1919 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
What is a 1919 Canadian dime worth? Complete grade-by-grade price guide in CAD from G-4 ($10) to MS-66 ($9,000+), the rare Specimen strike ($7,000+), silver melt value, and how to spot the 1919-C Newfoundland impostor. Values as of February 2026.
Every 1919 Canadian dime contains 0.0691 troy ounces of 92.5% sterling silver, giving it a bullion floor of approximately $7.90 CAD at current silver spot prices. In collectible circulated grades, values range from $10 (Good) to $150 (About Uncirculated). Gem Mint State examples command $1,500–$2,200, and the ultra-rare Specimen strike can reach $10,000+.
- Found in change / circulated (G-4–VF-30):$10–$45 — primarily a silver bullion play at lower grades
- Desirable circulated (XF-40–AU-55):$60–$150 — strong collector demand for detail and original surfaces
- Uncirculated Business Strike (MS-63):$400–$550
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65):$1,500–$2,200 — investment grade
- Superb Gem (MS-66):$6,000–$9,000+ — a statistical anomaly for this date
- Specimen Strike (SP-65):$7,000–$10,000+ — the ultimate rarity for 1919
Is it silver? Yes — the 1919 dime is 92.5% pure sterling silver. Run a magnet over it: it will not be attracted. Is it "shiny" or from a set? No Proof-Like (PL) sets exist for this era. A pristine example may be an extremely rare Specimen strike (matte/satin fields) or a high-grade Business Strike (cartwheel luster). Does it have a small letter "C" on the reverse? If yes, it is a Newfoundland issue — a different and considerably rarer coin. All values in CAD. See full value chart →
1919 Canadian 10-cent coin: obverse (left) featuring King George V's Crowned Bust portrait by Bertram MacKennal, and reverse (right) showing the Dominion Wreath design by W.H.J. Blakemore with "10 CENTS" and the date. This coin represents the final year of Canada's sterling silver standard.
The 1919 Canadian ten-cent piece occupies a singular position in Canadian numismatic history: it is the last full year of production under the sterling silver (.925 fine) standard before the government debased the coinage to .800 fine silver in 1920. Struck at the Ottawa Mint during the economic upheaval of the post–World War I era, it features the Crowned Bust portrait of King George V by Bertram MacKennal and the elegant Dominion Wreath reverse by W.H.J. Blakemore. For a complete price history across all Canadian dime years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Production errors such as rotated-die strikes beyond the minor-rotation threshold exist for the 1919 dime but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1919 Canadian Dime Composition & Silver Melt Value
The 1919 ten-cent piece is struck in 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — the traditional British "Sterling" standard. This is a higher silver purity than the .800 fine standard that replaced it in 1920 and higher than the contemporary American dime's .900 fineness. The difference is immediately visible to the trained eye: .925 fine silver produces a distinctly bright "white" luster, while the .800 fine coins struck from 1920 onward display a subtly greyer tone.
The copper component in the alloy — though only 7.5% — plays a meaningful role for collectors. As the coin ages, the copper reacts with sulfur compounds in the environment, producing the rich russet, gold, and blue toning hues that are prized on high-grade examples. Peripheral toning that frames the King's portrait while leaving the centre bright can create a striking visual effect that significantly enhances a coin's desirability at auction.
The magnet test for a 1919 Canadian dime: the sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) alloy is entirely non-magnetic. A magnet held near the coin will produce zero attraction. This quick test helps distinguish the 1919 issue from later plated-steel compositions and can flag wrong-planchet anomalies. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The sterling alloy's relative softness compared to modern nickel or steel coinage meant these coins wore rapidly in circulation and accumulated bag marks during transport. This metallurgical reality directly explains why high-grade survivors are so scarce despite a mintage of nearly 8 million pieces. The weight of 2.324 grams can also serve as a diagnostic tool: a coin significantly underweight may have been shaved or damaged, while a coin from a mixed batch that weighs differently could flag a wrong-planchet anomaly. The coin carries a reeded edge and was struck in medal alignment (↑↑).
