What Year Canadian Coins Are Silver?

Canadian coinage has a rich history, reflecting economic shifts and material availability. Understanding the silver content within these coins offers insight into their intrinsic value, which often surpasses their face value. This historical evolution of Canadian currency remains a topic of interest for collectors and enthusiasts.

Silver Content Before 1920

Before 1920, Canadian circulating coins were primarily sterling silver, containing 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% copper for durability. Denominations such as the 5-cent piece (1858-1919), dimes (1858-1919), quarters (1870-1919), and half-dollars (1870-1919) all consistently featured this high silver content. The Royal Canadian Mint, which began operations in 1908, continued this standard. This period shows when circulating coinage held substantial precious metal value.

Silver Content From 1920 to 1967

Starting in 1920, Canadian coinage silver content was reduced to 80%. This adjustment was driven by the rising price of silver, making it increasingly expensive for the Royal Canadian Mint to produce coins with the higher 92.5% silver standard. The reduction was a practical measure to control production costs.

During this period, from 1920 to 1967, all circulating Canadian silver coins consistently contained 80% silver and 20% copper. This applied to dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and the Canadian dollar coin, introduced in 1935. The 80% standard remained stable for nearly five decades, despite fluctuating silver prices.

Transitional Silver Content From 1967 to 1968

The years 1967 and 1968 marked a complex transition period for Canadian silver coinage, leading to varying compositions within the same year. For 1967, some dimes and quarters were minted with 80% silver, while others produced later in the year had their silver content reduced to 50%. This mid-year change reflected continued pressure from rising silver prices. Half-dollars and dollars minted in 1967 maintained their 80% silver purity.

The transition continued into 1968. Dimes and quarters from 1968 can be found in two compositions: 50% silver or pure nickel. This change to nickel marked the complete removal of silver from these denominations for general circulation. For half-dollars and dollars in 1968, silver was entirely eliminated, with these coins being produced solely from nickel.

Identifying Canadian Silver Coins

Identifying Canadian silver coins involves checking the minting date and understanding the composition changes over time. Coins dated 1919 or earlier are 92.5% silver, while those from 1920 to 1966 are 80% silver. For the transitional years, 1967 and 1968, closer inspection is necessary due to mixed compositions.

A simple method to differentiate silver coins from non-silver ones, particularly for 1968 issues, is the magnet test. Silver is not magnetic. If a 1968 dime or quarter sticks to a magnet, it is nickel and contains no silver. If it does not stick, it is likely the 50% silver version. An additional technique involves observing the coin’s edge; silver coins often exhibit a distinct, duller tone compared to the brighter appearance of nickel or copper-nickel coins.