1906 Small Crown 25‑Cent Coin: A man sorting through his late grandfather’s belongings stumbled upon what looked like a regular silver quarter. But this seemingly ordinary coin turned out to be anything but. After closer examination and professional appraisal, it was revealed to be the rare 1906 Small Crown 25‑Cent coin—one of Canada’s most elusive and sought-after numismatic treasures.
That single coin, once tucked away and forgotten, recently fetched a record-breaking $146,785 at auction. This story has captivated coin collectors and everyday Canadians alike, proving that hidden fortunes may lie in the most unexpected places.
What Is the 1906 Small Crown 25‑Cent Coin?
The coin in question was minted in 1906, during the reign of King Edward VII. At first glance, it resembles other 25-cent coins from the early 1900s. But a subtle design difference sets it apart—the size of the crown on the reverse side.
In 1906, the Royal Canadian Mint used two different crown designs on the 25-cent piece:
- One with a larger, more detailed crown
- One with a smaller, flatter crown that was used only briefly
Only a small number of the small crown versions made it into circulation before the design was corrected. Today, surviving examples are extremely scarce, especially in well-preserved condition.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
Several key factors explain the massive value of the 1906 Small Crown 25‑Cent coin:
1. Rarity
Experts estimate that only a few dozen authentic examples of the small crown variety exist in high-grade condition today. Most have either been lost or heavily worn through circulation.
2. Design Variation
The difference between the small and large crown may seem minor to the untrained eye, but collectors prize these kinds of minting variations. The small crown variety stands out as a unique subtype for the year 1906.
3. Historical Context
1906 was a transitional period in Canadian minting history. This coin is a tangible link to an era when coin design processes were evolving rapidly and inconsistencies like this were more likely to occur.
4. Condition
The recently sold coin was in excellent condition, graded by experts as near-mint with minimal wear. Coins of this age and rarity rarely survive in such pristine shape.
The Man Who Found It
The man who sold the coin reportedly discovered it in a small wooden box filled with old Canadian currency, tucked away in his grandfather’s attic. While sorting through the contents, the 1906 quarter caught his eye—not for its appearance, but simply because of the date.
He took the coin to a local appraiser out of curiosity, not expecting much. To his shock, the appraiser immediately recognized the distinct small crown design and suggested getting it authenticated and professionally graded.
Once listed at auction, the coin quickly gained attention from serious collectors across Canada and the United States. After multiple bids, the hammer came down at $146,785—a life-changing sum for a man who had never collected coins in his life.
How to Tell If You Have One
Think you might have a rare 1906 small crown quarter? Here’s how to check:
Look for:
- Date: Must be 1906
- Reverse side: Examine the crown atop the “25 CENTS” inscription
- The small crown appears more flattened and compact compared to the later large crown
Next steps:
- Do not clean the coin—cleaning can ruin its value
- Take clear, high-resolution photos and seek a reputable coin dealer or grading service
- Look for certification options like PCGS or NGC for formal authentication
Collector Craze: The 1906 Quarter’s Rising Demand
The sale has ignited a wave of interest in Canadian coin collecting, especially for early 20th-century quarters. Dealers report increased inquiries about 1906 quarters, with people digging through family coin jars and inherited stashes in hopes of striking gold—figuratively or literally.
This event also highlights how the numismatic world continues to evolve, with values shifting based on rarity, grading, and collector demand. Even coins once worth 25 cents can become six-figure legends under the right conditions.