1910 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide
Find out what your 1910 Canadian 25-cent coin is worth. Complete grade-by-grade price guide (G-4 to MS-65) for this sterling silver Edward VII quarter — with melt value, auction records, crown band grading diagnostic, and variety clarification. All values in CAD.
Most 1910 Canadian quarters in circulated condition are worth $14.30–$205 CAD, anchored by their sterling silver melt value in low grades. In Gem Mint State — a true condition rarity for this issue — values reach $2,250–$3,810 CAD, with trophy-grade auction records exceeding $8,300 CAD.
- Good–Very Good (G-4–VG-8):$14.30–$18.00 — effectively silver melt value
- Fine–Very Fine (F-12–VF-20):$20.00–$52.00
- Extremely Fine–About Unc (EF-40–AU-50):$50.00–$205.00
- Mint State (MS-60–MS-63):$250–$900
- Near-Gem–Gem (MS-64–MS-65):$1,560–$3,810
- Trophy Grade (MS-66+, auction record):~$8,300 CAD
Is it silver? Yes — this is a sterling silver coin (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu), with a melt value of approximately $14.25–$14.30 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. Does it look shiny or mirror-like? A genuine business strike shows rotating “cartwheel” luster, not a deep mirror finish. No Proof-Like or commercial collector sets were produced for this year; there is no PL population to confuse with circulation strikes. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1910 Canadian 25-cent coin is the final circulation issue of the Edward VII series (1902–1910) and a mature product of the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint, the facility that had commenced domestic operations only in 1908. Struck to the historic British sterling standard (.925 fine silver), this coin is the most accessible date in the Edward VII series for circulated examples — yet it transforms into a formidable condition rarity in Gem Mint State, where the shallow relief of George William de Saulles' portrait and the softness of the alloy conspired against pristine long-term survival. Grade is the single overriding factor: a worn example trades at silver melt while a Gem commands four figures. For the full denomination context, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Note: Minor production anomalies such as die cracks and planchet flaws may exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
The 1910 Canadian 25-cent coin: obverse (left) shows King Edward VII facing right with the legend EDWARDVS VII DEI GRATIA REX IMPERATOR; reverse (right) shows crossed maple boughs surmounted by the Imperial Crown with 25 CENTS CANADA 1910. Struck at the Ottawa Branch with no mint mark.
1910 Canadian Quarter Composition & Melt Value
The Sterling Silver Standard
The 1910 quarter is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — the ancient British sterling standard maintained by Canadian coinage from 1858 until 1919. The copper serves as the functional alloying agent: pure silver is too soft for circulation, and the 7.5% addition significantly hardens the planchet for daily commerce. That same copper content is also the reactive element responsible for the dark iridescent toning (silver sulfide and silver oxide) that develops on coins stored in paper envelopes or cloth bags over decades. Canada later reduced silver fineness to .800 fine in 1920, and again to .500 fine in 1967–1968, making the sterling-era coins distinctively “whiter” in brilliant condition than their successors.
Melt Value Calculation (February 2026)
With a coin weight of 5.83 grams and a silver purity of 0.925, the 1910 quarter contains 0.1734 troy ounces of fine silver (ASW). Based on silver spot prices of approximately $80.00–$83.00 CAD per troy ounce ($2.57–$2.67 CAD per gram) recorded in early February 2026, the intrinsic silver melt value is approximately $14.25–$14.30 CAD. Current Canadian silver spot prices can be monitored at SilverPrice.org — Canada.
This melt floor is the absolute price baseline. Coins graded G-4 through VG-8 statistically trade within a dollar or two of their bullion value, meaning they track the silver commodities market rather than the numismatic collectibles market. A collector purchasing a low-grade 1910 quarter is essentially acquiring a fractional silver unit with a historical stamp.
ℹ️ Magnet Test — Fastest Authentication
Sterling silver is non-magnetic. Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin: a genuine 1910 quarter will not attract. If the coin sticks firmly, it is almost certainly a counterfeit struck on a steel or base-metal planchet. This single test is the fastest primary authentication method for this coin and costs nothing.
