1870 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide

The 1870 Canadian ten-cent piece holds a singular place in the nation's numismatic heritage: it was the inaugural dime of the Dominion of Canada, struck at the Royal Mint in London — the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa would not open until 1908. Designed by Chief Engraver Leonard Charles Wyon and struck in sterling silver (.925 fine), the 1870 dime was issued to displace the chaotic mélange of foreign silver — Spanish-American, British, and post-Civil War American — that had plagued Canadian commerce since Confederation in 1867. With a total mintage of 1,600,000 circulation strikes, it circulated heavily, meaning high-grade survivors are genuinely scarce and command strong collector premiums. Today the coin is prized for both its historical weight and the striking value differential between its two primary date varieties: the more common Narrow 0 and the significantly scarcer Wide 0. For cross-year values and the full denomination history, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Note: Manufacturing errors exist for the 1870 ten-cent issue but are outside the scope of this standard variety and value guide.

1870 Canadian Dime Composition & Silver Content

Sterling Silver — A Cut Above Contemporary Coinage

The 1870 ten-cent piece was struck to the Sterling standard: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper. This was a deliberate policy choice that set Canada apart from its southern neighbour: the United States dime of the era used a .900 fine (90% silver) standard. The Canadian coin's higher purity gave it a brilliant, bright-white luster that distinguishes it from the slightly greyer appearance of later Canadian .800 fine silver (a standard adopted in 1920). The coin's Actual Silver Weight (ASW) is 0.0691 troy ounces (approximately 2.15 grams of pure silver), confirmed by the coin's documented weight of 2.3240 grams.

Silver Melt Value

Because every 1870 ten-cent piece contains 0.0691 troy oz of fine silver, all examples carry intrinsic precious metal value regardless of condition. To determine the current melt value, multiply 0.0691 by the prevailing silver spot price in CAD. This guide does not pre-calculate melt value, as silver prices fluctuate daily. However, note that for all grades above heavily worn circulated, the numismatic premium far exceeds the melt value — a Gem MS-65 Narrow 0 at $4,600 is driven almost entirely by collector demand, not silver content.

Magnetic Properties — The First Authentication Test

A coin struck in 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper is non-magnetic. If you hold a magnet near your 1870 Canadian dime and feel any attraction, the coin is not genuine sterling silver and should be submitted to a professional grading service for authentication. This 30-second test is the fastest first-line check available to any collector and is especially useful when examining coins of uncertain provenance.

Edge and Die Alignment

All standard 1870 circulation strikes carry a reeded (milled) edge — the parallel vertical grooves that encircle the rim. This feature was essential in the 19th century as a safeguard against coin clipping. The die alignment is Coin Turn (↑↓): rotating the coin on its vertical axis will show the reverse image upside-down. This is the correct standard for all genuine 1870 ten-cent circulation strikes. A coin with Medal Turn alignment (↑↑, where the reverse appears right-side-up after a vertical rotation) is either a major manufacturing error or a counterfeit, and warrants expert examination.

1870 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Variety

Values presented below are in Canadian dollars (CAD) as of February 2026, derived from Coins and Canada's 10-cent price database and supporting auction analysis. Values represent problem-free, uncleaned examples. Cleaned, damaged, or "Details"-graded coins typically sell for 40–60% less than the figures shown.

Side-by-side grade comparison of 1870 Canadian dimes from heavily circulated (G-4) to Gem Mint State (MS-65). The gap in value between these grades is extreme — from $24 to $4,600 for the Narrow 0. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1870 Canadian Dime — Business Strike: Main Varieties

The three value tiers for circulation strikes are the Narrow 0 (most common), the Wide 0 (scarce), and the Wide 0 with Re-Punched 1 (1/1) (very scarce). All grades below refer to uncirculated Mint State or circulated grades as documented. Note that no VG-8 pricing is listed in the source data for this issue — the table follows the documented grade scale.

