Unique Set of Canadian Quarters Overstruck by 1978 Canadian Cent Dies

This is an amazing and unique set of Canadian quarter mint errors. Each of these are Canadian quarters struck by Canadian cent dies and are referred to as double denominations. These are among the rarest type of double denomination since they were deliberately overstruck by dies of a smaller denomination. Six out of the seven have dates that differ from the 1978 Canadian cent dies which makes them "dual date" mint errors as well. PCGS has authenticated and certified these as mint errors.

The Canadian quarter struck from 1968-1978 depicts the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the reverse portrays a caribou. These were struck in nickel composition with a weight of 5.05 grams and a diameter of 23.88 mm. In 1973, a different design was used for the reverse, portraying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was a circulating commemorative coin. To my knowledge, this 1973 commemorative quarter overstruck by 1978 Canadian cent dies is unique.

Two of the seven quarters were overstruck off-center by the cent dies, the other five were struck within in the diameter of the quarter. PCGS noted on the inserts that two of the quarters were scratched and when this occurs, they are not given a numeric grade. In my professional opinion, having dealt in major mint errors for 45 years, it is more likely that the scratches are actually ejection marks or handling marks from the creation of these exotic and intentional major mint errors. 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 1973 25C
PCGS MS 63

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. In 1973, a different design was used for the reverse, portraying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and it was a circulating commemorative coin. This double denomination mint error is also a "dual date." To my knowledge, this 1973 commemorative quarter overstruck by 1978 Canadian cent dies is unique. The eye appeal of this mint error is fantastic.

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."

The Canadian quarter struck from 1968-1978 depicts the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the reverse portrays a caribou. These were struck in nickel composition with a weight of 5.05 grams and a diameter of 23.88 mm. In 1973, a different design was used for the reverse, portraying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was a circulating commemorative coin.

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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.

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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.