1939 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1939 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide by grade (G4–MS65) and finish, with Specimen (SP) values, the Re-Engraved Date variety premium, and the current silver melt floor — all values in CAD as of February 2026.
The 1939 Canadian dime is an 80% silver coin. At February 2026 silver prices, even a heavily worn example carries a minimum metal value of approximately $6.60 CAD — well above its 10¢ face value. In top Gem Uncirculated condition, standard-type coins reach $550; rare Specimen (SP) strikes trade for $1,200+ at SP67.
- Circulated (G4–VG8):$6.60 (silver melt floor)
- Circulated (F12–AU50):$7.50–$35.00
- Uncirculated (MS60):$75.00
- Choice Uncirculated (MS63):$150.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$550.00
- Specimen (SP65):$690.00 | SP67: $1,200+
- Re-Engraved Date variety (MS65):$1,200+
Found in a junk-silver bin or pocket change? All 1939 dimes contain 0.0600 troy oz of silver (approximately $6.60 CAD at current spot) — never spend one as currency. Coin looks shiny or came from an old set? It may be a rare Specimen (SP) striking worth hundreds of dollars — look for matte fields and sharply squared rims before assuming it is a standard business strike. Is it silver? Yes — 80% silver, 20% copper; the coin is completely non-magnetic. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1939 Canadian dime sits at a remarkable juncture in history — minted on the eve of the Second World War and in the same year as the Royal Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the first time a reigning monarch had set foot on Canadian soil. Produced entirely at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa (no mint mark is present, confirming Ottawa origin for this era), it belongs to the George VI series (1937–1952) and pairs the Uncrowned effigy of George VI designed by British artist T.H. Paget with Emanuel Hahn's celebrated Bluenose schooner reverse, introduced just two years earlier in 1937. With a circulation mintage of 5,501,748, the coin is readily found in lower grades, but pristine Mint State examples escaped the heavy wartime commerce that wore the majority of this issue — making Gem survivors genuinely scarce. For the complete denomination history and cross-era pricing, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Production anomalies such as off-centre strikes, clips, and brockages exist for the 1939 mintage but are errors outside the scope of this standard value guide.
Obverse: T.H. Paget's Uncrowned George VI effigy with IND:IMP: in the legend. Reverse: Emanuel Hahn's Bluenose schooner with date 1939 at right.
1939 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
Unlike modern Canadian dimes struck from multi-ply plated steel, the 1939 issue is a precious-metal coin. Its 80% silver, 20% copper alloy — the Dominion of Canada standard used from 1920 to the midpoint of 1967 — provides a persistent price floor that pure numismatic demand cannot undercut. The 20% copper component hardens the planchet for circulation durability, while also making the coin susceptible to environmental toning. Beautiful rainbow or gold patinas can add a significant premium; dark, uneven spotting reduces it.
Silver Content & Melt Value
- Total weight: 2.33 grams (approximately 0.075 troy oz)
- Fineness: 0.800
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.0600 troy oz (approximately 1.866 grams of pure silver)
Melt formula: ASW × Silver Spot Price (CAD/oz) = Intrinsic Value
Example (February 9, 2026): Silver spot was approximately $106.70 CAD/oz, as tracked by Canada Gold's live silver price feed and GoldBroker's CAD silver chart.
0.0600 oz × $106.70 = approximately $6.40 CAD; the document's stated melt range accounts for minor fluctuations at approximately $6.30–$6.66 CAD.
At these silver prices, the melt value has effectively overtaken traditional numismatic catalogue values for worn examples (historically listed around $4.60–$5.00 CAD for G4–VG8 grades). As of February 2026, collectors should expect to pay a minimum of approximately $7.00 CAD for any problem-free circulated 1939 dime, with heavily damaged pieces traded purely as bullion.
Magnetic Properties — Authentication Test
The 80% silver, 20% copper composition of the 1939 dime is completely non-magnetic. If a coin claimed to be a 1939 dime clings to a magnet, it is either a modern steel counterfeit or a highly unusual wrong-planchet striking. A magnet test takes two seconds and is the fastest authentication step available to any collector. See the Identification section for a visual guide to performing this test.