MS-65 data for the Wide 0 (1/1) is not documented in source data. The "Mint State Cliff" is pronounced for this issue: a Narrow 0 jumps from $305 at AU-50 to $541 at MS-60 and $4,600 at MS-65 — reflecting how few examples survived without circulation contact marks. See the variants section for full diagnostic details on each variety.

1870 Canadian Dime — Re-Punched Date Sub-Varieties

Both the Narrow 0 and Wide 0 are found with re-punched zeros (0/0) — a ghost impression from an initial, misaligned punch visible as a secondary curve or notch at the top or bottom of the primary zero. Source data documents specific values at VF-20 for these sub-varieties only; values at other grades are not available in the source data and are therefore not presented.

The Wide 0 (1/1) — a re-punched numeral 1 on the Wide 0 die — is fully documented across all grades in the main table above and is the most desirable of the re-punched date combinations.

Plain Edge Specimen (left) vs. Reeded Edge Specimen (right) for the 1870 Canadian ten-cent piece. The plain edge, with no milling grooves, is the signature of an extremely rare pattern or presentation strike. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1870 Canadian Dime — Specimen Issues

Specimen coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London using specially polished dies and high-pressure presses, intended for presentation to dignitaries or collector sets. They are characterized by cameo contrast — frosted devices against deep mirror-like fields — and sharply squared rims absent on business strikes. Two distinct Specimen varieties exist for 1870, each valued on its own extreme rarity scale.

Specimen values are documented at a single grade point each; population is so limited that a broader grade scale is not meaningful. For PCGS population data on this series, see the PCGS Population Report for Canadian 1858–1967 coins. For NGC pricing, refer to the NGC Price Guide for Canada 10 Cents KM-3.

Values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide across all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1870 Canadian Dime Varieties

The 1870 ten-cent piece is a variety collector's coin. Because date digits were punched by hand into each working die at the Royal Mint, no two dies were perfectly identical. This manual process produced four documented non-error varieties for the 1870 issue, plus two extraordinary Specimen presentations that represent the pinnacle of the series.

Diagnostic comparison of the Narrow 0 (left) and Wide 0 (right) in the 1870 date. On the Wide 0, the right-hand vertical stroke of the zero is noticeably thicker than the left-hand stroke, compressing the internal oval. Use a 5×–10× loupe and examine the 3 o'clock position. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Understanding the Narrow 0 vs. Wide 0

The terms "Narrow" and "Wide" do not describe the total horizontal width of the digit — they describe the thickness of the engraved line forming the zero. This distinction is critical for correct attribution.

• Narrow 0 (Standard): The line weight is uniform around the entire circumference of the zero. The vertical strokes are not significantly thicker than the horizontal curves. The negative space (the hole) inside the zero appears large and open. This is the more common variety, representing the majority of the 1,600,000 circulation mintage.
• Wide 0 (Scarce): The right-hand vertical stroke is noticeably thicker (wider) than the left-hand stroke. Because the stroke itself is wider, the internal opening of the zero appears compressed or narrower. To attribute, focus your loupe on the 3 o'clock position of the zero. If the curve thickens dramatically compared to the 9 o'clock position, you have a Wide 0. The Wide 0 commands a premium of approximately 20–30% over the Narrow 0 in low circulated grades, expanding exponentially into Mint State due to extreme rarity of high-grade survivors. Auction results from Heritage World Coin Auctions consistently show Wide 0 examples in AU and MS grades outperforming catalogue estimates, particularly for coins with original, uncleaned surfaces. See also a documented 1870 Wide 0 auction result at GreatCollections for market reference.

Close-up of the 1870 date showing a re-punched zero (0/0). The ghost impression of the first, misaligned punch is visible as a secondary curve at the edge of the primary zero digit. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Re-Punched Date Varieties (Non-Error)

Re-punched dates occurred when a mint worker punched a digit, found the alignment unsatisfactory, and punched again in a corrected position. The ghost of the first impression remains on all coins struck from that die. These are classified as standard die-making varieties, not press errors.