1910 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade
The 1910 Canadian quarter was struck in one design type and one finish — the Business Strike (circulation issue). No commercial Proof-Like sets or Specimen sets were marketed to the public for this year. Extremely rare Specimen strikings exist for archival and VIP purposes but are not traded frequently enough to establish a standard price column (see Notable Variants for Specimen details). All standard values below apply to the Business Strike only.
1910 Canadian 25-Cent — Business Strike (Sterling Silver Circulation Issue)
Three 1910 Canadian quarters illustrating the grade spectrum: heavily circulated (G-4, left) showing crown detail worn flat; collector grade (VF-20, centre) with distinct crown band; and Mint State (MS-63, right) with full cartwheel luster and no trace of wear. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
| Type | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 Standard (Sterling .925) | $14.30 | $15–$18 | $20–$25 | $35–$52 | $50–$115 | $75–$205 | $250–$385 | $375–$520 | $650–$900 | $1,560–$2,000 | $2,250–$3,810 |
Values in CAD as of February 2026. Sources: Coins and Canada — 25 Cents 1902–1910 (primary Canadian market data) and NGC Price Guide — Canada 25 Cents KM 11a (US-market baseline). The wide EF-40 range ($50–$115) reflects significant “eye appeal” variance — original luster and toning quality can push an EF example to the top of its range or hold it near the bottom.
MS-66+ Trophy Grade (Auction Records): A PCGS/NGC-certified MS-66 example realized approximately ~$8,300 CAD (converted from ~$6,000 USD) at Heritage Auctions in June 2020. An ICCS MS-65 realized approximately ~$4,680 CAD at Heritage Auctions in August 2021. These are not typical market values but documented realized prices for exceptional survivors. See the NGC Auction Central for 1910 Canada 25¢ for a running log of certified auction results.
The 1910 Canadian quarter value cliff: prices rise gradually through circulated grades, then accelerate sharply at the Mint State threshold. The AU-50-to-MS-60 jump alone represents a potential $45–$180 difference; the MS-63-to-MS-65 gap spans over $1,350. (Illustration — values from document data)
⚠️ The Condition Cliff — Know Before You Buy or Sell
The price escalation from AU-50 (~$75–$205) to MS-60 (~$250–$385) is steep, and it continues to accelerate exponentially at each grade point. The spread between MS-62 (top ~$520) and MS-64 (~$1,560–$2,000) exceeds $1,000. A single point of grade misattribution — or a coin casually described as “Uncirculated” that actually grades AU-55 — represents a significant financial error for either buyer or seller. For any coin above approximately $500 in value, always purchase in certified holders from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coin
The 1910 quarter is sterling silver and naturally develops toning over time. Original dark “crusty” toning is desirable to advanced collectors and may even command a premium (see Notable Variants). Cleaning or “dipping” the coin bright-white strips the original surface metal (“skin”), permanently damaging the coin. A cleaned coin is graded “Details — Cleaned” by any major grading service and loses all numismatic premium, often forfeiting 50% or more of its value regardless of the underlying detail.
For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1910 Canadian Quarter Varieties & Trophy Examples
The 1910 quarter is a condition rarity, not a die variety rarity. Standard catalogues — including the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — do not list competing die varieties for this denomination and year. Value premiums arise from two sources: (1) extraordinary preservation in an era before certified grading, and (2) exceptional Specimen striking for archival purposes.
A. Trophy-Level Condition Rarities
With a mintage of 3,577,569, the 1910 quarter is not a scarce date. The rarity lies entirely in high-grade survival. The shallow relief of de Saulles' obverse portrait — particularly vulnerable at the King's crown jewels and eyebrow — combined with the softness of .925 sterling silver meant that pristine examples are statistically anomalous survivors after more than a century of attrition. The combined population of coins graded MS-65 or higher by PCGS, NGC, and ICCS is estimated to be fewer than 100 pieces.