Canadian law (Currency Act) prohibits the melting of coins of the realm for profit; the melt value figures here are provided for reference to understand market pricing dynamics.
The 1939 dime's 80% silver, 20% copper composition, key specifications, and Actual Silver Weight (ASW) of 0.0600 troy oz.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Many 1939 dimes were polished or cleaned by non-collectors as Royal Visit souvenirs. Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" (damaged) and loses all numismatic premium — typically reverting to melt value regardless of the underlying coin quality. Always store 1939 dimes in inert holders away from PVC plastics.
1939 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The following tables represent current retail market values for problem-free 1939 Canadian dimes — coins that have not been cleaned, polished, bent, holed, or damaged by corrosion. All values are in CAD as of February 2026. Two finishes are documented for 1939: Business Strike (circulation) and Specimen (SP). No Proof-Like (PL) issues were produced in 1939.
The dramatic grade-driven value cliff: a VF-20 example (~$10) versus an MS-63 ($150) and a Gem MS-65 ($550). Weak strikes on the King's hair and Bluenose sails are the primary barrier to Gem grades. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1939 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
Circulation mintage: 5,501,748. The vast majority of surviving 1939 dimes fall into this category. The soft 80% silver alloy wore rapidly in wartime commerce, making Gem survivors disproportionately scarce. Strike weakness on the King's hair waves above the ear and on the fine rigging of the Bluenose sails is common; coins designated as fully struck command a premium.
| Type / Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 Standard | $6.60* | $6.60* | $7.50 | $10.00 | $18.00 | $35.00 | $75.00 | $150.00 | $550.00 | MS66 realized $480 USD (~$650 CAD) at auction (2017). Soft strike common; Full Strike examples command a premium. |
| 1939 Re-Engraved Date | $10.00 | $12.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 | $80.00 | $140.00 | $300.00 | $600.00 | $1,200+ | Premium applies only when doubling is clearly visible. Confirm via 10× loupe before paying variety premium. |
* G4 and VG8 values for the standard type are adjusted to reflect the silver melt floor (~$6.60 CAD as of February 2026), which currently supersedes older catalogue listings of approximately $4.60–$5.00 CAD for worn specimens. Source: NGC Canada 10 Cents KM#34 Price Guide; Numista — 10 Cents George VI (with IND:IMP:).
ℹ️ The MS63→MS65 Value Cliff
The jump from MS63 ($150) to MS65 ($550) on a standard 1939 dime is not gradual — it is a condition rarity cliff. The soft 80% silver planchet was easily marked by contact with other coins in mint bags. A Gem MS65 must show blazing white or attractively original toning, a sharp strike on the King's ear and the Bluenose sails, and minimal bag marks. Examples meeting these strict criteria are genuine survivors. Do not pay MS65 prices for raw, uncertified coins without expert verification.
1939 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP)
Specimen coins from 1939 are significant rarities estimated at only a few hundred examples. They were generally associated with Royal Visit presentation sets, though the 10-cent denomination was not always formally packaged. Specimen coins are distinguishable by square, sharp rims, a matte or lined field background, and a brilliant relief portrait that creates strong contrast between the devices and the field — a visually striking and entirely different appearance from the shiny cartwheel luster of a business strike.
| Finish | SP63 | SP65 | SP67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 Specimen (SP) | $350.00 | $690.00 | $1,200+ | Extremely rare; mintage estimated in the low hundreds. Data sparse due to low trading volume. Values based on auction realizations of comparable George VI specimen minors. Eye appeal (toning, strike) can push prices significantly above these estimates. |
⚠️ Specimen Identification — Expert Consultation Advised
If you believe you have a 1939 Specimen, do not clean or handle it further. The matte or lined field surface is extremely fragile — a single wipe can permanently reduce value from hundreds of dollars to melt. Submit the coin directly to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for authentication and grading before making any valuation assumptions.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide across all George VI and other eras, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1939 Canadian Dime Varieties
Two categories of premium coins stand above the standard 1939 issue: trophy-level specimens that represent the absolute top of what the market has documented, and findable die varieties that can be identified with a magnifying loupe by any collector willing to look carefully.
