1921 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide

Find out what your 1921 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide from G-4 to MS-65 plus the rare Specimen strike, with current CAD market values for this semi-key George V .800 silver date.

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Quick Answer

Most circulated 1921 Canadian dimes are worth $5–$50 CAD. In Gem Mint State (MS-65), values climb to $1,500–$2,500+ CAD. The certified Specimen strike is the trophy piece of the issue, commanding $5,000–$8,000+ CAD.

Circulated (G-4):$5–$10
Circulated (VF-20):$30–$50
Circulated (EF-40):$70–$120
About Uncirculated (AU-50):$150–$225
Uncirculated (MS-60):$300–$450
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65):$1,500–$2,500+
Specimen Strike (SP-65):$5,000–$8,000+ ★ Trophy-tier

All values in CAD as of February 2026. The 1921 dime is an 80% silver coin — it carries genuine precious-metal content regardless of grade or condition. A coin that appears unusually sharp or mirror-like may be a Specimen strike rather than a high-grade Business Strike; look for squared wire rims and razor-sharp crown details, or submit for third-party certification before selling. Most 1921 dimes found in collections are heavily worn Good-to-Very Fine examples — a direct consequence of the six-year production gap (1922–1927) that forced this single date to carry Canada's commerce. See full value chart →

The 1921 Canadian 10-cent piece is a semi-key date in the George V dime series — the final dime struck before a remarkable six-year production gap (1922–1927). Because no new dimes entered commerce during those years, 1921 examples served as the sole circulating dimes in Canada, wearing heavily through constant use. The result is a coin that is accessible in circulated grades, yet represents a genuine condition rarity in Gem Mint State, and a world-class numismatic trophy as a certified Specimen strike. For values across all Canadian dime dates and compositions, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

1921 Canadian 10-cent dime: obverse showing King George V crowned portrait by MacKennal and reverse showing Crossed Maple Boughs wreath with date 1921

1921 Canadian 10-cent piece: obverse featuring the MacKennal portrait of King George V (left) and reverse showing the Crossed Maple Boughs wreath modified by W.H.J. Blakemore. Struck in .800 fine silver (80% silver, 20% copper).

1921 Canadian Dime Composition & Silver Content

1921 Canadian 10-Cent Specifications

The 1921 Canadian dime was struck under the Coinage Act amendment of 1920, which reduced Canadian silver coinage from the historic Sterling standard (.925 fine — 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) to a new .800 fine alloy (80% silver, 20% copper). This debasement was a direct response to post-World War I silver market volatility, which had driven bullion prices high enough to threaten the fiduciary nature of the coinage — a situation where a coin's intrinsic metal value approached or exceeded its face value. As catalogued in the Numista entry for the George V 10-cent, the 1921 dime carries the designation KM-23a, specifically denoting this reduced-silver composition. The Royal Canadian Mint's overview of the 10-cent denomination provides further historical context on the series.

Metallurgical Consequences for Collectors: The increased copper content (from 7.5% to 20%) produced a physically harder alloy than Sterling silver. Harder planchets required greater striking pressure to fully bring up the die details. As a result, 1921 dimes frequently exhibit strike weakness — particularly in the central crown jewels and pearl bands on the obverse. This is a manufacturing characteristic, not evidence of circulation wear. Distinguishing the two is one of the defining grading challenges of this date and directly influences value: a weakly struck Mint State coin is worth less than a fully struck example at the same technical grade.

Aging and Toning: The higher copper content also governs how the coin ages over a century. Unlike .925 Sterling, which typically develops a light golden or iridescent patina, .800 fine silver tones toward darker hues — gunmetal greys, deep charcoals, and rich russet or blue undertones. A 1921 dime that has retained its original "Blast White" mint brilliance after a century is therefore an exceptional rarity and commands a material premium — well-documented auction results show that attractive original surfaces can add 50–100% over a dull or darkly toned example of the same technical grade. Conversely, a coin that appears artificially bright may have been chemically dipped to strip natural toning; dipped coins are penalized by grading services and experienced collectors alike.

Silver Content: The coin's .800 silver fineness and standard weight of 2.33 g yield an approximate silver weight (ASW) of 0.0597 troy ounces. Intrinsic melt value fluctuates with the prevailing silver spot price. Consult a current precious-metals source to calculate the metal floor before buying or selling on the basis of silver content alone.

⚠️ Magnet Test — First Line of Authentication

The 1921 Canadian dime is non-magnetic. The .800 fine silver alloy (80% silver, 20% copper) is not attracted to magnets. Any 1921-dated dime that clings to a magnet is almost certainly a modern counterfeit struck on a plated-steel planchet — a known category of forgery in the market. Perform this test before any further evaluation; it costs nothing and takes two seconds.

