1935 Canadian Silver Dollar
Canada's first-ever dollar coin — struck to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. A landmark piece in Canadian numismatics and a must-have for serious collectors.
History of the 1935 Canadian Dollar
The 1935 Canadian silver dollar holds a unique place in Canadian history: it was the first dollar coin ever struck for Canada. Prior to 1935, Canada had no dollar coin in circulation — the largest denomination was the 50 cent piece. The dollar was introduced to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V, who had reigned for 25 years.
The reverse design, created by Emanuel Hahn, depicts a voyageur paddling a birchbark canoe past a small island with a pine tree — an image that would become iconic and remain on Canadian dollars for decades. The obverse features a special effigy of King George V by Percy Metcalfe, distinct from the standard portrait used on other Canadian coins of the era.
The Royal Canadian Mint struck 428,707 examples in 1935, making it a relatively accessible coin for collectors today — though examples in higher grades (EF and above) are genuinely scarce. The coin is 80% silver and 20% copper, weighing 23.33 grams with a diameter of 36 mm.
A special proof-like version was also struck in 1935 for presentation purposes. These coins have a more reflective surface and are considerably rarer and more valuable than circulation strikes.
1935 Dollar Value by Grade
| Grade | Description | Approx. Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| VG-8 | Very Good — moderate even wear | $40–$60 |
| F-12 | Fine — moderate wear, legends sharp | $55–$80 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine — light to moderate wear | $75–$110 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine — light wear on high points | $120–$180 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated — slight wear, lustre present | $200–$300 |
| MS-60 | Mint State — no wear, may have bag marks | $300–$450 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated — few minor marks | $450–$700 |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated — exceptional surfaces | $1,000–$2,500+ |
| Proof-Like | Special presentation strike, reflective fields | $500–$3,000+ |
Values are estimates. Upload photos for a free personal assessment.
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 1935 Canadian dollar rare?
The 1935 dollar had a mintage of 428,707 — not rare in lower grades, but genuinely scarce in EF-40 and above. Proof-like examples are rare in any grade. It is always worth more than face value.
How much silver is in a 1935 Canadian dollar?
The 1935 dollar is 80% silver and weighs 23.33 grams, giving it approximately 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver.
What is the difference between a regular 1935 dollar and a proof-like?
Proof-like dollars were struck with polished dies and planchets, giving them mirror-like fields and a frosted portrait. They were not made for circulation and are considerably rarer and more valuable.
Should I get my 1935 dollar graded by ICCS or PCGS?
For coins in EF-40 or better condition, professional grading can significantly increase buyer confidence and realized value. For circulated examples in VG to VF grades, the cost of grading may not be justified. Contact us for guidance.
I found a 1935 dollar in my grandfather's collection. What should I do?
Do not clean it. Store it in a protective holder or flip. Then upload clear photos to SellMyCoins.ca for a free, no-obligation estimate. We buy 1935 dollars in all grades.
Have a 1935 Canadian Dollar?
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This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.
Rarity
Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.
Condition
Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.
Silver or Gold Content
Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.