6 denominations on record · Elizabeth II on the obverse
Canadian coins dated 1981
Nothing struck for circulation in 1981 contains any silver. Whatever a 1981 coin is worth, it is not worth it as metal.
Coins struck in 1981, all denominations
1,569,441,000Across 6 of the 6 denominations on record for 1981. Nothing dated 1981 was struck in a silver-bearing alloy, so there is no melt figure for this year. Value here is a question about condition and scarcity, not about metal.
Every denomination dated 1981
| Coin | Composition in 1981 | Weight | Silver | Mintage | Magnet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cent penny | 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc | 2.8 g | none | 1,209,468,500 | not attracted |
| 5 cents nickel | 99.9% nickel | 4.54 g | none | 99,107,900 | attracted |
| 10 cents dime | 99.9% nickel | 2.07 g | none | 123,912,900 | attracted |
| 25 cents quarter | 99.9% nickel | 5.05 g | none | 131,583,900 | attracted |
| 50 cents half dollar | 99% nickel (minimum) | 8.1 g | none | 2,588,900 | attracted |
| 1 dollar | 99.9% nickel | 15.62 g | none | 2,778,900 | attracted |
What was on the coins
1 cent
The maple leaf twig (round coin)
In 1937, as part of an effort to modernize Canada's coins, G.E. Kruger-Gray created the maple leaf twig design. His initials appear on the right.
5 cents
The beaver design was created in 1937 by G.E. Kruger-Gray as part of a coin modernization effort.
25 cents
Emanuel Hahn's caribou design was adopted in 1937 in an effort to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
50 cents
The Canadian Government approved a new Coat of Arms in 1957. In 1959 it appeared on the 50-cent coin, where it remains to this day.
1 dollar
This design by Emanuel Hahn features a voyageur and his Indigenous guide travelling by canoe. The illustration has been modified only slightly over the years. | |
Whose portrait is on it
A Canadian coin dated 1981 carries the effigy of Elizabeth II, used from 1965 to 1989.
This updated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II appeared with the inscription ELIZABETH II D G REGINA, a shortened form of the original.
What 1981 coins sell for
Completed sales rather than a catalogue value, because we do not publish catalogue values.
Completed sales, newest first, so you are looking at what buyers paid rather than what sellers are asking. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it changes nothing on this page.