1921 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 1921 dime has a sharply non-linear value curve: modest in circulated grades, exponential in Gem Mint State, and trophy-tier for certified Specimens. All values are in CAD as of February 2026. For current auction records and population data, consult the NGC World Coin Price Guide for KM-23a and the PCGS ValueView for the 1921 10-cent.

1921 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)

Type	G-4	VF-20	EF-40	AU-50	MS-60	MS-63	MS-65	Notes
1921 Business Strike	$5–$10	$30–$50	$70–$120	$150–$225	$300–$450	$500–$800	$1,500–$2,500+	MS-65 is extremely rare (condition rarity). Premium certified examples with strong eye appeal may exceed these ranges. "Blast White" or attractively toned originals carry a 50–100% eye-appeal premium over dull examples at the same technical grade.

ℹ️ Why the Value Curve Is So Steep

The dramatic jump from AU-50 ($150–$225) to MS-60 ($300–$450) — and then to MS-65 ($1,500–$2,500+) — reflects the bifurcated survivorship of 1921 dimes. Because this was the only Canadian dime in production before the six-year gap (1922–1927), virtually every example was circulated heavily. Uncirculated coins survived only by random chance. Each Mint State 1921 dime is therefore a genuine rarity, regardless of technical grade.

The following table describes the grading key points on the obverse (King George V), providing the diagnostic benchmarks used to assign a grade. Reference: Saskatoon Coin Club — George V 10-Cent Photo Grading Guide.

Grade	Crown Band / Jewels	Eyebrow / Ear / Cheek	Robe / Ermine Collar
VG-8	Band worn flat; jewels outlined but flat	Hairline, beard, and mustache blend together	Ermine collar detail lost
VF-20	Jewels and pearls ~50% worn	Ear and beard in front of ear show wear	Shoulder fold distinct
EF-40	Jewels lose round contours but remain distinct	Eyebrow shows slight rub (colour change only)	Robe details sharp; luster in protected areas
AU-50	Trace wear on highest centre jewel only	Trace wear on eyebrow and cheek	50%+ original mint luster remains
MS-60+	No wear. Pearls rounded (unless weak strike)	No friction; full original surface	Full cartwheel luster

Grade comparison of 1921 Canadian dime showing VF-20 circulated example with flat crown jewels versus MS-65 Gem Uncirculated example with full cartwheel luster

Grade comparison: a heavily circulated 1921 dime (VF-20, left) versus a Gem Uncirculated example (MS-65, right). Note the flat crown jewels and worn rim denticles on the circulated coin versus the sharp, rounded pearls and full cartwheel luster of the Mint State example. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Strike weakness diagnostic for 1921 Canadian dime comparing fully struck crown jewels versus weakly struck flat jewels at equal Mint State grade

Strike weakness diagnostic: a fully struck 1921 dime (left) versus a weakly struck Mint State example (right). Weakness appears first in the central crown jewels. Sharp rim denticles paired with a soft crown centre indicate a manufacturing press issue, not circulation wear — both factors influence but do not eliminate Mint State attribution. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1921 Canadian Dime — Specimen Strike (SP)

Finish	SP-65	SP-67+ (Auction Record)	Notes
Specimen (SP)	$5,000–$8,000+	~$9,600 CAD	SP-67+ PCGS example sold for $7,200 USD (approx. $9,600 CAD). Third-party certification (PCGS, ICCS, or NGC) is mandatory to confirm genuine Specimen status.

The benchmark for finest-known Specimen examples is the PCGS auction record for the 1921 10-cent SP67+, which realised $7,200 USD (approximately $9,600 CAD). Specimens from this era exhibit squared wire rims, semi-matte or satin fields, frosted devices, and a fully sharp strike free of the crown-jewel weakness common on business strikes. Certification is not optional for a potential Specimen — early die-state business strikes can appear superficially similar, and misrepresentation in the marketplace is documented.

Values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete Canadian dime price guide covering all years and compositions, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1921 Canadian Dime Varieties

The 1921 Canadian 10-cent piece does not carry major documented die varieties such as overdates or doubled-die obverses in standard catalogues. Value differentiation for this date is driven by finish category (Specimen vs. Business Strike) and condition rarity — specifically, whether a business strike is fully struck and retains original surfaces.

