Canadian “coin silver” refers to older Canadian coins (like dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars) made with 92.5 % silver, 80% silver (pre-1968) or 50% (1968). These coins are sometimes called junk silver or scrape silver (no disrespect) valued for melt value, not face value. A 80% silver quarter is worth approximately 15 dollars (CAD) while an 80% silver dime is worth about 6 dollars CAD (as of December 2025). See accurate melt value here.
Historical Circulation Silver Coins
Purity: Canadian coins from 1911-1919 were 92.5% silver, 1920-1966 were 80% silver (20% copper); 1967 had 50% & 80% silver coins while 1968 had 50% silver coins and non-silver coins.
Value: Worth their melt value (based on current silver price) for investors seeking cheap physical silver, not for spending or collecting.
Examples: Canadian dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars from these eras.
When someone asks about “Canadian coin silver,” they’re usually referring to older Canadian silver coins for silver investment.
Face Value
1920 to 1966 Coins contain 80% silver. This amounts to 0.6 troy ounces for any combination making a dollar. (10 dimes, 4 quarters, one dollar coin, 5 dimes & 2 quarters etc.)