1968 Canadian Dime: Silver or Nickel?
Understanding the confusing transition year when Canada produced both silver and nickel dimes.
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This guide explains how to tell if a 1968 Canadian dime is silver or nickel. In 1968, Canada produced both silver and nickel dimes, making it a transition year. Learn the simple tests to identify which type you have. If you're unsure, upload photos for a free appraisal.
1968 Canadian dimes come in two versions:
Silver Version
50% silver content
Worth $2-4
Nickel Version
No silver (pure nickel)
Worth 10 cents
The easiest way to tell them apart: Look at the edge of the coin. Silver dimes have a uniform silver color on the edge. Nickel dimes show a copper-colored stripe on the edge.
Why Are There Two Types of 1968 Dimes?
The 1968 Canadian dime is unique because it was produced during a transition year when the Royal Canadian Mint was changing from silver to nickel coinage. This makes 1968 one of the most confusing years for coin collectors and anyone trying to determine if their dimes are valuable.
Here's what happened: In 1967 and earlier, Canadian dimes contained 80% silver. However, rising silver prices made it too expensive to continue using silver in circulation coins. The Royal Canadian Mint decided to switch to pure nickel starting in 1968. During this transition, both silver and nickel dimes were produced with the same 1968 date, creating confusion that continues today.
The Two Versions Explained
Some 1968 dimes were struck using leftover silver planchets (blank coins) from 1967. These coins contain 50% silver, which is less than the 80% silver content of earlier dimes, but still valuable.
Specifications:
- Composition: 50% silver, 50% copper
- Weight: 2.33 grams
- Pure Silver Content: 0.0375 troy oz
- Value: $2-4 (based on silver content)
Most 1968 dimes were struck using the new nickel composition. These coins contain no silver and are worth only their face value unless in exceptional uncirculated condition.
Specifications:
- Composition: 99.9% nickel
- Weight: 2.07 grams
- Pure Silver Content: None
- Value: 10 cents (face value only)
How to Tell the Difference
Since both versions look identical from the front and back, you need to use other methods to identify which type you have. Here are the most reliable ways:
1. Edge Inspection (Easiest Method)
This is the simplest and most reliable way to identify a silver 1968 dime:
Silver dimes: The edge of the coin is uniform silver color all the way through. No other colors are visible.
Nickel dimes: The edge shows a distinct copper-colored stripe or band running through the middle. This is because nickel dimes have a copper core sandwiched between nickel layers.
Hold the coin on its edge and look at it from the side. If you see any copper color, it's a nickel dime. If it's all silver-colored, you likely have a silver dime.
2. Weight Test
If you have a precise scale that measures to 0.01 grams, you can weigh the coin:
- Silver dime: 2.33 grams
- Nickel dime: 2.07 grams
The silver version is noticeably heavier. However, this method requires an accurate scale, so the edge inspection method is usually easier.
3. Sound Test
Drop the coin on a hard surface and listen to the sound:
- Silver dime: Produces a higher-pitched ringing sound that lasts longer
- Nickel dime: Makes a duller, shorter "clink" sound
This method takes practice and isn't as reliable as the edge inspection, but it can be helpful if you're checking multiple coins.
4. Magnet Test
Use a strong magnet to test the coin:
- Silver dime: Not magnetic - will not stick to a magnet
- Nickel dime: Slightly magnetic - will be weakly attracted to a strong magnet
Note: The magnetic attraction to nickel is weak, so you need a fairly strong magnet. A refrigerator magnet may not work well.
Quick Identification Summary
The fastest way to check: Look at the edge of your 1968 dime.
✓ Silver (Valuable)
Edge is uniform silver color with no copper stripe visible
✗ Nickel (Face Value)
Edge shows a copper-colored stripe or band
Have one of these coins? We buy Canadian coins and collections. Upload photos for a free appraisal.
Start Free AppraisalWhy Collectors and Silver Buyers Look for These Coins
The silver version of the 1968 Canadian dime is sought after for several reasons:
Silver Content Value
Even though 1968 silver dimes contain only 50% silver (compared to 80% in earlier years), they still have intrinsic value based on their silver content. At current silver prices, each silver 1968 dime is worth $2-4, which is 20-40 times its face value.
Transition Year Collectibility
Collectors are interested in 1968 dimes because they represent a significant transition in Canadian coinage history. The year marks the end of silver circulation coins in Canada, making these coins historically significant.
Relative Scarcity
The silver version is much less common than the nickel version. Most 1968 dimes in circulation are nickel, so finding a silver one is relatively rare. This scarcity adds to their collectibility and value.
Easy to Overlook
Many people don't realize that some 1968 dimes contain silver. This means silver versions are sometimes found in old coin jars, inherited collections, or even in circulation, making them exciting finds for coin hunters.
What Are Silver 1968 Dimes Worth?
The value of a silver 1968 Canadian dime depends primarily on its silver content and condition:
Value by Condition
Values are based on current silver prices and typical collector demand. Prices may vary depending on market conditions.
Should You Check Your 1968 Dimes?
Absolutely! If you have any 1968 Canadian dimes, it's worth taking a moment to check the edge. Here's why:
- The silver version is worth 20-40 times face value
- It only takes a few seconds to check the edge
- Many people don't know about the two versions, so silver ones are often overlooked
- You might have silver dimes in old coin jars or inherited collections
- Even worn silver dimes are worth $2-3 each
Tip: If you're going through old Canadian coins, check all your 1968 dimes. Even if you find just one silver dime in a roll of 50 coins, that's an extra $2-4 you wouldn't have known about!
Common Questions About 1968 Dimes
Are all 1968 dimes valuable?
No. Only the silver version (50% silver) is worth more than face value. The nickel version is worth only 10 cents unless in exceptional uncirculated condition. You must check the edge to determine which type you have.
How common are silver 1968 dimes?
Silver 1968 dimes are much less common than nickel ones. The exact mintage numbers aren't separated by composition, but most 1968 dimes you'll encounter are nickel. Finding a silver one is relatively rare.
Can I still find silver 1968 dimes in circulation?
It's extremely rare but possible. Most silver 1968 dimes have been removed from circulation by collectors and silver buyers over the years. Your best chance is finding them in old coin collections, estate sales, or inherited coins.
Why did Canada make both versions in 1968?
The Royal Canadian Mint was transitioning from silver to nickel coinage. They used up remaining silver planchets (blank coins) from 1967 while also beginning production with the new nickel composition. This created the unusual situation of two different compositions with the same date.
Have 1968 Canadian Dimes? Get Them Appraised
Not sure if your 1968 dimes are silver or nickel? Upload clear photos of your coins, including the edge, and we'll help you identify them. We buy silver Canadian dimes at competitive prices based on current silver values.
Upload Photos for Free AppraisalThis guide explains how to tell if a 1968 Canadian dime is silver or nickel. In 1968, Canada produced both silver and nickel dimes, making it a transition year. Learn the simple tests to identify which type you have. Upload photos for a free appraisal.
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.