1913 Canadian Silver 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1913 Canadian silver dime is worth. Full CAD price guide by grade — Broad Leaves Key Date vs. Small Leaves — plus Specimen values, the essential Leaf Test, and authentication tips.
The 1913 Canadian silver dime exists in two dramatically different varieties. The common Small Leaves is worth $7.30–$85 circulated and $2,000 in Gem Mint State. The rare Broad Leaves is a Key Date worth $100+ even heavily worn — and $25,000+ in uncirculated grades. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
- Found in change / circulated? Almost certainly Small Leaves: $7.30–$85 CAD (G4–AU50). If it is a Broad Leaves, you hold a Key Date worth $100–$3,500 CAD depending on grade.
- Shiny / looks brilliant? An uncirculated Small Leaves reaches $180–$475 (MS60–MS63). A flat, matte surface with squared wire rims signals a rare Specimen issue starting at $3,000+ — an entirely different tier.
- Is it silver? Yes — sterling silver (92.5% Ag). Silver content sets a melt-value floor of approx. $7.30 CAD for any 1913 dime regardless of grade or variety.
Identifying Broad Leaves vs. Small Leaves is the single most financially consequential step you can take. Use the Leaf Test in the Identification section to confirm which variety you hold. See full value chart →
The 1913 Canadian silver 10-cent piece is one of the most consequential "split-year" issues in the George V dime series. Two distinct reverse dies were used during production: the carryover Broad Leaves design — a Key Date rarity likely struck early in the year from 1912-style dies — and the newly introduced Small Leaves, the high-mintage standard type that defines the series going forward. The combined official mintage of 3,613,937 coins conceals a stark rarity divide: the Broad Leaves represents only a small fraction of that total and commands premiums exceeding 50 times the common variety even in low circulated grades. Both varieties were struck at the Royal Mint in Ottawa with no mint mark applied. The obverse features the Crowned Portrait of King George V designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal — the standard effigy for Canadian coinage from 1912 onward. For values across all years of the Canadian 10-cent series, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as major planchet defects, off-center strikes, and brockages exist for 1913 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
The 1913 Canadian silver dime: obverse with King George V Crowned Portrait (designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal), and reverse with the maple wreath surrounding "10 CENTS CANADA." The size and proximity of the maple leaves to the denticled border determines the variety — and the value. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1913 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The 1913 10-cent piece belongs to Canada's Sterling Era of coinage — the period from the dominion's first decimal issues through 1919, when Canadian dimes were struck from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, the same standard as British sterling. This high-purity composition gives the coin a distinctly bright, white lustre that experienced collectors distinguish at a glance from the duller 80% silver alloy adopted for later George V dimes (1920–1936).
Composition Breakdown
- Silver (Ag): 92.5% by weight
- Copper (Cu): 7.5% by weight — added to provide the hardness needed for circulation without compromising the silver appearance
- Standard Weight: 2.32 grams (statutory standard: 2.3240 g)
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 2.32 g × 0.925 = approximately 2.146 g pure silver
Melt Value (February 2026)
Based on a silver spot price reference of approximately $3.21–$3.57 CAD per gram as of February 2026 (see Canada Gold — live silver prices in CAD), the intrinsic silver content establishes a market floor of approximately $7.30 CAD for any 1913 dime regardless of grade or variety. This floor rises and falls in direct proportion to the silver spot price.
The relationship between melt value and collector value differs sharply by variety. For Small Leaves examples in G4–VG8, market values closely track silver melt — dealers frequently trade these in bulk with negligible premium over bullion. For the Broad Leaves, numismatic demand always far exceeds melt by a massive margin: even a damaged G4 Broad Leaves commands approximately $100 CAD, more than thirteen times its metallic content. This variety is effectively decoupled from silver spot price movements; its value is driven purely by collector demand and extreme scarcity.
Magnetic Properties & Authentication
Sterling silver is non-magnetic. A genuine 1913 Canadian dime will show absolutely no attraction to a strong magnet. A coin that sticks — even slightly — is a steel counterfeit or modern replica, not a genuine 1913 issue. The magnet test is your fastest and most reliable first authentication step. A secondary confirmation is weight: genuine specimens weigh 2.32 grams; significant deviation indicates a counterfeit or an anomalous planchet.
Note: Canadian law (the Currency Act) prohibits the melting of coins of the realm. The melt value presented here serves as a pricing-floor reference only.
1913 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1913 Canadian dime market is bifurcated between two entirely different collecting propositions. Identify your variety using the Leaf Test in the Identification section before applying these figures. Both varieties share the same George V Crowned Portrait obverse; the reverse leaf design is the sole determining factor.
