1917 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1917 Canadian dime is worth. Full CAD price guide for the King George V .925 Sterling silver 10-cent piece — values by grade from G4 to MS67, silver melt value, crown band diagnostics, and the Newfoundland 1917-C confusion explained.
Most circulated 1917 Canadian dimes are worth $7.50–$45.00 CAD — floored by their Sterling silver melt value. In certified Gem Uncirculated grades, values reach $600+ and beyond.
- Found in a coin jar / heavily circulated (G4–VG8):$7.50–$9.00 — essentially junk silver melt value (~0.069 troy oz of silver)
- Collector grades (F12–AU50):$12.00–$45.00
- Mint State / Uncirculated (MS60–MS63):$90.00–$175.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65, certified):$600.00+
- Superb Gem (MS67, certified):$1,000–$1,500+ CAD (estimated)
Is it silver? Yes — this coin is 92.5% Sterling silver. The melt value is approximately $7.40–$7.50 CAD as of February 2026. Apply a strong magnet: it will not attract this coin (both silver and copper are non-magnetic). A coin that sticks to the magnet is almost certainly a counterfeit.
Is it shiny / looks new? An uncirculated business strike shows a rotating cartwheel lustre when tilted under light — not simply “bright white.” Many 1917 dimes were cleaned (acid-dipped) by previous owners to remove dark toning; a cleaned coin loses 50–70% of its numismatic premium and is graded as a Details coin. Extremely rare Specimen strikes — matte fields, polished devices, sharp squared rims — are a separate category entirely (see Notable Variants).
All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1917 Canadian 10-cent piece is a King George V Sterling silver dime struck at the Royal Mint's Ottawa Branch during the penultimate year of the First World War. With a mintage of 5,011,988 pieces, it is a common date in circulated grades — but a genuine condition rarity in Mint State, as the wartime circulation economy left few coins unscuffed. No mint mark appears on Canadian Dominion issues of this era; the C mint mark belongs exclusively to the contemporaneous Newfoundland coinage (Newfoundland was a separate Dominion until 1949). For values across the complete Canadian dime series, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Production anomalies such as die cracks and off-center strikes exist for George V coinage but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1917 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The Sterling Silver Standard
The 1917 dime adheres to the Sterling Silver standard — 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — a metallurgical tradition inherited from the British Royal Mint. The copper is present solely for durability; pure silver is too soft to withstand the rigors of circulation. This high purity gives the 1917 dime a distinctly brilliant white lustre that differs noticeably from the slightly greyer, harder appearance of Canadian silver coins struck from 1920 onward, when the Canadian government reduced silver purity to .800 fine to combat rising bullion prices. The 1917 dime thus stands as one of the final representatives of Canada's Sterling-standard coinage — a distinction that adds historical context to even circulated examples.
Melt Value (February 2026)
The coin contains approximately 0.069 troy ounces of pure silver (2.33 g total weight × 0.925 purity). Based on market data from February 2026 — with a melt value cited at approximately $5.38 USD for the coin's silver content, converted at approximately 1.38 CAD/USD — the melt value is approximately $7.40–$7.50 CAD. Live silver spot prices can be monitored at resources such as AU Bullion Canada — Live Silver Prices.
In grades Good (G4) through Very Good (VG8), the numismatic premium over melt is negligible; dealers commonly handle these coins as junk silver, priced against the commodities market rather than against a coin catalogue. From Fine (F12) upward, the numismatic value begins to decouple from the silver spot price as collectible merit takes over.
Magnetic Authentication
Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. A genuine 1917 dime will not stick — both silver and copper are diamagnetic (non-magnetic). If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is almost certainly a counterfeit struck on a steel planchet or a novelty replica and has no numismatic value.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
The 1917 dime frequently develops dark russet, gunmetal grey, or iridescent toning over a century. Dipping coins in acid to restore a bright white appearance strips the original “mint skin” (flow lines) and leaves fine hairlines visible under magnification. A harshly cleaned coin receives a Details designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC and loses 50–70% of its numismatic premium regardless of the underlying sharpness of its details. Original toning — even if dark — is highly preferred by the market.
