1894 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
What is your 1894 Canadian dime worth? Complete price guide for the Queen Victoria 10-cent coin — Obverse 5, Obverse 6, 4/4 variety, and Specimen. Values by grade in CAD as of February 2026.
The 1894 Canadian 10-cent coin is 92.5% sterling silver with a melt value of approximately $5.62 CAD — yet even the most worn, barely identifiable examples trade at a numismatic minimum of approximately $12–$14 CAD. In top MS-65 Gem condition, the standard Obverse 6 reaches $4,960, and the extremely rare Specimen strikes are valued up to $17,600 in SP-65.
- Circulated (G4–AU50) — Obverse 6 Standard:$27–$452
- Uncirculated (MS60) — Obverse 6:$915
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65) — Obverse 6:$4,960
- Obverse 5 Scarcer Die (G4–MS60):$32–$1,540 (+20%–50% premium in VF/EF)
- 4/4 Repunched Date (G4–MS60):$42–$1,620
- Specimen (SP63–SP65):$5,900–$17,600 (estimated fewer than 20 known)
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Found in change or a junk silver bin? This 130-year-old sterling silver coin always commands more than its melt value — never sell for scrap. Coin is unusually sharp with squared rims? It may be a Specimen worth thousands — ICCS or PCGS authentication is mandatory before that premium applies. Does it stick to a magnet? A genuine 1894 dime is non-magnetic (92.5% silver); magnetic attraction signals a counterfeit. See full value chart →
The 1894 Canadian 10-cent coin holds firm "better date" status within the Queen Victoria Diademed Head series, the design that defines pre-1908 Canadian silver coinage. Unlike some earlier Victorian issues that were divided between the Royal Mint in London and the Heaton Mint in Birmingham (identified by an 'H' mint mark), the 1894 dime was struck exclusively at the Royal Mint's Tower Hill facility in London — no 'H' mark exists for this date. The 500,000-piece mintage served its purpose in commerce but left relatively few survivors in high grades, and the year adds meaningful complexity through two distinct obverse die types (Obverse 5 and Obverse 6) plus a repunched 4/4 date variety — any of which can dramatically change what a specific coin is worth. For broader series context across all Victorian 10-cent dates, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide. Errors such as off-center strikes may exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
Obverse and reverse of the 1894 Canadian 10-cent coin — Queen Victoria Diademed Head by Leonard Charles Wyon (left) and the maple wreath reverse with St. Edward's Crown and '10 CENTS' (right).
1894 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The Sterling Silver Standard
The 1894 10-cent coin was struck under the Sterling Silver Standard that governed Canadian silver coinage from 1858 through 1919, well before the transition to the 0.800 fine alloy used from 1920 onward.
- Silver (Ag): 92.5%
- Copper (Cu): 7.5%
This elevated silver content produces a distinctly brilliant, creamy-white lustre on Mint State survivors that differs from the slightly greyer appearance of later George V or George VI issues. However, 92.5% silver is softer than the post-1919 alloy, which means the 1894 dime accumulated wear and bag marks more rapidly in circulation — a key reason why high-grade survivors are statistically scarce. The 7.5% copper content facilitates toning over time; original Victorian dimes frequently display rich golden, russet, and gunmetal-blue natural patinas that experienced collectors prize.
Melt Value Calculation
The Actual Silver Weight (ASW) of the 1894 10 cents is 0.069 troy oz, derived from 2.32 g × 0.925 purity. Using a spot price of approximately $2.62 CAD per gram as of February 9, 2026 — sourced from BullionVault and Kitco — the approximate melt value is $5.62 CAD.
⚠️ Never Sell an 1894 Dime for Its Silver Content
The numismatic floor of this coin — even in barely identifiable condition — is approximately $12–$14 CAD, roughly double the melt value. Because collector demand always exceeds scrap value for this date, selling an 1894 dime to a bullion dealer is a guaranteed forfeiture of historical and numismatic premium. The Canadian Currency Act also prohibits the melting of coin of the realm.
Magnetic Properties & Authenticity
The 1894 10-cent coin is non-magnetic. Applying a strong rare-earth magnet should produce no attraction. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it is almost certainly a steel or nickel counterfeit — submit it to ICCS or PCGS for authentication before paying any numismatic premium. Weight verification provides a second check: a genuine 1894 dime weighs 2.32 g, and a coin reading 2.0 g or 2.5 g is suspect regardless of appearance.
