1912 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1912 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish for the King George V Sterling Silver 10-cent coin, including Specimen values and melt value calculation. CAD prices as of February 2026.
Most circulated 1912 Canadian dimes are worth $7.65–$23.50 CAD — the silver melt value (~$7.64 CAD) now sets the hard floor for worn examples at February 2026 silver prices. In top certified grades, values reach $1,100+.
- Found worn / circulated (G4–VG8):$7.65–$10.00 (silver melt floor applies)
- Collector grades (F12–AU50):$15.00–$80.00
- Uncirculated (MS60–MS63):$250.00–$600.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$1,100.00+
- Specimen (SP63 / SP65):$1,500.00–$3,500.00+
Is it silver? Yes — the 1912 dime is 92.5% Sterling Silver containing ~0.0691 troy oz of silver. At February 2026 prices (~$110.72 CAD/oz), every 1912 dime is worth at least ~$7.64 CAD in metal value regardless of condition. Is it shiny with matte or satin fields and sharp squared rims? You may have a rare Specimen strike — worth significantly more than a circulation coin. Found in a collection or coin roll? Any coin graded Fine-12 or better carries a meaningful numismatic premium above its silver content. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1912 Canadian 10-cent piece holds a significant place in the King George V series: it is the first year to restore the traditional Dei Gratia inscription — "DEI GRA" — to the obverse legend, directly correcting the controversial omission that earned the 1911 issue its enduring nickname as the "Godless Coin." Struck entirely at the Royal Mint's Ottawa Branch with an official mintage of 3,235,557 pieces, this Sterling Silver dime is the foundational type coin of the Broad Leaves reverse era. Unlike the 1913 issue — which splits into a rare Broad Leaves variety and a common Small Leaves variety — the 1912 has no comparable die variety split; grade and finish are the sole value drivers. For prices across all years of the Canadian dime, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
1912 Canadian 10-cent coin: obverse featuring King George V with the restored "DEI GRA" (Dei Gratia) legend designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal (left), and the standard Broad Leaves maple wreath reverse (right). All genuine 1912 dimes carry this single reverse type.
Note: Errors such as broadstrikes, off-center strikes, and brockages exist for George V coinage but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1912 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The 1912 Canadian 10-cent coin is struck from Sterling Silver — the alloy of the British Imperial standard that governed Canadian coinage until 1919. Understanding this composition is essential for authentication and for grasping why even a heavily worn example carries meaningful bullion value at February 2026 precious metals prices.
Alloy Breakdown
- Silver (Ag): 92.5%
- Copper (Cu): 7.5%
The 7.5% copper addition hardens the otherwise too-soft pure silver, allowing the fine details of Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal's portrait and the maple leaf wreath to withstand decades of commercial handling. This alloy also produces the characteristic toning patterns — golden, russet, and iridescent blue hues — that develop when the copper-silver matrix reacts with atmospheric sulfur (for example, from paper envelopes or canvas bags). Original-surface examples with attractive natural toning frequently command premiums over blast-white or artificially cleaned coins.
Silver Content & Melt Value (February 2026)
- Total weight: 2.32 grams
- Pure silver content: approximately 2.15 grams (0.0691 troy ounces)
- Silver spot price (February 9, 2026): approximately $110.72 CAD per troy ounce — source: AU Bullion live silver prices
- Calculated melt value: approximately $7.64 CAD per coin
⚠️ Melt Value Has Overtaken Book Value for Worn Examples
With silver at historic highs in early 2026, the intrinsic metal value of the 1912 dime (~$7.64 CAD) now exceeds the traditional numismatic catalogue prices for G4–VG8 examples. Dealers will typically pay 90–95% of melt value for worn coins. This creates a real risk that worn 1912 dimes are being sold to refiners and melted — a permanent loss of numismatic history. Any coin graded Fine-12 or better carries a meaningful premium above silver melt and should not be treated as bullion.
Authentication: Magnet Test & Weight Verification
Sterling Silver is non-magnetic. Place a strong magnet near your coin; a genuine 1912 dime will show zero attraction. A coin that clings to the magnet is made of steel or base metal and is not authentic. As a secondary check, weigh the coin on a precision scale. An authentic example should register between 2.20g and 2.34g (allowing for wear). A coin weighing below 2.20g may be extremely worn or a counterfeit; one weighing above 2.40g is suspicious and warrants expert examination.
