1882 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1882 Canadian 10-cent dime is worth. Complete price guide for the 1882H Victoria Laureated Portrait silver dime — values by grade (G4–MS65) and Specimen finish, with current CAD market prices as of February 2026.
Most 1882 Canadian dimes (catalogued as "1882H") are worth $25.50–$126 in circulated grades. All contain 92.5% sterling silver, giving them a hard melt floor of approximately $7.36 CAD regardless of condition. In Gem Uncirculated grades, values reach $5,400. Extremely rare Specimen strikings reach $9,800 and beyond.
- Found in change or heavily worn (G4):$25.50 — nearly 3.5× melt value even in poor condition.
- Mid-circulated (VF20):$126
- Near-Uncirculated (AU50):$428
- Uncirculated (MS60):$776
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$5,400
- Specimen (SP65) — extremely rare:$9,800
Is it silver? Yes — every genuine 1882 Canadian dime is 92.5% sterling silver. Does it have a special finish? A very small number were struck as Specimen coins for presentation purposes, identifiable by sharply squared rims and contrasting matte fields. Any suspected Specimen requires professional authentication (ICCS or PCGS). Does it have an "H"? Every genuine 1882 dime bears a small "H" mint mark on the reverse. If yours lacks it, investigate carefully before attributing premium value. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1882 Canadian 10-cent piece carries a defining distinction: the entire one-million-coin mintage was struck not in London, but at the private Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England. As a result, every genuine 1882 dime bears a small H on the reverse — there are no "London" strikings for this date. The obverse features Queen Victoria's Laureated Portrait in its Obverse 3 configuration, engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, paired with a standard 22-leaf crossed maple bough reverse. While the mintage figure appears large, the survival of high-grade examples is exceptionally thin, making condition the dominant driver of value. For the complete valuation history of this denomination across all years and monarchs, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Manufacturing errors such as clipped planchets and off-center strikes are known to exist for Victorian silver coinage but fall outside the scope of this standard value guide.
The 1882H Canadian dime: obverse (left) shows Queen Victoria's Laureated Portrait (Obverse 3) by Leonard Charles Wyon; reverse (right) features the 22-leaf crossed maple bough wreath with the identifying H mint mark at the base.
1882 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
Alloy Breakdown
The 1882 Canadian dime was struck to the British Sterling Standard — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This composition was standard for Dominion coinage of the era, distinct from the 90% silver used by the United States and the later 80% silver used in Canada after 1919. The copper addition hardened the silver enough for daily commerce while preserving the coin's bright, white appearance.
Actual Silver Weight and Melt Value
The coin's pure silver content — its Actual Silver Weight (ASW) — is calculated as follows:
- Total weight: 2.32 grams
- Purity: 92.5% (0.925)
- ASW: 2.32 g × 0.925 = approximately 2.146 grams of pure silver
- Melt value (at ~$3.43 CAD/g silver spot, February 2026): 2.146 g × $3.43 = approximately $7.36 CAD
This melt value represents the absolute floor for any genuine example. Even the most worn collectible grade — About Good (AG-3) — carries a catalogue value of approximately $11.00 CAD, a roughly 50% premium over intrinsic metal value. In grades of Good-4 and higher ($25.50+), numismatic value substantially exceeds the silver content. The 1882H dime is a collectible artifact first; its silver is a secondary consideration that sets the floor, not the ceiling.
Magnetic Test
Sterling silver is non-magnetic. A genuine 1882H dime will not attract to a magnet. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it is struck on a modern steel or nickel blank and is a counterfeit. This is the fastest authentication check available without instruments.
Note: Spot silver prices fluctuate daily. The melt value above is a point-in-time estimate for February 2026. For current silver spot prices in CAD, consult a live commodity feed before calculating melt value on any given date.