| Category | Requirement | Documented Value / Auction Record (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condition Rarity — PCGS/NGC MS-66+ | Flawless surfaces, fully struck crown and reverse wreath, exceptional eye appeal | ~$8,300 CAD (~$6,000 USD converted) | Heritage Auctions via Numista, June 2020 |
| Condition Rarity — ICCS MS-65 | Gem condition, minimal contact marks, original skin intact | ~$4,680 CAD | Heritage Auctions, August 2021 |
| Specimen Strike (SP) | Matte/satin fields, razor-sharp devices, squared rims, possible wire edge — produced for archival/VIP purposes, not commercially sold | Extremely Rare / No standard price established — estimated well above $5,000+ CAD if offered at a major auction | Norweb Collection research / Stack's Bowers |
Toning Premiums
Original iridescent toning — the blues, violets, russets, and gold-ambers that develop when sterling silver reacts with trace sulfur compounds in historic paper envelopes or cloth bags — can add a significant premium to a high-grade 1910 quarter. A “monster toned” example in MS-64 or MS-65 can realize two to three times the price of a brilliant white coin of the same certified grade at specialist auctions. The critical distinction is original toning (even, graduated color bands proving undisturbed original storage) versus environmental damage (uneven black staining, green verdigris, or spot corrosion). Never attempt to remove original toning — it cannot be restored once stripped.
Two certified MS-64 examples: left coin exhibits original iridescent toning (blues and violets grading into russet at the rim) consistent with original paper-envelope storage — this type of toning commands a premium with advanced collectors. Right coin is brilliant white after dipping — surfaces appear washed, with the original “skin” removed. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. The “Victorian vs. Edwardian Leaves” — Not a Variety for This Coin
Collectors occasionally search the 1910 25-cent coin for a “Victorian Leaves vs. Edwardian Leaves” variety split — a confusion arising from the well-documented die change that affects the 1910 50-cent coin. For the 50¢ denomination, a mid-year reverse modification created two distinct, price-differentiated varieties (narrow rim / pointed leaves vs. broad rim / rounded leaves) that are actively collected and catalogued.
For the 25-cent coin, this major variety does not exist. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins does not recognize a concurrent “narrow boughs vs. wide boughs” split for the 1910 quarter. While the reverse die for this denomination was modified to show slightly “wider boughs” versus earlier years, this represents a type-level change affecting all 1910 quarters — not a concurrent variety. There is no scarce “rare leaves” version to cherry-pick at a premium. The market treats the 1910 quarter as a monolithic single variety (KM# 11a).
Strategic advice for collectors: The real “find” on the 1910 quarter is an under-graded coin. A coin sold as AU-50 that retains sufficient luster to grade MS-60 represents a potential value difference of $45–$180. Conversely, a “cleaned” Mint State coin is a value trap: it grades “Details” and loses all numismatic premium.
1910 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm what you have and to identify the key preservation qualities that determine whether your coin is a $15 silver unit or a $500+ collectible.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Obverse Check: Confirm King Edward VII facing right, crowned and draped in ermine robes. The legend must read: EDWARDVS VII DEI GRATIA REX IMPERATOR. The portrait is by sculptor George William de Saulles — the King wears a large imperial crown, and the junction of the crown band with his hair is the primary grading indicator (see below).
- Reverse Check: Verify crossed maple boughs with the Imperial Crown at the top. Central text must read: 25 CENTS CANADA 1910. The reverse design is by L.C. Wyon, with a minor die modification (slightly wider boughs) applied to the 1910 issue.
- Edge Check: The edge must be reeded (milled vertical grooves). A smooth edge indicates extreme wear or a counterfeit slug.
- Die Axis Check: Hold the coin with the obverse upright, then flip it left-to-right. The reverse should also appear upright — this is Medal Alignment (↑↑), adopted by the Ottawa Mint in 1908. If the reverse appears inverted when the obverse is upright (Coin Alignment / ↑↓), the coin is inconsistent with a genuine 1910 Ottawa issue and warrants expert examination.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. A genuine 1910 quarter will not attract — sterling silver (.925 Ag) is non-magnetic. If the coin sticks firmly, it is almost certainly a counterfeit struck on a steel planchet.
- Mint Mark Check: The 1910 issue carries no mint mark. It was struck entirely at the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint. Earlier issues from the Heaton Mint in Birmingham (1902–1907) carry an “H” below the date on the reverse; no such mark appears on genuine 1910 pieces.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (virtually all examples): Exhibits “cartwheel” luster — a rotating spoke of reflected light that sweeps across the coin's surface when tilted slowly under a light source. Fields show small bag marks and contact marks from handling in mint bags. This is the only finish for which standard market values are established.