1917 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade
The following values represent typical retail asking prices in CAD for problem-free, properly graded coins as of February 2026. Raw (uncertified) coins in Mint State grades typically trade at a discount to coins certified by NGC, PCGS, or ICCS, due to the prevalence of cleaned and optimistically graded coins in the George V silver market. Current pricing is also available at Coins and Canada — George V 10-Cent Prices.
1917 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
Design: MacKennal Obverse / Blakemore Maple Leaf Wreath (Small Leaves) | Mint: Ottawa (no mint mark) | Composition: .925 Sterling Silver
| Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 Standard | $7.50 | $9.00 | $12.00 | $16.00 | $26.00 | $45.00 | $90.00 | $175.00 | $300.00 | $600.00+ | G4–VG8 near silver melt floor (~$7.40–$7.50 CAD). MS66 ~$800–$1,000; MS67 ~$1,000–$1,500+ (trophy tier — see Notable Variants). All values in CAD. |
Understanding the Value Tiers
- Bullion Tier (G4–VG8, $7.50–$9.00): The coin is essentially a commodity. This value range is tightly bracketed by the ~$7.40–$7.50 CAD silver melt floor. The slight premium accounts for the coin's age (over 100 years) and a dealer margin. These coins are commonly found in junk silver bins or bulk bags.
- Collector Tier (F12–VF20, $12.00–$16.00): Distinct details emerge — the crown band is visible, and the leaves have definition. This is the entry point for novice collectors and those building date sets. Numismatic value has decoupled from the silver floor.
- Scarcity Tier (EF40–AU50, $26.00–$45.00): The coin shows minimal wear. The King's crown band shows jewels and pearls, and traces of original lustre remain in the recesses. EF–AU survivors are genuinely scarce: sterling silver wears quickly in active circulation, and the wartime economy meant few coins sat unspent.
- Investment Tier (MS60–MS63, $90.00–$175.00): Strictly uncirculated. An MS60 example is technically new but may carry bag marks or dull lustre; MS63 has decent eye appeal. This is the sweet spot for intermediate collectors who want an uncirculated example without paying Gem premiums.
- Trophy Tier (MS64–MS65+, $300.00–$600.00+): The acceleration to Gem is exponential. A true MS65 requires a strong strike from fresh dies, careful handling at the mint, and over a century of ideal storage. The population of genuine Gem examples is low, and Registry Set collectors drive prices aggressively. See the Notable Variants section for MS66 and MS67 market estimates.
ℹ️ The Cleaned Coin Trap
A bright white 1917 dime is not necessarily high-grade — or problem-free. Many examples were acid-dipped by previous owners to remove dark toning. A cleaned coin receives a Details — Harshly Cleaned designation from grading services and trades at a steep discount: often VF market prices even when the underlying detail quality is EF or better. Always examine the coin under magnification for fine parallel hairlines in the flat field areas before purchasing.
Values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1917 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1917 10-cent piece has no major Charlton-catalogued die varieties (such as the dramatic 1913 Large vs. Small Leaves split). Value is driven almost entirely by grade and strike quality. The hunt for rarity in this issue is a hunt for perfection — and, in one extreme case, for an almost mythological Specimen strike.