1894 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Variety
Value for the 1894 10-cent coin is driven by three factors in descending order of impact: (1) grade, (2) obverse variety (Obverse 5, Obverse 6, or 4/4 repunched date), and (3) coin integrity. Coins with cleaning, environmental damage (corrosion, dark pitting), or rim damage typically trade at 30%–50% below the listed values. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original lustre and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned 1894 dime is designated "Details" (damaged) by ICCS/PCGS/NGC and loses all numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail. Silver is especially unforgiving — even brief contact with household cleaners permanently destroys the "cartwheel" lustre that separates a $915 MS-60 from a $167 VF-20.
1894 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Type / Obverse Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obverse 6 (Standard) | $27 | $64 | $95 | $167 | $313 | $452 | $915 | $2,070 | $4,960 |
| Obverse 5 (Scarcer) | $32 | $77 | $126 | $201 | $436 | $814 | $1,540 | $2,500+ | — |
| Obverse 6 (4/4) — Repunched Date | $42 | $83 | $137 | $253 | $506 | $915 | $1,620 | — | — |
Sources: Coins and Canada — Victorian 10 Cents (1858–1901); Calgary Coin — Canadian 10 Cent Reference; Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins.
Grade sensitivity highlights — where value jumps are sharpest:
- VF-20 to EF-40 (Obverse 6): Price nearly doubles from $167 to $313. EF requires retention of hair detail above the ear — coins that circulated lightly saved that detail; most did not.
- AU-50 to MS-60: Price doubles again, from $452 to $915. Unbroken lustre on a sterling silver coin that actively circulated is a statistical anomaly for this date.
- MS-60 to MS-65: Price rises more than fivefold — from $915 to $4,960. Gem-quality 1894 dimes appear perhaps once or twice annually in major auction houses; they are event items, not dealer inventory.
Grade terminology quick reference: G-4 = heavily worn, Queen is a silhouette, date readable; VG-8 = design clear but flat; F-12 = moderate wear, hair braid outlines visible; VF-20 = higher points worn, ear and jewel details emerging; EF-40 = light wear on highest points, traces of lustre in legends; AU-50 = high points show friction, substantial lustre remains; MS-60 = uncirculated, no wear, contact marks permitted; MS-63 = fewer marks, good lustre; MS-65 = exceptional eye appeal, minimal marks, booming lustre.
Grade comparison for the 1894 Canadian dime — heavily circulated (G4/VG8, portrait flattened and details blended) versus Mint State (MS63/MS65, full cartwheel lustre and sharp hair detail above the ear). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1894 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP)
Specimen strikings for the 1894 10 cents are confirmed to exist. These are not modern consumer proof sets but rather archival presentation pieces struck on high-pressure presses using polished dies and specially prepared planchets — typically reserved for official archives, museum collections, or senior officials. Survival estimates suggest fewer than 20 examples are known. The values below apply to Obverse 5 examples, as catalogued. Actual auction realizations can vary by ±30% depending on the specific coin's pedigree (e.g., Ex-Belzberg, Ex-Norweb) and the quality of any toning present.
| Finish | SP63 | SP64 | SP65 | Finish Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (Obverse 5) | $5,900 | $11,800 | $17,600 | Matte or Satin field surface typical for this era — deep cameo contrast is not expected. |
Source: Coins and Canada — Victorian 10 Cents (Specimen values). ICCS or PCGS/NGC certification is mandatory before any Specimen premium is realizable.
Business Strike versus Specimen finish on an 1894 Victorian Canadian dime. The Specimen shows characteristically squared, wire-like rims and a satin/matte field surface; the Business Strike shows standard rounded rims and rotating cartwheel lustre. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the full series price history across all Victorian 10-cent dates, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1894 Canadian Dime Varieties
A) Trophy-Level Examples
The highest-value 1894 dimes share a single defining trait: the convergence of variety rarity with condition rarity. The following table ranks the top collectible targets for this date.