1919 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1919 ten-cent piece exists in two distinct finish categories: the Business Strike (circulation issue) and the extremely rare Specimen Strike. No Proof-Like (PL) sets were produced for this era. Values below are in Canadian dollars as of February 2026, derived from recent auction trends and adjusted for current market conditions. The silver bullion floor (~$7.90 CAD) underpins all grades.
ℹ️ The Grade Premium Cliff
The price jump from MS-63 to MS-65 is dramatic — roughly 3–4× — because of how rare fully struck, contact-mark-free examples are. The softness of sterling silver meant virtually every coin that moved in a canvas bag with others acquired surface chatter. For any coin above $200 CAD (MS-60+), independent certification by NGC, PCGS, or ICCS is strongly recommended before purchase or sale.
1919 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Grade Name | ICCS / PCGS Grade | Estimated Value (CAD) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | G-4 | $10.00 | Strictly a bullion play. Portrait is flat silhouette; date readable. |
| Fine | F-12 | $15.00–$20.00 | Entry-level collector piece. Crown band diamond jewel visible but flat. |
| Very Fine | VF-30 | $30.00–$45.00 | Most common circulated grade. Nearly full leaf detail; distinct ear. |
| Extremely Fine | XF-40 | $60.00–$80.00 | Significant jump in desirability. Wear only on highest points; traces of luster in recesses. |
| About Uncirculated | AU-55 | $120.00–$150.00 | High demand for album sets. 50–60% original luster remains. |
| Mint State | MS-60 | $200.00–$250.00 | Market soft on low-eye-appeal MS. No wear, but heavy bag marks permissible. |
| Choice Uncirculated | MS-63 | $400.00–$550.00 | Liquid; active trading range. Strong luster; bag marks not in prime focal areas. |
| Gem Uncirculated | MS-65 | $1,500.00–$2,200.00 | Investment grade. Full crown pearls, minimal contact marks, booming cartwheel luster. Prices volatile with silver market. |
| Superb Gem | MS-66 | $6,000.00–$9,000.00+ | Very rare; auction centrepiece. A statistical anomaly for this date. PCGS standing record: $5,760 USD (MS-66+). |
A Heritage Auctions sale in 2025 saw a MS-65 PCGS-certified example realize $950 USD — illustrating that even within a single grade, eye appeal and toning quality drive significant variation. See Heritage Auctions archive for recent results. The PCGS standing record of $5,760 USD for an MS-66+ example was noted prior to the 2026 silver surge; specialists suggest such a coin would likely challenge the $10,000 CAD mark if offered today.
Side-by-side grade comparison of the 1919 Canadian 10-cent coin: a circulated example (VF range, with crown jewels visible but worn leaf veins) alongside a Mint State example (MS-63 range, full cartwheel luster, no wear). The dramatic difference in surface preservation explains the large value gap between these grades. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1919 Canadian Dime — Specimen Strike
Specimen strikes are a completely separate category from Business Strikes. These coins were produced on specially prepared planchets using polished dies at higher striking pressure. They were not intended for commerce. For a full discussion of identification, see the Notable Variants section.
| Finish | ICCS / PCGS Grade | Estimated Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (Matte/Satin) | SP-65 | $7,000.00–$10,000.00+ | The ultimate rarity for this date. Fewer than ~50 sets produced. Requires expert authentication. See Canadian Coin News for context on top-tier Canadian rarities. |
All values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete Canadian dime denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1919 Canadian Dime Varieties
A. Trophy-Level Variant: The Specimen Strike
The single most valuable variant of the 1919 ten-cent piece is the Specimen Strike. Unlike modern mirror-polished Proof coins, early 20th-century Canadian Specimens were struck with a Matte or Satin finish. The fields are not reflective; instead they carry a silky, fine-grain texture. The design details — particularly the rim edges — are razor-sharp and squared off rather than rounded as on a Business Strike.
These coins were struck on specially prepared, polished planchets using polished dies, often double-struck at higher pressure to ensure full detail. They were produced for sale to collectors or presentation to dignitaries, not for commerce. The mintage of Specimen sets in 1919 was minuscule — likely fewer than 50 sets — making individual dimes from these sets extremely rare survivors. At the SP-65 level, documented values reach $7,000–$10,000+ CAD. More generally, Specimen strikes for this date have been offered in the $5,000–$8,000 CAD range depending on surface quality.