Grade comparison for the 1913 Canadian Small Leaves dime: from heavily circulated G4 (worn flat detail) through VF20 (major leaf features visible but flattened) to Gem MS65 (full cartwheel lustre, clean open fields). The large, flat obverse fields make bag-mark-free Gems extremely elusive. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1913 Canadian 10¢ — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Leaves (Charlton 10-16a) | $7.30 | $8.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 | $85.00 | $180 | $475 | $2,000 | Common type. G4–VG8 trade close to silver melt. Gem (MS65+) is a condition rarity: the large open fields attract bag marks, making contact-free surfaces very difficult to find. |
| Broad Leaves (Charlton 10-16) ⚠️ KEY DATE | $100 | $200 | $450 | $800 | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,200 | $25,000 | — | Key Date. Explosive value curve from VF20 to EF40+. MS65 not established in standard guides. See PCGS Broad Leaves auction records. |
Silver content establishes a price floor of approx. $7.30 CAD for any low-grade example. All values in CAD as of February 2026. Source: Charlton Standard Catalogue; NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM-23.
ℹ️ The Broad Leaves Value Curve
Note the steep jump in Broad Leaves pricing from VF20 ($800) to EF40 ($1,500) and AU50 ($3,500). While circulated examples occasionally surface in accumulations, high-grade examples with intact lustre are exceptionally rare — Mint State Broad Leaves coins appear only as "name sale" items at major auctions, not in dealer inventory.
⚠️ Cleaned Broad Leaves: The Value Cliff
A cleaned Broad Leaves dime — identified by hairlines in the fields under 10× magnification or an unnatural flat-white surface from chemical dipping — typically trades at a 30% to 50% discount off guide values. At EF40, that represents a potential loss of $450–$750 CAD. Purchase Broad Leaves examples only in ICCS or PCGS holders, or have raw coins professionally inspected before transacting.
1913 Canadian 10¢ — Specimen Strike (SP)
Business Strike vs. Specimen finish comparison for a 1913 Canadian silver dime. The Business Strike (left) shows brilliant cartwheel lustre across the fields. The Specimen (right) has a flat matte or satin surface with notably sharper device detail and squared, wire-edged rims — the hallmark of Ottawa Mint presentation strikes of the 1911–1915 era. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Ottawa Mint produced a very limited number of Specimen sets in 1913 featuring a distinct matte or satin finish characteristic of the 1911–1915 Specimen era. These coins are dull rather than brilliant, with slightly granular fields and sharp, squared "wire" rims. They were not struck for commerce and are extreme rarities today.
| Finish | SP63 | SP65 | SP67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (Matte / Satin Finish) | $3,000+ | $5,000+ | — | Extremely rare. A 4-piece 1913 Specimen set realized approx. $3,120 CAD at auction (Stack's Bowers archive). SP67 data not established. Most extant examples are Small Leaves variety. A Broad Leaves Specimen, while theoretically possible, would be a unique or semi-unique rarity if confirmed. |
Distinguishing a Specimen from a high-grade Business Strike requires inspecting field texture. Business strikes carry cartwheel (Mint State) lustre; Specimens have a characteristically flat, matte or granular surface with crisper, squared-off rim strikes. If your coin exhibits these characteristics, seek immediate ICCS attribution before any sale or purchase decision.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1913 Canadian Dime Varieties
Reverse comparison: 1913 Broad Leaves (left) vs. 1913 Small Leaves (right). The Broad Leaves shows leaf tips pressing close to the denticle border with deeply engraved veins and a larger ribbon bow. The Small Leaves shows a wide, clear gap between leaf tips and border, with finer, flatter venation and a tighter bow. This single distinction represents a premium of more than 50× at any grade. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The 1913 Canadian dime is defined by one variety distinction with extraordinary financial consequences. Getting it right before buying or selling is essential.
