1935 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
What is your 1935 Canadian dime worth? Complete price guide covering circulated grades (G4–AU50), Mint State (MS60–MS65), and rare 1935 Silver Jubilee Specimen (SP) values — all in CAD as of February 2026.
A circulated 1935 Canadian dime contains approximately 1.864 grams of silver — a melt floor of roughly ~$6.65 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. Because only 384,056 were struck, numismatic scarcity pushes even heavily worn examples well above that floor. In Gem Uncirculated condition, values reach $1,900 CAD.
- Circulated (G4):$15 CAD
- Circulated (VF20):$45 CAD
- About Uncirculated (AU50):$140 CAD
- Uncirculated (MS60):$225 CAD
- Select Uncirculated (MS63):$450 CAD
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$1,900 CAD
- Silver Jubilee Specimen (SP63):$600 CAD
- Specimen Gem (SP65):$1,400 CAD
- Specimen Superb Gem (SP67):$4,500+ CAD
Is it silver? Yes — 80% silver; a magnet will not attract it. Magnetic attraction means a modern fake. Shiny or from an old collection? Check the rims: wire-sharp, squared-off rims with a satin (non-cartwheel) surface point to a far rarer 1935 Silver Jubilee Specimen strike. Is it common? No — it is a semi-key date in the George V series with the lowest dime mintage since the gap years of 1922–1927. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1935 Canadian 10-cent coin is a semi-key date in the King George V dime series (1911–1936), distinguished by a circulation mintage of just 384,056 — the lowest for the denomination since the gap years of 1922–1927 — making it the essential “hurdle” coin for any collector building a complete George V dime set in high grade. Struck during the depths of the Great Depression, survivors in problem-free circulated condition are genuinely scarce, and true Mint State examples are rare at every level. The Royal Canadian Mint also produced a limited run of Specimen (SP) sets to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V, creating a second, far rarer collectible tier with a mintage of fewer than 500 complete sets. For the full denomination history across all eras, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Minor die cracks or machine doubling may exist for this date, but no famous, catalogue-listed major errors are recognized for the 1935 10-cent coin. Error coins are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1935 Canadian 10-cent coin: King George V Crowned Effigy obverse (left) and Crossed Maple Boughs reverse (right) with key identification features indicated.
1935 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The .800 Fine Silver Standard
From 1858 to 1919, Canadian silver coins were struck in Sterling Silver (.925 fine). Following World War I, rising silver prices and the need for more durable currency prompted a reduction in fineness. The 1935 10-cent coin was struck under the .800 Fine Silver standard in effect from 1920 to 1967, comprising:
- Silver (Ag): 80.0%
- Copper (Cu): 20.0%
The 20% copper content provided meaningful hardness, allowing many examples to survive decades of circulation without wearing completely smooth — a key reason identifiable examples exist despite heavy Depression-era use.
Melt Value Calculation (as of February 2026)
The coin’s intrinsic silver value is determined by its Actual Silver Weight (ASW) and the prevailing spot price:
- Gross Weight: 2.33 grams
- Silver Fineness: 80% (0.800)
- ASW: 2.33g × 0.800 = 1.864 grams of pure silver
- Silver Spot Price (February 9, 2026): approximately $3.57 CAD per gram (source: Canada Gold live silver prices)
- Approximate Melt Value:~$6.65 CAD
The copper component (20%) is disregarded in precious-metal valuations due to its negligible value relative to silver at standard spot prices.
Melt Floor vs. Numismatic Premium
The ~$6.65 CAD melt value is an absolute hard floor — but it is practically irrelevant for this coin. Even a heavily worn G-4 example commands approximately $15 CAD, representing roughly 225% of its metal content, purely on numismatic scarcity. Common-date dimes from the 1960s often trade near their melt value; the 1935 date does not. In Gem Uncirculated grades, the premium multiplier becomes exponential.