A. Trophy-Level Condition Rarities
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Requirement | Estimated Value (CAD) | Source / Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-67 Superb Gem | Effectively absent from population reports. The technical perfection required for MS-67 is almost chemically impossible for .925 Sterling silver without specialized long-term storage. Only a handful of coins have preserved surfaces pristine enough to warrant this grade. | PCGS/ICCS MS-67; flawless lustre, full sharp strike | $1,000–$1,500+ CAD (estimated) | Prominence XI Auction, Nov. 2024 |
| MS-66 Gem+ | Top 1% of survivors. Demand from Registry Set collectors drives prices well above catalogue value. These coins often display blast-white brilliance or spectacular rainbow toning. | PCGS/ICCS MS-66 | ~$800–$1,000 CAD | Prominence XI Auction, Nov. 2024 |
| MS-65 Gem | The investor-grade entry point for serious numismatic portfolios. At this level, eye appeal — original toning vs. dipped brilliant white — becomes the primary price differentiator. | PCGS/ICCS MS-65 | ~$350–$600 CAD | Heritage Auctions Monthly Sale (Aug. 2019, via NumisBids) — MS65 realized $180 USD (~$250 CAD) |
The Prominence XI Sale (Nov. 2024) listed a 1917 NGC Superb Gem MS-67 with an opening bid of $300 and a realistic market estimate of “$1,000 AND UP” — illustrating the aggressive premium collectors pay for top-population examples of this date. The 2019 Heritage Auctions MS65 result at ~$250 CAD reflects an earlier market; current estimates for the same grade are meaningfully higher.
B. Findable Quality Premium: Full Strike
| Feature | How to Identify | Why It Matters | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Strike | All pearls in the King's crown band are sharply and individually defined. The central diamond in the band is crisp and three-dimensional. | Most 1917 dies were used past their optimal life, producing coins with soft, flat centers even when brand new. A fully struck example is a condition rarity within the grade. | ~20–30% over typical same-grade price |
C. Extreme Rarity: Specimen (SP) Strikes
Specimen strikes from the George V era were individual master pieces struck for archival or VIP presentation purposes — not issued in commercial collector sets. A genuine 1917 Specimen would show matte or semi-matte background fields, sharply polished and brilliant raised devices (King's portrait and maple leaf wreath), and precisely squared-off wire rims that differ clearly from the slightly bevelled edges of business strikes. No standard market price exists for such a coin. Should one surface, it would be a numismatic event of considerable magnitude, with estimates suggesting it would likely realize $2,000+ CAD. If you believe you have a Specimen strike, submit to ICCS for certification before any transaction.
D. Critical Distinction: The Newfoundland 1917-C
⚠️ Do Not Confuse with the Newfoundland 1917-C
A frequent point of confusion: the Newfoundland 1917-C dime carries a small letter C below the date on the reverse, struck at the Ottawa Mint for a separate Dominion. It is not a Canadian Dominion coin and follows an entirely different pricing structure. Check the reverse of your coin below the date: no letter = 1917 Canadian Dominion issue (this guide). A small “C” = 1917 Newfoundland issue — a distinct series requiring separate research. Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949.
1917 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm you have the correct coin and establish a baseline for its quality and potential value.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows King George V in profile facing left, wearing the Imperial State Crown. The legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP: — confirm “DEI GRA” is present. (The so-called “Godless” coins that omitted this phrase were produced in 1911 only.)
- Reverse Check: The reverse shows a wreath of maple leaves (21 leaves total, the refined “Small Leaves” design adopted in 1913) encircling the date.
- Date Check: Confirm 1917 appears at the bottom of the reverse. Dual dates are not applicable to this issue.
- Edge Check: The edge is reeded — fine vertical grooves run around the circumference. A plain edge indicates a different denomination or a counterfeit.
- Mint Mark Check (Critical): Examine the reverse below the date. No mint mark = 1917 Canadian Dominion dime (the coin this guide covers). A small letter “C” below the date = 1917 Newfoundland dime — an entirely different series. No “W” or other marks should appear on genuine 1917 Canadian dimes.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Hold a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. A genuine 1917 dime will not stick — silver and copper are both non-magnetic (diamagnetic). If the coin attracts the magnet, it is almost certainly a counterfeit on a steel planchet with no numismatic value.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (99.99% of finds): Fields are shiny but may carry small random scratches (“bag marks”) from original mint handling. Lustre appears as a rotating, spoke-like “cartwheel” pattern when the coin is slowly tilted under a single light source. The relief (King's head and wreath) has the same surface texture as the fields.
