24+ Valuable Canadian Collectibles That Could Be Hiding in Your Attic

Maker: Mattel
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $25-$50*

At a time before the internet, when you couldn’t just pop online to see pictures of anything you wanted, children used View Masters to see far-off places. The device enabled its users to see 3D images through a set of rotating discs containing images.

1960 Canadian View Master @RetroFun/Twitter.com

This particular set contained images from all over Canada. This vintage toy from Mattel remains popular amongst those looking to return to a bygone era. There aren’t many things more Canadian than owning a portable slideshow of the country’s untamed beauty.

Maker: Ty Warner
Original Price: $5-$10*
Worth Today: $30*

Maple, the Beanie Baby, was released in 1996 to commemorate Canada Day. This adorable bear featured a maple leaf on its chest and featured a red ribbon tied around its neck as a scarf. For 3 years, Maple could be purchased at local shops or through mail order, but on July 30th, 1999, the beloved bear retired from the public eye for good. 

Maple Beanie Baby @ebay/Pinterest

Or did he? Although it’s rare to find a Maple in good condition these days, they still exist. Unlike several other collectible Beanie Babies, Maple’s value hasn’t increased significantly. If you do find one, it should be rather affordable.

Maker: Hudson’s Bay Company
Original Price: 4-point blanket was worth four beaver pelts (Early 1900s)
Worth Today: $300-$650+*

The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket has been a popular item among collectors for decades, and its value has continued to appreciate in 2023. Originally created in the late 18th century as a trade item for First Nations communities, the blanket has since become an iconic symbol of Canadian history and culture.

The Hudson's Bay Point Blanket @hbcheritage/Twitter.com

The value of the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket as a collectible item can be attributed to several factors, including its historical significance, quality craftsmanship, and enduring popularity. Many collectors seek out vintage blankets from the early 20th century or earlier, which can command high prices at auction.

Maker: Toronto Sun
Original Price: $2.49/pin*
Worth Today: $70/set*

In 2002, a local Toronto newspaper issued a coupon daily for a month (weekends excluded) that allowed readers a discounted price on a commemorative pin in preparation for the Winter Olympics. Each day there was a new pin, each one representing a different member of that year’s Canadian men’s hockey team. 

2002 Team Canada Toronto Sun Pin Collection / ebay

Canadian hockey fans, young and old, rushed to local convenience stores at the break of dawn, hoping to get their pin before the store’s limited stock ran out. A display booklet to hold the pins was also issued at a slightly higher price of $2.49.

Maker: CN Railway
Original Price: $115*
Worth Today: Up to $115*

The Canadian National Railway (CN) is a national treasure. If any proof is needed, the railway created and sold its own fine china. Its signature china wasn’t just a gimmick. The quality is top-notch, and the design is simple yet satisfying. 

CN Railway China @WorthPoint/Pinterest

From the early 1900s to the 1970s, the CN’s dishes were seen in homes nationwide, but as the railway became a less prominent mode of transportation, the plates’ popularity dwindled as well. CN’s plates, bowls, tea cups and saucers are still in circulation and can be seen in use in the dining cars of any one of the railway trains.

Maker: Eaton’s
Original Price: $9,761*
Worth Today: Up to $15,000*

A true Canadian gem, Eaton’s was one of the most beloved department stores in the country. And their 1/4 Century Club, established in the early 1900s, recognized employees who had worked there for, as the watches title entails, 25 years. 

Eaton’s 25-Year “1/4 Century Club” Rolex @Google/Pinterest

These employees were rewarded with a unique Rolex watch featuring the Eaton’s logo. Today, these watches are rare and considered a treasured items among Canadian collectors. These “1/4 Century Rolex watches are a true reminder of Eaton’s legacy and what the company meant to the history of Canada’s retail industry.

Maker: The Royal Canadian Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $402,500*

In 1937, the Royal Canadian Mint accidentally created a penny with a tiny dot under the date, which coin collectors have fittingly dubbed the “Dot” penny. The error resulted in only a comparatively small amount of these pennies being circulated. 

The “Dot” Penny @BigDCoins/Youtube

It is believed only 5 of these “Dot” pennies still exist today. Making each one incredibly valuable and rare. With the discontinuation of the penny in Canada in 2012, the rare “Dot” penny was joined by the rest of the Canadian 1-cent collection in retirement. Only none of the others’ value comes remotely close to the $400,000 one of the “Dot” pennies could fetch.