⚠️ Never Sell a 1935 Dime for Scrap Silver
Any offer based solely on silver-weight “scrap” pricing should be rejected immediately. Even in the lowest collectible grade (G-4), the scarcity premium attached to the 1935 date substantially exceeds its melt value. Demand certification and a proper numismatic appraisal for any example that is problem-free.
Magnetic Properties
The 1935 10-cent coin is non-magnetic owing to its solid silver-copper alloy composition. A simple magnet test is the fastest first-pass authenticity check: genuine 1935 dimes will show zero attraction to a magnet. Any magnetic response is immediate evidence of a modern steel counterfeit or slug, not a silver coin.
1935 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1935 Canadian 10-cent coin is valued on two entirely separate scales: the Business Strike (circulation issue) and the Specimen (Silver Jubilee collector issue). All values below are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026. Values assume problem-free coins with no cleaning, damage, environmental alteration, or other “Details”-grade issues. The silver melt floor is approximately ~$6.65 CAD.
1935 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation Issue)
Mintage: 384,056. Struck at the Ottawa Mint; no mint mark present. The price curve is markedly non-linear: a move from VF-20 to EF-40 can double the value, while a move from MS-63 to MS-65 can quadruple it — reflecting the severe condition rarity of this Depression-era issue.
| Type / Design | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 Crossed Maple Boughs — Business Strike (George V Crowned Effigy) | $15 | $20 | $30 | $45 | $85 | $140 | $225 | $450 | $1,900 |
Sources: Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-cent dealer price list; NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23a (circulated grades); NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23a (Mint State grades). An MS-66 (Superb Gem) is estimated at approximately $2,500–$3,000 CAD based on Heritage Auctions realized prices; true MS-66 examples are extremely rare across all grading services.
ℹ️ The Condition Rarity Cliff
The 1935 dime circulated during a period of extremely high monetary velocity — the Great Depression. Finding an example with intact original lustre (AU-50) is genuinely difficult. A raw coin offered as “Uncirculated” by a non-specialist is frequently an AU-55 slider at best. True Mint State examples are almost exclusively found certified. For any coin priced above $200 CAD, insist on an ICCS-, PCGS-, or NGC-encapsulated example.
Business Strike vs. 1935 Silver Jubilee Specimen: the Business Strike shows a rotating “cartwheel” luster (left) while the Specimen displays an even, satin surface and dramatically sharper, squared-off rims (right). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Grade comparison: a heavily worn G-4 example (left, ~$15 CAD) vs. a Gem Uncirculated MS-65 (right, ~$1,900 CAD), illustrating the exponential value curve driven by condition rarity in the 1935 date. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1935 Canadian Dime — Silver Jubilee Specimen (SP)
Fewer than 500 complete Silver Jubilee Specimen sets were distributed by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1935. The 10-cent piece within these sets was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, producing a surface finish that is entirely distinct from any business strike. Specimen dimes are rarely encountered as singles; they typically trade as part of the complete 1935 Jubilee Set. Breaking a complete set is discouraged unless individual coins are of exceptional quality (SP-66 or higher), where the individual coin premium justifies separation.
| Finish | SP-63 | SP-65 | SP-66 | SP-67 | Finish Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) — 1935 Silver Jubilee | $600 | $1,400 | $2,500 | $4,500+ | Satin / matte surface. No cartwheel luster. Razor-sharp squared rims. Full definition on crown jewels and maple leaf details. Fields flat and even, without flow lines. |
Sources: Heritage Auctions NYINC Signature Sale 3082 (via NumisBids); Heritage World Coin Auctions Monthly 271934, August 2019 (via NumisBids). A perfect SP-67 example is estimated at approximately ~$5,000+ CAD — an exceptional survivor requiring perfect satin surfaces with no handling marks.
All values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price history across all George V and subsequent eras, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1935 Canadian Dime Varieties
Unlike many Canadian key dates whose rarity derives from die varieties (such as the 1936 Dot dime), the 1935 10-cent coin has no catalogue-listed major die varieties in the standard Charlton or Trends listings. Value at the upper end of the market is driven entirely by preservation and finish. Two meaningful tiers exist: trophy-level census coins and findable split points that a careful buyer can identify from raw material.
