1943 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide

Find out what your 1943 Canadian dime is worth in February 2026. Complete price guide by grade and finish — circulated examples carry a ~$7.08 CAD silver melt floor, MS-65 reaches $150–$225, Specimen SP-65/66 exceeds $3,000. Includes Doubled 19 variety guide.

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Quick Answer

The 1943 Canadian dime is a .800 fine silver coin. At February 2026 silver spot prices (~$117–$121 CAD per troy oz), every example carries a bullion floor of approximately ~$7.08 CAD. Most circulated coins trade at this melt value. Certified high-grade and Specimen coins command dramatically higher premiums.

Circulated (AG-3 to VG-8):~$7.08 (silver melt value)
Fine to Very Fine (F-12–VF-20):$8–$11
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF-40–AU-50):$12–$25
Choice Uncirculated (MS-63):$40–$60
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65):$150–$225
Superb Gem (MS-66/67):$500–$1,500+
Specimen (SP-65/66):$3,000–$5,000+

All values in CAD as of February 2026. Is it silver? Yes — all 1943 Canadian dimes are .800 fine silver (.0600 troy oz ASW); a magnet test is the quickest check (genuine silver is non-magnetic). Is it shiny or from a set? If the rim appears distinctly squared and the surface is unusually sharp, you may have an extremely rare Specimen worth $3,000+; see the Identification Guide. Variety upside: The rare Doubled 19 die variety can elevate a standard $9–$11 VF coin to $30–$50. See full value chart →

The 1943 Canadian 10-cent coin — the "Bluenose Dime" — was struck at the Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility during the height of the Second World War. While Canada's 5-cent piece sacrificed its nickel composition to the war effort (replaced by Tombac brass), the 10-cent denomination retained its pre-war .800 fine silver standard, making every 1943 dime a genuine precious-metal artifact. The iconic Bluenose schooner reverse by sculptor Emanuel Hahn continued unchanged, linking wartime commerce to Canada's celebrated maritime heritage. With a mintage of 21,143,229, circulated examples are plentiful — but certified Gem and Specimen coins are genuine rarities.

For a complete overview of Canadian dime values across all years and monarchs, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Note: Mint errors such as die clashes and off-center strikes exist for the 1943 dime but are outside the scope of this standard value guide, which covers Business Strike grades, documented die varieties, and Specimen coins only.

1943 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value

1943 Canadian 10-Cent Specifications

Silver Content and Melt Value (February 2026)

The 1943 Canadian dime contains 0.0600 troy ounces of pure silver (Actual Silver Weight, ASW), alloyed with 20% copper to achieve Canada's .800 fine standard as established by the Currency Act of 1920. This silver content creates a firm bullion floor for every example.

At the February 2026 silver spot price of approximately $117–$121 CAD per troy ounce — reflecting the unprecedented 2026 silver super-cycle, with USD spot trading at $80–$82/oz — the melt value of each 1943 dime is approximately $7.08 CAD. This figure has transformed even heavily worn examples into meaningful silver assets; coins that previously traded for $1.50–$2.00 in bullion now carry a substantially higher floor. The mass melting of low-grade circulated examples driven by these elevated prices is, paradoxically, increasing the future scarcity of even "common" circulated survivors.

The 20% Copper Content: Practical Implications for Collectors

Canada's choice of an 80/20 silver-copper alloy (rather than the British .500 or American .900 fine standards) has specific consequences for the 1943 dime as a collectible:

Durability: The copper-silver alloy is significantly harder than Sterling (.925) silver, allowing 1943 dimes to circulate for decades with even, consistent wear rather than bending or damage — which is why the majority of surviving worn examples grade a clean G-4 or VG-8 rather than showing corrosion or deformation.
Toning: The copper content makes these coins highly reactive to atmospheric sulfur. Circulated examples frequently develop a characteristic slate-grey patina. High-grade uncirculated coins, however, can develop spectacular iridescent toning — manifesting as rings of russet, warm gold, and electric blue near the rims. These "rainbow toners" command significant eye-appeal premiums above standard grade values at auction.
PVC Corrosion (Verdigris): The copper alloy is susceptible to green, waxy verdigris corrosion caused by contact with PVC plastic coin holders — particularly common with older storage materials. Any green film on a 1943 dime is a serious red flag; this damage permanently pits the coin's surface.
Magnetic Authentication: The .800 fine silver-copper alloy is non-magnetic. A quick magnet test distinguishes genuine 1943 silver dimes from plated base-metal fakes — a genuine coin will not be attracted to a magnet.