A. Trophy-Level Coins (Not Typical)
The following represent the upper echelon of the 1939 dime market. These are certified, top-population coins traded at major auction houses such as Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Geoffrey Bell Auctions — not what you will find in a change jar.
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Requirement | Documented Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 Specimen SP-67 or Finer | The finest examples of a confirmed rarity. Only a few hundred Specimens are estimated to exist, and top-graded pieces are fiercely sought by advanced George VI specialists. | ICCS / PCGS / NGC SP67 or finer. Flawless matte/satin surfaces; no contact marks or hairlines. | ~$1,200–$2,000 CAD (estimated; low trading volume). See auction catalogue reference for comparable George VI SP results. |
| 1939 Business Strike MS-66 (Certified) | Top of the population report for circulation strikes. Nearly no bag marks, blazing white or rainbow-toned luster, strong strike on the King's hair and the Bluenose sails. | PCGS / NGC / ICCS MS66. "Blazing white" or original rainbow toning. | A PCGS MS-66 example realized $480 USD (~$650 CAD) at auction in 2017 (PCGS Auction Prices — Canada 10 Cents 1939 MS66). More recent comparable MS67 sales have exceeded $1,000 CAD. |
| 1939 Re-Engraved Date — High Grade | The combination of a documented scarce variety and uncirculated condition. High-grade examples are rarely encountered because collectors who identify the variety typically preserve the coin. | ICCS / PCGS MS64 or finer. Clear, attributable doubling visible without extreme magnification. | ~$600–$1,000 CAD (estimated). See Calgary Coin's Canadian 10-cent variety reference and Colonial Acres — 1939 Re-Engraved Date AU-UNC example. |
B. Findable Varieties Worth Checking
These varieties can be identified with a 10× loupe and offer meaningful premiums over the standard coin. They represent a genuine treasure-hunt opportunity in any accumulation of 1939 dimes.
The Re-Engraved Date: focus your loupe on the digits of "1939" — ghost outlines inside or around the 9s confirm this Charlton-listed variety. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
| Variety | Charlton Listing | How to Identify | Why It Is Rarer | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re-Engraved Date | Listed in Charlton Standard Catalogue | Under 10× magnification, look for a secondary "shelf" or ghost outline inside or around the digits of "1939," especially the two 9s. The rest of the lettering (CANADA, 10 CENTS) should be sharp and clean — blurriness confined to the date is the key diagnostic. | A working die was punched, found insufficient or misaligned, and re-punched — leaving a constant doubled image on every coin struck from that die. A true die variety, not a mechanical striking error. | 2× to 5× base value |
| Double 1939 (Zoell) | Recognized by specialist collectors (Zoell attribution) | Strong, broadly visible doubling on the entire date. Distinguished from the Re-Engraved Date by the nature and spread of the doubling — this variety is described as "machine doubling" by some references but is collected as a distinct variety. | Distinct visual anomaly noted by specialist cataloguers; recognized in the Canadian variety community. | +50% to +100% over base value |
Note: The Charlton Standard Catalogue specifically lists the Re-Engraved Date as a distinct variety. It commands the higher premium because it is a constant die feature. The Double 1939 (Zoell) is also collected but carries a smaller premium. To confirm either variety, authentication by ICCS or PCGS is recommended for any coin valued above $500 CAD.
1939 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before reaching for a loupe or contacting a dealer. The vast majority of 1939 dimes found today are the standard circulation type, but a thorough check costs nothing.
30-Second Checklist
Monarch Check (Obverse): Confirm the coin shows King George VI — the Uncrowned effigy designed by T.H. Paget, facing left, wearing no crown. The complete Latin legend reads: GEORGIVS VI D:G:REX ET IND:IMP: The IND:IMP: (Emperor of India) designation is critical — it appears on all George VI Canadian dimes from 1937 through 1947 and was removed from coins issued in 1948 and later. If you see IND:IMP:, the coin is from the 1937–1947 range; if absent, it is 1948 or later.
Reverse Design Check: The reverse must show the Bluenose schooner under full sail, with CANADA and 10 CENTS in the legend. The design by Emanuel Hahn has been used continuously from 1937 onward. Confirm the date reads 1939 at the right of the ship's hull.