• Narrow 0/0: A secondary curve or notch is visible at the top or bottom of the primary zero on the Narrow 0 die. In VF-20, this sub-variety lists at $184 — approximately a 50% premium over the standard Narrow 0 at $117 in the same grade.
• Wide 0/0: The re-punching on the Wide 0 die is partially obscured by the bold, thickened stroke of the zero itself, making clearly visible examples highly desirable. In VF-20, this combination lists at $294.
• Wide 0 (1/1): This is the most desirable of the re-punched date varieties. Doubling is evident on the serif or base of the numeral 1 in the date, and it occurs almost exclusively on the Wide 0 reverse. Combining the scarcity of the Wide 0 die with the added interest of a re-punched date, the Wide 0 (1/1) lists at $331 in VF-20, $1,720 in MS-60, and $5,900 in MS-63. For hands-on reference, Colonial Acres has offered a VF-20 Wide 0 (1/1) example with diagnostic photography. Both the Wide 0 and Wide 0 (1/1) are listed as distinct varieties in the Calgary Coin Canadian dime reference.

Specimen Issues — Trophy Rarities

• Plain Edge Specimen: One of the rarest coins in the entire Canadian series. Fewer than 5 examples are estimated to exist in private hands, with famous pedigrees including the Norweb, Temple, and Bell collections. These coins have a completely smooth edge (no reeding) and exhibit deep mirror fields with frosted devices. Catalogue values at SP-65 of $4,900+ are considered theoretical by market analysts — actual auction realizations for examples of this calibre are expected to be substantially higher. They were likely produced as pattern or trial pieces before the edge-milling collar was engaged.
• Reeded Edge Specimen: More obtainable than the Plain Edge but still extremely rare. These share the mirror-field, frosted-device presentation of the Plain Edge Specimens but carry the standard milled edge of circulation strikes. The critical diagnostic distinguishing a Reeded Edge Specimen from a high-quality Proof-Like business strike is the squared sharpness of the rim and the extraordinary depth of detail in the Queen's hair strands and the maple leaf veins. An SP-66 example lists at approximately $10,000 CAD.

A Note on the "Obverse 2" Myth

Advanced collectors of Victorian Canadian coinage are familiar with "Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2" distinctions. For the 1870 ten-cent piece, Obverse 1 is the only documented standard. References in older catalogues to an "Obverse 2" for the 1870 dime are generally considered misattributions or confusion with the 1870 twenty-five-cent piece (where Obverse 2 is a genuine major rarity). Variety hunting for the 1870 dime should focus on the reverse (date digits), not the obverse.

1870 Canadian Dime Identification Guide

Use this 30-second checklist to confirm what you have before consulting the value tables above.

Obverse and reverse of the 1870 Canadian ten-cent piece. Obverse: Queen Victoria "Young Head" (Laurent Head) facing left, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA legend. Reverse: Crossed maple boughs surmounted by St. Edward's Crown, denomination 10 CENTS, date 1870.

Step 1 — Monarch & Portrait Check

The obverse depicts Queen Victoria facing left in the "Young Head" (Laurent Head) portrait designed by Leonard Charles Wyon. Her hair is bound in a chignon secured by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon. The legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA. This portrait was used on Canadian ten-cent and five-cent denominations from 1858 through 1901 — there was no portrait change for this series during that entire period, unlike the larger denominations.

Step 2 — Reverse Check

The reverse shows a wreath of crossed maple boughs tied at the bottom with a ribbon, surmounted by the St. Edward's Crown. The denomination 10 CENTS and date 1870 appear in the centre. Both the obverse and reverse designs are by Leonard C. Wyon.

Step 3 — Date & Legend Confirmation

Confirm the date reads 1870. Then proceed to the variety diagnostic in Step 7.

Step 4 — Edge Check

Run your fingernail along the edge. Standard circulation strikes have a reeded (milled) edge — parallel vertical grooves encircling the rim. If the edge is completely smooth, you may have a Plain Edge Specimen — one of the rarest coins in Canadian numismatics. See the Specimen section for details.