Side-by-side comparison of 1921 Canadian dime Specimen strike showing squared wire rims and satin fields versus Business Strike showing rounded rim and cartwheel luster

Comparison of a 1921 Canadian dime Specimen strike (left) versus a Business Strike (right). The Specimen exhibits squared wire rims, semi-matte fields, and razor-sharp crown detail with frosted devices. The Business Strike shows a rounded rim profile and cartwheel luster. These differences are the certification diagnostic — do not sell a potential Specimen unslabbed. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Tier 1 — Trophy Piece: The 1921 Specimen (SP)

The Specimen strike is the premier collectible of the 1921 10-cent issue. These coins were struck individually on specially prepared, polished planchets using polished dies in a slow, controlled press — intended for sale to collectors, archival purposes, or presentation to dignitaries rather than for commerce. Their diagnostic characteristics:

Squared (wire) rims: A sharp, defined rim edge in cross-section, distinct from the rounded profile of a business strike
Semi-matte or satin fields: Neither the cartwheel luster of a business strike nor the deep mirror of a modern proof
Razor-sharp strike: Full crown-jewel and pearl detail, free of the weakness seen on circulation strikes
Frosted devices (cameo effect): Devices stand in relief contrast against the satin fields

A PCGS SP67+ example sold for $7,200 USD (approx. $9,600 CAD) at auction, as documented in the PCGS auction archive for the 1921 10-cent. For further market context, Specimen coins from the more common 1940s issues have sold in the $300–$1,600 range — illustrating the substantial premium the 1921 date commands specifically. Coverage in Canadian Coin News on 1921 Specimens leading the TCNC 2021 auction further illustrates continued collector and investor demand for the date.

⚠️ The Specimen vs. Proof-Like Trap

In the 1920s, early die states of business strikes could produce mirror-like fields that superficially resemble Specimens. Unscrupulous sellers occasionally label these as "Specimen" to command a higher price. Certification by PCGS, ICCS, or NGC is mandatory to confirm true Specimen status. Grading services authenticate Specimens using specific die markers and edge characteristics not visible to the naked eye. Do not pay Specimen prices for an uncertified coin.

Tier 2 — Findable Premium: The Fully Struck Business Strike

Below the Specimen tier, the most coveted business strikes are those with a full strike — crown-band jewels sharply rounded and clearly defined rather than flat from die pressure. Because the hard .800 fine alloy created striking difficulties across the entire 1921 production run, a business strike with both sharp rim denticles and fully expressed crown detail is a condition rarity that commands a premium above standard grade valuations. When evaluating a raw coin, compare the rim denticles (outermost) to the crown centre: if the rim is sharp but the crown is weak, it is a strike issue; if both are uniformly soft, it is likely circulation wear. A fully struck MS-65 is the benchmark premium example within the business-strike population. Review the Saskatoon Coin Club's documented major varieties for Canadian 10-cent pieces for catalogued variety information across the full series.

1921 Canadian Dime Identification Guide

Use this 30-second checklist to confirm you have a genuine 1921 Canadian 10-cent piece and to determine whether it is a Business Strike or the far more valuable Specimen finish.

30-Second Identification Checklist

Monarch Check: The obverse must show the left-facing crowned bust of King George V, designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal (an Australian sculptor, the first colonial artist to be knighted). The legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP: The inclusion of "DEI GRA" (Dei Gratia — By the Grace of God) is correct and expected. Its absence would be a red flag for a different issue.
Reverse Check: The reverse must show the Crossed Maple Boughs wreath — two maple boughs arranged in a crossed pattern — enclosing the text "10 CENTS" and "CANADA," surmounted by the Imperial Crown, with "1921" at the base. This wreath design was used from 1858 to 1936 and predates the famous Bluenose schooner reverse, which was not introduced until 1937. Do not confuse this coin with 2021 commemorative dimes bearing a double-date (1921–2021), which celebrate the schooner's centenary — they are an entirely different design.
Date Check: Confirm "1921" appears at the bottom of the reverse. No overdates are documented for this year in standard catalogues.
Edge Check: The edge must be reeded (milled with vertical grooves). A plain edge would indicate a wrong-planchet anomaly — extremely uncommon and outside the scope of this standard guide.
Magnet Test (Authentication): Apply a small magnet to the coin. The 1921 dime must be completely non-magnetic. The .800 fine silver alloy (80% silver, 20% copper) is not attracted to magnets. Magnetic attraction is immediate and conclusive evidence of a counterfeit plated-steel planchet. This is the fastest and most important first test — perform it before any further evaluation.
Mint Marks:No mint marks appear on 1921 Canadian dimes. All production was at the Ottawa facility, and Canadian circulation coins of this era carried no mint mark — this is standard and correct. A coin without any mark is not incomplete or counterfeit; it is exactly as issued.
Finish Identification — The Critical Step:
- Business Strike: Under a single directional light source, tilt the coin and observe a rolling, radial sheen known as cartwheel luster. The fields may also show microscopic flow lines (fine radial lines caused by metal flowing into the rim during striking) — a hallmark of a genuine Mint State business strike. Handling marks (bag marks) from contact with other coins are common on business strikes and do not eliminate Mint State status.
- Specimen (SP): Look for (1) squared or wire rims — a sharp, defined right-angle rim edge rather than the rounded profile of a business strike; (2) semi-matte or satin fields — neither the cartwheel luster of a business strike nor the deep mirror of a modern proof; and (3) razor-sharp device detail — the crown jewels are fully defined with no weakness at all, and there is a frosted, cameo-like contrast between devices and fields. If you observe these characteristics on a raw coin, do not sell it without submitting to PCGS, ICCS, or NGC first. A confirmed Specimen is worth many multiples of a business strike.
Strike Quality Check: Examine the central crown pearl bands on the obverse under 5× magnification. Compare their sharpness to the rim denticles: a sharp rim paired with flat or merging crown pearls indicates a manufacturing strike deficiency from the hard .800 alloy — not circulation wear. This distinction preserves Mint State attribution but does reduce market value. A fully struck example, where both rim and crown are crisply defined, commands the highest premium in the business-strike population.

⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins

Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details — Cleaned" by PCGS, ICCS, and NGC, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of underlying design sharpness or rarity. Even gentle wiping with a soft cloth causes irreparable damage visible under 5× magnification. The dark gunmetal or russet toning of a 1921 dime is the result of a century of natural aging — it is a feature, not a flaw. Prefer original dark surfaces over artificially bright ones.

⚠️ PVC Damage Risk

Many 1921 dimes were stored in soft PVC plastic flips during the 1970s and 1980s. PVC breaks down over time and leaves a green, sticky residue that etches into the coin surface. If you see green slime, the coin requires professional conservation using pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or household solvents. PVC-damaged coins revert to metal/face value in most cases.

Extreme close-up of King George V crown on 1921 Canadian dime highlighting the central crown jewels as the primary grading diagnostic point with red circles

Close-up of the King George V obverse crown on the 1921 Canadian dime. Red circles highlight the central crown-band jewels — the primary grading diagnostic. Fully rounded pearls indicate Mint State or lightly circulated (EF-40+). Flat, merged jewels indicate heavy wear (VG-8 or below). Compare rim denticle sharpness to crown centre: sharp rim with soft crown = strike weakness (not wear).

Magnet test demonstration for 1921 Canadian dime showing the silver coin does not attract to a magnet confirming genuine 80% silver composition, with counterfeit magnetic coin comparison

Magnet test for the 1921 Canadian dime: the coin must not be attracted to a magnet (.800 fine silver is non-magnetic). Any magnetic response is conclusive evidence of a counterfeit plated-steel planchet. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1921 Canadian Dime Value FAQs

What is a 1921 Canadian dime worth?

Value depends entirely on grade and finish. In heavily circulated condition (G-4), a 1921 Canadian dime is worth approximately $5–$10 CAD. In Very Fine (VF-20), values rise to $30–$50. About Uncirculated (AU-50) examples reach $150–$225. Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) coins command $1,500–$2,500+ CAD. The Specimen strike is the trophy piece of the issue, with SP-65 certified examples valued at $5,000–$8,000+ CAD and a PCGS SP67+ example having sold for approximately $9,600 CAD at auction. All values are as of February 2026.

Is the 1921 Canadian dime rare?

The 1921 dime is classified as a semi-key date. Its mintage of 2,469,562 is moderate for the George V era, and low-grade circulated examples are genuinely common — easily found in collections and at coin shows. However, Mint State (uncirculated) examples are disproportionately rare. Because no new dimes were struck from 1922 to 1927, 1921 dimes bore Canada's entire dime commerce during that six-year gap, wearing heavily through use. Few were set aside in uncirculated condition. Gem MS-65 coins are described as extremely rare; certified Specimen strikes represent only a handful of known examples at the finest grades and qualify as museum-quality pieces.

What makes a 1921 Canadian dime valuable?

Three primary factors drive value: grade (uncirculated examples with no wear command exponentially higher prices than circulated ones, due to the survivorship curve created by the Great Hiatus); finish (a certified Specimen strike at SP-65 is worth roughly three to five times more than the finest MS-65 business strike); and eye appeal (original surfaces — whether blast-white brilliance or attractive natural toning — can add 50–100% over a dull or dipped example of identical technical grade). Within the business-strike population, a fully struck example with sharply defined crown jewels is an additional condition-rarity premium above standard grade valuations.