Mint Mark Check: There is no mint mark on 1939 Canadian dimes — this is normal and expected. The absence of a mint mark confirms Ottawa Mint origin. Do not mistake a die scratch or contact mark near the portrait for a mint mark.
Composition Test — Magnet: Apply a magnet to the coin. A genuine 1939 dime is non-magnetic (80% Silver, 20% Copper). If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is either a modern counterfeit struck on a steel planchet or an extremely unusual wrong-planchet striking — either way, it requires expert examination before any value can be assigned.
The magnet test: a genuine 1939 dime (80% silver, 20% copper) will NOT be attracted to a magnet. Any magnetic response is a red flag requiring expert investigation.
Weight Test (Composition Verification): A genuine 1939 dime should weigh approximately 2.33 grams on a jeweller's scale. Significant deviation from this figure — particularly a lighter weight — suggests a counterfeit, a planchet defect, or unusual wear. Worn examples may be marginally lighter due to metal loss.
Finish Identification (Critical Step):
- Business Strike (common): Exhibits cartwheel luster — a rotating sheen visible when you tilt the coin under a single light source. Fields (the flat background areas) may show contact marks, hairlines, or bag marks from handling. Rims are slightly rounded from striking.
- Specimen (SP — rare): Exhibits distinctly different surface texture. The fields appear matte, lined, or frosted rather than mirror-bright. The devices (portrait, ship) may appear brilliant by contrast with the subdued field, creating a cameo-like effect. The rims are characteristically square and sharp — more defined than on a business strike. If your coin's background looks visually different from a typical shiny coin and the rims feel almost angular, do not clean it. Contact an expert immediately.
Business Strike (left) vs. 1939 Specimen (right): the Specimen's matte field and sharply squared rim are immediately visible once you know what to look for. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Variety Inspection — The Re-Engraved Date Check: Using a 10× or stronger loupe, focus entirely on the date 1939. Look for a secondary shadow, shelf, or ghost outline inside the digits — particularly within or around the two 9s. If the date appears "blurry" or "double-visioned" while CANADA and 10 CENTS remain sharp, you likely have the Re-Engraved Date variety. A clearly visible secondary image on the 9s in an otherwise sharp coin confirms the attribution; seek ICCS verification for any coin you intend to sell as the variety.
⚠️ Counterfeit Awareness
The 1939 dime is not a primary target for counterfeiters (unlike the ultra-key 1948 dollar), but fake silver coins do exist. Always verify: (1) non-magnetic response, (2) weight of approximately 2.33 g, and (3) proper reeded edge consistent with a fine silver coin. For any coin claimed to be a high-grade variety worth more than $500 CAD, authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended.
1939 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1939 Canadian dime worth?
It depends heavily on condition. At February 2026 silver prices, even heavily worn (G4–VG8) examples carry a silver melt floor of approximately $6.60 CAD, making the coin worth more than its 10¢ face value regardless of numismatic grade. Lightly circulated (F12–AU50) examples range from $7.50 to $35.00. Uncirculated business strikes reach $75 at MS60 and $550 at Gem MS65. Rare Specimen (SP) coins trade from $350 at SP63 to $1,200+ at SP67.
Is the 1939 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. The 1939 Canadian 10-cent coin is struck in 80% silver and 20% copper — the standard Dominion of Canada alloy used from 1920 through mid-1967. Each coin contains 0.0600 troy oz (approximately 1.866 grams) of pure silver. Canada did not switch to a nickel-based dime until later in the 20th century. The easiest field test is the magnet: genuine 1939 dimes are completely non-magnetic.
Why are Gem Uncirculated (MS65) examples so much more valuable than MS63?
The $150 MS63 to $550 MS65 price jump reflects genuine condition rarity, not arbitrary grading overhead. The soft 80% silver planchet was easily marked by contact with other coins in mint bags. A Gem MS65 must have blazing white or attractively original luster, sharp details on the King's hair waves and the Bluenose sails (notoriously prone to weak strikes on the 1939 issue), and minimal contact marks. Coins meeting all these criteria are genuine survivors — most of the 5.5 million struck circulated heavily during WWII.