A) Trophy-Level Examples (Registry-Quality)
These are the finest certified survivors, competing for the top position in George V dime registry sets. Prices below represent confirmed auction realizations where stated, and estimates extrapolated from comparable results where indicated.
| What | Why It Commands This Price | Typical Requirement | Documented / Estimated Value (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 MS-65 Gem | Condition rarity: survival rate in genuine Gem is infinitesimal for a coin that circulated heavily during the Depression | Certified MS-65 by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC; blast white or attractively toned original surfaces | ~$1,900 CAD | Heritage Auctions Canada coin archive, 2020 |
| 1935 MS-66 Superb Gem | Population scarcity: only a handful of examples exist at this grade level across all grading services | Certified MS-66; flawless surfaces, full strike, exceptional eye appeal | ~$2,500–$3,000 CAD (Est.) | Extrapolated from Heritage Auctions realized prices for comparable Superb Gem examples |
| 1935 Specimen SP-67 | Absolute perfection within an already rare issue (<500 sets distributed); a “miracle survivor” from a Jubilee set in flawless condition | PCGS or NGC SP-67; perfect satin surfaces with zero handling marks or contact | ~$5,000+ CAD (Est.) | Based on realized prices for comparable 1935 silver issues at the SP-67 level |
B) Findable Split Points Worth Checking
Two meaningful variants can be found in raw collections and older dealer stock without specialized equipment. Identification requires careful inspection rather than laboratory analysis.
| Variant | How to Identify (Key Diagnostic) | Why It’s Rarer Than Standard | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen Strike (SP) | Square rims + satin finish. Rims are wire-sharp and squared off rather than rounded; fields are flat and even with no flow lines; no cartwheel luster when tilted under a light source | Struck only for 1935 Silver Jubilee sets; fewer than 500 complete sets distributed by the Royal Canadian Mint | 5× – 10× premium over a Business Strike at a comparable certified grade level |
| Toned Gem | Original patina. Rainbow, russet, or blue-grey toning acquired naturally over 90 years in original storage; surfaces appear “alive” rather than flat and washed | Most Gem survivors were commercially dipped or cleaned at some point; coins with verifiable original, unaltered surfaces are scarce and highly prized by specialists | 20% – 50% above the standard certified grade price for that level |
Close-up rim comparison: Business Strike rim (left, rounded) vs. 1935 Silver Jubilee Specimen rim (right, squared and wire-sharp). Rim squareness is the single most reliable field diagnostic for a Specimen strike. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1935 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
30-Second Verification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse must display King George V in his Crowned Effigy — facing left, wearing the Imperial State Crown and Robes of State. This portrait, designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal, was authorized in 1911 and appeared on Canadian coinage through 1936. If you see a different monarch, you have a different series entirely.
- Reverse Design Check: The reverse must show the Crossed Maple Boughs wreath, tied at the bottom with a ribbon bow, with the St. Edward’s Crown at the top gap, “CANADA” arcing above, and “10 CENTS” with “1935” centered within the wreath. If you see a sailing ship (the Bluenose schooner), the coin is a 1937 or later date — not a 1935.
- Date Check: Confirm 1935 at the center of the reverse. Always verify — do not assume.
- Edge Check: The edge must be reeded (uniform vertical grooves all around the circumference). A smooth edge indicates severe damage or a counterfeit.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1935 dime is 80% silver and will not attract a magnet. Any magnetic reaction is immediate evidence of a modern steel slug or counterfeit. This is the fastest and most decisive authentication step.
- Weight Verification: Weigh the coin on a precision scale. Correct weight is 2.33 grams. A variance of ±0.05g is acceptable for normal wear. Significant deviation — particularly underweight — indicates a counterfeit or heavily damaged coin.
- Mint Mark Check: There is no mint mark on the 1935 10-cent coin. All examples were struck at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility without a distinguishing mark — this is standard for Canadian coinage of this era. No mint mark is correct; the presence of any mint mark is a red flag for misidentification or alteration.
