1915 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide

The 1915 Canadian dime stands as one of the most coveted key dates in the George V silver dime series (1911–1936). Struck at the Royal Mint in Ottawa during the second year of the First World War, this issue carries a mintage of just 688,057 coins — a nearly 80% decline from surrounding years and the third lowest of the entire George V reign. Its scarcity is born of genuine wartime economic constraints rather than manufacturing accident, giving it a collector cachet that has endured for over a century. For values across all years and reigns of the Canadian dime, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide. This guide covers standard (non-error) Business Strike and Specimen values for the 1915 issue only.

The 1915 Canadian 10-cent coin: George V crowned bust obverse (left) and Small Leaves maple wreath reverse (right). The 1915 is exclusively a Small Leaves issue — there is no Large Leaves variety for this date.

1915 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value

The 1915 Canadian dime is struck in Sterling Silver — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, the same standard maintained throughout Canada's silver coinage era. The copper component is essential for durability; pure silver is too soft for sustained circulation and would wear smooth within months. According to the coin's specifications documented on Numista's George V 10-cent reference, the coin weighs 2.3240 grams total and contains 0.0691 troy ounces of fine silver (approximately 2.15 grams). Its specific gravity is approximately 10.3, a figure useful for advanced authentication.

Silver Melt Value (February 2026)

With silver spot prices hovering around $111.00 CAD/oz as of February 2026 — tracked in real time at Canada Gold's live silver price tracker — the intrinsic melt value of a 1915 dime is approximately $7.67 CAD, calculated as: $111.00 × 0.0691 oz ASW. This represents an absolute price floor; even a coin worn completely smooth retains at least this amount as a silver asset.

Authentication via Physical Properties

Sterling Silver is non-magnetic. Applying a magnet to the coin is the fastest possible authentication check: a genuine 1915 dime will show zero attraction to the magnet. Any magnetic pull means the coin is not genuine Sterling Silver. The coin's specific gravity (~10.3) provides an additional diagnostic tool available to advanced collectors for detecting cast counterfeits.

Natural toning is a further authentication marker. After more than 110 years, genuine 1915 dimes typically display subtle silver-grey, russet, or gunmetal-blue peripheral toning resulting from the 7.5% copper content reacting with atmospheric sulfur over decades. A coin that appears uniformly “blast white” in 2026 has almost certainly been chemically dipped — a process that constitutes cleaning and significantly reduces numismatic value.

Quick authentication test: Sterling Silver is non-magnetic — the coin should show zero attraction to a magnet. Any pull means the coin is not genuine Sterling Silver. Also shown: the green PVC residue that warns of long-term storage damage in old plastic flips.

1915 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 1915 Canadian 10-cent's value is driven by two key factors: grade (degree of preservation) and finish (Business Strike or the exceedingly rare Specimen). With its low mintage, high wartime circulation attrition, and two major silver melt events (1980 and the early 2020s surge), the 1915 presents a steep value curve. The difference between a problem-free AU-50 and an MS-60 can exceed $350 CAD; between MS-64 and MS-65, it can exceed $1,500 CAD. Values below apply exclusively to problem-free (“net”) coins without cleaning, scratches, or environmental damage.

1915 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)

All 1915 dimes are the Small Leaves variety. There is no Large Leaves business strike for this date.

Values in CAD as of February 2026. Problem-free coins only. Cleaned, scratched, or rim-damaged examples typically trade at 50–70% below these figures and receive a “Details” designation from grading services. Compare with the NGC Canada 10-Cent KM-23 Price Guide.

Grade comparison for the 1915 Canadian dime: heavily circulated (G–VF, left), lightly circulated near-Mint (EF–AU, centre), and certified Gem Mint State (MS65, right). The value gap between these tiers is dramatic for this key date. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1915 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP) Strike

The Specimen is the primary collector variant for the 1915 dime. These were struck with specially prepared dies at higher pressure than circulation coins, producing a matte or satin surface on the fields — distinct from both the cartwheel luster of a Business Strike and the deep mirror fields of a modern Proof. Genuine 1915 Specimens exhibit square “wire rims,” superb sharpness on the King's crown pearls and ear helix, and razor-edged maple leaf veins on the reverse wreath. They originally appeared in leather presentation cases and surface at auction only occasionally — sometimes years apart. See the NGC Canada 10-Cent KM-23 Collector Issues reference for additional context.