⚠️ Authentication is Essential for Specimens
Because early Business Strikes from fresh dies can appear semi-brilliant or "Proof-Like," authenticating a true 1919 Specimen requires expert examination of the rim (squared vs. rounded), surface texture (fine-grain satin vs. cartwheel luster), and strike sharpness. Do not purchase a raw coin claimed to be a Specimen above $1,000 without ICCS or PCGS certification. See Calgary Coin for additional context on Canadian Specimen identification.
Visual comparison of finish types for the 1919 Canadian 10-cent coin: a Business Strike (left) displays characteristic cartwheel luster that "rolls" across the fields, while a Specimen strike (right) shows a matte/satin surface with fine-grain texture and squared, sharp rim edges. These differences are subtle and require magnification for reliable identification. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Opportunity: The 1919-C Newfoundland "Cherry-Pick"
Newfoundland was a separate British Dominion in 1919, and its coinage was struck at the Ottawa Mint alongside Canada's domestic issues. The 1919 Newfoundland ten-cent piece is distinguished by a small letter 'C' (for Canada/Ottawa) found on the reverse, below the date and above the rim. The Canadian Dominion issue has no mint mark.
This distinction matters enormously for value. The 1919 Newfoundland issue has a mintage of only 54,342 pieces, compared to 7,877,722 for the Canadian Dominion issue. Finding a 1919-C in a mixed bag of Canadian "junk silver" dimes is a significant cherry-pick opportunity. Conversely, collectors building a Canadian set must verify their coin does not carry the 'C' mark. NGC maintains a separate price guide for this issue: NGC — Canada Newfoundland 10 Cents KM 14 (1912–1919).
Critical identification detail: the reverse of a 1919 Newfoundland dime (right) shows a small "C" mint mark below the date and above the rim — absent on the standard Canadian Dominion issue (left). Finding a "C"-marked coin in a mixed lot is a valuable cherry-pick. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
C. The "Large Leaves" Myth — Do Not Be Deceived
⚠️ No "Large Leaves" Variety Exists for 1919
The "Broad Leaves" variety is a famous rarity — but for the 1913 issue, not 1919. All 1919 ten-cent coins are of the Small Leaves design type, which was standard from late 1913 through 1936. The Charlton Standard Catalogue and PCGS population reports do not recognize a "Large Leaves" variety for 1919. Any listing on a secondary marketplace claiming a 1919 "Large Leaves" should be treated with extreme skepticism.
D. Toning Premium on Mint State Examples
Not a variety in the traditional sense, but original toning is a documented and significant value driver for high-grade 1919 dimes. The copper in the .925 alloy reacts with sulfur compounds over decades to produce russet, gold, and blue hues. When this toning is peripheral — framing the King's portrait while leaving the centre bright — it creates a cameo-like visual effect that specialists note can double the value of an otherwise standard Mint State coin. This "Original Skin" toning is the opposite of the cleaned, "Blast White" look that stripped generations of these coins of their numismatic premium. Artificial toning using chemicals is prevalent in the market; always look for cartwheel luster underneath the toning to confirm originality.
1919 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have — and to detect cleaning or composition anomalies before committing to a purchase.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows a left-facing bust of King George V wearing the Imperial State Crown and Robes of State. The legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP: The portrait was engraved by Bertram MacKennal and was used on all Canadian coins from 1911 to 1936. If you see a different portrait or legend, you have a different coin.
- Reverse Check: The reverse displays a Dominion Wreath of 21 maple leaves encircling the denomination "10 CENTS" and the date "1919," with the St. Edward's Crown above and "CANADA" below. The design is by W.H.J. Blakemore. Fine leaf veins should be present on well-preserved examples.
- Date Check: Confirm "1919" appears on the reverse, not the obverse. The date is centred within the wreath.
- Edge Check: Run your fingernail along the edge — you should feel distinct reeding (milling). A plain edge indicates a counterfeit or wrong-planchet issue.