1912 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1912 Canadian 10-cent piece is valued on two distinct scales: a business strike (circulation) scale — driven by the silver market at low grades and collector scarcity at high grades — and a Specimen scale for the extremely rare intentionally prepared Specimen strikings. No Proof-Like (PL) finish exists for this issue. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
1912 Canadian 10-Cent — Business Strike (Circulation)
The entire 3,235,557-coin mintage used the Broad Leaves reverse — there is no Small Leaves variety for 1912. Grade is the sole value driver for circulation strikes.
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Cents — Broad Leaves (George V DEI GRA) | $7.65† | $10.00 | $15.00 | $23.50 | $40.00 | $80.00 | $250.00 | $600.00 | $1,100.00+ | MS66 est. ~$3,995+ CAD. MS67 realized ~$2,050 CAD (Heritage Auctions, Apr 2020). |
†G4 price reflects the silver melt floor of ~$7.64 CAD at February 2026 spot. Traditional catalogue values at this grade may be lower, but dealers will not sell below melt in the current market. Primary sources: Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 1911–1936 Price Guide; Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Price Reference.
Grade comparison for the 1912 Canadian dime from heavily worn G4 (crown worn flat, silhouette only) through Fine-12, Very Fine-20, AU50, to Gem Uncirculated MS65 (full cartwheel luster, sharp crown detail intact). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Grade-by-Grade Market Commentary
G4 to VG8 — The Bullion Tier: In Good-4, the King's crown is worn virtually flat and the coin appears as a silhouette. At Very Good-8, full rims re-emerge and the major bands in the crown show separation. At both grades, the current silver spot price (~$7.64 CAD melt) sets the effective price floor, and numismatic buyers filling albums typically bypass this tier in favor of Fine or better. See also: NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23.
F12 to VF20 — The Collector Base: The sweet spot for budget-conscious collectors. In Fine-12, the distinct band separating the velvet cap from the metal base of the King's crown becomes visible. In Very Fine-20, the Diamond and Pearls within the crown band are individually legible. Values of $15.00–$23.50 represent a 2×–3× premium over melt — these coins are findable but not common in true collector quality. Calgary Coin lists VF-20 at $20.00, confirming this range.
EF40 to AU50 — The Slider Tier: Coins at this level must retain original mint luster in the protected recesses around lettering. An EF40 shows wear only on the highest points (eyebrow, crown band) but retains sharp detail throughout. An AU50 retains more than half its original luster with friction only on the highest relief. A toned AU50 example traded at Calgary Coin for $80.00, confirming the benchmark for this grade.
MS60 to MS63 — The Value Cliff: The jump from AU-grade (~$80) to MS60 ($250.00) is steep and consequential. An MS60 is fully uncirculated but may be unattractive due to bag marks. At MS63 (Choice Uncirculated), the coin must be attractive with average contact marks. Colonial Acres lists an ICCS-certified MS63 at $510.00 CAD; the NGC price guide in USD suggests MS63 at $650 USD, reflecting slightly more aggressive US-market pricing. The $600 CAD figure represents a reasonable Canadian market average.
MS65 — The Trophy Tier: A Gem 1912 dime requires a sharp strike, booming luster, and minimal contact marks. Values exceed $1,100 CAD. A PCGS MS67 example realized $1,500 USD (~$2,050 CAD) at Heritage Auctions in April 2020 — a relatively modest sum for a top-pop coin, suggesting the 1912 may be undervalued relative to its true rarity at this level. PCGS Registry Set competition can push prices for elite examples, particularly those with exceptional original rainbow toning, well above catalogue values.
⚠️ The Slider Trap — AU vs. MS
Coins graded AU55–AU58 can appear virtually identical to Mint State coins to the naked eye, yet the price gap is enormous. Look closely at the King's eyebrow (the single highest relief point) and the second leaf from the bottom left on the reverse. If these points are dull grey while the surrounding fields are lustrous, the coin is About Uncirculated — not Mint State. Purchasing coins certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC definitively resolves this question.
