Which Canadian Coins Are Silver?
A complete guide to identifying silver Canadian coins, including dates, silver content percentages, and what makes them valuable.
Quick Answer
Canadian coins minted in 1968 or earlier contain silver. This includes dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars. After 1968, Canada switched to nickel for most circulation coins.
Exception: Some commemorative coins and collector sets after 1968 still contain silver, but regular circulation coins do not.
This guide explains which Canadian coins contain silver, including key dates, silver content percentages, and what makes them valuable. Canadian coins minted in 1967 or earlier contain 80% silver. If you believe you may have silver coins, you can upload photos for a free appraisal.
Silver Content by Coin Type
Silver Years:
1920-1968
Silver Content:
80% silver (1920-1967)
50% silver (1967-1968)
Note: 1968 dimes exist in both 50% silver and pure nickel versions. Silver versions are worth more.
Silver Years:
1920-1968
Silver Content:
80% silver (1920-1967)
50% silver (1967-1968)
Popular: The 1967 centennial quarter with the lynx design is highly collectible. Learn more about 1967 quarter values
Silver Years:
1920-1967
Silver Content:
80% silver
Note: Half dollars were discontinued for circulation after 1996, but silver versions only go up to 1967.
Silver Years:
1935-1967
Silver Content:
80% silver
Valuable: Silver dollars are larger and contain more silver than smaller denominations, making them particularly valuable to collectors.
How to Identify Silver Coins
📅Check the Date
The easiest method: If your Canadian dime, quarter, half dollar, or dollar is dated 1968 or earlier, it contains silver. This is the most reliable indicator.
🔊The Sound Test
Silver coins produce a distinctive high-pitched "ring" when dropped on a hard surface. Nickel coins make a dull "clunk" sound. This works best with quarters and larger coins.
⚖️Weight Difference
Silver coins are slightly heavier than their nickel counterparts. A silver quarter weighs 5.83g, while a nickel quarter weighs 4.4g. You'll need a precise scale to detect this difference.
🔍Edge Inspection
Look at the edge of the coin. Silver coins have a uniform silver color throughout. Nickel coins often show a copper-colored stripe on the edge because they're made of nickel-plated steel.
Why Did Canada Stop Using Silver?
In the 1960s, the price of silver rose dramatically, making it impractical to use silver in everyday coins. The silver content in coins became worth more than their face value, leading people to hoard them rather than spend them.
Canada gradually reduced silver content from 80% to 50% in 1967-1968, then eliminated it entirely from circulation coins after 1968. This transition mirrors what happened in the United States and other countries during the same period.
Important: 1968 Transition Year
1968 is a transition year where both silver and nickel versions of dimes and quarters were produced. Not all 1968 coins contain silver. If you have 1968 coins, it's worth having them professionally evaluated to determine their composition.
What Are Silver Coins Worth?
The value of silver Canadian coins depends on several factors:
- Silver content: The base value is determined by the current price of silver (melt value)
- Condition: Uncirculated coins in mint condition are worth more than worn coins
- Rarity: Certain dates and varieties are scarcer and command premium prices
- Collector demand: Popular coins like the 1967 centennial series have additional numismatic value
Even heavily worn silver coins are typically worth 10-20 times their face value based on silver content alone. Better condition coins can be worth significantly more.
Sell Your Silver Canadian Coins
Have silver Canadian coins you'd like to sell? We buy all silver Canadian coins at competitive prices based on current silver values and collector demand. Get a free appraisal today!
Upload Coin PhotosThis guide explains which Canadian coins contain silver, including key dates, silver content percentages, and what makes them valuable. Canadian coins minted in 1967 or earlier contain 80% silver. If you believe you may have silver coins, 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.