Canadian Silver Coin Melt Values — Every Canadian Silver Denomination
Canadian silver coinage covers three composition eras: Sterling silver (92.5%) from 1858 to 1919, 80% silver from 1920 to 1967, and 50% silver in 1967-1968 transition issues plus 1971-1986 commemorative dollars.
Silver spot today: $73.28/oz.
Canadian Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Quick reference
| Coin | Years | Silver % | ASW (troy oz) | Melt at $73.28/oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian 5-cent | 1858-1921 | 92.5% | 0.0345 | $2.53 |
| Canadian dime | 1858-1919 | 92.5% | 0.0694 | $5.09 |
| Canadian dime | 1920-1967 | 80% | 0.0600 | $4.40 |
| Canadian dime | 1967-1968 | 50% | 0.0375 | $2.75 |
| Canadian quarter | 1870-1919 | 92.5% | 0.1734 | $12.71 |
| Canadian quarter | 1920-1967 | 80% | 0.1500 | $10.99 |
| Canadian quarter | 1967-1968 | 50% | 0.0938 | $6.87 |
| Canadian 50-cent | 1870-1919 | 92.5% | 0.3469 | $25.42 |
| Canadian 50-cent | 1920-1967 | 80% | 0.3000 | $21.98 |
| Canadian silver dollar | 1935-1967 | 80% | 0.6000 | $43.97 |
| Canadian silver dollar | 1971-1986 | 50% | 0.3750 | $27.48 |
Canadian junk silver bag reference: $1 face in 80% dimes is 0.6 troy oz silver. A $100 face-value bag is about 60 troy oz silver (melt: $4396.80).
Canadian Silver Coins by Composition Era
Sterling Silver (92.5%) — 1858 through 1919/1921
The earliest Canadian silver coinage followed the 92.5% Sterling standard: 5-cent, dime, quarter, and 50-cent denominations. Sterling ended after World War I as silver prices rose.
80% Silver — 1920 through 1967
This is the longest era and the main composition in Canadian junk silver bags. Dimes, quarters, 50-cent coins, and dollars from this period are the common bullion-reference pieces.
50% Silver — 1967-1968 transition and 1971-1986 commemoratives
Dimes and quarters transitioned from 80% to 50% in 1967-1968, and later commemorative silver dollars (1971-1986) used a 50% silver composition.
Canadian vs. U.S. Junk Silver
| Canadian (1920-1967) | U.S. (pre-1965) | |
|---|---|---|
| Silver content | 80% | 90% |
| Silver per $1 face (dimes) | 0.60 oz | 0.715 oz |
| Silver per $100 face bag | ~60 oz | 71.5 oz |
How to Identify Canadian Silver Coins
- 1858-1919 (most denominations): 92.5% Sterling.
- 1920-1966: 80% silver.
- 1967-1968 dimes/quarters: mixed 80% and 50% transition period.
- 1969 onward: no silver in circulating coinage.
- 1971-1986 silver dollars: 50% silver commemoratives.
Magnet test is a fast sort method because silver is non-magnetic while nickel coins are magnetic.
Where to Buy and Sell Canadian Junk Silver
Frequently Asked Questions
What years of Canadian coins are silver?
1858 through 1968 for circulating coinage, with 1971-1986 commemorative silver dollars in 50% silver.
Are Canadian silver coins worth more than U.S. silver coins?
Per face dollar, usually no; per ounce acquired, sometimes yes due to lower premiums in some markets.
How much silver is in a Canadian quarter?
0.1734 oz (Sterling), 0.1500 oz (80%), or 0.0938 oz (50%), depending on year.
How do I tell 80% from 50% Canadian 1967 pieces?
Visual sorting is hard; density testing is most reliable.
Are Canadian commemorative silver dollars junk silver?
They have melt value, but many trade with collector premiums.
Can I put Canadian silver coins in a precious metals IRA?
Most pre-1968 junk silver does not meet IRA purity requirements.
Related
- All silver coin melt values (master hub)
- 40% silver coin melt values
- Junk silver — what you need to know
- Junk silver collection — compare current prices
- Closest to spot — silver coins
