted treasures.
The value of these historical coins relies heavily on their state of preservation, with pristine examples naturally commanding the highest prices. Those fortunate enough to discover any of these rare specimens, particularly Victorian-era pieces from Newfoundland, have the potential to invest far beyond their original face value.
These remarkable coins stand as enduring testaments to Canada’s rich monetary heritage, especially during its colonial period under British sovereignty. Their exceptional quality, limited availability, and historical importance have secured their position among North America’s most valuable numismatic treasures, continuing to captivate collectors and investors alike.