A) Trophy-Level: The Most Valuable 1913 Dimes
| What | Why It Is Expensive | Typical Grade Target | Documented Market Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Broad Leaves (Mint State) | Key Date status combined with extreme condition rarity. Dies likely used until failure, leaving few fresh, sharp examples. Appears only sporadically at major auction events. | MS63–MS65 | $25,000+ (estimated MS63/64). A 1913 Broad Leaves in "Unc" condition realized $9,500 CAD in 2018 (All Nations Stamp and Coin). See also PCGS Broad Leaves auction archive. |
| 1913 Small Leaves (Gem+) | The large, open fields of the George V obverse attract bag marks, making a contact-free Gem surface a condition rarity even on the common variety. | MS66+ | Approx. $3,250–$4,500 CAD for PCGS/ICCS MS66+. See Heritage Auctions — 1913 Small Leaves MS65 realized result and PCGS Small Leaves auction archive. |
| 1913 Specimen Strike (SP) | Official Ottawa Mint presentation issue; not struck for circulation. Distinct matte/satin surface immediately distinguishes it from any business strike. Rarely offered individually. | SP65+ | High-grade individual Specimens can realize approx. $9,500 CAD. A 4-piece 1913 Specimen set realized approx. $3,120 CAD (Stack's Bowers archive). |
The Broad Leaves rarity arises from a die-transition anomaly: the dies were likely carryovers from the 1912 production run (which were entirely Broad Leaves). When the Mint advanced to 1913 dating, it used the remaining serviceable 1912-style reverse dies before phasing in the new Small Leaves design. Coins struck from those early dies were fewer in number, circulated longer with less collector interest, and consequently survive in very low numbers at high grades.
B) Findable Varieties: The Broad Leaves / Small Leaves Split
For collectors searching dealer inventory, junk-silver bins, or inherited accumulations, the primary objective is to distinguish the two reverse types. All diagnostic evidence appears on the reverse.
| Variety | Charlton # | Primary Diagnostic (Reverse) | Rarity Context | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Leaves | Charlton 10-16 | Leaf tips reach very close to denticles; deeply engraved veins; fuller, wider leaf bodies; larger ribbon bow at wreath base. See Saskatoon Coin Club variety guide and Calgary Coin reference. | Carryover 1912-style dies, retired early in 1913. Represents a very small fraction of the 3,613,937 total mintage. | +5,000%+ vs. Small Leaves at G4 ($100 vs. $7.30) |
| Small Leaves | Charlton 10-16a | Wide, clear gap separates leaf tips from denticles; finer, less pronounced veins; compact leaf bodies; tighter ribbon bow. | Standard type; comprises the vast majority (likely >95%) of the 3,613,937 total mintage. | Baseline value: approx. melt floor to $2,000 Gem MS65 |
| Specimen (Matte/Satin) | N/A | Dull, flat matte or satin fields (not brilliant); sharply struck devices; squared wire rims. Ottawa Mint presentation issue only. | Not struck for circulation; extremely rare. Most examples are Small Leaves variety. | Significant premium: starts at $3,000+ (SP63) |
⚠️ "Godless" Coin Confusion
Novice collectors sometimes confuse the 1913 issue with the famous 1911 "Godless" variety, which omitted DEI GRATIA from the King's obverse legend. All genuine 1913 dimes include DEI GRA: on the obverse — this is a required authenticator. Any 1913 coin missing this text has had the legend ground off post-mint or is a counterfeit. The "Godless" designation is exclusive to the 1911 issue year.
⚠️ Altered Date Risk: 1912 → 1913
All genuine 1912 dimes are Broad Leaves. Because counterfeiters may attempt to alter a 1912 date to read 1913, inspect the last digit under 10× magnification. On a genuine 1913, the "3" is clean and matches the era's font. On an altered 1912, the area where the "2" was removed and replaced with "3" may show tooling marks, a depression in the field, or uneven toning. When any doubt exists, seek ICCS or PCGS certification.
1913 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this step-by-step checklist to confirm the identity and variety of your 1913 Canadian dime before valuing it. The Leaf Test (Step 8) is the most financially consequential diagnostic.
30-Second Checklist
- Monarch Check: Confirm the obverse shows King George V in a Crowned Portrait facing left, designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal. The full legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP: — the presence of DEI GRA: is mandatory on genuine 1913 coins (see the "Godless" callout in the Variants section).
- Date Check: Confirm the date reads 1913. Inspect the "3" under 10× magnification for signs of tooling — an altered 1912 is the primary date-fraud risk for this Key Date.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a strong rare-earth magnet. A genuine 1913 sterling silver dime shows absolutely no magnetic attraction. Any sticking indicates a steel counterfeit or replica. This is your fastest and most conclusive authentication test.
- Weight Check: A genuine example weighs 2.32 grams. Use a precision scale. Significant deviation indicates a counterfeit or wrong-planchet issue.
- Edge Check: The edge must be reeded (milled) — uniformly grooved around the entire circumference. A plain or lettered edge is incorrect.