- Specimen (SP) — Extremely Rare: Genuine Specimens show matte or satin fields (no cartwheel effect), razor-sharp fully-struck devices, squared-off rims, and possibly a fine “wire edge” (a thin metal flange). Specimen-quality 1910 quarters are almost never encountered outside of major specialized auctions or institutional collections. Any coin you suspect may be a Specimen requires authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before any premium can be assumed.
The Crown Band Grading Diagnostic
The single most reliable grading indicator on this coin is the horizontal band at the base of the King's crown — the band that crosses over his hair. Examine it under a 5× to 10× loupe under good lighting:
| Crown Band Appearance | Grade Interpretation | Approximate Value Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Band worn flat and merged with the King's hair — no separation visible | VG-8 or lower | $14.30–$18 |
| Band is distinct from hair, but the jewels/gems on the band are flat with no internal detail | F-12 to VF-20 | $20–$52 |
| Jewels (pearls/gems) on the band are rounded and distinct circles — visible separation between each | VF-20 to EF-40 | $35–$115 |
| Jewels retain intricate internal detail; surrounding fields show original mint luster with no flat wear | AU-50 and above | $75–$3,810+ |
For a detailed photographic grading reference, see the Saskatoon Coin Club — Edward VII 25-Cent Photo Grading Guide and the Saskatoon Coin Club — Edward VII Coin Grading Reference.
Four-stage close-up of the crown band on the King Edward VII portrait: (1) band merged with hair — VG or lower; (2) flat band, no jewel detail — Fine; (3) rounded distinct jewel circles — VF to EF; (4) jewels with full internal detail and surrounding luster — AU to MS. The crown band is the definitive single-point grading indicator for this coin. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Magnet test for the 1910 Canadian quarter: a genuine sterling silver (.925 Ag) coin will not attract to a rare-earth magnet. A coin that sticks firmly indicates a counterfeit struck on a steel planchet — the fastest single authentication test for this issue.
1910 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs
What is a 1910 Canadian quarter worth?
Value depends almost entirely on grade. Circulated examples in Good to Very Good (G-4–VG-8) are worth approximately $14.30–$18.00 CAD — effectively their sterling silver melt value. Fine to Very Fine (F-12–VF-20) trade from $20–$52. Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF-40–AU-50) range from $50–$205. Uncirculated grades (MS-60–MS-63) run from $250–$900, and Gem examples (MS-64–MS-65) command $1,560–$3,810+. Certified MS-66+ examples have reached approximately $8,300 CAD at auction. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 1910 Canadian quarter rare?
In circulated condition, no — the 1910 issue had a mintage of 3,577,569, making it the most available date in the Edward VII series. However, in Gem Mint State (MS-65 and above), it is a formidable condition rarity. The soft sterling silver alloy and shallow relief of de Saulles' portrait meant that pristine survivors are very scarce after 115+ years. The combined graded population of MS-65 or higher examples across PCGS, NGC, and ICCS is estimated to be fewer than 100 pieces.
What makes a 1910 Canadian quarter valuable?
Three factors drive value above the silver melt floor: (1) Grade — the single most critical factor; a single grade point at the MS-63/MS-64 boundary represents over $700 in value. (2) Original surfaces — coins with unaltered original skin command strong premiums; attractive original toning (blues, violets, russets) can push a high-grade example to two to three times the value of a brilliant white counterpart of the same certified grade. (3) Strike quality — a fully struck example showing crisp crown detail and full reverse leaf veining is rare for this issue and adds appeal at the MS level. There are no recognized die varieties to pursue; condition is everything.
Is my 1910 Canadian quarter silver?
Yes. The 1910 Canadian 25-cent coin is struck in sterling silver — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — with a weight of 5.83 grams and a fine silver content of 0.1734 troy ounces (ASW). At February 2026 silver spot prices of approximately $80–$83 CAD per troy ounce, the intrinsic melt value is approximately $14.25–$14.30 CAD. The simplest field test: apply a magnet — genuine silver is non-magnetic, a steel counterfeit sticks. Canada used this .925 sterling standard from 1858 until 1919, when wartime economics forced a reduction to .800 fine.