Values in CAD as of February 2026. Specimen values are estimated ranges; realized prices depend on auction competition and the specific coin's preservation. For the complete Canadian dime denomination price guide across all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1915 Canadian Dime Varieties

The 1915 Canadian dime does not have multiple die varieties in the sense of large-beads/small-beads or pointed/blunt numeral distinctions. Value for this date is driven primarily by grade, surface quality, and finish. The Specimen Strike is the definitive “variant” of the year. Two advanced die-state phenomena — die clashes and die cracks — are of interest to specialists but are not catalogued as major varieties.

1. The 1915 Specimen (SP) Strike — Primary Variant

Business Strike vs. Specimen finish comparison: the Specimen (right) displays matte or satin fields with squared “wire rims” and extraordinary device sharpness well beyond even the finest Business Strike. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

The most significant non-error variant of the 1915 dime is the Specimen Strike. Struck for sale to collectors or presentation to dignitaries, George V-era Canadian Specimens are characterized by their matte or satin finish on the fields, double-struck at higher pressure, with wire-sharp squared rims and exceptional detail in the King's facial features and the maple leaf veins of the wreath. Authentication requires all three markers together: surface texture, rim sharpness, and striking quality. Estimated value: $10,000–$20,000 CAD depending on preservation.

2. Small Leaves — The Only 1915 Reverse (Debunking the “Large Leaves” Myth)

A persistent myth in collecting circles suggests the existence of a “1915 Large Leaves” variety analogous to the well-documented 1913 Broad Leaves. This is incorrect. The 1915 issue was struck exclusively with the Small Leaves reverse die. The Charlton Standard Catalogue and ICCS do not recognize a Large Leaves variety for 1915. Any coin described as a “1915 Large Leaves” is either a misidentified 1913 Broad Leaves coin or a coin with an altered date.

Diagnostic: On the genuine Small Leaves reverse used in 1915, the tips of the maple leaves are clearly separated from the rim denticles — visible field space exists between the outermost leaves and the toothed border. Leaves that touch or overlap the denticles indicate you are looking at a 1913 Broad Leaves coin, not a 1915.

Small Leaves vs. Broad Leaves diagnostic: the genuine 1915 reverse (top) shows clear field space between the outer maple leaf tips and the rim denticles. Leaves touching or overlapping the denticles (bottom) indicate a 1913 Broad Leaves coin — a different date entirely. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

3. Die Clash Variants (Advanced Specialist Interest)

When two dies meet without a planchet between them, the obverse and reverse designs are transferred to the opposing die face. On 1915 dimes, a strong die clash can produce a ghost impression of the maple wreath visible on the King's cheek, or a faint outline of the royal portrait visible in the reverse fields. These die clash examples are not catalogued as major varieties in the standard references, but a clearly clashed 1915 dime commands a premium of approximately 10–20% above standard pricing to a specialist collector.

4. Die State Variants — Die Cracks (Late-State Die)

With only 688,057 coins produced, fewer dies were used for the 1915 than for high-mintage years like 1917 or 1918. As those dies wore out, cracks formed — hairline fractures running across the coin's surface through the date, legends, or portrait. Late-state die cracks are collected as markers of a specific die's production cycle and are of interest to advanced specialists, though they do not typically command meaningful premiums in the general market.

1915 Canadian Dime Identification Guide

30-Second Authentication Checklist

1. Monarch Check: The obverse bears King George V in his crowned bust — the Imperial State Crown and Robes of State are clearly depicted. The legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India). Portrait designer: Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal (Australian artist). The crowned portrait was used for Dominion coinage specifically to emphasize the Monarch's authority over the Empire.
2. Reverse Check: The reverse depicts a wreath of 22 maple leaves surmounted by a St. Edward's Crown, with “10 CENTS” at centre, “CANADA” arched above, and “1915” at the bottom. Reverse designer: W.H.J. Blakemore.
3. Date Digit Check: Examine the digit “5” in the date under 10× magnification. On a genuine 1915, the “5” has a distinct vertical stroke and a full, rounded belly at equal depth to the surrounding digits. Tool marks, uneven spacing, or inconsistent digit depth — particularly around the last digit — may indicate an altered date (counterfeits most commonly alter 1916 or 1919 coins).
4. The Leaf Gap — Small Leaves Confirmation: Examine where the outermost maple leaves approach the rim denticles. On a genuine 1915, there is visible field space between the leaf tips and the denticles. Leaves that touch or overlap the denticles indicate a misidentified 1913 Broad Leaves coin.
5. Edge Check: The edge is reeded (milled) with sharp, uniform vertical grooves. A seam visible along the edge indicates a cast counterfeit. Mushy or irregular reeding is also a warning sign.
6. Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a magnet to the coin. Sterling Silver (92.5% Ag) is non-magnetic. Any attraction to the magnet means the coin is not genuine Sterling Silver. This is the single fastest authentication step.
7. The “Ring” Test: Balance the coin on a gloved fingertip and tap it gently with a wooden stick. A genuine sterling silver coin produces a high-pitched, bell-like ring. A dull “thud” indicates a cast counterfeit or severe internal damage.
8. No Mint Mark: The 1915 Canadian dime carries no mint mark. It was struck at the Royal Mint, Ottawa only. Do not look for or expect any letter designation on the obverse or reverse of a standard 1915 dime.

