If you have a collection of Canadian coins, you may be wondering how much silver content may be contained in them. For a number of years, the Canadian Royal Mint (RCM) produced circulating coins that contained 92.5, 80, and 50 percent silver. These coins were minted periodically between 1858 and 1968. If you have coins minted within these years, you may process high silver content coins.
Modern Canadian coins are available that contain .9999 fine silver. But these are not circulating coins like the historic coins.
Canadian Silver Coins Minted for Circulation Historically
Early Canadian Silver coins were 92.5% pure. These include the following issues:
- Five-Cent Piece (1858-1919)
- Dime (1858-1919)
- Quarter (1870-1919)
- Half Dollar (1870-1919)
The British colonies of North America began minting their own coins around 1858. Before this, they had mainly used coinage from England.
After 1919, Canadian coins went to a lower silver percentage at 80%. These include the following issues:
- Five-Cent Piece (1920-1921)
- Dime (1920-1967)
- Quarter (1920-1967)
- Half Dollar (1920-1967)
- Dollar (1935-1967)
There are a few issues that were struck at 50% purity for a brief time. These include the following issues:
- Dime (1967-1968)
- Quarter (1967-1968)
These coins were struck originally for circulation and can be found at times sold in bulk for their silver content (junk silver), like pre-1964 U.S. silver coins that were struck for circulation. You may also be about to find them for sale individually.
If you are curious, you can test for silver yourself. Using the silver specific gravity test, you can get a general idea of the purity of the silver in your coins. This test will help you determine if your silver is silver, sterling silver, or junk silver. Keep in mind that junk silver does have value.
Modern Canadian Silver Coins
Canadian silver coins stand as shining exemplars of craftsmanship, heritage, and investment potential. From the iconic Silver Maple Leaf to a diverse array of commemorative issues, these coins embody the rich tapestry of Canadian culture, history, and natural beauty.
Since the debut of the Silver Maple Leaf in 1988, the Royal Canadian Mint has been at the forefront of producing some of the world’s most sought-after silver bullion coins. With a purity of .9999 fine silver, each Maple Leaf demonstrates the Mint’s unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
Beyond the Maple Leaf series, Canadian Silver Coins encompass assorted designs, themes, and minting techniques. From commemorative issues honoring significant events and milestones to coins celebrating Canada’s diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage, there’s a silver coin to captivate every collector and investor.
These coins were not created for general circulation, they were created for bullion investors and collectors.
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coin
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins are one of the most recognized and sought-after silver bullion coins globally. Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, it first debuted in 1988. The coin boasts a purity of .9999 fine silver, making it one of the purest silver bullion coins available. Its iconic design features the maple leaf, a symbol synonymous with Canada, on the reverse side, while the obverse displayed an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II until 2024. With its high purity, exquisite design, and assurance of quality from the Royal Canadian Mint, the Silver Maple Leaf coin is a favorite among collectors and investors.
Canadian Commemorative Silver Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint issues commemorative silver coins to celebrate significant events, anniversaries, or themes relevant to Canadian culture, history, and achievements. These coins typically have a limited mintage and may feature unique designs, special finishes, or innovative minting techniques. They often incorporate iconic Canadian symbols, historical figures, wildlife, landmarks, and cultural themes.
These commemorative coins come in various denominations, including silver dollars, half dollars, quarters, and smaller denominations. They are typically minted with high-quality standards, featuring .9999 fine silver content. Collectors and investors alike are drawn to these coins for their artistic designs, historical significance, and potential for appreciation in value over time.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is a Canadian Crown corporation responsible for producing all of Canada’s circulation coins and precious metal bullion coins, collectible coins, and medals. Founded in 1908, the RCM operates facilities in Ottawa, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Canadian Mint has played a crucial role in producing currency and precious metal products, contributing to Canada’s numismatic heritage, and serving customers domestically and internationally. Silver coins from the RCM span a wide and diverse range from vintage circulation strikes to the contemporary mirror-like fields on Silver Maple Leaf proof coins.
The RCM’s main functions include:
Coin Production
The RCM produces circulation coins for Canada, including denominations such as the Canadian dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny (until its discontinuation in 2012). These coins are used for everyday transactions across the country.
Bullion and Collectible Coins
The RCM is renowned for producing high-quality bullion coins made from precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These coins, including the Gold Maple Leaf, Silver Maple Leaf, and Platinum Maple Leaf, are popular among investors and collectors worldwide. Additionally, the RCM creates collectible coins with unique designs and limited mintages, often commemorating significant events, historical figures, or Canadian culture.
Refining and Assaying
The RCM operates state-of-the-art facilities for refining gold, silver, and other precious metals. It also provides assaying services, ensuring the purity and quality of precious metals.
Minting Technology
The RCM is known for its innovation in minting technology, including colorization, holography, and unique coin shapes. These technologies enhance coins’ aesthetic appeal and security features.
