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Canada has a rich history of minting silver coins, and its coinage has undergone various changes in silver content, denomination, and design over the 19th and 20th centuries. Below is a detailed breakdown of Canadian silver coins minted during this period, including their purity, denominations, and key characteristics.

19th Century Canadian Silver Coins

Pre-Confederation Coins (Before 1867)

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland had their own coinage before Confederation, many of which contained silver.

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island Silver Coins

• Denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents
• Silver Purity: 92.5% silver

These coins were heavily influenced by British currency standards, featuring monarchs like Queen Victoria.

Newfoundland Silver Coins (Pre-1867)

• Denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents
• Silver Purity: 92.5% silver

Post-Confederation (1867 Onwards)

With Canadian Confederation in 1867, a unified national currency began to take form, and several silver coins were minted.

 

Canadian Silver 5 Cents (1858–1921)

• Denomination: 5 cents
• Silver Purity: 92.5% silver (Sterling)

Characteristics: These small coins were minted until 1921 and were eventually replaced by nickel 5-cent pieces. They featured monarchs such as Queen Victoria and King George V.

Canadian Silver 10 Cents (1858–1967)

• Denomination: 10 cents (Dime)
• Silver Purity: 
  • 92.5% silver from 1858 to 1919
  • 80% silver from 1920 to 1967

Featured monarchs like Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. The "Bluenose" schooner design appeared on the 10-cent coin starting in 1937.

Canadian Silver 25 Cents (1870–1967)

• Denomination: 25 cents (Quarter)
• Silver Purity:
  • 92.5% silver from 1870 to 1919
  • 80% silver from 1920 to 1967

Introduced as part of Canada’s decimal coinage, these coins depicted various monarchs and, after 1937, featured the iconic caribou design.

 

Canadian Silver 50 Cents (1870–1967)

 

• Denomination: 50 cents (Half Dollar)
• Silver Purity: 
  • 92.5% silver from 1870 to 1919
  • 80% silver from 1920 to 1967

This higher denomination coin was widely circulated in earlier years, but production numbers dwindled in the 20th century.

 

Canadian Silver Dollar (1935–1967)

• Denomination: 1 dollar (Silver Dollar)
• Silver Purity: 80% silver

The first Canadian silver dollar was minted in 1935 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of King George V’s reign. Later designs included the famous "Voyageur" canoe design and the 1967 centennial coins featuring a Canada goose.

20th Century Canadian Silver Coins

Canadian Silver 10 Cents (1920–1967)

• Denomination: 10 cents (Dime)
• Silver Purity: 80% silver

From 1937 onward, the coin featured the famous Bluenose schooner design.

Canadian Silver 25 Cents (1920–1967)

• Denomination: 25 cents (Quarter)
• Silver Purity: 80% silver

From 1937 onward, the caribou design became standard.

Canadian Silver 50 Cents (1920–1967)

• Denomination: 50 cents (Half Dollar)
• Silver Purity: 80% silver

Continued featuring various monarchs, with limited production after World War II.

Canadian Silver Dollar (1935–1967)

• Denomination: 1 dollar (Silver Dollar)
• Silver Purity: 80% silver

The most famous designs include the Voyageur and the centennial Canada goose in 1967.

Post-1967 Coinage Changes

In 1967, the last year that Canada produced circulating silver coins, the coinage system saw significant changes. By 1968, most Canadian coins transitioned to nickel or other base metals.

Some 1967 and 1968 coins were struck in both 50% silver and nickel, making these years interesting for collectors.

Collectibility and Numismatic Value

Key Dates: Canadian silver coins from certain years are more valuable due to lower mintages or special historical significance.

For example:

• 1936 "Dot" coins are exceedingly rare and valuable.
• 1948 silver dollars are highly sought after due to a mintage of just over 18,000 coins.

As with most collectible coins, the value of Canadian silver coins depends heavily on condition. Uncirculated coins or those in higher grades (e.g., MS65 or above) are far more valuable than heavily circulated examples.

For bullion investors, Canadian coins minted before 1967 are prized for their silver content. Coins in circulated condition are often sold in bulk as "junk silver" and are valued primarily for their metal content, although rare dates and mint errors can command higher prices.

Canadian silver coins from the 19th and 20th centuries hold great historical and numismatic value. Whether you're a collector seeking rare dates or an investor interested in silver content, Canada's rich coinage history offers something for everyone. Pre-1920 coins made of 92.5% silver and post-1920 coins with 80% silver are particularly sought after. Collectors also value key date coins and those with historical significance, such as commemorative issues and low-mintage years.