1912 Canadian 10-Cent — Specimen (SP)
Unlike later George V years with well-documented Specimen set releases, 1912 Specimen strikings appear to have been produced individually or in very small batches — possibly for dignitaries, mint archives, or well-connected collectors. The surviving population likely numbers in the low dozens. These coins display a distinct Matte or Satin surface texture on the fields, visibly squared and sharp rims, and a strike sharpness that surpasses any circulation example.
| Finish | SP62 | SP63 | SP65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (Matte / Satin finish) | $600.00 | $1,500.00 | $3,500.00+ | Extremely limited population. Values are estimates based on sporadic auction appearances and interpolation from adjacent years. |
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Business Strike (left) versus Specimen finish (right) for a 1912-era Canadian 10-cent coin. The Business Strike shows cartwheel luster rotating across both fields and devices; the Specimen shows a distinct matte/satin texture with visibly sharper, squared rims and exceptional strike detail. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Most Valuable 1912 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1912 10-cent issue is remarkably stable regarding die varieties. Unlike the 1913, which splits into Broad Leaves (rare) and Small Leaves (common), the entire 1912 mintage used the Broad Leaves reverse. There are no mint mark varieties to hunt (all coins are Ottawa, no mark), and no composition variants exist for this year. Value is driven almost entirely by preservation (grade) and finish (Specimen vs. Business Strike).
A. Trophy-Level Examples (Highest Documented Values)
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade / Finish Required | Documented / Estimated Value (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superb Gem — MS67 | Finest-known tier; virtually flawless surfaces with original mint bloom; single-digit population | PCGS / ICCS MS67 | ~$2,050 CAD ($1,500 USD realized) | Heritage Auctions, April 2020 |
| Gem Registry — MS66 | Exceptional eye appeal and strike; sought for PCGS Registry Sets; domestic collector demand strong | PCGS / ICCS MS66 | ~$3,995+ CAD (est.) | Canadian Numismatic Company estimate |
| Specimen — SP65 | Matte/satin finish; individually prepared striking; likely fewer than 50 known for 1912 | PCGS / ICCS SP65 | ~$3,000–$5,000 CAD (est.) | Extrapolated from Heritage Auctions data for adjacent Specimen years |
Market Insight: The relatively modest MS67 realized price (~$2,050 CAD) compared to key-date George V coins suggests the 1912 is somewhat undervalued as a type coin relative to its genuine rarity at the Gem level. Conversely, the MS66 estimate of ~$3,995 CAD from the Canadian Numismatic Company demonstrates that domestic demand for high-end George V Sterling Silver remains robust, and Registry Set competition can push top-pop examples well above price guide levels when exceptional eye appeal (such as original rainbow toning) is present.
B. Actionable Split Points for Collectors
| Variant | How to Identify | Rarity | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen Strike (Matte / Satin) | Squared, sharp rim edges; matte or satin field texture distinct from devices; exceptional strike sharpness with fully separated hair strands | Extremely rare — likely fewer than 50 surviving examples | 500%–1,000% over equivalent MS grade |
| Broad Leaves Business Strike | Wide, lush maple leaves nearly touching the denticled border — the only reverse type for 1912 | Standard issue (3,235,557 struck) | Base price — no variety premium above grade |
ℹ️ Small Leaves Do Not Exist on Genuine 1912 Dimes
The Small Leaves design belongs exclusively to the 1913 issue, where Small Leaves are the common variety and Broad Leaves are rare. If you find what appears to be a "Small Leaves 1912," it is almost certainly either a counterfeit or a 1913 coin with a damaged, weakly struck, or altered final digit. Verify the date carefully under magnification. Consult the Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian 10-Cent Major Varieties guide for detailed side-by-side leaf comparison images.
Reverse leaf comparison: Broad Leaves design (left, the only type found on genuine 1912 dimes) versus Small Leaves design (right, exists only on 1913 coins). The Broad Leaves are noticeably wider and more deeply veined, nearly touching the outer denticles. A "Small Leaves 1912" does not exist on authentic coins.
1912 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this forensic checklist to confirm the identity, finish, and authenticity of your 1912 Canadian 10-cent coin before assigning a value or submitting it for grading.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check (Obverse): The obverse features King George V wearing the Imperial Crown, facing left. The portrait was designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal. The legend must read GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP:. The critical marker is the presence of "DEI GRA." If this phrase is absent, you are holding a 1911 coin — the notorious "Godless Coin" — not a 1912.
- Reverse Design Check: The reverse shows 10 CENTS CANADA 1912 enclosed within a maple wreath. The leaves must be Broad Leaves — wide, flat, and deeply veined, nearly touching the denticled border. Any coin with noticeably smaller, sparser leaves is a 1913 or a misidentified issue.