| What | Why It's Expensive | Value Benchmark (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 Specimen (SP) | Absolute rarity: Estimated fewer than 20 known. Struck exclusively for archival and official presentation purposes — never intended for commerce. | $17,600 guide value (SP65) | Coins and Canada |
| 1894 Obverse 5 in Gem MS | Condition rarity on a scarcer die: The Obverse 5 hub was older and often fatigued by 1894; finding a fully lustrous, sharply struck Gem example is exceptionally difficult. | $2,500+ (MS63); MS65+ values not catalogued — realizations driven by auction competition | Charlton Standard Catalogue; Calgary Coin |
| 1894 Obverse 6 in Top Gem | Registry demand: Even the standard variety is condition-rare in MS66/MS67. Competitive registry set participation drives prices above catalogue levels. | $4,960 guide value (MS65); MS66+ driven by registry competition | Coins and Canada; PCGS Auction Prices — 1894 10C |
| 1894 4/4 Variety in MS | Variety plus grade: Repunched date varieties are normally found heavily worn. A Mint State example of the 4/4 combines two independent scarcity factors. | $1,620 guide value (MS60); MS63+ not catalogued | Coins and Canada |
ℹ️ Toning: The Invisible Value Multiplier
For trophy-level Mint State and Specimen 1894 dimes, toning can swing realized prices far above or below guide values. A 92.5% silver coin from 1894 is chemically reactive. An MS-65 with dull, uniform black tarnish may sell at the low end of the range, while the same grade with vivid "target toning" — concentric rings of gold, magenta, and steel-blue — has the potential to substantially exceed guide levels at competitive auction. Toning authenticity is scrutinized by graders; artificially induced toning is a red flag that grading services record.
B) Findable Varieties: What to Check Before You Sell
These varieties can be identified from circulation finds, dealer stock, or estate collections using a 5×–10× loupe and the diagnostics below.
| Variety | Charlton / ID | Diagnostic — How to Identify | Premium Over Standard Obverse 6 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obverse 5 | Obverse #5 | Throat smooth and shallow: The line running down the Queen's neck is barely visible or absent; the neck profile is flat and relatively uniform. Compare to the deep groove on Obverse 6. | +20% to +50% over Obverse 6 in VF/EF grades | Charlton; Saskatoon Coin Club — 10 Cent Varieties |
| 4/4 Repunched Date | Obverse #6 — 4/4 | Final '4' shows doubling: Under 10× magnification, look for a secondary ghost outline on the crossbar or diagonal upright of the final digit. The repunching manifests as a shadow line running parallel to the primary digit strokes. | +30% to +100% depending on doubling clarity and grade | Coins and Canada |
| Wide Date | Wide Date | Spacing between digits visibly wider than normal, particularly between the '9' and '4'. Compare under magnification against a standard-spacing 1894 example. | Premium varies; documented as rarer than standard spacing | Saskatoon Coin Club — 10 Cent Varieties |
Close-up of the 1894 Canadian dime 4/4 repunched date variety — the secondary ghost outline is most visible on the crossbar and diagonal upright of the final '4'. A 10× loupe is recommended for positive identification.
1894 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this systematic checklist to confirm exactly what you have before estimating value. The difference between a standard Obverse 6 and a scarcer Obverse 5 can be worth hundreds of dollars in EF/AU grades — and an unidentified Specimen could be worth several thousand. Invest five minutes here before pricing.
Step 1 — Standard Check (30 Seconds)
- Monarch: Queen Victoria, Diademed (Mature) Head, facing left. Portrait designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, London.
- Reverse: Wreath of maple boughs enclosing '10 CENTS'; St. Edward's Crown at top.
- Date: 1894 — confirm all four digits. Misread dates are common; compare carefully to distinguish from 1892, 1893, or 1896.
- Mint Mark:None. The 1894 10-cent was struck exclusively at the Royal Mint's Tower Hill facility in London. If you see an 'H' below the date, re-examine the year — 'H' (Heaton Mint, Birmingham) marks appear on certain earlier dates such as 1892-H, not on 1894.
- Edge: Reeded (milled). A plain edge on a Victorian Canadian dime would be an anomaly requiring immediate authentication.
Step 2 — Composition & Authenticity: The Magnet Test
Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin:
- No attraction: Consistent with 92.5% sterling silver composition — as expected for a genuine 1894 dime.
- Magnetic attraction: Almost certainly a steel or nickel counterfeit. Do not pay numismatic premiums. Submit to ICCS or PCGS for authentication.
For additional confirmation, weigh the coin on a digital scale precise to 0.01 g. A genuine 1894 dime weighs 2.32 g; moderate wear may reduce this slightly (a circulated VF example may read ~2.29 g). A coin weighing 2.0 g or 2.5 g is suspect regardless of appearance.
Magnet test for the 1894 Canadian dime — the 92.5% sterling silver composition produces no magnetic attraction. No pull = consistent with genuine metal composition. Magnetic response = submit for authentication before proceeding.
