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A Canvas for Canadian History: Discover Canada's 25-cent Coin

  • May 26, 2022
  • Learn
  • 4 MINUTE READ

Of all the coins we find in our change, stashed in piggy banks or hidden under couch cushions, not one has shared as many stories as the 25-cent coin.

The quarter, as many Canadians call it today, began noting narratives long before it featured its first commemorative design in 1967 and decades before we struck our first coins in 1908. One of the earliest stories tied to the quarter dates back to 1858, with the 20-cent coin.

From a 20-cent coin to a quarter of a dollar, explore the history and stories behind Canada’s 25-cent coin.

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Pick your piece! Every 25-cent coin has a story.

Of all the coins we find in our change, stashed in piggy banks or hidden under couch cushions, not one has shared as many stories as the 25-cent coin.

The quarter, as many Canadians call it today, began noting narratives long before it featured its first commemorative design in 1967 and decades before we struck our first coins in 1908. One of the earliest stories tied to the quarter dates back to 1858, with the 20-cent coin.

From a 20-cent coin to a quarter of a dollar, explore the history and stories behind Canada’s 25-cent coin.

1858 20-cent coin (Province of Canada)
Note, Dominion of Canada, 25 cents, 1870, Canada. © Bank of Canada Museum, NCC 1964.88.884
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