1973 Canadian Commemorative Quarter
Overstruck by 1978 Canadian Cent Dies
PCGS MS 63
UNIQUE
$10,000

This is an amazing and unique Canadian quarter double denomination mint error. It is among the rarest type of double denominations since it was deliberately overstruck by dies of a smaller denomination. It is also a "dual date" mint error. PCGS has authenticated and certified this unique mint error as MS 63. It was struck in nickel composition with a weight of 5.05 grams and a diameter of 23.88 mm.

This overstrike shows the full date and complete design including the maple leaf from the reverse cent die, the full 1973 date of the Canadian quarter, and is in choice uncirculated condition. To my knowledge, this 1973 commemorative quarter overstruck by 1978 Canadian cent dies is unique. The eye appeal of this mint error is fantastic.

The Canadian quarter struck from 1968-1978 depicts the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the reverse portrays a caribou. In 1973, a different design was used for the reverse, portraying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and it was a circulating commemorative coin.

This unique mint error was from a collection that included six other Canadian Quarters overstruck by 1978 Cent dies. These quarters (with a diameter of 23.88 mm) obviously did not fit properly in the collar designed for the 1978 Canadian cents. Each of these are extremely dramatic and were obviously kept together as a set for half a century. These were intentionally struck and are prized and collected by many dealers and collectors who specialize in dramatic and rare major mint errors. 1978 1C Struck on 1971 25C PCGS MS 64 This overstrike shows the full date and complete design including the maple leaf from the reverse cent die, the full 1971 date of the Canadian quarter, and is almost in gem condition. The eye appeal of this mint error is fantastic. This double denomination mint error is also a "dual date." 1978 1C Struck Off-Center on 1977 25C PCGS MS 64 This overstrike shows the full date and maple leaf from the reverse cent die, the 77 from the 1977 date of the Canadian quarter, and is almost in gem condition. This double denomination mint error was struck off-center and is also a "dual date." 1978 1C Struck on 1974 25C PCGS MS 63 This overstrike shows the full date and complete design including the maple leaf from the reverse cent die, the full 1974 date of the Canadian quarter, and is in choice uncirculated condition. The strike from both cent dies is perfectly positioned in the center of both the obverse and reverse. This double denomination mint error is also a "dual date." 1978 1C Struck on 1978 25C PCGS MS 64 This overstrike shows the full date and complete design including the maple leaf from the reverse cent die, the full 1978 date of the Canadian quarter, and is almost in gem condition. Both dates are 1978 on this double denomination mint error. 1978 1C Struck on 1968 25C PCGS Genuine Scratched UNC Detail This overstrike shows the full date and complete design including the maple leaf from the reverse cent die and the full 1968 date of the Canadian quarter. Although PCGS designated this as "scratched UNC detail," in my opinion it is more likely that the scratches are actually ejection marks or handling marks from the creation of this intentional major mint error. This double denomination mint error is also a "dual date." 1978 1C Struck Off-Center on 1969 25C PCGS Genuine Scratched AU Detail This overstrike shows the full date of the reverse cent die and the full 1969 date of the Canadian quarter. Although PCGS designated this as "scratched AU detail," in my opinion it is more likely that the scratches are actually ejection marks or handling marks from the creation of this intentional major mint error. This double denomination mint error was struck off-center and is also a "dual date."

This Canadian 1978 cent struck on a 1969 quarter was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2022 for $3,600.00 (Lot 64374). After researching Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers archives, this is the only other example of a Canadian cent overstruck on a Canadian quarter. Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions

The most spectacular Canadian 1978 mint error is featured in my NLG Award winning book, World's Greatest Mint Errors. It is a Canadian 1978 cent overstruck multiple times on a Canadian 1974 Commemorative $10.