- Mint Mark Check: There is no mint mark on genuine 1913 circulation dimes. Ottawa was the sole production facility; no mark was applied to domestic coinage.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (MS): Brilliant cartwheel lustre when near-mint; grey dull lustre when worn. Normal contact marks visible in the fields.
- Specimen (SP): Distinctly flat, matte or satin surface — not brilliant even in finest preservation. Sharp, squared "wire" rims. Fields may appear slightly granular under magnification. Specimens are extreme rarities; if your coin shows these characteristics, seek immediate professional attribution from ICCS before any transaction.
- The Leaf Test (THE CRITICAL STEP — see below).
Authentication sequence for a 1913 Canadian silver dime: apply a strong magnet (genuine sterling silver shows zero attraction) and confirm weight at 2.32 grams on a precision scale. A coin failing either test is not a genuine 1913 issue. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Leaf Test: Broad Leaves vs. Small Leaves
Examine the reverse — the side reading "10 CENTS CANADA" surrounded by the maple wreath. Focus on two diagnostic zones: the proximity of leaf tips to the denticled border, and the depth of venation in the leaves. Use 5–10× magnification for best results.
The 1913 Canadian dime Leaf Test. LEFT (Broad Leaves — Rare, Charlton 10-16): leaf tips press close to the denticles; veins are deeply and boldly engraved; leaves are fuller and wider; ribbon bow at wreath base is large and spread. RIGHT (Small Leaves — Common, Charlton 10-16a): a clear, wide gap separates leaf tips from the denticles; veins are finer; leaf bodies are more compact; bow is tight and small. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Broad Leaves (Charlton 10-16) — The Rarity
- Rim Proximity (Primary Diagnostic): Leaf tips extend very close to the denticles — almost appearing to touch the beaded border in some areas.
- Leaf Shape: Fuller, wider, and more robust — "bolder" in overall impression.
- Venation: Deeply engraved veins; leaf surfaces appear rugged and highly textured.
- Ribbon Bow: Larger and spread out horizontally at the base of the wreath.
Small Leaves (Charlton 10-16a) — The Common Type
- Rim Proximity (Primary Diagnostic): A distinct, wide gap separates the leaf tips from the denticles — smooth field clearly visible between design and edge.
- Leaf Shape: Smaller, more compact, and slightly flatter.
- Venation: Finer, less pronounced veins; leaves appear smoother.
- Ribbon Bow: Tighter and smaller.
💡 The "Letter I" Visual Shortcut
Imagine a capital letter "I" — in the same font size as the coin's own legend text — placed in the gap between a leaf tip and the nearest denticle. If the letter fits comfortably in the gap: Small Leaves (common).If the space is so tight the letter would touch both leaf and denticle: Broad Leaves (rare). This quick mental ruler is a reliable first-pass diagnostic at any magnification.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original lustre and leaves hairline scratches that grading services detect under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details" (damaged) designation, permanently eliminating its numismatic premium. On a Broad Leaves dime, cleaning can eliminate hundreds or thousands of dollars of value. Store coins in inert, PVC-free holders and never wipe, polish, or chemically treat them.
1913 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1913 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends entirely on variety and grade. A circulated Small Leaves (the common type) is worth $7.30–$85 CAD in grades G4–AU50, rising to $2,000 in Gem MS65. A circulated Broad Leaves (Key Date) starts at $100 CAD in G4 and reaches $3,500 in AU50, with MS60 examples valued at $8,200. Specimen strikes start at $3,000+. Confirm your variety using the Leaf Test in the Identification section before applying any of these figures.
Is the 1913 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. The 1913 Canadian dime is sterling silver: 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — a higher purity than the 80% silver used in later George V dimes (1920–1936). At February 2026 silver spot prices of approximately $3.21–$3.57 CAD per gram, the coin's silver content establishes a melt-value floor of roughly $7.30 CAD. The magnet test confirms composition instantly: genuine sterling silver shows absolutely no magnetic attraction.
How do I tell Broad Leaves from Small Leaves?
Examine the reverse maple wreath at 5–10× magnification. On the Broad Leaves, the maple leaf tips extend very close to the beaded denticle border — a capital "I" in the coin's legend font would not fit in the gap. Veins are deeply and boldly engraved; the ribbon bow at the wreath base is large. On the Small Leaves, a wide, clear gap separates the leaf tips from the denticles; veins are finer; the bow is tighter. The full visual diagnostic — including the "Letter I" shortcut and the altered-date risk — is covered in the Identification section above.
Is the 1913 Broad Leaves dime rare?
