Canadian Silver Dollar Values
Canadian silver dollars were struck from 1935 to 1967. Every one of them contains real silver — and some are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars to collectors.
Which Canadian Dollars Are Silver?
Canadian dollar coins were struck in 80% silver from 1935 (the first year of issue) through 1967. Starting in 1968, the Royal Canadian Mint transitioned to nickel, and dollar coins from 1968 onward contain no silver. The rule is simple: if your Canadian dollar coin has a date of 1967 or earlier, it is silver.
Each silver dollar contains 23.33 grams of 80% silver, giving it approximately 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver. At current silver prices, the melt value of a Canadian silver dollar is typically $20–$25 CAD — but most are worth significantly more than melt value due to collector demand, particularly for key dates and commemorative issues.
The most valuable Canadian silver dollar is the 1948, with a mintage of only 18,780 pieces. Even a heavily worn 1948 dollar is worth several hundred dollars, and uncirculated examples regularly sell for $3,000–$5,000 or more. Other key dates include the 1938, 1945, 1946, and the 1947 Maple Leaf variety.
Part of the Sell Canadian Silver Coins guide — covering all silver denominations: dimes, quarters, 50-cent pieces, and dollars.
Canadian Silver Dollar Values by Year
Values shown are approximate retail ranges for circulated (VG–EF) examples. Uncirculated coins command significant premiums.
| Year | Notes | Silver? | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | First Canadian dollar — Silver Jubilee | Yes | $40–$500+ |
| 1936 | Last George V dollar | Yes | $40–$400 |
| 1937 | First George VI dollar | Yes | $35–$300 |
| 1938 | Low mintage — scarce | Yes | $60–$600 |
| 1939 | Royal Visit commemorative | Yes | $35–$250 |
| 1945 | Low mintage WWII era | Yes | $60–$500 |
| 1946 | Scarce date | Yes | $80–$700 |
| 1947 | Regular and Maple Leaf varieties | Yes | $35–$1,200+ |
| 1948 | Rarest George VI dollar — major key date | Yes | $400–$5,000+ |
| 1949 | Newfoundland Confederation commemorative | Yes | $35–$250 |
| 1950 | Common date | Yes | $30–$150 |
| 1951 | Common date | Yes | $30–$150 |
| 1952 | Last George VI dollar | Yes | $30–$150 |
| 1953 | First Elizabeth II dollar — two varieties | Yes | $30–$200 |
| 1958 | British Columbia centennial | Yes | $30–$150 |
| 1964 | Charlottetown/Quebec commemorative | Yes | $30–$120 |
| 1965 | Common date, large/small bead varieties | Yes | $25–$100 |
| 1966 | Common date | Yes | $25–$100 |
| 1967 | Centennial — goose design, 80% silver | Yes | $25–$200 |
| 1968+ | Nickel — no silver content | No | Face value only |
Values are estimates. Upload photos for a free personal assessment.
The 1948 Canadian Dollar — The Key Date
The 1948 Canadian dollar is the rarest and most valuable date in the series. With a mintage of only 18,780 pieces, it is genuinely scarce in all grades. The reason for the low mintage: the Royal Canadian Mint was transitioning to a new portrait of King George VI (without the "Emperor of India" title), and production was limited while new dies were prepared.
A 1948 dollar in VG condition typically sells for $400–$600. In EF condition, expect $1,500–$2,500. Uncirculated examples (MS-60 and above) regularly realize $3,000–$6,000 at auction, with gem examples exceeding $10,000.
If you have a 1948 Canadian dollar, do not sell it without getting a proper assessment first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Canadian dollar coins silver?
No. Only Canadian dollar coins dated 1967 and earlier are silver (80% silver). Coins from 1968 onward are nickel and have no silver content.
How much silver is in a Canadian silver dollar?
Canadian silver dollars (1935–1967) are 80% silver and weigh 23.33 grams, giving each coin approximately 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver.
What is the most valuable Canadian silver dollar?
The 1948 Canadian dollar is the most valuable regular-issue silver dollar, with a mintage of only 18,780 pieces. Values range from $400 in VG to $5,000+ in uncirculated condition.
What about the 1967 Centennial dollar?
The 1967 Centennial dollar features the iconic flying goose design and is 80% silver. It is a common date and worth $25–$50 in circulated grades, but uncirculated examples with original lustre can bring $100–$200.
I have a bag of old Canadian dollars. How do I find out what they're worth?
Upload photos of each coin to SellMyCoins.ca. We can identify key dates, assess condition, and give you a free written purchase estimate for the entire lot. Collections are welcome.
Specific Silver Dollar Guides
This page covers all Canadian silver dollars as a group. For deeper dives into specific topics:
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This is the hub guide for Canadian silver dollar values (1935–1967). For deeper dives into specific topics, see the specific guides linked above.
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.