⚠️ PVC Damage and Verdigris Risk

Older "flip" coin holders and soft PVC storage pages can leach corrosive acids onto silver-copper coins over decades, leaving a green, waxy residue (verdigris). Do not use nail polish remover or any abrasive to clean this. The only safe treatment is professional conservation with pure acetone applied by a numismatic conservator. Coins with visible pitting or deep green corrosion revert to silver melt value regardless of underlying detail.

1943 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 1943 Canadian dime is documented in two finish types: the standard Business Strike (circulation quality, struck at volume) and the extremely rare Specimen (individually struck on specially prepared dies for presentation purposes). No Proof-Like (PL) issues are documented for this date. All values in CAD as of February 2026.

Grade comparison of 1943 Canadian dime showing a heavily circulated G-4 example worth silver melt value beside a Gem Uncirculated MS-65 example worth $150-$225 CAD

Grade comparison: a heavily circulated 1943 dime (left, worth ~$7.08 CAD silver melt) versus a Gem Uncirculated MS-65 example (right, worth $150–$225 CAD). The MS-65 coin retains full cartwheel luster with sharp Bluenose rigging; the circulated coin has flat, grey fields and worn portrait detail. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1943 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)

Type	AG-3	G-4	VG-8	F-12	VF-20	EF-40	AU-50	MS-60	MS-63	MS-65	MS-66/67
1943 Standard	~$7.08 Melt	~$7.08 Melt	~$7.08 Melt	$8–$9	$9–$11	$12–$18	$18–$25	$25–$35	$40–$60	$150–$225	$500–$1,500+

Values reflect February 2026 market conditions with silver spot at ~$117–$121 CAD/oz. Grades AG-3 through VG-8 trade at the silver bullion floor. Numismatic premiums emerge at F-12 and grow steeply from MS-65 onward. The MS-64 to MS-65 range is estimated at $60–$200 (source: appendix market matrix). Consult the NGC World Coin Price Guide for Canada KM-34 for the most current certified market data.

ℹ️ The Wartime Strike Quality Problem

Wartime production pressures at the Ottawa Mint in 1943 meant dies were used beyond their normal service life, resulting in a pervasive "softness" in the central hair detail of the George VI portrait and the fine rigging of the Bluenose — even on genuinely uncirculated coins. A soft or "bald" high point does not automatically mean circulation wear. The critical test: look at the luster. If cartwheel luster flows unbroken across the soft area, the coin is Mint State. If the luster is broken and the metal shows flat grey dulling, it is actual wear. This distinction separates an MS-63 ($40–$60) from an AU-55 ($18–$25) — a meaningful gap. See the Strike vs. Wear comparison in the Identification section.

Premium iridescent rainbow-toned 1943 Canadian silver dime showing concentric rings of russet, gold, and electric blue near the rim that command eye-appeal auction premiums

A premium-toned 1943 Canadian dime showing iridescent russet, gold, and electric blue rings near the rim — the "rainbow toner" type that commands significant eye-appeal premiums above the standard MS-65 range of $150–$225 CAD. Natural toning results from the coin's 20% copper content reacting with atmospheric sulfur over decades. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

1943 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP)

Specimen coins were struck individually on specially prepared presses using polished dies. They are distinguished by a distinctly squared rim edge and surface finish that is markedly superior to business strikes, though visually different from modern mirror-field Proofs. The 1943 Specimen dime is extremely rare — these were not available to the public in bulk, and surviving examples appear primarily through major auction houses such as the Canadian Legacy Sale.