1882 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1882H dime was produced in two finishes: the standard Business Strike (circulation issue, representing virtually all surviving examples) and the extremely rare Specimen (SP) striking (presentation-quality coins produced with polished dies). Each finish has its own valuation scale. Values below are for problem-free, original (uncleaned, unaltered) coins.
Grade determines value more than any other factor. A G4 coin worth $25.50 and an MS65 worth $5,400 are the same date — separated only by condition. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1882H Canadian 10 Cents — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1882H — Obverse 3, 22-Leaf Wreath | $25.50 | $50.60 | $68.70 | $126 | $268 | $428 | $776 | $2,140 | $5,400 | MS66 catalogue ~$9,700. Registry-quality trophy coin at Gem and above. |
Market Tier Analysis
Circulation Tier (G4–VF20): The 1882H is accessible in circulated grades. A problem-free Good-4 example can be acquired for under $30, making it an entry point for Victorian numismatics. The jump from VF8 ($50.60) to VF20 ($126) is meaningful and reflects collector demand for "honest wear" coins that clearly show Wyon's portrait without severe abrasion. The key value driver here is originality: cleaned, scratched, or rim-damaged coins typically trade at 40–60% discounts toward melt.
The "Slider" Zone (EF40–AU50): The jump from EF-40 ($268) to AU-50 ($428) reflects strong collector demand for original, lightly worn coins with remaining lustre. This is the most dangerous tier for buyers of raw (unslabbed) coins. Many coins described as AU are actually cleaned EF examples. Genuine AU coins retain their original grey patina or tone — a stripped, artificially bright coin will struggle to achieve AU prices regardless of its detail level.
Investment Tier (MS60+): Finding a 1882H dime with absolutely no wear is inherently difficult. Most coins shipped from the Heaton Mint in bags accumulated contact marks during the trans-Atlantic voyage and subsequent bank storage. The exponential price progression from MS60 ($776) to MS63 ($2,140) to MS65 ($5,400) reflects this survival scarcity. MS66 examples — catalogued at approximately $9,700 — are trophy coins that rarely appear at auction.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned 1882H dime receives a "Details" (damaged) designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC, losing all numismatic premium regardless of its remaining detail. When in doubt, leave the coin as found.
1882H Canadian 10 Cents — Specimen (SP) Finish
Specimen strikes were produced with specially polished dies under greater pressure, creating razor-sharp detail, squared wire-like rims, and often a matte or semi-mirrored field contrasting with frosted devices. Production numbers for Specimen 1882 dimes were extremely low — likely fewer than 50 originals. The market is thin and highly specialized.
| Finish | SP63 | SP64 | SP65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) | $3,920 | $6,900 | $9,800 | SP65+ in a competitive auction can reach $17,000+. Authentication by PCGS or ICCS is mandatory. |
Catalogue values for Specimens are guideposts, not guarantees. In a heated auction environment involving competing registry-set collectors, an SP65 with exceptional eye appeal or attractive original toning can realize prices substantially above catalogue. Any coin presented as a Specimen should be authenticated by NGC, PCGS, or ICCS before a premium is paid — the finish cannot be reliably assessed by the naked eye alone.
Values in CAD represent typical retail ask prices for problem-free, original coins as of February 2026. Source: Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 1858–1901 Price Guide. For the complete denomination history, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1882 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1882H 10-cent series is not defined by major die varieties the way some other Victorian Canadian coins are. Instead, value peaks are driven by condition rarity, finish rarity, and the presence of attractive original toning. Below are the primary trophy-level assets and the key diagnostic checks worth performing on any example.
Original toning (left) — blues, golds, and violets developing naturally from the rim inward — can command a 20–50% premium over base catalogue value. A "dipped" coin (right) appears bright white but lacks cartwheel lustre and trades at a significant discount. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
A. Trophy-Level Assets
1. 1882H Specimen (SP) — The Ultimate Trophy
The Specimen striking is the rarest collectible form of the 1882H dime. Produced with polished dies, these coins exhibit features entirely absent from business strikes: sharply squared, wire-like rims; broad, expansive fields with a matte or semi-mirrored quality; and a visual contrast between the frosted devices and the background. In SP65 condition, catalogue value is $9,800, with documented auction interest placing high-end examples at $9,800–$17,000+ depending on eye appeal and toning. Any coin claimed to be a Specimen requires mandatory authentication — counterfeit and misattributed examples exist in the marketplace.