Very rare. The total 1913 mintage of 3,613,937 coins was almost entirely Small Leaves. Population reports and auction frequency confirm that the Broad Leaves represents a very small fraction of total production — likely struck early in the year from carryover 1912-style dies before the Mint transitioned to the new Small Leaves design. In grades above EF40, Broad Leaves examples are trophy-level assets that appear only sporadically at major auction events, making a genuine Mint State Broad Leaves one of the most prized coins in the entire George V decimal series.
What makes a 1913 Canadian dime particularly valuable?
Three factors drive premium value above the silver melt floor: (1) Variety — Broad Leaves commands more than 50× the premium of Small Leaves at any given grade, by far the single most important factor; (2) Grade — for Small Leaves, Gem MS65+ is a condition rarity due to bag marks on the open fields; for Broad Leaves, any grade above VF20 commands an exponentially higher premium; (3) Finish — Specimen strikes from official Ottawa Mint presentation sets are extreme rarities starting above $3,000 CAD at SP63 and represent a completely separate tier of the market.
Should I get my 1913 dime certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
For Broad Leaves examples in any grade, certification is strongly recommended: the value difference between a genuine EF40 and a cleaned EF40 is hundreds of dollars, and the altered-date risk is real. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the market standard for Canadian rarities traded domestically — Canadian dealers universally recognize and trust ICCS holders. PCGS or NGC are preferred for high-grade Mint State examples aimed at registry set competition, as their hard plastic holders offer better long-term protection and attract the widest international audience. For common Small Leaves in circulated grades worth $7–$35 CAD, certification fees typically exceed the coin's value — grading is not economically justified below approximately AU50 for the common variety.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen 1913 dime?
Business strikes were produced for general circulation: they show brilliant cartwheel lustre when near-mint and acquire normal contact marks in commerce. Specimen strikes were official Ottawa Mint presentation coins produced with special care: they feature a distinctly flat matte or satin finish — not brilliant even when perfectly preserved — with sharper device detail, slightly granular fields, and crisp squared "wire" rims. A shiny 1913 dime is a business strike. A dull, satiny example with squared wire rims may be a Specimen — seek ICCS attribution before any sale or purchase decision.
What are the risks when buying a 1913 Broad Leaves dime?
At values reaching $1,500–$25,000 CAD, the Broad Leaves is a documented target for cleaning and alteration. Key risks: (1) Cleaned coins — look for parallel hairlines in the fields under 10× magnification or an unnaturally flat-white surface from chemical dipping; cleaned examples trade at a 30–50% discount; (2) Altered dates — a 1912 Broad Leaves may be converted to read 1913; inspect the "3" for tooling marks or uneven toning; (3) Steel replicas — immediately eliminated by the magnet test. Purchasing in a certified ICCS or PCGS holder eliminates all three risks for buyers.
What does "DEI GRA:" mean and why does it matter for 1913 authentication?
DEI GRA: abbreviates the Latin Dei Gratia — "by the Grace of God" — a standard element of the royal Latin legend adopted after 1911. All genuine 1913 dimes include this text on the obverse. Its presence confirms the coin is not a 1911 "Godless" issue, which omitted the phrase due to a design oversight. Any 1913 coin missing DEI GRA: has had the text removed post-mint or is a counterfeit — the "Godless" designation is exclusive to the 1911 issue year.
Methodology & Sources
Values reflect typical market prices as of February 2026, expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). The silver melt-value floor fluctuates with spot price. Values apply to typical, unaltered examples; cleaned, damaged, or problem coins trade at significant discounts. This guide does not constitute a formal appraisal — consult a professional numismatist or ICCS/PCGS for high-value transactions.
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — primary variety listing (Charlton 10-16, 10-16a) and pricing benchmarks.
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM-23 (1912–1919) — grade-by-grade pricing reference.
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1913 Broad Leaves 10¢ and 1913 Small Leaves 10¢ — realized auction data.
- Heritage Auctions — 1913 Canada Small Leaves MS65 — realized auction reference.
- Stack's Bowers Archive — Specimen set auction records.
- The Prominence XI Sale — Canadian Coins and Paper Money (Nov. 2024) — grading population context.
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10-Cent Varieties — variety diagnostics.
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10 Cent Reference — pricing and variety context.
- Canada Gold — Live Silver Prices (CAD) — melt value spot price reference.
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents — technical specifications and historical context.
- Numista — Canada 10 Cents — specifications cross-reference.
- All Nations Stamp and Coin — 2018 auction realization data for 1913 Broad Leaves in Unc condition.
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.