Finish	SP-63	SP-65	SP-66	Notes
Specimen (SP)	—	$3,000+	$5,000+	Museum-grade rarity. Values based on comparative George VI specimen coinage data. ICCS attribution required. Major auction venues only.

The SP-63 cell is shown as "—" because the source document does not provide a specific value at that grade. Values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete Canadian dime denomination guide covering all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins

Wiping, polishing, or dipping a 1943 silver dime — even gently — removes microscopic metal from the surface, destroys cartwheel luster, and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC and loses all numismatic value above silver melt, regardless of underlying sharpness. A "cleaned" MS-65 that could have been worth $150–$225 is now worth ~$7.08.

Most Valuable 1943 Canadian Dime Varieties

The 1943 dime offers a well-documented field of die varieties for the specialist. The varieties below are distinct from mint errors such as die clashes (which exist for this date but are outside the scope of this guide). All values in CAD as of February 2026.

10x magnification close-up of the 1943 Canadian dime Doubled 19 die variety showing the offset secondary image on the 1 and 9 digits of the date with the 4 and 3 digits appearing normal for comparison

Close-up of the date area on a 1943 Canadian dime showing the "Doubled 19" variety. The secondary image of the "1" and "9" digits appears as a distinct offset impression beside the primary strike. A rounded, serif-separated secondary image indicates a true Doubled Die; a flat, shelf-like impression indicates Machine Doubling. Both are actively collected and command premiums over standard examples.

1. The "Doubled 19" (Primary Trophy Variety)

The most famous and sought-after variety of the 1943 dime, explicitly recognized by ICCS, PCGS, and the Charlton Standard Catalogue. A secondary image of the first two digits of the date — the "1" and the "9" — appears offset from the primary impression. Historically cataloged as a "Re-punched Date" by Hans Zoell, modern microscopic analysis sometimes classifies the mechanism as Machine Doubling (MD) or true Hub Doubling, depending on the specific die state.

How to identify it: Examine the date digits under 5–10× magnification. A true Doubled Die shows a rounded secondary image with separated serifs. Machine Doubling shows a flat, shelf-like secondary impression. The market premium applies to clearly visible doubling of both types, though true Hub Doubling commands the strongest collector interest. The variety is frequently overlooked in dealer inventory — always check the date before paying standard prices for a 1943 dime.

Circulated (VF-30):$30–$50 CAD
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-64):$150–$300 CAD

💡 Collector Tip: High-Reward Searching

A standard 1943 dime in VF-20 grade is worth ~$9–$11. The same coin bearing the Doubled 19 is worth $30–$50. This variety is often priced as a common coin by dealers unfamiliar with the diagnostic. Always inspect the "1" and "9" in the date under magnification before paying standard VF prices.

2. Re-Entered 1943 (HZ #265c)

Cataloged by Hans Zoell as HZ #265c, this variety shows a "ghosting" of the entire date "1943" — the result of the date punch being entered into a die that had already received a previous impression. The ghosted date is visible as a faint, complete secondary "1943" behind the primary digits. This variety is scarcer than the standard issue but less prominent in the market than the Doubled 19.

Diagnostic: A shadow of the full "1943" date visible behind all four primary digits simultaneously.
EF-40 value:$20–$45 CAD

3. Die State Varieties (Die Cracks)

Wartime production pressures caused many dies to crack during extended use. Known die crack varieties for the 1943 dime include a crack running through the obverse legend at "GEORGI" and a crack through the reverse denomination "10 CENTS." These are cataloged as die state progressions rather than major numismatic varieties. A visually dramatic die crack typically adds a modest premium of approximately $5–$15 above the standard base value for that grade, primarily of interest to error and die-variety specialists.

Note on Mint Errors

Additional error types exist for the 1943 dime — including die clashes (where the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them, leaving ghost imagery on the opposing die) — but are outside the scope of this standard value guide. Consult a specialist error catalogue or submit to ICCS for valuation of error pieces.

1943 Canadian Dime Identification Guide

Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have. The most consequential distinctions are: (1) Is your coin circulated or Mint State? (2) Is it a standard Business Strike or an extremely rare Specimen? (3) Does it carry the Doubled 19 variety?