- Mint Mark Check (CRITICAL): Examine the reverse below the date and above the rim with a loupe.
- No mint mark → Canadian Dominion issue (the coin described in this guide)
- C mark present → Newfoundland issue (54,342 mintage — a much rarer coin; see Notable Variants)
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): The 92.5% silver / 7.5% copper alloy is entirely non-magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the coin — no attraction whatsoever confirms the correct composition. Any attraction signals a wrong-planchet strike, a counterfeit, or a different coin entirely.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike: Under a lamp, the coin should display a "cartwheel" luster effect that rolls around the fields as you tilt the coin. Contact marks (small nicks) are common and normal.
- Specimen: No cartwheel luster. Instead, the surfaces have a silky, fine-grain matte or satin texture. The rim is noticeably squared and sharp. This finish requires expert authentication — do not self-attribute without certification.
- Cleaning / Hairline Check: Under a strong light source (flashlight or lamp), tilt the coin slowly. A cleaned coin will display fine parallel scratches (hairlines) across the fields that are not present on original-surface coins. Hairlines render a coin "Details" grade, eliminating all numismatic premium. See Royal Canadian Mint — Coin Grading Guide for visual reference.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Generations of collectors dipped 1919 dimes in acid or polished them to restore their "silver shine." This destroys the original luster permanently. A cleaned coin is assigned a "Details" (damaged) designation by all major grading services and is worth only its silver melt value (~$7.90 CAD) regardless of the underlying detail quality. A genuinely original-surface AU-55 coin is worth ten times more than a cleaned MS coin.
The Crown Band Diagnostic: Weak Strike vs. Wear
The most common grading challenge for 1919 dimes is distinguishing a weak strike from actual wear. The high-relief crown band and ear details often show flatness on this issue because the dies were used beyond their prime. The diagnostic is critical: if the flat area on the crown band is dull and grey, contrasting with brighter luster in the surrounding fields — that is friction/wear, and the coin grades AU at best. If the flat area shows the same continuous luster as the fields around it — that is a weak strike, and the coin can still be graded Mint State.
The key crown-band diagnostic for 1919 Canadian dime grading: a weak strike (left) shows a flat crown band area with uninterrupted luster flowing across it — the coin is still Mint State. A worn example (right) shows a grey, dull flat spot on the crown band that contrasts with the surrounding luster — friction has occurred, and the coin grades AU or lower at best. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Three surface types on 1919 Canadian dimes: attractive original peripheral toning (left) — russet and gold hues framing the portrait — adds a premium on MS examples; a cleaned coin (centre) displaying flat, bright "Blast White" surfaces with fine hairlines under magnification — worth melt only; and a coin with suspicious flat or patchy discolouration (right) suggesting artificial toning or environmental damage. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
For a comprehensive photo grading guide specific to George V coinage, see the Saskatoon Coin Club — George V 10-Cent Photo Grading Guide and the George V series grading overview.
1919 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1919 Canadian dime worth?
It depends primarily on grade. A worn circulated example (Good, G-4) is worth approximately $10.00 CAD — barely above its ~$7.90 CAD silver melt value. A collector-grade Very Fine (VF-30) example is worth $30–$45 CAD. Gem Mint State (MS-65) coins reach $1,500–$2,200 CAD, and the very rare Specimen strike (SP-65) can exceed $10,000 CAD. All values as of February 2026. See the full value chart above for every grade level.
Is my 1919 Canadian dime silver?
Yes — completely. The 1919 dime is struck in 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, the sterling silver standard. It contains 0.0691 troy ounces of silver. At the February 2026 spot price of approximately $82.48 USD per ounce, that translates to a melt value of roughly $7.90 CAD. Run a magnet over the coin: if it shows no magnetic attraction whatsoever, the composition is consistent with the stated sterling silver alloy. Canada did not switch to a lower .800 fine standard until 1920, so every genuine 1919 dime is full sterling.
What is the rarest 1919 Canadian dime?