Step 3 — The Critical Value Check: Obverse 5 vs. Obverse 6
This is the single most important diagnostic step for an 1894 dime. Use a 5× or 10× loupe and focus on the Queen's throat — the vertical area between the chin and the clavicle.
- Smooth, flat throat profile:Obverse 5 (scarcer). The sternocleidomastoid muscle line is shallow or absent; the neck surface is relatively uniform with no deep indentation. This die was being phased out in 1894. Commands a premium of 20%–50% over Obverse 6 in VF and EF grades.
- Deep vertical groove / pronounced hollow:Obverse 6 (standard). Strong muscular definition creates a clearly visible vertical indentation running down the throat. This became the dominant hub for the remainder of the Victorian reign.
Obverse 5 vs. Obverse 6 throat diagnostic for the 1894 Canadian dime. LEFT (Obverse 5): smooth, shallow throat — the scarcer die. RIGHT (Obverse 6): deep vertical groove — the standard die. A 5×–10× loupe is sufficient for this check. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Step 4 — The 4/4 Repunched Date Check
Under 10× magnification, focus exclusively on the final '4' in the date. Look for:
- A secondary outline or ghost line running parallel to the crossbar of the '4'
- Doubling on the diagonal upright of the '4'
If visible, you have the 1894 4/4 variety, which commands a premium of +30% to +100% over standard Obverse 6 values depending on doubling clarity and overall grade.
Step 5 — Finish Identification
- Business Strike: "Cartwheel" lustre that rotates as you tilt the coin under a single-point light source. Fields may show bag marks. Rims are rounded at the edges.
- Specimen (SP): The defining visual signature is sharply squared-off, wire-like rims — noticeably crisper than any business strike. The strike quality is unnaturally complete, with every hair curl and jewel element fully and deeply formed. Fields exhibit a matte or semi-mirror surface rather than a rotating cartwheel glow. Authentication by ICCS or PCGS is mandatory — no reputable buyer will pay Specimen-level prices for an unslabbed, unverified coin.
⚠️ Beware Slider Coins and Dipped Silver
A genuine Mint State 1894 dime will exhibit cartwheel lustre that rotates as you tilt the coin under a single-point light. A coin that has been mechanically polished ("whizzed") or chemically dipped will show flat, directional shine without rotation. Many Victorian silver coins were acid-dipped in the 1980s to remove toning. These coins look stripped and pallid — lacking both natural patina and original lustre — and are graded as "Details" problem coins at a 50% discount from catalogue prices. A coin that looks unnaturally "chrome white" has almost certainly been dipped.
1894 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is an 1894 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends on grade, obverse variety, and coin integrity. In circulated grades (G4–AU50), the standard Obverse 6 ranges from $27 to $452 CAD. The scarcer Obverse 5 die commands an additional 20%–50% in VF and EF grades. In Mint State, Obverse 6 values climb from $915 (MS60) to $4,960 (MS65). The exceptionally rare Specimen strikes — estimated at fewer than 20 known — are valued from $5,900 (SP63) to $17,600 (SP65). Even in barely identifiable condition, any genuine 1894 dime is worth approximately $12–$14 CAD — always above its silver melt value. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is an 1894 Canadian dime rare?
The 1894 dime is classified as a "better date" within the Victorian series, but not an absolute key date (those include the 1889 and the 1875-H). The mintage of 500,000 was adequate for commerce, so circulated examples turn up with some regularity. However, the rarity curve steepens sharply at EF-40 and becomes nearly vertical at MS-60 — uncirculated examples are statistically unusual because sterling silver wore rapidly in active circulation. Specimens (fewer than 20 known) are genuine absolute rarities in any condition.
What makes an 1894 Canadian dime valuable?
Four factors drive value in descending order of impact: (1) Grade — moving from VF to MS represents roughly a tenfold price increase; (2) Obverse variety — Obverse 5 and the 4/4 repunched date both carry documented premiums; (3) Coin integrity — cleaned, dipped, or physically damaged coins trade at 30%–50% discounts and are graded "Details" by certification services; and (4) Eye appeal for Mint State and Specimen examples — attractive, vibrant natural toning can push realized prices well above guide values, while ugly uniform tarnish has the opposite effect.
Is my 1894 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. All Canadian 10-cent coins struck between 1858 and 1919 were produced in sterling silver: 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The 1894 dime contains approximately 0.069 troy oz of pure silver (Actual Silver Weight). At February 2026 spot prices, the melt value is approximately $5.62 CAD. However, the numismatic floor for any recognizable 1894 dime is roughly $12–$14 CAD even in the most worn condition — always exceeding the bullion value. Never sell this coin to a silver dealer for melt.