Is the 1921 Canadian dime silver?

Yes. The 1921 Canadian dime is composed of 80% silver and 20% copper (.800 fine), with a weight of 2.33 grams and an approximate silver weight (ASW) of 0.0597 troy ounces. This composition was adopted in 1920 when Canada reduced its coinage from the historic Sterling standard (.925 fine). The coin is non-magnetic — if your coin sticks to a magnet, it is a counterfeit. The silver content gives every 1921 dime intrinsic precious-metal value above face, regardless of grade or numismatic condition.

Should I get my 1921 Canadian dime graded?

Third-party certification becomes economically justified when the coin's estimated value approaches or exceeds the grading fee (typically $30–$80+ per coin depending on service tier and turnaround). As a practical guide for the 1921 dime: certification is generally worthwhile at EF-40 and above, where values begin at $70–$120 CAD and escalate rapidly. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard — conservative, technically focused grading respected across the Canadian market. PCGS coins often trade at a premium due to global liquidity and registry-set competition; a PCGS MS-65 1921 dime is a highly liquid asset. NGC is also widely accepted internationally. For any coin you believe might be a Specimen, certification is non-negotiable — it is the only way to confirm authentic Specimen status and capture the full value premium.

What is a Specimen strike, and how is it different from a Business Strike?

A Business Strike is produced for circulation at high speed on a standard press, yielding the cartwheel luster and rounded rim profile typical of all common 1921 dimes. A Specimen is an individually struck coin produced at slow press speed on specially polished planchets using polished dies, intended for collector sets or presentation — never for commerce. Visually, Specimens display squared (wire) rims, semi-matte or satin fields, frosted devices with a cameo-like contrast, and a fully sharp strike free of the crown-jewel weakness seen on business strikes. The value difference is enormous: a business strike MS-65 is worth $1,500–$2,500+ CAD; a certified Specimen SP-65 commands $5,000–$8,000+ CAD.

My 1921 dime sticks to a magnet. Is it genuine?

No. A genuine 1921 Canadian dime is completely non-magnetic. The .800 fine silver alloy (80% silver, 20% copper) is not attracted to magnets under any normal circumstances. A magnetic 1921-dated dime is almost certainly a modern counterfeit struck on a plated-steel planchet — a known category of forgery. Do not purchase it, submit it for grading, or pay any premium above scrap value. The magnet test is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable first authentication step available.

What is "strike weakness" on a 1921 dime, and does it affect value?

Strike weakness refers to design details that appear flat or insufficiently defined due to inadequate striking pressure during minting — not due to circulation wear. On 1921 dimes, the hard .800 silver alloy required unusually high press pressure, and many coins left the press with the central crown-band pearls only partially expressed. Strike weakness does not disqualify a coin from a Mint State grade — a coin can be MS-65 yet weakly struck — but the market strongly favours fully struck examples where both rim denticles and crown centre are sharply defined. To distinguish weakness from wear: if the rim is crisp but the crown centre is flat, it is a press issue; if both are uniformly soft, suspect circulation wear. Fully struck MS examples command a condition-rarity premium within the 1921 population.

How do I tell if my 1921 dime has been cleaned or artificially brightened?

A cleaned 1921 dime typically shows one or more of: a washed-out, flat grey appearance lacking the directional sheen of natural luster; fine parallel hairlines visible under 5× magnification caused by wiping or polishing; or a uniform brightness inconsistent with the century of natural aging expected of .800 silver. The alloy naturally tones toward gunmetal greys, deep charcoals, and russet or blue undertones over time — original dark toning is not a defect and is preferred by experienced collectors. Grading services (PCGS, ICCS, NGC) designate cleaned coins as "Details — Cleaned," sharply reducing their market value. Always prioritise original surfaces over artificially bright ones.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide reflect aggregated market data as of February 2026 drawn from the following sources: NGC World Coin Price Guide (KM-23a); PCGS ValueView — 1921 10-cent; PCGS Auction Prices — 1921 10-cent SP67+; Numista — George V 10 Cents (KM-23a); Saskatoon Coin Club — George V 10-Cent Photo Grading Guide; Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10-Cent Major Varieties; Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Dimes; Canadian Coin News — 1921 Specimens at TCNC 2021 Sale; Royal Canadian Mint — 10-Cent Denomination History. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the GreatCollections auction archive were also consulted for additional market context. Prices represent typical market values for coins with original, unaltered surfaces and are estimates only — individual auction results vary. This guide covers standard (non-error) values only. All prices are stated in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

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.