
Canadian silver dollars have been a staple in Canadian numismatics for over a century, with the first silver dollar minted in 1935. The coin's value lies not only in its metal content but also in its historical significance and collectibility.
The Canadian silver dollar's metal content is a key factor in its value, with each coin containing 80% silver and 20% copper. This high silver content makes the coin a popular choice among investors and collectors.
The 1935 Canadian silver dollar, also known as the "Blondin" dollar, is one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the series. Its value can range from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000, depending on its condition and rarity.
Understanding Canadian Silver Dollar Value
Canadian silver dollar value can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you.
These coins contain 0.6 troy ounces of bullion, making their intrinsic melt value around $19.29 based on today's silver spot price.

The metal content and weight of the coins are key factors in determining their value. The Canada Junk Silver Dollar, for example, is made with an alloy containing 80% silver and 20% copper.
In the mid-20th century, rising silver prices led to the transition to base metal coinage, but many people still recognize the intrinsic value of their silver content.
Here's a quick rundown of the composition of the Canada Junk Silver Dollar:
This composition makes them a popular choice for investors seeking affordable silver. Some Canadian Silver Dollars may also carry numismatic value, depending on their condition, rarity, and specific year or mintmark.
Their face value is $1 CAD, but their actual value lies in their silver content.
Collectibility and Rarity
The 1935 Canadian silver dollar, featuring a portrait of King George V, is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage of 1,250,000 coins.
Some of the rarest Canadian silver dollars include the 1936 Canadian silver dollar, with a mintage of only 1,000,000 coins, and the 1959 Canadian silver dollar, which features a unique design and is highly prized by collectors.
The 1967 Canadian silver dollar, part of the Canadian Centennial collection, is also highly collectible due to its limited mintage and unique design celebrating Canada's 100th anniversary.
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Determining Silver Content in Coins

Until 1966, the Canadian Mint used 80% actual silver in its dollar coins.
The silver content changed to 50% actual silver in 1967 and was phased out halfway through 1968.
Canadian dollar coins made after 1968 are now made up of 91.5% nickel and 8.5% bronze.
All silver dollar, 50 cent, quarter, and dime coins contain the same amount of actual silver as stated above: 80% up to 1966, and 50% from 1967 to 1968.
It's easiest to price and understand these coins by listing payment prices by face dollar.
Potential Numismatic Value
Some Canadian Silver Dollars may carry numismatic value beyond their melt value. This value can be significant, especially for rare or collectible coins.
Their 80% silver composition makes them a popular choice for investors seeking affordable silver. But what makes a Canadian Silver Dollar worth more than its melt value? The answer lies in its condition, rarity, and specific year or mintmark.
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The Royal Canadian Mint produced these coins, and their mintmark can be a significant factor in determining numismatic value. Some years or mintmarks may be more rare than others, making them more valuable to collectors.
The weight of each coin is approximately 0.60 oz, giving it value beyond its $1 face denomination. This weight can also affect the numismatic value, as heavier coins may be more rare or valuable.
Here's a summary of the characteristics that can affect numismatic value:
Comparing prices for Junk Silver Coins across multiple bullion dealers can help ensure you pay the lowest price. This is especially true for coins with high numismatic value.
Visualizing Value
The Canadian Silver Dollar is a vintage coin that can carry significant numismatic value. This value can be attributed to its weight, purity, and historical significance.
The weight of a Canadian Silver Dollar is 0.60 oz, a substantial amount of silver that can be worth a pretty penny. This weight, combined with its 0.800 fineness, makes it a valuable collectible.

To put its value into perspective, let's consider the face value of a Canadian Silver Dollar, which is $1 CAD. However, this value is often overshadowed by its numismatic worth.
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics that contribute to the value of a Canadian Silver Dollar:
These characteristics, combined with its historical significance and the fact that it's a circulated junk silver coin, make the Canadian Silver Dollar a valuable addition to any collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver is in a Canadian $1 coin?
Each Canadian $1 coin contains 0.6 ounces of pure silver, guaranteed by the Canadian Mint. This amount is 80% of the coin's total weight, with the remaining 20% consisting of other metals used as hardeners.
Sources
- https://findbullionprices.com/p/Canada-Junk-Silver-Dollar/
- https://www.coinsandcanada.com/coins-prices.php
- https://www.canada-gold-buyers.com/canadian-silver-dollar-values/
- https://www.greysheet.com/prices/sp/canada-silver-dollars/9038
- https://www.greysheet.com/prices/sp/canada-silver-dollars-proof-like/12192
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