A Canada 50 Cents (Sterling) contains 0.3456 troy oz of pure silver, worth $18.68 at today's spot price.
Canada's silver 50 cent piece was first struck in 1870, at first in England. Coins of Victoria, Edward VII and George V dated 1870–1919 are sterling silver; from 1920 the coin was 80% silver.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 7:10 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1870–1919 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 50 Cents |
| Composition | 92.5% silver |
| Gross weight | 11.62 g |
| Fineness | .925 (92.5%) |
| Pure metal | 0.3456 troy oz (10.749 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
11.62 g × .925 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.3456 troy oz
0.3456 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $18.68
How to identify it
- Victoria (1870–1901) wears a coronet, with CANADA below her portrait. Edward VII appears on 1902–1910 coins and George V on coins from 1911.
- The reverse shows 50 CENTS and the date in a wreath of maple leaves under a crown.
- An H below the wreath marks coins struck by Heaton in Birmingham; coins struck in London or, from 1908, in Ottawa have no mint mark.
- The 1911 coin leaves DEI GRA out of the king's title, and 1910 coins come with two leaf styles, Victorian (pointed) and Edwardian (rounder).
Melt value vs. collector value
Victorian 50 cent pieces are scarce in any grade and usually sell well above melt; the 1870 coin without the designer's initials L.C.W., the 1890 H and the 1905 are known rarities. Worn George V coins are the most likely to trade near melt.