2. 1882H "Top Pop" MS66 — Finest Known Business Strike
Within the circulation issue, coins grading MS66 represent the uppermost tier of the condition-rarity spectrum. At this grade, the coin must show virtually flawless surfaces despite having been struck in 1882, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in bags, and handled through bank channels. Catalogue value at MS66 is approximately $9,700; auction estimates for such coins when they appear run in the range of $5,000–$10,000 depending on eye appeal. Canadian Coin News coverage in 2019 confirmed an 1882H PCGS MS66 appearing alongside other Canadian rarities, illustrating its trophy status in the registry-set community.
3. Attractive Original Toning
Silver coins naturally develop toning over decades — a process driven by atmospheric sulfur compounds reacting with the surface. When this toning progresses naturally from the rim inward, producing blues, golds, and violets, it is considered highly desirable and commands a documented premium of 20–50% over the base catalogue value for the grade. This premium applies to both business strikes and Specimens. Conversely, artificially applied toning ("artificial toning" or "AT") using chemicals is considered damage and reduces value. Genuine original toning progresses naturally and often features concentric colour bands, while artificial toning tends to have unnatural neon hues and an applied appearance.
B. Diagnostic Checks (What to Look For)
Obverse 3 vs. "Obverse 2" — A Critical Marketplace Clarification
There is significant confusion in listings and private sales between the 1882 10-cent and the 1882 one-cent. The penny has famous Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2 varieties that command substantially different prices. The 1882 dime uses Obverse 3 as its standard — no Obverse 2 dimes are documented for this year in standard pricing guides. If you encounter an 1882 10-cent coin advertised as "Obverse 2," the seller is almost certainly conflating the dime with the penny, or using outdated terminology. This misattribution should trigger careful verification before any premium is paid. For authoritative die variety reference, consult the Saskatoon Coin Club's 10-Cent Obverse Design Evolution guide and the Calgary Coin 10-cent variety analysis.
⚠️ "No H" Coins — Authentication Required
Every genuine 1882 Canadian 10-cent coin bears the H mint mark on the reverse. If a coin claimed to be an 1882 dime lacks the H, examine it closely under magnification: the mark may be filled with die grease (a minor production anomaly) or it may have worn away on a heavily circulated coin. If the coin is high-grade and still lacks an H, treat it with strong suspicion — no "London" (no-H) 1882 dimes are recorded, and the coin is likely counterfeit or has mismatched components.
1882 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm you have a genuine 1882H Canadian 10-cent coin and to determine its finish — the two most important steps before assessing value.
The defining diagnostic: the H mint mark on every genuine 1882 Canadian dime — located at the base of the reverse, between the ribbon bow and the outer rim. Missing or unclear? Examine under 10× magnification before drawing conclusions.
Step 1 — Monarch and Portrait
The obverse must depict Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a laureated wreath in her hair. This is the Laureated Portrait (Young Head) designed by Leonard Charles Wyon. The legend reads VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D: The portrait is classified as Obverse 3 for this date. If the obverse shows a different portrait style (e.g., a veiled or widow's cap portrait), you have a different issue.
Step 2 — Denomination and Date
The reverse must show 10 CENTS above the date 1882, enclosed within the crossed maple bough wreath. Confirm you have the 10-cent and not the similarly dated 5-cent or 1-cent coins — they share design elements but differ in size (the dime is 18.03 mm in diameter).
Step 3 — Reverse Design
Verify the crossed maple boughs wreath surmounted by the St. Edward's Crown. Count the leaves — the standard reverse for 1882 uses 22 leaves. No premium varieties are documented for leaf count on this date.
