A Canadian Silver 50 Cents contains 0.3000 troy oz of pure silver, worth $16.21 at today's spot price.
Canadian 50-cent pieces were silver through 1967. From 1968 they were made of nickel.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 9:09 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Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.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 | 1920–1967 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 50¢ CAD |
| Composition | 80% silver, 20% copper |
| Gross weight | 11.66 g |
| Fineness | .800 (80%) |
| Pure metal | 0.3000 troy oz (9.331 g) |
| Diameter | 29.72 mm |
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.
-
11.66 g × .800 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.2999 troy oz (the issuer states 0.3000 troy oz, which we use)
0.3000 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $16.21
How to identify it
- Coins dated 1967 or earlier are silver; 1968 and later circulating coins are nickel.
Melt value vs. collector value
Melt value is a floor, not a price. Better dates, coins with mint luster and graded coins often sell well above melt; key dates and rare varieties can be worth many times more. Check the date and mint mark before selling a coin for its metal.
Related tools
Sources
- NGC World Coin Price Guide (KM#56) — checked 2026-10-22
- Saskatoon Coin Club: Canadian coin specifications — checked 2026-10-22