- Date Check: Confirm the date reads 1912. Under magnification, verify the final digit is a "2" and not a damaged or altered "3."
- Edge Check: The edge is reeded (vertical grooves). Run a fingernail along the edge — it should feel consistently bumpy. A smooth edge on what appears to be a silver coin indicates extreme wear or a counterfeit.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Hold a strong magnet to the coin. Sterling Silver is entirely non-magnetic — a genuine 1912 dime will not move toward the magnet at all. A coin that clings to or deflects toward the magnet is made of steel or base metal. This single test eliminates the vast majority of counterfeits.
- No Documented Mint Marks: All genuine 1912 Canadian 10-cent pieces were struck at the Ottawa Mint and carry no mint mark on the reverse or obverse. No "C" mintmark, no "W" mintmark, and no plating mark appear on this issue. If you observe an unexpected letter mark, seek expert authentication.
- Finish Identification (The Critical Step):
- Business Strike: The background fields and relief devices share the same surface texture. Under a single point light source, "cartwheel" luster radiates and spins across the entire coin face as you tilt it. Rims may be slightly rounded from die use.
- Specimen (SP): The background fields display a distinct Matte or Satin texture visually different from the devices. The most definitive diagnostic is the rim, which is noticeably squared-off and sharper than on any circulation example. Strike sharpness exceeds even the finest business strikes — individual hair strands in the King's portrait are fully separated.
- Condition Assessment — The Crown Diagnostic: The King's Imperial Crown is the primary grading marker on this coin:
- G (Good): Crown worn entirely flat — the coin appears as a silhouette with no interior crown detail.
- F (Fine): The distinct band separating the velvet cap from the metal base of the crown becomes visible.
- VF (Very Fine): The Diamond and Pearls within the crown band are individually legible.
- MS (Mint State):No grey wear on the King's eyebrow (the highest relief point). The coin retains its original mint shimmer (luster). Any dullness on the eyebrow or on the second leaf from the bottom left on the reverse means the coin is About Uncirculated at best.
Crown wear diagnostic for grading the 1912 Canadian dime: G4 (crown fully flat, silhouette only), F12 (crown band separating cap from base visible), VF20 (Diamond and Pearls distinct within crown band), MS65 (no grey wear on King's eyebrow, full original luster). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1912 Dime
Cleaning — whether acid dipping or mechanical scrubbing — permanently destroys the original mint luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned 1912 dime is assigned a "Details" (damaged) designation by any professional grading service and retains only its silver melt value (~$7.64 CAD), regardless of underlying detail quality. A "dead white" coin with flat, non-reflective surfaces lacking cartwheel luster has almost certainly been over-dipped. Whizzing (polishing with fine abrasives to simulate luster) creates parallel hairlines under a loupe and similarly destroys numismatic value.
Magnet test authentication for the 1912 Canadian dime: a genuine Sterling Silver coin (left) shows zero magnetic attraction when a strong magnet is applied. A steel or base-metal counterfeit (right) clings visibly to the magnet. This single quick test eliminates most fakes.
1912 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1912 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends entirely on grade and finish. Worn circulated examples (G4–VG8) are worth approximately $7.65–$10.00 CAD — essentially the silver melt value at February 2026 prices. Collector grades (F12–AU50) range from $15.00 to $80.00. Uncirculated examples jump sharply: MS60 ($250.00), MS63 ($600.00), MS65 ($1,100.00+). The extremely rare Specimen finish starts at $600.00 (SP62) and reaches $3,500.00+ (SP65). All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 1912 Canadian dime rare?
In circulated grades it is relatively available — the official mintage was 3,235,557 pieces. However, the steep "survival curve" means that Gem Mint State (MS65+) examples are genuinely rare; the soft Sterling Silver planchets marked easily, and a century of handling has decimated the high-grade population. Specimen strikings from 1912 are extremely rare, with a likely surviving population in the low dozens rather than thousands. Even MS63 examples command a significant premium precisely because so few survived without damage.
Is the 1912 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. The 1912 dime is struck from Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It contains approximately 2.15 grams (0.0691 troy ounces) of pure silver. At February 2026 silver prices (~$110.72 CAD per troy ounce), this translates to a melt value of approximately $7.64 CAD — setting the floor price for even the most heavily worn examples. The coin is non-magnetic; use a strong magnet to verify silver content as a quick authentication step.