- Finish Identification (Critical for Valuation):
- Business Strike (MS): Exhibits the classic “cartwheel” effect — a rotating spoke of light when the coin is slowly tilted under a single light source. Fields may show flow lines radiating outward from the center of the design. Rims are rounded where they meet the coin face.
- Specimen (SP) — 1935 Silver Jubilee:No cartwheel effect. The surface is calm, uniform, and “creamy” in appearance (satin or matte). Fields are flat and even, without flow lines. Rims are squared off and wire-sharp at a near-right angle — this is the single most reliable field diagnostic.
Magnet test: a genuine 1935 Canadian dime (80% silver) shows zero attraction to a magnet. A coin that sticks is a modern steel counterfeit or slug — not a silver coin.
Crown Band Grading Standard
For the 1935 dime, accurate grading hinges almost entirely on the condition of the King’s Crown Band — the jewelled band running across the lower portion of the Imperial State Crown on the obverse. This is the primary grade reference point used by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC for George V Canadian dimes:
- VG-8: The Crown Band is worn smooth. Its outline is visible, but individual jewels are merged or completely flat. The band is recognizable as a band, but little more.
- F-12: The Crown Band is distinct. You can see where the jewels are positioned, but they lack internal detail and relief. The King’s shoulder ermine is flat at this grade.
- VF-20 (The Critical Split): The pearls and jewels on the Crown Band must be clearly separated from one another — not touching or merged. If adjacent jewels are still merging, the coin does not grade VF-20. The King’s ear must show internal detail at this level. This single test is the most important grading judgment for a 1935 dime because the price difference between F-12 ($30) and VF-20 ($45) is meaningful, and between VF-20 and EF-40 ($85) more so.
- EF-40: All jewels in the Crown Band are distinct and fully rounded. Wear is limited to the absolute highest relief points — the eyebrow and the ribbon bow on the reverse. Traces of original mint lustre must remain around the lettering.
- AU-50: Full original mint lustre is present across virtually the entire coin, but the highest points — the cheekbone, eyebrow, and center of the crown — show a detectable dullness or color shift (grey) from friction consistent with light handling or brief circulation.
Crown Band grading reference: VG-8 (jewels merged), F-12 (jewels positioned but flat), VF-20 — the critical split (jewels clearly separated), EF-40 (all jewels distinct and rounded with lustre traces). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1935 Dime
1935 silver dimes commonly develop dark grey or black tarnish (silver sulfide) accumulated over 90 years — this is natural original “skin” that specialists expect and value. Dipping the coin in commercial silver cleaner strips this patina, leaving the coin with a flat, lifeless, washed-out appearance. A cleaned coin receives a “Details — Cleaned” designation from any grading service and loses a substantial portion of its numismatic premium regardless of the underlying strike quality. Original toning on a Gem example adds a 20%–50% premium; a dipped Gem loses value.
⚠️ PVC Damage — Act Immediately
If your coin displays green slime, sticky residue, or a hazy green film, it is suffering active PVC corrosion from older vinyl coin holders. This requires professional conservation (NCS or PCGS Restoration services) using pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or household solvents. Unchecked PVC damage will permanently pit the coin’s surface.
1935 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1935 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends entirely on grade and finish. Circulated examples range from approximately $15 CAD (G-4) to $140 CAD (AU-50). In Mint State, a certified MS-63 is worth approximately $450 CAD and a Gem MS-65 reaches $1,900 CAD. The rarer 1935 Silver Jubilee Specimen strikes begin at $600 CAD (SP-63) and reach $4,500+ CAD at SP-67. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 1935 Canadian dime rare?
Yes — it is a semi-key date in the George V series. Its circulation mintage of 384,056 is the lowest for the 10-cent denomination since the gap years of 1922–1927. Examples in lower circulated grades (G to VF) can be located with effort, but problem-free EF and Mint State coins are genuinely scarce, and Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) survivors are rare across all grading services. The Silver Jubilee Specimen, struck in fewer than 500 complete sets, is rare in any condition.