How do I identify the Re-Engraved Date variety?
Use a 10× loupe and focus entirely on the digits of the date 1939. You are looking for secondary outlines or "ghosting" inside or immediately around the numerals — most visibly in the two 9s. If the date looks blurry or double-visioned while the surrounding legend (CANADA, 10 CENTS) remains crisp, you likely have the variety. The Re-Engraved Date is a constant die feature (a die was re-punched after an initial insufficient strike) and commands a premium of 2× to 5× the standard coin's value. Have any claimed example authenticated by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before acting on the premium.
Is the 1939 Canadian dime magnetic?
No — a genuine 1939 dime is completely non-magnetic. The 80% silver, 20% copper composition contains no ferrous (iron) metals. If your coin is attracted to a magnet, it is not a genuine 1939 silver dime. It is either a counterfeit struck on a modern steel planchet or an extremely rare wrong-planchet striking; either scenario requires expert examination. The magnet test is free, takes two seconds, and is the fastest authentication step available.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen?
Business Strikes were produced by the millions for general circulation using production dies. They exhibit cartwheel luster — a rotating sheen under a tilted light — and may have bag marks from handling. Specimens (SP) were produced in extremely small numbers (estimated in the low hundreds for 1939) using specially prepared dies and planchets, resulting in matte or lined fields, brilliant devices, and sharply squared rims. Specimen coins are true rarities; a 1939 SP65 is valued at approximately $690 CAD versus $550 CAD for the finest typical Business Strike (MS65).
Should I get my 1939 dime graded by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
Grading fees typically run $30–$50+ per coin. For the standard type, grading is economically justified only at grades approaching MS64 and above, where values of $150+ comfortably exceed the cost of certification. For the Re-Engraved Date variety or a suspected Specimen, grading is justified at virtually any grade because authentication adds substantial market credibility and unlocks the variety premium. In Canada, ICCS is the domestic market standard and is particularly well-respected for George VI issues. PCGS and NGC are preferred for US-market auctions (Heritage, Stack's Bowers), where registry-set competition can push high-grade values significantly higher.
Does attractive rainbow toning increase the value of my 1939 dime?
Yes — original, attractive toning (gold, blue, or rainbow) can substantially increase market value, sometimes doubling or tripling the "typical" price for a given grade. The key word is "original": the toning must have developed naturally over decades, not be the result of artificial treatment. Ugly black, spotted, or patchy toning has the opposite effect, reducing value below typical levels. Grading services note "original toning" or "attractive toning" on their holder labels, which helps document authenticity in high-value sales.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect retail market prices for problem-free coins as of February 2026, based on the following primary sources. Silver melt values use the spot price of approximately $106.70 CAD/oz documented on February 9, 2026. All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Market values are estimates; actual realized prices vary based on eye appeal, toning, strike quality, and buyer competition at the time of sale.
- NGC Canada 10 Cents KM#34 Price Guide (1937–1947):NGC World Coins — Canada 10 Cents KM 34
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1939 10C MS66:PCGS Auction Prices — Canada George VI 10 Cents 1939
- Numista — 10 Cents George VI (with IND:IMP:):Numista KM#34 Reference
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents History:Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Varieties:Calgary Coin Gallery — 10 Cent Varieties
- Silver Spot Price (Canada Gold):Canada Gold — Live Silver Prices
- Silver Spot Price (GoldBroker CAD):GoldBroker — Silver Price in CAD
- Colonial Acres — 1939 Re-Engraved Date AU-UNC:Colonial Acres Coins — 1939 Re-Engraved 10 Cents
- London Coin Centre — 1939 PCGS MS65+:London Coin Centre — 1939 10 Cents PCGS MS65+
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — Industry standard for variety attributions and mintage data (referenced via secondary sources).
This guide covers standard (non-error) values only. Production anomalies such as off-centre strikes and brockages are outside its scope. Values should be treated as estimates; consult a qualified numismatist or submit to ICCS/PCGS/NGC for current market verification on high-value examples.
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.