Canadian Dime Value Guide

History of Canadian Dimes

The Canadian 10 cent piece, commonly called a dime, has been minted since 1858, making it one of Canada's oldest circulating coins. Originally minted for the Province of Canada, dimes continued after Confederation in 1867 and remain in circulation today. The silver versions minted before 1968 are particularly valuable to collectors.

Silver Content & Composition

1858-1919: Sterling Silver

Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper

Silver Content: Approximately 0.069 troy oz

1920-1967: 80% Silver

Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper

Silver Content: 0.06 troy oz

Weight: 2.33 grams

1968: Transition Year (50% Silver)

Composition: 50% silver, 50% copper

Note: Some 1968 dimes are 50% silver, others are pure nickel. Silver versions are more valuable.

1968-1999: Pure Nickel

Composition: 100% nickel (no silver)

Value: Face value or slight collector premium for key dates

2000-Present: Nickel-Plated Steel

Composition: Steel core with nickel plating

Value: Face value only (10 cents)

Key Dates & Rare Varieties

1936 Dot Variety

Special Feature: Small dot below date

Value Range: $5,000 - $100,000+

The legendary 1936 dot dime is one of Canada's rarest coins. Only a handful are known to exist. These were struck in 1937 using 1936 dies with a small dot added to indicate the year change.

1858 - First Year

Mintage: 1,250,000 coins

Value Range: $50 - $2,000+

The first year of Canadian dime production. These Victorian-era coins are highly collectible, especially in better grades.

1947 Maple Leaf Variety

Special Feature: Small maple leaf after date

Value Range: $20 - $200+

The maple leaf indicates coins struck in 1948 with 1947 dies. These transitional coins are popular with collectors.

1969 Large Date vs Small Date

Value Range: $1 (small date) vs $50-$500+ (large date)

The 1969 large date variety is scarce and valuable. Look for larger, bolder numerals in the date. The small date is common and worth face value.

1948 - Low Mintage

Mintage: 422,741 coins

Value Range: $50 - $1,000+

Low mintage makes this a key date. Uncirculated examples command strong premiums.

1967 Centennial

Special Design: Mackerel fish design

Value Range: $2 - $5

The 1967 centennial dime features a unique mackerel design. While not rare, it's popular with collectors and contains 80% silver.

1911-1936 George V Dimes

Value Range: $5 - $500+ depending on date and condition

Several dates in this series have low mintages and are valuable. The 1921 (206,398 minted) is particularly scarce.

Design Changes Over Time

Canadian dimes have featured several different designs throughout their history:

1858-1901: Queen Victoria portrait with denomination and wreath reverse
1902-1910: King Edward VII portrait with Bluenose schooner reverse
1911-1936: King George V portrait
1937-1952: King George VI portrait with Bluenose schooner
1953-Present: Queen Elizabeth II portrait (updated multiple times as she aged)
1967: Special centennial design with mackerel fish
1992-Present: Bluenose schooner remains the standard reverse design

Factors Affecting Value

Date & Rarity

Lower mintage years and special varieties like the 1936 dot or 1969 large date command significant premiums. Victorian and Edwardian era dimes (pre-1911) are generally more valuable.

Condition (Grade)

Condition is critical for dimes. A coin graded MS-65 (Mint State) can be worth 20-100 times more than the same date in worn condition. Look for sharp details, original luster, and minimal wear on the high points.

Silver Content

Pre-1968 dimes contain silver, giving them intrinsic metal value. Even common dates are worth 2-4 times face value based on silver content alone at current silver prices.

Varieties & Errors

Special varieties like the 1947 Maple Leaf, 1969 large date, or coins with mint errors can command significant premiums. Die varieties and doubled dies are also collectible.

How to Identify Silver Dimes

Check the date: Any dime dated 1967 or earlier contains silver (except some 1968 dimes which are nickel)
Weight test: Silver dimes weigh 2.33 grams vs. 1.75 grams for nickel dimes and 1.75 grams for steel dimes
Sound test: Silver dimes produce a distinctive high-pitched ring when dropped on a hard surface. Nickel dimes make a dull sound.
Edge inspection: Silver dimes have a uniform silver color on the edge. Nickel dimes may show layering or a different color.
Magnet test: Silver is not magnetic. Nickel is slightly magnetic. Steel dimes (2000+) are strongly magnetic.

The 1968 Transition Year

1968 is a unique year for Canadian dimes. The Royal Canadian Mint produced both silver (50% silver content) and nickel versions during this transition period. This makes 1968 dimes tricky to identify:

Silver version: Worth $2-5 based on silver content and collector demand
Nickel version: Worth face value (10 cents) only
How to tell: Weight is the most reliable method. Silver 1968 dimes weigh 2.33g, nickel versions weigh 2.07g. A precise scale is needed.

Should You Sell Your Dimes?

If you have Canadian dimes, especially silver ones, they may be worth significantly more than face value. Consider selling if:

You have key dates like 1936 dot, 1948, 1969 large date, or Victorian era coins
Your dimes are in excellent condition (uncirculated or near-uncirculated)
You have a large quantity of common-date silver dimes (pre-1968)
You prefer immediate cash over long-term collecting

Even common-date silver dimes are worth $2-4 each based on silver content and collector demand. Rare dates and varieties can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.