Step 4 — Edge
The edge must be reeded (vertical grooves all around the circumference). A plain edge on a coin claiming to be an 1882 Canadian dime indicates a counterfeit or a wrong-planchet anomaly.
Step 5 — Mint Mark
Look at the reverse base, between the ribbon bow (where the wreath is tied) and the outer rim denticles. You must find a small letter H. Under 5–10× magnification, the H should be clearly legible. If it appears to be absent on a coin in Good or better condition, the coin requires expert examination. No 1882 dimes were struck in London — an absent H in high grade is a red flag for counterfeit.
Step 6 — Magnet Test
The magnet test takes two seconds and immediately rules out common steel-core fakes. A genuine 1882 sterling silver dime will not attract to a magnet under any circumstances.
Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1882H dime is 92.5% silver and will exhibit absolutely no magnetic attraction. If the coin sticks or is drawn toward the magnet, it is struck on a modern steel or base-metal blank and is not genuine. This is the fastest non-destructive authentication check available.
Step 7 — Finish Identification (Critical for Value)
Business Strike vs. Specimen: the Specimen's sharply squared wire rim and contrasting field-device texture are absent from all circulation coins. Do not pay Specimen premiums for coins that have not been authenticated by a third-party grading service. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Business Strike (the overwhelming majority of survivors): Uncirculated examples exhibit a satiny or cartwheel lustre — a rotating shimmer when the coin is tilted. Fields (background) and devices (portrait, legend) share the same surface texture. Contact marks from bag storage are normal and expected. Circulated examples show grey or toned surfaces at the wear points.
Specimen (SP) — extremely rare: Produced with polished dies, Specimen coins show sharply squared wire-like rim edges (unlike the slightly rounded rim of a business strike), and often a matte, expansive field that visually contrasts with the frosted portrait devices. The strike is razor-sharp, with full separation in individual hair strands and wreath leaf veins. Authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is mandatory for any coin claimed to be a Specimen before a premium valuation is applied.
Step 8 — Weight Verification
A genuine coin should weigh 2.32 grams on a precision scale (±0.1 g allowance for wear). Significant deviation from this weight — especially underweight — suggests a counterfeit struck on a lighter blank. A coin that is slightly underweight due to heavy wear may still be genuine; check in combination with all other diagnostics.
ℹ️ ICCS vs. PCGS for the 1882H Dime
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic Canadian standard and is trusted by Canadian collectors for accurate, conservative grading. An ICCS grade is a liquid, tradeable standard in the Canadian market. PCGS is the international and investment-grade standard; for high-grade coins (MS65+) or Specimens, a PCGS holder often realizes higher prices due to the competitive North American registry-set market. If you have a potential MS65 or Specimen coin, professional cross-over submission to PCGS may be financially advantageous.
1882 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1882 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends almost entirely on grade and originality. Circulated examples range from $25.50 (G4) to $428 (AU50). Uncirculated coins range from $776 (MS60) to $5,400 (MS65) and approximately $9,700 at MS66. Specimen strikings are catalogued at $3,920 (SP63) to $9,800 (SP65). All values are in CAD as of February 2026. Coins that have been cleaned, scratched, or altered trade at steep discounts — often 40–60% less — toward their silver melt value of approximately $7.36 CAD.
Is the 1882 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. Every genuine 1882 Canadian dime is struck in Sterling Silver — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — to British monetary standards. The coin contains approximately 2.146 grams of pure silver, worth roughly $7.36 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. This melt value acts as an absolute floor: even the most heavily worn collectible grade (AG-3, approximately $11.00) trades above it, and in grades G4 and higher, numismatic value substantially exceeds the silver content.
Why does every 1882 Canadian dime have an "H" mint mark?