Should I get my 1910 Canadian quarter professionally graded?
It depends on apparent grade. For circulated examples (G-4 through AU-50), grading fees from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC will typically exceed the coin's numismatic premium over melt — keep these raw or sell as junk silver. For coins that appear to be solidly Mint State (MS-60+), professional grading adds significant liquidity and certainty. ICCS is the standard for the Canadian domestic market; PCGS holders are preferred for the Set Registry competition and international auction liquidity (Heritage, Stack's Bowers). For coins grading MS-64 or higher, PCGS slabs often command a notable premium over ICCS-certified pieces due to demand from international registry collectors.
Is there a “Victorian Leaves” variety for the 1910 Canadian quarter?
No. The famous “Victorian Leaves vs. Edwardian Leaves” variety split applies exclusively to the 1910 50-cent coin. The Charlton Standard Catalogue does not list a recognized concurrent bough variety for the 25-cent denomination. While the 1910 quarter reverse die was modified (slightly wider boughs), this affects all 1910 quarters as a type-level change — there is no premium-bearing scarce version to find. Do not pay a “variety premium” for a 1910 25-cent coin on this basis.
What is “original toning” and why does it matter?
Over decades, the silver in these coins reacts with trace sulfur compounds in paper or cloth storage to form silver sulfide, creating iridescent blues, violets, and russet-gold colors. When this develops naturally and evenly, it is “original toning” — the coin's original surface metal (the “skin”) remains intact beneath. Advanced collectors prize this as proof of untampered original storage. A “monster toned” example in MS-64 or MS-65 can realize two to three times the price of a brilliant white coin of the same grade. Attempting to remove toning by cleaning or dipping destroys the original skin permanently and collapses numismatic value to “Details” grade.
What does the die axis tell me about authentication?
The 1910 quarter should exhibit Medal Alignment (↑↑): hold the obverse upright and flip the coin left-to-right — the reverse should also appear upright. The Ottawa Mint adopted this alignment standard in 1908, replacing the older British Coin Alignment (↑↓) used at the London and Heaton mints. Verifying Medal Alignment is a quick primary authentication step for this coin. A coin displaying Coin Alignment (reverse inverted when obverse is upright) and claiming to be a 1910 Ottawa product would be inconsistent with genuine examples.
What is the difference between an ICCS and PCGS grade for this coin?
Both ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) assign numeric Sheldon-scale grades and encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders. ICCS is the dominant standard in the Canadian domestic market and is widely accepted by Canadian dealers and auction houses. PCGS (and NGC) holders are preferred for high-end “trophy” coins (MS-64+) targeting the international Set Registry market and major US auction houses. Experienced dealers sometimes “cross” high-grade ICCS-slabbed 1910 quarters into PCGS holders to unlock a broader international buyer pool and potentially a higher realized price.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are based on data current as of February 2026. All monetary values are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). The wide ranges in mid-circulated grades (EF-40, AU-50) reflect the documented divergence between Canadian domestic market data (Coins and Canada / Charlton / ICCS) and US-based sources (NGC/PCGS), which tend to be more conservative on mid-range grades; Canadian market data is prioritized as it reflects the primary liquidity pool for these coins. Primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — 25 Cents 1902–1910 (primary Canadian market pricing)
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 25 Cents KM 11a (US-market baseline)
- NGC Auction Central — 1910 Canada 25¢ MS results
- Heritage Auctions — August 2021 auction archive (ICCS MS-65 realized price)
- Numista — 25 Cents Edward VII Canada (die specifications; June 2020 auction reference)
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Edward VII Grading Reference and 25-Cent Photo Grading Guide (crown band diagnostic)
- SilverPrice.org — Canada (silver spot for melt calculation)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 25 Cents historical page
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety attribution, mintage data, KM# 11a classification)
Values represent typical market prices for problem-free, uncleaned, unaltered examples. The silver melt floor moves with spot prices and should be recalculated using current data. This guide covers non-error, standard-variety business strike 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.