Maker: Canadian Tire
Original Price: $0.25*
Worth Today: $1,500*

Do you remember Canadian Tire money? It was those stacks of paper money every parent had a collection of somewhere at home but never used. Canadian Tire used to issue its own currency with incredibly low denominations. We’re talking cents. 

Special Edition Canadian Tire 25-cent Bill @Google/Pinterest

Among those bills was a special edition 25-cent bill printed in 1997 to celebrate the company’s 75th year in business. 25 cents might not sound like much, but it was a pretty big deal. Especially when you’re used to getting 1 or 2-cent bills. As it was a special edition bill, its release was limited, and its worth was destined to be significantly larger than the bill’s face value.

Maker: N/A
Original Price: N/A
Worth Today: $1,000-$2,000*

Drake’s meteoric rise from Degrassi star to world-famous rap icon has made him a household name in Canada and the rest of the world. Needless to say, the Canadian music industry has not been the same since Drake showed up. His unique blend of hip-hop and R&B has earned him numerous awards and fans worldwide. 

Autographed Photo of Drake @ebay/Pinterest

For fans of the rapper, an autographed photo would be a treasured possession. However, anyone else would see it more as a great way to make some money. A signed photo of Drake could buy you a new MacBook if you find the right fan to sell it to.

Maker: N/A
Original Price: N/A
Worth Today: $80,000*

Back in the day, Canadian mines used to display rare ammonite fossils discovered underground. Today, these fossils have become a prized possession for collectors and a source of inspiration for artists. The colourful and intricate patterns found on the fossils are now used to create stunning wall art pieces that add a touch of Canadian history to any space. 

Canadian Mine Wall Art @ebay/Pinterest

These treasured specimens serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places, but to own one will cost more than a Tesla Model Y.

Maker: The Royal Canadian Mint
Original Price: $0.50*
Worth Today: $400,000*

One of the more obscure Canadian coins is the fifty-cent piece. These coins were originally introduced in 1870 but haven’t been minted since 2003. This particular 50-cent coin was issued in 1921, during a time when the half-dollar’s demand had begun to fade. 

The Fifty-Cent @Google/Pinterest

With only 28,000 50-cent pieces issued between 1921 and 1929, each one is a rarity in its own right. The common belief amongst coin collectors is that just 75 of these 1921 50-cent coins still exist because of the coin’s low number count; its value has reached astronomical heights. We’re talking 2023 Ferrari Purosangue territory here.

Maker: MUCH MUSIC
Original Price: $5-$8*
Worth Today: $129.99*

Suppose you grew up in Canada during the 80s. In that case, you probably remember flipping through the pages of the MUCH MUSIC 1985 Rock Handbook. This iconic magazine covered everything from album reviews to exclusive interviews with the hottest rock stars. And it comes with a gift. A keychain!

MUCH MUSIC 1985 Rock Handbook @ebay/Pinterest

It was a staple for any music lover and is still looked back on with fondness by those who never entirely left the 80s behind. Unfortunately, the magazine stopped production in the 90s, making each previous issue a rare gem from our Rockin’ Canadian past.

Maker: Petro Canada
Original Price: Unknown
Worth Today: $999.95*

In the early 1980s, Petro Canada was a prominent player in the Canadian fuel industry, and they created a popular loyalty program called “Petro-Points.” Customers could collect and redeem points for rewards like gift cards and promotional items. One of these collectibles was the Petro Canada pen that came with a Metro pin as well. 

Vintage Petro Canada Pen With Pin @ebay/Pinterest

Both pen and pin featured the company’s recognizable logo — the top half of a maple leaf with “Canada” printed across the bottom. These items are now rare finds, but they still hold sentimental value for many Canadians who remember sneaking into their parent’s door to use their “cool new” Petro-Canada pen.

Maker: Canadian Tire
Original Price: $100*
Worth Today: $3,000*

When most Canadians think of Canadian Tire money, they likely picture the iconic red and white bills featuring the company’s logo and available in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and $1. However, for the company’s 100th anniversary in 2022, a limited number of special edition $100 bills were released, making them a rare and valuable find for collectors.

Rare Canadian Tire $100 Bill @mtlblog/Pinterest

While these bills may not be commonly seen in circulation, they are still accepted as payment at Canadian Tire stores and hold a value of $100. But for collectors, the rarity of the bills can make them at least 10 times more valuable, with some being sold for upwards of $1,000.