Depending on the issue, a Canadian Silver Dime contains 0.0600 troy oz of pure silver (1920–1967, worth $3.24) or 0.0375 troy oz (1967–1968, worth $2.03) at today's spot price.
Canadian dimes contained silver until 1968. The fineness changed from sterling to 80% in 1920, and to 50% during 1967 and 1968.
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Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.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
| Specification | 80% silver (1920–1967) | 50% silver (1967–1968) |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1920–1967 | 1967–1968 |
| Face value | 10¢ CAD | 10¢ CAD |
| Composition | 80% silver, 20% copper | 50% silver, 50% copper |
| Gross weight | 2.33 g | 2.33 g |
| Fineness | .800 (80%) | .500 (50%) |
| Pure metal | 0.0600 troy oz (1.866 g) | 0.0375 troy oz (1.166 g) |
| Diameter | 18.03 mm | 18.03 mm |
| Standard roll | 50 coins | 50 coins |
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.
-
80% silver (1920–1967): 2.33 g × .800 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.0599 troy oz (the issuer states 0.0600 troy oz, which we use)
0.0600 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $3.24 -
50% silver (1967–1968): 2.33 g × .500 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.0375 troy oz
0.0375 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $2.03
How to identify it
- Every Canadian dime dated 1967 or earlier is silver (80%, or 50% for some 1967 coins).
- 1968 dimes were made in both 50% silver and pure nickel. A magnet picks up the nickel coins but not the silver ones.
- 50% silver (1967–1968): Most 50% silver dimes are dated 1968. Some 1967 dimes were also struck in 50% silver, though references differ on the details.
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#23a) — checked 2026-10-22
- Numista — checked 2026-10-22
- NGC World Coin Price Guide (KM#72) — checked 2026-10-22
- Numista — checked 2026-10-22