- Specimen Strike (Extremely Rare): The background fields are matte or semi-matte, while the raised devices (portrait and wreath) appear sharper and more brilliant by contrast — almost mirror-polished. The coin's edge is precisely squared-off rather than slightly bevelled as on circulation strikes. If you believe you have a Specimen, seek ICCS certification before any sale or purchase decision.
Expert Diagnostic: Strike vs. Wear on the Crown Band
The single most important — and most commonly misread — grading point on the 1917 dime is the crown band: the horizontal band across the King's head. The 1917 dies were frequently used past their optimal life, producing coins that, even when brand new, had soft detail in the center of the crown. This creates a dangerous trap for collectors: a weakly struck Mint State coin can be mistaken for a circulated one, and vice versa.
How to tell the difference:
- Wear (Circulated): The lustre is broken at the highest point of the crown band. The metal appears dull grey or flat white, with no flow lines crossing the worn spot. This indicates friction from handling or circulation — the coin is not Mint State regardless of how sharp the rest of the design appears.
- Weak Strike (Mint State): The crown band center may appear flat or soft, but the lustre flows uninterrupted over the flat area — the cartwheel spin pattern extends right across the soft detail. This indicates the coin was never circulated; the softness is from the die, not from friction. The coin is genuinely Mint State.
Grade quick-reference by crown band definition:
- Good (G): Crown band worn completely flat, merging with the King's hair. The coin is a silhouette. Readable date.
- Fine (F): Crown band visible but pearls are worn smooth — you can see the band exists, but cannot distinguish individual stones.
- Very Fine (VF): Crown band shows the central diamond and major pearls as distinct bumps, though the diamond may be worn flat.
- Extremely Fine (EF): Crown band clearly shows individual jewels and pearls. Distinct hairline above the ear. Traces of mint frost remain in the protected recesses around the lettering.
- Mint State (MS): Full cartwheel lustre. No grey friction anywhere on the King's cheekbone or on the highest maple leaf points.
💡 Buying Advice: Insist on Certification Above $100
For any purchase exceeding approximately $100, insist on ICCS, PCGS, or NGC certification. The 1917 dime market contains a significant volume of cleaned coins graded optimistically as “AU” or “Uncirculated” in raw form. A certified coin eliminates cleaning risk and provides a grade you can defend. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard and most familiar to Canadian dealers and auction houses; PCGS and NGC are US-based but widely accepted internationally and provide the broadest global market liquidity for high-grade examples.
1917 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1917 Canadian dime worth?
Most circulated 1917 Canadian dimes are worth between $7.50 and $45.00 CAD, depending on grade. Coins in Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8) condition are valued at essentially their Sterling silver melt content — approximately $7.40–$7.50 CAD as of February 2026. From Fine (F12) upward, numismatic premiums apply, reaching $90.00–$175.00 for Mint State examples and $600+ for certified Gems (MS65). See the full value chart above for grade-by-grade pricing.
Is a 1917 Canadian dime rare?
In circulated grades, no — with a mintage of 5,011,988, the 1917 dime is considered a common date. However, in Mint State grades it becomes progressively rarer. The wartime circulation economy meant few coins survived unscuffed, and the 1917 issue is notorious for strike weakness in the crown band, making a fully struck Gem example a genuine condition rarity. Certified MS66 and MS67 examples are legitimately scarce and command significant collector premiums.
What makes a 1917 Canadian dime valuable in high grades?
Three factors compound to drive high-grade premiums. (1) Grade: The exponential price jump — from $175 at MS63 to $600+ at MS65 — reflects genuine scarcity of problem-free survivors after more than a century. (2) Strike quality: A fully struck crown band, where all pearls are individually sharp, commands approximately 20–30% over a weakly struck coin at the same numerical grade. (3) Eye appeal: Original attractive toning (russet, gold, or iridescent blues) is highly prized by advanced collectors; dipped bright white coins, while visually striking, carry a meaningful market discount.