Date digit authentication close-up: the genuine 1915 “5” has a distinct vertical stroke and full rounded belly at uniform depth matching the surrounding digits. Uneven depth, tool marks, or irregular spacing around the last digit suggest an altered date.

Key Grading Wear Points

To determine whether your 1915 dime is circulated or Mint State, examine these high points under 10× magnification:

Obverse (George V portrait):

• The Eyebrow: The absolute highest point on the coin. Any graying or disruption of luster here indicates AU or lower grade.
• The Band of the Crown: Central jewels on the band must appear convex (rounded). If flat, the coin grades VF or lower.
• The Ear (Helix): The upper rim of the ear wears quickly in circulation.
• The Shoulder Clasp: The circular clasp holding the robe flattens with wear.

Reverse (Maple wreath):

• The Ribbon Bow: The knot at the bottom of the wreath.
• The Inner Leaves: Maple leaves closest to the “10” at centre.
• The “C” in CENTS: The distinct curl of the C is a high point that wears early.

Key grading contact points on the 1915 Canadian dime: obverse (left) showing the eyebrow, crown band jewels, ear helix, and shoulder clasp; reverse (right) showing the ribbon bow, inner leaves, and the curl of “C” in CENTS. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Finish Identification

Business Strike: Exhibits cartwheel luster — swirling bands of light that rotate as you tilt the coin under a single light source. Under magnification, mint flow lines radiate outward from the centre of the fields like wheel spokes. This rotating luster is the definitive sign of an undisturbed Business Strike surface.

Specimen (SP): Displays a matte or satin surface texture on the fields — not the mirror shine of a modern proof and not the cartwheel of a Business Strike — with extremely sharp, squared “wire rims.” Every device detail will be crisper than even the finest Business Strike. Genuine 1915 Specimens originally came in leather presentation cases.

Cleaning Detection

Cleaning is the most common problem encountered with the 1915 dime. Genuine mint flow lines radiate from the centre of the fields in wheel-spoke patterns. Cleaning hairlines, by contrast, are parallel scratches that do not rotate when you tilt the coin. Under 10× magnification, cleaning hairlines are immediately apparent. A cleaned coin receives a “Details — Cleaned” designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC, eliminating its numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail quality. Natural silver toning — grey, russet, or gunmetal-blue — is a sign of originality and should never be removed.

1915 Canadian Dime Value FAQs

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide are synthesized from auction market data and price guide references as of February 2026, reflecting current silver spot prices and market conditions. Primary sources consulted include:

• NGC Canada 10-Cent KM-23 Price Guide — Business Strike
• NGC Canada 10-Cent KM-23 Price Guide — Collector Issues
• PCGS Auction Prices — 1915 10-Cent MS-64 Archive
• PCGS Auction Prices — 1915 10-Cent MS-65 Archive
• Canadian Coin News — Market Reference (Vol. 51, No. 9)
• Numista — George V Canadian 10-Cent Technical Reference
• Royal Canadian Mint — 10-Cent History
• Canada Gold — Live Silver Spot Price
• Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (consulted for variety attribution and Small Leaves/Broad Leaves classification)

Values are estimates based on available market data and should be treated as guides rather than guarantees. The coin market is dynamic; consult a specialist dealer or recent certified auction results before making significant purchasing or selling decisions. Population estimates referenced from source documents are noted as speculative where the source itself flagged them as such.