1943 Canadian 10-cent dime obverse showing uncrowned King George VI portrait by T.H. Paget and reverse showing the Bluenose schooner under full sail by Emanuel Hahn with date 1943

1943 Canadian 10-cent obverse (left) and reverse (right). Obverse: uncrowned effigy of King George VI by T.H. Paget, facing left, inscription GEORGIVS VI D:G: REX ET IND:IMP: Reverse: Bluenose schooner under full sail by Emanuel Hahn, denomination 10 CENTS and date 1943 below the hull.

30-Second Identification Checklist

Monarch Check: The obverse displays an uncrowned portrait of King George VI facing left, designed by T.H. Paget. The legend reads GEORGIVS VI D:G: REX ET IND:IMP: — note the "IND:IMP:" abbreviation for Emperor of India, a title carried on Canadian coins until after Indian independence in 1947. If the portrait or legend differs, you have a different year or monarch.
Reverse Check: The reverse shows the Bluenose schooner under full sail, heeling to port, with stylized waves below the hull. The design is by sculptor Emanuel Hahn. The denomination reads 10 CENTS with the date 1943 below. If the reverse design differs, this is not the standard 1943 issue.
Date Check: Confirm the date reads 1943. For variety checking, examine the "1" and "9" under 5–10× magnification for the Doubled 19 (offset secondary image) and all four digits for the Re-Entered 1943 (HZ #265c) ghost date.
Edge Check: The 1943 dime has a reeded (milled) edge. Run your fingernail around the circumference — you should feel consistent, fine serrations all the way around. A plain edge indicates a different coin entirely.
Magnet Test — Composition Verification: The .800 fine silver-copper alloy is non-magnetic. Hold a magnet against the coin. A genuine 1943 dime will not be attracted to the magnet. If the coin sticks, it is not genuine silver — it may be a plated steel or base-metal piece. This is the fastest authentication check available without instruments.
Mint Mark Check: There are no mint marks on 1943 Canadian dimes. The Ottawa Mint was the sole facility striking this denomination, and Canadian circulation coins of this era carry no facility identifier. Do not expect or invent any mint mark.
Finish Identification (Critical for Value):
- Business Strike (common): Under a single directed light source, rotate the coin slowly — you should see a rolling "cartwheel" luster pattern radiating across the fields. Contact marks from bag handling are normal on MS-60 to MS-63 examples and do not indicate circulation wear.
- Specimen (extremely rare — $3,000+): Examine the rim edge in profile. A Specimen has a distinctly squared, sharp rim edge that differs noticeably from the rounded rim of a business strike. The surface finish is also markedly more even and finely defined across both fields and devices. Specimen coins were not struck for general circulation. If you believe you have a Specimen, do not clean, handle, or sell it before obtaining ICCS attribution.

Side-by-side comparison of 1943 Canadian dime Business Strike versus Specimen finish showing the critical squared rim edge diagnostic on the Specimen that distinguishes it from the common circulation coin

Business Strike (left) versus Specimen finish (right) on a 1943 Canadian dime. The Specimen's distinctly squared rim edge and superior field smoothness are visible in profile. A Business Strike has a rounded rim. If you have a Specimen, ICCS attribution is essential before any sale. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Comparison of a 1943 Canadian dime weak strike Mint State coin versus an About Uncirculated coin with actual circulation wear showing the difference in luster continuity across the high points of the George VI portrait

Distinguishing weak strike from actual wear on a 1943 dime. LEFT (MS-63, $40–$60): hair detail is soft above the ear, but cartwheel luster flows unbroken across the high point — Mint State. RIGHT (AU-55, $18–$25): luster is broken and metal shows flat grey dulling on the cheekbone and hair crest — actual circulation wear. This distinction drives a significant value difference. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)

Grading Service Guidance

For any 1943 dime appearing to grade MS-64 or higher (estimated value $60+), professional certification is strongly recommended before purchase or sale. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service — see their guide on challenging coins including strike issues) is the Canadian standard grading service and the most recognized for George VI coinage within Canada. PCGS and NGC are US-based alternatives with broader international auction reach; consult the NGC price guide for Canada KM-34 (George VI 10 cents) for certified population and value context. For visual grade comparisons before submission, the Saskatoon Coin Club's photo grading guide for George VI 10-cent coins is an excellent free reference. For Specimen coins, ICCS attribution of the finish type is essential — without official recognition of the Specimen designation, the $3,000+ premium cannot be realized.