Should I sell my 1912 dime for silver melt?
Only if the coin is in the most extreme wear (G4 or poorer) and shows serious problems (holes, damage, heavy cleaning). A problem-free F12 is worth $15.00 against a melt value of $7.64 — nearly double — and a VF20 is worth $23.50. The numismatic premium grows dramatically above Fine. Before selling any coin to a refiner, have it assessed for grade by a local dealer or submit to ICCS; the difference between melt and even a modest collector grade is substantial.
How do I identify a Specimen (SP) 1912 dime?
A genuine Specimen 1912 dime has three identifying characteristics: (1) the background fields display a distinct Matte or Satin surface texture rather than the cartwheel luster of a business strike; (2) the rims are noticeably squared-off and sharper than any circulation example; and (3) strike sharpness is exceptional, with individual hair strands in the King's portrait fully separated. If you believe you have a Specimen, professional authentication by ICCS or PCGS is strongly recommended given the value differential — a genuine SP65 is estimated at $3,500+ CAD.
How is the 1912 dime different from the 1911 and 1913 issues?
The 1911 dime is the "Godless Coin" — it omits "DEI GRA" from the obverse legend. The 1912 restores this phrase, making "DEI GRA" a quick visual authentication marker for confirming you have a 1912 rather than a 1911. The 1913 dime is notable for splitting into two distinct reverse varieties: Broad Leaves (rare, high value) and Small Leaves (common). The 1912 has only the Broad Leaves reverse — the Small Leaves design does not exist on genuine 1912 coins. If you find what appears to be a "Small Leaves 1912," verify the date carefully; it is almost certainly a 1913 with a damaged or altered final digit.
What is the "slider trap" and how do I avoid it?
A "slider" is a coin graded About Uncirculated (AU) that superficially resembles a Mint State coin. For the 1912 dime, the price difference between AU50 ($80.00) and MS60 ($250.00) is enormous. The diagnostic test: examine the King's eyebrow and the second leaf from the bottom left on the reverse under a loupe. If those high points are dull grey while the surrounding fields retain luster, the coin is AU — not MS. Purchasing coins in ICCS, PCGS, or NGC holders eliminates this risk entirely and is strongly recommended for any coin valued above $80.
Should I get my 1912 dime certified (graded)?
Grading is economically justified for coins in EF40 condition and above. Professional grading fees for ICCS, PCGS, or NGC typically range from $30 to $75 per coin depending on service tier. Since an EF40 retails at $40.00 and an MS63 at $600.00, the math strongly favors certification for better examples. For G–F grade coins worth $7.65–$15.00, grading fees would exceed the coin's numismatic value. ICCS is the domestic Canadian standard and is universally respected at Canadian shows and by Canadian dealers; PCGS hard slabs command a liquidity and transparency premium on the international market and are preferred for MS65+ registry-grade candidates.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect Canadian Dollar (CAD) retail prices as of February 2026, compiled from the following primary sources. For major price claims, sources are linked directly within the relevant sections of this guide.
- Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 1911–1936 Price Guide: Primary source for grade-based pricing structure and VF-20 benchmark.
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Price Reference: Raw coin market pricing, including toned AU-50 benchmark and VF-20 confirmation.
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23 (1912–1919): US-market comparative pricing and grade reference.
- Colonial Acres — ICCS MS63 1912 10-cent listing: Specific certified MS63 retail price ($510 CAD).
- AU Bullion — Live Silver Prices (CAD): February 9, 2026 silver spot price ($110.72 CAD/oz) used for melt value calculation.
- Numista — Canada 10 Cents, George V (KM 23): Technical specifications and minting facility confirmation.
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10-Cent Major Varieties: Broad Leaves vs. Small Leaves identification and variety reference.
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10-Cent Coin History: Official denomination reference.
- Heritage Auctions (April 2020): PCGS MS67 realized price ($1,500 USD / ~$2,050 CAD) — cited by reference in source document.
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins: Variety classification, mintage confirmation (3,235,557), and historical context.
- Coin World / Canadian Coin News: Specimen existence and general George V market context.
Market disclaimer: All prices represent typical retail values and may vary based on specific eye appeal, toning quality, and current market conditions. Realized auction prices for exceptional examples may exceed these figures. Melt values are calculated from spot prices as of February 9, 2026 and fluctuate daily with the silver market.
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.