Depending on the issue, a Canadian Silver Quarter contains 0.1500 troy oz of pure silver (1920–1967, worth $8.11) or 0.0937 troy oz (1967–1968, worth $5.06) at today's spot price.
Canadian 25-cent coins contained silver until 1968. Like the dime, the quarter dropped from sterling to 80% silver in 1920 and to 50% in 1967–1968.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 8:09 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Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.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
| Specification | 80% silver (1920–1967) | 50% silver (1967–1968) |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1920–1967 | 1967–1968 |
| Face value | 25¢ CAD | 25¢ CAD |
| Composition | 80% silver, 20% copper | 50% silver, 50% copper |
| Gross weight | 5.83 g | 5.83 g |
| Fineness | .800 (80%) | .500 (50%) |
| Pure metal | 0.1500 troy oz (4.666 g) | 0.0937 troy oz (2.914 g) |
| Diameter | 23.88 mm | 23.88 mm |
| Standard roll | 40 coins | 40 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): 5.83 g × .800 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1500 troy oz
0.1500 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $8.11 -
50% silver (1967–1968): 5.83 g × .500 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.0937 troy oz
0.0937 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $5.06
How to identify it
- Quarters dated 1966 or earlier are silver.
- 1968 quarters 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): 1967 quarters were made in both 80% and 50% silver. Nickel 1968 quarters weigh about 5.05 g; 50% silver ones weigh 5.83 g.
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
- Saskatoon Coin Club: Canadian coin specifications — checked 2026-10-22
- Numista — checked 2026-10-22
- NGC World Coin Price Guide (KM#62a) — checked 2026-10-22