Is my 1935 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. The 1935 10-cent coin is struck in .800 Fine Silver — 80% silver and 20% copper — with a gross weight of 2.33 grams and an Actual Silver Weight (ASW) of approximately 1.864 grams. At February 2026 silver spot prices of approximately $3.57 CAD per gram, the melt value is roughly ~$6.65 CAD. Confirm composition instantly with a magnet: a genuine 1935 dime shows zero magnetic attraction. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it is not silver.
What makes a 1935 Canadian dime valuable beyond its silver content?
Three factors drive numismatic value above melt: (1) Grade — condition rarity is the primary driver, since most 1935 dimes circulated heavily during the Depression; (2) Finish — a Specimen (SP) example commands 5×–10× the value of a comparable MS business strike due to the sub-500 set mintage; and (3) Originality — uncleaned coins retaining original toned surfaces command premiums of 20%–50% above dipped or cleaned examples at the same certified grade level.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen for the 1935 dime?
A Business Strike was produced for general circulation on standard planchets using production dies. Its lustre is a rotating “cartwheel” effect when tilted, rims are rounded, and fields may show flow lines. A Specimen (SP) was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies for presentation in 1935 Silver Jubilee collector sets. Its surface is satin or matte (no cartwheel), fields are flat and even, and rims are wire-sharp and squared off at a near-right angle. The Specimen is worth substantially more due to its dramatically smaller mintage and superior surface preparation.
How do I identify a 1935 Specimen strike versus a high-grade Business Strike?
Examine the rims and lustre. Specimen rims are wire-sharp and squared off — this is the single most reliable diagnostic. Business Strike rims are rounded and gently curved where they meet the coin face. Additionally, the Specimen has a satin, non-reflective surface with no cartwheel flash when tilted, while a high-grade Business Strike shows the spinning cartwheel luster. If uncertain, submit the coin to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for professional attribution — the value difference between a mis-attributed MS-65 and an SP-63 is substantial.
Should I get my 1935 Canadian dime graded?
For any example that is problem-free (no cleaning, damage, or corrosion) and appears to grade EF-40 or higher, professional certification is strongly recommended. The value curve is steep: $85 CAD at EF-40 becomes $140 CAD at AU-50 and $225 CAD at MS-60. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service, based in Toronto) is the benchmark grading service for Canadian coins within the domestic market and is universally accepted by Canadian dealers. PCGS and NGC are preferred for high-grade (MS-65+) and Specimen coins intended to trade in the international registry-set market, where their plastic holders command additional liquidity. For any coin priced below $150 CAD, weigh grading service fees against the anticipated uplift before submitting.
What does the Crown Band test mean for grading my 1935 dime?
The Crown Band — the jewelled band across King George V’s Imperial State Crown on the obverse — is the primary grading reference point for 1935 dimes. The critical judgment is at VF-20: the individual jewels on the Crown Band must be clearly separated (not touching or merged) for a coin to qualify as VF. If adjacent jewels merge, the coin is Fine (F-12) or lower. At EF-40, all jewels are distinct and rounded, with traces of mint lustre visible around the lettering. Applying this test correctly prevents the most common and costly grading errors for this date.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect the Canadian numismatic market as of February 2026 and are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Prices were synthesized from the following primary sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — authority on mintage figures and variety attributions for the George V series
- Coins and Canada — Canadian price trends and variety data
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23a (circulated grades)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 23a (Mint State grades)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-cent dealer pricing
- Heritage Auctions — Canada coin auction archive
- Heritage Auctions NYINC Signature Sale 3082 (via NumisBids)
- Heritage World Coin Auctions Monthly 271934, August 2019 (via NumisBids)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10-cent coin history and specifications
- Canada Gold — live silver spot price reference (CAD)
Market values represent typical realized and listed prices as of February 2026; individual coins may trade above or below these levels based on eye appeal, toning character, grading service, and registry-set demand. This guide covers standard (non-error) Business Strike and Specimen issues only. Past auction results are not a guarantee of future market value.
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.