Which Canadian Coins Are Silver and What Are Their Dates?

Canadian coins, especially those containing silver, are of interest to collectors and individuals seeking to identify their intrinsic value. While modern Canadian coinage primarily uses base metals, older issues incorporated silver to varying degrees. This historical composition influences their worth beyond face value, making identification of silver content a practical skill.

Historical Overview of Silver in Canadian Coinage

The use of silver in Canadian circulation coins spanned a significant period, beginning in the mid-19th century. Initially, coins featured a high silver purity, reflecting common practices of the era. Economic pressures and the rising market value of silver prompted gradual reductions in this precious metal content. This shift mirrored global trends where many countries adjusted their currency compositions to manage production costs.

A notable change occurred around 1920 when the silver percentage in most denominations was reduced. Further adjustments were made in the mid-1960s as silver prices continued to climb, making it increasingly uneconomical to mint silver coins for general circulation. By 1968, the Royal Canadian Mint ceased producing silver coins for everyday use, transitioning entirely to cheaper alloys like nickel.

Specific Silver Coin Denominations and Purity

Canadian coins minted before 1968 contain silver, with purity varying by date and denomination. Early issues, such as five-cent pieces (1858-1919), dimes (1858-1919), quarters (1870-1919), and half-dollars (1870-1919), were struck with 92.5% silver, known as sterling silver.

Following 1919, the silver content was reduced to 80% for most denominations due to the increasing cost of the metal. This 80% silver composition was standard for dimes, quarters, and half-dollars issued from 1920 through 1967. The Canadian silver dollar, first introduced in 1935, also consistently contained 80% silver until 1967.

The years 1967 and 1968 represent a transitional period where silver content was further reduced. Dimes and quarters minted during parts of 1967 and 1968 contained 50% silver. After 1968, circulating Canadian coins were made from base metals and no longer contained silver.

Methods for Identifying Silver Canadian Coins

Identifying a silver Canadian coin primarily involves checking its minting date. Coins from 1968 and earlier are the ones to examine. Once the date is confirmed, physical tests can help determine if the coin contains silver.

One practical technique is to examine the coin’s edge. Silver coins typically display a uniform silver color across their edge, without any visible copper stripe. In contrast, clad coins, which are made of layers of different metals, often reveal a distinct copper line on their side.

Another method involves using a magnet. Silver is not magnetic, so a genuine silver coin will not stick to a magnet. If a coin from a suspected silver year adheres to a magnet, it indicates the coin is likely made of nickel or another magnetic alloy and contains no silver. While this test helps rule out non-silver coins, not all non-magnetic coins are silver, as other non-ferrous metals exist.