How do I tell Obverse 5 from Obverse 6 on an 1894 dime?
The definitive diagnostic is the Queen's throat under 5×–10× magnification. Obverse 5 shows a smooth, flat throat — the neck muscle line (sternocleidomastoid) is barely visible or absent, and the neck surface is relatively uniform. Obverse 6 shows a deep vertical groove — strong muscular definition creates a pronounced hollow indentation running down the throat. If your coin's throat is flat and smooth, you have the scarcer Obverse 5, worth 20%–50% more in VF and EF grades than the standard variety.
What is the 4/4 repunched date variety?
The 4/4 variety is a die anomaly caused by the date punch being applied twice with a slight misalignment between the first and second strikes. The result is a secondary "ghost" outline visible on the final digit '4' in the date — typically appearing as doubling of the crossbar or the diagonal upright. Use 10× magnification focused exclusively on that last digit. The premium ranges from +30% to +100% over standard Obverse 6 values, depending on how clearly the doubling is visible and the overall grade of the coin. This variety is listed in the Charlton Standard Catalogue under Obverse #6 — 4/4.
Should I get my 1894 Canadian dime professionally graded?
The economics of grading depend on where your coin sits on the value curve. For circulated examples grading VF to EF — where values range from $95 to $436 — third-party certification costs may approach or exceed the premium gained, especially for the common Obverse 6. For AU and above, where values begin at $452 and climb steeply, certification pays for itself many times over by unlocking full market premiums. For any coin that may be a Specimen, certification is non-negotiable — no serious buyer or auction house will pay Specimen-tier prices for an unverified raw coin. ICCS is the domestic gold standard for Canadian collectors; PCGS and NGC (U.S.-based services) are preferred for high-grade MS-65+ submissions because their Registry Set ecosystems drive realized prices upward internationally. PCGS auction data for the 1894 10C is available at PCGS Auction Prices and at NGC World Coin Price Guide.
How do I identify a Specimen striking on an 1894 dime?
Victorian Specimens are identified by three physical characteristics: (1) Sharply squared-off, wire-like rims — noticeably crisper than any business strike when viewed at the coin's edge; (2) Unnaturally complete strike — every element of the effigy is fully and deeply formed, with no softness on high points; and (3) Matte or satin field surface — unlike modern Proofs, Victorian Specimens do not show deep black-and-white cameo contrast; a matte or semi-mirror appearance is normal for this era. Because of the values involved — up to $17,600 CAD for SP65 — ICCS or PCGS authentication is mandatory before any Specimen premium is considered realistic.
What counts as a "problem coin" and how does it affect value?
A problem coin is any example with cleaning (hairlines visible under magnification), environmental damage (corrosion, dark pitting, verdigris), or physical damage (rim nicks, holes, scratches). Grading services designate these as "Details" coins and they trade at 30%–50% discounts below catalogue prices. The most common problem on 1894 dimes is acid-dipping — many Victorian silver coins were chemically stripped in the 1980s to remove toning. Dipped coins appear unnaturally bright or pale, with flat surfaces lacking either original lustre or natural patina. Always use a loupe to check for hairlines in the fields before paying full catalogue premiums.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail prices for problem-free, certified or certifiable coins as of February 2026. Prices represent market consensus across the Canadian numismatic trade and are not guarantees of future sale. Specimen values are especially volatile and depend on pedigree, toning quality, and market conditions at time of sale. Professional appraisal is recommended for coins valued above $500 CAD.
Primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — Victorian 10 Cents (1858–1901) Pricing — primary pricing reference for all circulation and Specimen values
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — variety attribution and pricing benchmark; Obverse #5, Obverse #6, and 4/4 designations
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM-3 (1858–1901) — pricing and population context
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1894 10C — certified auction realization data
- Heritage Auctions — World Coin Archive — historical auction records for Canadian coins
- GreatCollections — 1894 Canada Silver 10 Cents Auction Archive — realized price data
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Canadian Domestic Market — Canadian auction realization trends
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10 Cent Major Varieties — variety identification reference for Obverse 5, Obverse 6, and Wide Date
- Numista — Victoria 10 Cents Canada (KM-3) — technical specifications cross-reference
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents Historical Overview — official historical specifications
- Silver spot price data sourced from BullionVault and Kitco as of February 9, 2026
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.