Finding Canada 1858 20 Cents in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding Canada’s 1858 20 Cents

You don’t always need a dealer to find this treasure. Here’s what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

The Canada 1858 20 Cents is one of those coins that can still be found in the wild, hiding in plain sight among common currency. For the dedicated roll hunter and cherry picker, this silver coin represents both a historical treasure and a potentially valuable find. The excitement of discovering a rare variety or high-grade specimen in a $50 bank roll or estate sale box is what keeps collectors coming back for more.

Historical Significance of the 1858 20 Cents

The 1858 20 Cents holds a special place in Canadian numismatic history as one of the earliest decimal coins issued by the Province of Canada. Before this, Canadian currency was based on the British system of pounds, shillings, and pence. The introduction of this coin marked a transition toward a more modern monetary system.

Minted in .925 fine silver (sterling silver), the coin weighs approximately 4.62 grams and measures 23.5 mm in diameter. The obverse features Queen Victoria’s portrait, while the reverse displays the denomination within a wreath. What makes this coin particularly interesting for collectors is that it was only produced for a single year, making it a one-year type coin.

Identifying Key Markers: What to Look For

When searching through rolls or bulk lots, several key markers can help you identify a potentially valuable specimen:

1. The Re-Engraved 5 Variety

One of the most significant varieties to watch for is the re-engraved 5 variety. As mentioned in the forum discussion, this variety features a distinctive characteristic where the numeral ‘5’ in the date has been re-cut or re-engraved. This was likely done to correct a die defect or weakness in the original engraving. The re-engraved 5 often shows sharper definition and may appear slightly different in style from the other numerals in the date.

2. Die Cracks and Varieties

Die cracks are common on these early Canadian coins due to the primitive minting technology of the time. A notable die crack mentioned in the discussion runs from approximately 5-6 o’clock on the reverse. While die cracks don’t typically affect the grade, they can help identify specific die varieties and may add interest for variety collectors.

3. Condition Assessment

Grading these coins can be challenging, especially from photographs. The forum discussion highlights the difficulty in assessing whether a coin grades MS64 or lower. Key factors to examine include:

• Luster quality and originality
• Surface marks and abrasions
• Strike quality
• Wear patterns consistent with the grade

Where to Find Them: Circulation, Bulk Lots, and Estate Sales

The beauty of hunting for these coins is that they can turn up in unexpected places:

Circulation Rolls

While finding a high-grade 1858 20 Cents in circulation is rare, lower-grade examples occasionally appear in mixed Canadian coin rolls. Always check the dates on any Canadian silver coins you encounter, as they can sometimes be overlooked by casual searchers.

Bulk Lots and Accumulations

Bulk lots purchased at coin shows, online auctions, or from estate sales are excellent hunting grounds. Many collectors and non-collectors alike store old coins without realizing their potential value. Look for lots described as “Canadian silver,” “old coins,” or “coin accumulations.”

Estate Sales and Auctions

Local estate sales often yield surprising finds. Older households may contain coin collections or accumulated change that includes early Canadian pieces. Be prepared to search through boxes of mixed coins and currency.

Authentication and Verification

Once you’ve found a potential candidate, proper authentication becomes crucial:

Visual Inspection

Examine the coin under good lighting with a loupe or magnifying glass. Look for signs of cleaning, tooling, or alteration. The forum discussion mentions concerns about whether a coin appears cleaned, highlighting the importance of this step.

Weight and Dimensions

Verify that the coin matches the expected specifications: approximately 4.62 grams and 23.5 mm in diameter. Significant deviations might indicate a counterfeit or altered piece.

Professional Grading

For potentially valuable specimens, consider submitting to a reputable third-party grading service like ICCS (International Coin Certification Service). As discussed in the forum, grading can be subjective, and professional certification adds both credibility and often value to your find.

Value Guide: What These Coins Are Worth

The value of a Canada 1858 20 Cents varies dramatically based on condition and variety:

Common Date, Circulated Condition

Even well-worn examples typically start around $100-200 due to their silver content and historical significance.

Mid-Grade Specimens (Fine to Very Fine)

These range from $300-800, with the re-engraved 5 variety commanding premiums at each grade level.

High-Grade Examples (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated)

MS60-63 specimens can range from $1,000-3,000, while true Mint State examples become increasingly rare and valuable.

Premium Varieties

The re-engraved 5 variety, as discussed in the forum, can add 25-50% to the value of a given specimen. Rare die varieties or exceptional eye appeal can push prices even higher.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Misidentification

Be aware that later Canadian 20-cent pieces (minted 1870s-1910s) can sometimes be confused with the 1858 issue. Always verify the date carefully.

Altered or Counterfeit Coins

Unfortunately, some counterfeiters target rare dates like 1858. Look for signs of date tampering, incorrect die characteristics, or unusual surface texture.

Overexposure and Photography Issues

As mentioned in the forum, overexposed images can make coins appear processed or cleaned when they’re not. Always examine coins in person when possible, or request multiple photographs from different angles.

Building Your Collection

For those interested in collecting these coins, consider these strategies:

Focus on Condition

Given the scarcity of high-grade examples, building a date set in AU or better condition can be a rewarding challenge.

Variety Specialization

Specialize in collecting different die varieties, including the re-engraved 5 and other known varieties.

Historical Context

Research the historical context of these coins to better appreciate their significance and potentially identify period-appropriate storage methods that might preserve them.

The Reward of the Hunt

The Canada 1858 20 Cents represents one of those numismatic treasures that can still be found with patience, knowledge, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, examining bulk lots at estate sales, or carefully studying auction lots, the thrill of discovering a rare variety or high-grade specimen makes the hunt worthwhile.

Remember the key lessons from our forum discussion: look for the re-engraved 5 variety, examine coins carefully for signs of cleaning or alteration, and don’t be discouraged by the challenges of grading from photographs. Each potential find is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating early Canadian coins.

Happy hunting, and may your next roll or bulk lot contain the gem you’ve been searching for!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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