Step 5 — Magnet Test (Composition Verification)

Hold a magnet near your coin. A genuine 1870 sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) ten-cent piece is non-magnetic. If the magnet attracts the coin, it is not genuine sterling silver and should be authenticated by a professional grading service such as ICCS or PCGS before any valuation is considered.

Step 6 — Mint Mark Check

There are no mint marks on the 1870 Canadian ten-cent piece. It was struck at the Royal Mint in London, which did not apply a mint mark to Canadian colonial and federal coinage of this era. The absence of a mint mark is correct and expected.

Step 7 — Finish Identification

Business Strike (left) vs. Reeded Edge Specimen (right) for the 1870 Canadian dime. The Business Strike shows cartwheel luster with surface flow lines. The Specimen shows deep mirror fields with frosted, sculpted devices and a sharply squared rim. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

• Business Strike (Circulation): Cartwheel luster with flow lines visible in angled light. Contact marks from other coins ("bag marks") are common even on uncirculated examples. This is the standard issue for all 1,600,000 coins in the mintage.
• Reeded Edge Specimen: Deep, mirror-like fields with frosted (matte white) devices creating a cameo contrast. Rims are sharply squared and raised. The level of detail in the Queen's hair and the maple leaf veins is extraordinary. Distinguishing a high-quality Specimen from a Proof-Like business strike (an early strike from fresh dies that can exhibit similar mirror surfaces) requires expert grading — submit to ICCS for attribution.
• Plain Edge Specimen: As above, but with a completely smooth, ungrooved edge. If you believe you have one of these, treat the coin as a significant rarity and do not handle it further — it should be professionally examined and certified immediately.

Step 8 — Variety Diagnostic: The Wide 0 Test

Close-up of Queen Victoria's hair above the ear on the 1870 Canadian dime — the primary grading focal point. On a true EF-40, the individual strands in the braid should be distinct and separated. Merged, smooth hair indicates VF-20 or lower. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1. Place your coin under a 5×–10× loupe and focus on the date.
2. Locate the zero in "1870" and examine the 3 o'clock position of the zero (the right-hand side of the curve).
3. Compare the stroke thickness at 3 o'clock to the 9 o'clock position (left side).
   • If both sides are roughly equal in thickness → Narrow 0 (Standard, more common)
   • If the right side is noticeably thicker and bolder, compressing the internal oval → Wide 0 (Scarcer, commands premium)
4. On the Wide 0, also inspect the numeral 1 in "1870" for any doubling on the serif or base. If present → Wide 0 (1/1), the most valuable sub-variety.
5. On either variety, inspect the interior of the zero for a ghost curve or notch from a prior punch → 0/0 re-punch designation.

Step 9 — Grading Focal Points

The 1870 dime is known for occasionally weak strikes in the centre of the reverse (the denomination numerals) and the Queen's hair. Do not confuse a weak strike with wear: if the luster is continuous across the high points but detail is missing, it is a strike weakness — the coin may still grade Mint State. Wear, by contrast, breaks the luster, creating dull flat patches. The primary grading focal point is the braid of hair just above the Queen's ear: in a true EF-40, individual strands must be distinct; if merged into a smooth mass, the coin grades VF-20 or lower.

1870 Canadian Dime Value FAQs

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide are derived from the following sources as of February 2026:

• Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 1858–1901 Price Guide (primary value data)
• Calgary Coin Gallery — Canadian 10-Cent Reference (variety attribution and pricing analysis)
• NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM-3 and NGC KM-3 (alternate listing)
• PCGS Population Report — Canada 1858–1967 (population estimates for high-grade survivors)
• Heritage World Coin Auctions via NumisBids (recent auction trends for Wide 0 examples)
• GreatCollections — 1870 Wide 0 Auction Archive
• Numista — 10 Cents Victoria Canada (specifications and technical data)
• Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety attribution terminology)

All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and represent typical market values for problem-free, uncleaned examples. Values are subject to change with silver spot prices and collector demand. This guide covers standard circulation strikes and documented die varieties only — error coins are outside its scope. Numismatic values can fluctuate significantly; consult a certified dealer or grading service for current appraisals of specific coins.