Dot - Errors and varieties of canadian coins - Coins and Canada

Dot - Errors and varieties

Dot - 1 cent 1964

A dot is a raised round shape on a coin. It can happen for different reasons:

Intentional

For some pieces, a dot was added directly on the die. Here are some examples:

1936 coins

1 cent 1936 Dot - Canada

Edward's abdication and the constitutional crisis that resulted from his determination to marry Mrs. Simpson negated all the work done on the obverses. As a result, shortages of 1, 10 and 25 cents coins arose early in 1937 before the coins for the new king, George VI, were ready, forcing Canadian authorities to continue producing coins dated 1936 and bearing the portrait of George V. In order to make these coins distinguishable from those actually produced in 1936, a tiny dot was placed on each of the reverse dies; on the 1 cent piece the dot appeared under the date, while on the 10 and 25 cents pieces it was placed under the bow on the wreath.

5 cents 1937

The 1937 5-cent has a period after the date to balance the design.

Unintended

Generally due to a die chip (round-shaped), from die fatigue and repeated variations of stress. Appearing most often in places where the pressure is stronger, for exemples the edge of letters, numbers and parts of the design where the space between the various elements is fairly small.

25 cents 2016 Bubble - Canada

Occasionally, dots can come from gas bubbles (air or other), trapped in the metal. Compressed gases can rise in temperature dramatically.

Some non intentional dot errors become popular over time:

1947 coins

The poor quality dot appearing after the date is irregular in shape from one example to another meaning it is the result of a worn die (round cavity). The hypothesis that this dot was on the die to mark the position of the maple leaf is progressively ruled out.

Other popular examples

  • 10 cents 1956
  • 50 cents 1958
  • 1 cent 1964
  • 25 cents 1999
  • 2 dollars 2002

Dot values

Most intentional and popular unintended dot values can be found in the price guide. Of the unintended ones, only a tiny fraction is popular, thus adding value to a coin. >99% of coins with a dot have no extra value. Here are some examples of coin auctions:

  • $3,150 - 1 dollar 1947 PCGS MS-65
  • $2,390 - 5 cents 1947 PCGS MS-66
  • $1,375 - 50 cents 1958 ICCS MS-65
  • $280 - 1 cent 1964 ICCS MS-64

Related topics

Share this page:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.