Is my 1917 Canadian dime silver? How do I verify it?
Yes — the 1917 Canadian dime is struck in 92.5% Sterling silver (.925 fine) with 7.5% copper. To verify: apply a strong rare-earth magnet. A genuine coin will not stick (both silver and copper are non-magnetic). If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is almost certainly a counterfeit on a steel planchet. You can also make a visual comparison: Sterling silver has a distinctly brilliant white colour; post-1920 Canadian silver coins minted at .800 fine appear slightly greyer and harder by comparison. The coin weighs 2.33 grams — a precise postal scale can confirm this specification.
What is the difference between a weak strike and wear on the crown band?
This is the most critical diagnostic on the 1917 dime and the most commonly misread. Wear breaks the lustre: the high point of the crown band will appear dull grey or flat white with no flow lines crossing the worn spot — the coin is circulated. A weak strike leaves the lustre intact: even if the crown band center looks flat or soft, the cartwheel lustre flows uninterrupted across the flat area. A coin with a weak strike but intact lustre throughout is still Mint State; a coin with broken lustre at the high points is circulated, regardless of how sharp the rest of the design appears.
What is the “1917-C” dime? Is it the same coin as the 1917 Canadian dime?
No — they are entirely different coins. The 1917-C dime was struck at the Ottawa Mint for Newfoundland, which was a separate Dominion (not part of Canada) until 1949. It carries a small letter C below the date on the reverse. To distinguish: examine the reverse below the date on your coin. No mint mark = 1917 Canadian Dominion dime (this guide). A small “C” = 1917 Newfoundland dime — a completely different series with its own pricing structure. Never price a Newfoundland coin using Canadian Dominion values, or vice versa.
Should I get my 1917 Canadian dime certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
For coins in EF40 grade or lower — where values are typically $45 or under — certification costs usually exceed the coin's numismatic value, making it uneconomical. For coins that appear Mint State (MS60 or better), where values begin at $90 and escalate sharply, certification is strongly recommended for any transaction above approximately $100. It eliminates the cleaning risk that is endemic in raw George V silver and provides a grade that holds up in resale. ICCS is the Canadian standard; PCGS and NGC provide broader international market liquidity for Registry Set-grade examples.
How should I store my 1917 silver dime?
Sterling silver is highly reactive to sulfur in the air and to PVC in plastics. Store the coin in archival-quality, non-PVC holders — SAFLIP inert Mylar flips or hard capsules such as Lighthouse or Air-Tite. Avoid standard paper envelopes (which contain sulfur compounds) and soft pliable plastic holders containing PVC, which release acidic gas over time that turns silver green and pits the surface. Original attractive toning that has developed over decades should be preserved, not removed — it is a market asset, not a flaw.
Methodology & Sources
Values reflect typical retail CAD asking prices as of February 2026, synthesized from the following primary sources. USD-denominated auction results were converted at approximately 1.38 CAD/USD as documented in the source data.
- Coins and Canada — George V 10-Cent Prices: Mintage data, historical context, and price trends.
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23 (1912–1919): International valuation cross-reference and melt value data.
- The Canadian Numismatic Company — Prominence XI Sale (November 2024): Trophy-tier high-grade estimates and realized values.
- Heritage World Coin Auctions Monthly Sale (August 2019, via NumisBids): Realized auction prices for Gem-grade examples.
- Heritage World Coin Auctions NYINC Signature Sale 3022 (via NumisBids): Additional auction reference data.
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents: Official metallurgical specifications and historical records.
- Numista — 10 Cents George V, Canada: Technical specifications reference.
- Coin World — Canadian Values Reference: Grade mapping and historical pricing context.
- AU Bullion Canada — Live Silver Prices: Silver spot price reference for melt value.
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins: Primary variety, trend, and grade-mapping reference (cited in source; print publication).
Market values represent typical retail asking prices and may vary by venue, coin quality, and market conditions. This guide covers standard (non-error) issues only. All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise noted.
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.