The Specimen Strike is by far the rarest documented variant of the 1919 ten-cent piece. Specimen sets were produced in minuscule quantities — likely fewer than 50 sets — for sale to collectors and presentation to dignitaries. Individual Specimen dimes that have survived are extremely rare and are valued at $7,000–$10,000+ CAD at the SP-65 level. Authentication by ICCS or PCGS is essential before buying or selling any coin claimed to be a 1919 Specimen.
What is the 1919-C Newfoundland dime and how do I spot it?
Newfoundland was a separate Dominion in 1919, and its coinage was struck at the Ottawa Mint alongside Canada's. The 1919 Newfoundland dime carries a small letter "C" on the reverse, below the date and above the rim. Its mintage was only 54,342 — a tiny fraction of the Canadian issue's 7,877,722. If you find a coin with this mark in a mixed lot of Canadian silver, it is a significant cherry-pick. If you are building a Canadian set, confirm your coin has no mint mark. NGC maintains a separate price guide for the Newfoundland issue: NGC — Newfoundland 10 Cents KM 14.
Why is there such a large premium for Gem (MS-65) examples?
Two compounding factors explain the dramatic price jump from MS-63 (~$475 CAD) to MS-65 (~$1,850 CAD). First, the soft sterling silver alloy meant virtually every coin that shared a canvas bag with others acquired bag marks; finding a coin with minimal contact marks in the prime focal areas (the cheek, the fields) is genuinely rare. Second, three major silver melt events — the 1920s debasement, the 1980 silver spike, and ongoing melting during the current high-silver-price era — have eliminated an estimated 97–98% of the original 7.8 million mintage. Researchers estimate fewer than 2–3% survives in any collectible condition; the Gem population is a tiny fraction of that. The NGC Price Guide (KM# 23) reflects this scarcity premium at the top grades.
Should I get my 1919 Canadian dime professionally graded?
For any coin you believe is worth more than approximately $200 CAD (MS-60 or better), professional certification is strongly advisable. Because silver is easy to clean or artificially tone, the market for raw (uncertified) high-grade 1919 dimes carries significant authenticity risk. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the standard for Canadian collectors and uses conservative grading. PCGS is preferred for high-end investment and cross-border resale, coming in a hard slab with broader international recognition; their Gold Shield service is recommended for detecting restoration on high-value examples. NGC is also widely accepted. For circulated examples below XF-40, the cost of grading typically exceeds the numismatic premium, making certification uneconomical.
How do I spot a cleaned 1919 dime?
Hold the coin under a direct lamp or flashlight and tilt it slowly while watching the fields (the flat open areas around the portrait). A cleaned coin will display fine parallel scratches called hairlines that are not present on an original-surface coin. Cleaned coins often appear unnaturally bright or "Blast White" without the subtler surface texture of original luster. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" by all major services, eliminating its numismatic premium and reducing it to melt value regardless of the underlying design sharpness. Never clean a silver coin with any product — including commercial silver dips.
What does the 1919 dime's "last sterling" status mean for value?
In 1920, the Canadian government reduced the silver content of dimes from 92.5% to 80% to prevent the coins from being melted as rising silver prices made their intrinsic value approach face value. This makes 1919 the terminus ad quem — the last year — of the sterling silver era for Canadian subsidiary coinage. Collectors building a type set of Canadian silver often specifically seek out a 1919 dime as the representative example of the George V sterling period, because it is more available than the low-mintage 1914 or 1915 issues while still possessing the full .925 purity. This historical significance supports a modest collector premium even on circulated examples compared to post-1920 issues of similar grade. See also the Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents history page and the Numista — George V Canada 10 Cents page for series context.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are derived from recent auction trends and dealer market data adjusted for February 2026 conditions, with the silver bullion floor calculated using the spot price of approximately $82.48 USD per troy ounce. Primary sources include: NGC World Coin Price Guide (KM# 23); PCGS CoinFacts — 1919 Canadian 10c; Heritage Auctions archive (via biddr.com); CoinArchives — Ottawa Mint auction records; Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents; Numista — George V Canada 10 Cents; Saskatoon Coin Club — George V Grading Guide; and the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins. All prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Auction records from US houses are noted in USD. Market values are estimates only and may vary with silver spot price, eye appeal, and population data at the time of transaction.
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.