Because the entire 1882 mintage of one million coins was struck exclusively at the Heaton Mint (Ralph Heaton & Sons) in Birmingham, England. The Royal Mint in London did not produce Canadian dimes in 1882. The small "H" on the reverse, located between the ribbon bow and the outer rim, is a mandatory diagnostic of a genuine example. No 1882 Canadian dimes were produced in London, so no H-less examples exist from legitimate production.
What makes a 1882 dime valuable at the high end?
Three factors drive extreme value: (1) Condition rarity — most coins circulated heavily or acquired bag marks in storage, making Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) survivors statistically rare; (2) Finish rarity — Specimen strikes are known by individual count, with extremely low original production, and catalogue at $9,800 (SP65); (3) Original toning — coins that have developed attractive natural blues, golds, and violets from the rim inward command a documented premium of 20–50% over the base catalogue value for their grade.
How do I tell a Business Strike from a Specimen?
A Business Strike shows cartwheel lustre on uncirculated examples, with fields and devices sharing the same surface texture and rounded rim edges. A Specimen has sharply squared wire-like rims, contrasting matte or semi-mirrored fields versus frosted devices, and razor-sharp strike detail showing full separation in individual hair strands and wreath veins. The difference can be subtle, and counterfeit or misidentified coins exist. Do not pay Specimen premiums based on visual assessment alone — mandatory authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is required before any Specimen valuation is applied.
Should I get my 1882 dime professionally graded?
It depends on condition. The grading cost (typically $30–$80+ per coin at ICCS or PCGS) only makes financial sense if the coin's expected grade justifies it. For circulated coins below EF40 (below approximately $268), professional grading is often not economical. For AU50 and higher, grading removes the "cleaned vs. original" uncertainty that can cost you 40–60% of the coin's value when selling raw. For any potential Specimen or MS65+ coin, professional grading is strongly recommended — both to confirm authenticity and to unlock the full market premium. For high-grade coins targeting the registry-set market, PCGS is the preferred holder; ICCS is preferred for the domestic Canadian market.
My 1882 dime has no "H" mint mark — is it valuable?
Be cautious. No London-mint (H-less) 1882 Canadian dimes are recorded in standard catalogues — every genuine coin should have the H. If your coin is heavily worn, the mark may have worn away; examine under 10× magnification to check for traces. If the coin is in Fine or better condition and genuinely lacks the H, it is most likely a counterfeit, a coin with a grease-filled die impression, or an altered example. Do not attribute any premium for a missing H — rather, have the coin examined by a professional numismatist or submitted to a grading service before drawing conclusions.
What is the difference between an original and a dipped (cleaned) 1882 dime?
An original coin retains its natural silver skin — either a white lustre (on Uncirculated examples) or naturally developed grey or toned surfaces (on circulated and stored examples). An original example with attractive toning (blues, golds, violets) commands a 20–50% premium over base catalogue value. A dipped coin has been treated with an acidic solution to remove tarnish, resulting in an unnatural bright-white surface that lacks cartwheel lustre and shows a flat, harsh appearance under a loupe. Dipped coins lose 30–50% of their numismatic premium and are downgraded to "Details" designation by third-party graders when hairlines or other evidence of cleaning are present. Never clean a coin — even a poor cleaning decision made years ago permanently affects its value.
Methodology & Sources
Values cited in this guide reflect retail ask prices for problem-free, original coins as of February 2026, synthesized from the following primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 1858–1901 Price Guide (primary pricing reference)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 3 (1858–1901)
- Numista — 10 Cents Victoria, Canada (Technical Specifications and Mintage)
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10-Cent Obverse Design Evolution (obverse variety identification)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Variety Analysis
- Heritage Auctions — Canadian Coin Auction Archive (auction context for trophy-level coins)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety and grade reference)
All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Prices represent a mid-market synthesis and may vary by 10–20% depending on venue (auction vs. dealer retail), geographic market, and specific eye appeal. Silver spot prices fluctuate; melt values should be recalculated against current spot on the date of any transaction. This guide covers standard (non-error) coins only.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.