1943 Canadian Dime Value FAQs

What is a 1943 Canadian dime worth?

At the February 2026 silver spot price (~$117–$121 CAD/oz), a 1943 Canadian dime carries a minimum silver melt value of approximately $7.08 CAD. Circulated examples from AG-3 to VG-8 trade at this bullion floor. F-12 examples are worth $8–$9; VF-20 coins bring $9–$11; EF-40 to AU-50 coins trade for $12–$25. Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) examples reach $40–$60; Gem (MS-65) coins command $150–$225; and Superb Gems (MS-66/67) can realize $500–$1,500+. Specimen coins are in a different class entirely at $3,000–$5,000+.

Is a 1943 Canadian dime rare?

In circulated grades, no — 21,143,229 were struck, and worn examples remain common. In certified Gem (MS-65) and Superb Gem (MS-66+) grades, the 1943 dime is genuinely rare, because wartime die fatigue and mass-bag handling at the Mint make finding a fully struck, mark-free example statistically improbable. The combined ICCS and PCGS population of MS-67 examples is estimated at fewer than 10 coins, making top-pop specimens true registry rarities. Specimen coins are museum-grade rarities produced in very small numbers and not distributed publicly.

Is my 1943 Canadian dime silver?

Yes — all 1943 Canadian 10-cent coins are struck in .800 fine silver (80% silver, 20% copper), containing 0.0600 troy ounces of pure silver (1.866 grams). Canada did not change the silver content of its dimes until 1968, when pure nickel replaced the silver alloy entirely. A quick field test: the coin is non-magnetic — if it sticks to a magnet, it is not genuine silver. The .800 fine alloy means Canadian dimes have slightly less silver per coin than contemporary US 90% silver dimes, but all are genuine silver pieces.

What is the "Doubled 19" variety and how do I find it?

The Doubled 19 is the most famous die variety of the 1943 dime, recognized by ICCS, PCGS, and the Charlton Standard Catalogue. A secondary image of the "1" and "9" in the date appears slightly offset from the primary strike — either from true Hub Doubling (rounded, serif-separated secondary image) or Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like impression). To check: examine the date digits under 5–10× magnification. A Doubled 19 in VF-30 is worth $30–$50 CAD; in MS-60 to MS-64, values reach $150–$300 CAD. This variety is frequently overlooked in dealer stock, so always check the date before paying standard prices.

What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen for the 1943 dime?

A Business Strike is the standard high-volume circulation coin with rounded rim edges and the normal cartwheel luster of a mint-fresh coin. A Specimen is an individually struck presentation piece made with specially prepared, polished dies on carefully selected planchets — distinguished by a distinctly squared rim edge and superior surface quality. Specimens were not struck for general commerce and survive in very small numbers. A Business Strike in MS-65 is worth $150–$225; a Specimen in SP-65/66 is worth an estimated $3,000–$5,000+ CAD. If you believe you have a Specimen, submit to ICCS before any transaction.

Should I get my 1943 Canadian dime professionally graded?

Grading is cost-effective when the numismatic value of the certified coin substantially exceeds the grading fee (typically $30–$80+ CAD per coin for ICCS; more for PCGS/NGC). For circulated examples worth $7–$25 (melt to AU-50), grading fees are not justified. The economics become compelling at MS-64 (estimated $60–$200) and strongly favorable at MS-65+ ($150–$225 and up). If your coin appears fully uncirculated with blazing luster, sharp strike, and minimal contact marks, ICCS certification is recommended — and essential for any Specimen. Critically: avoid purchasing raw "Uncirculated" 1943 dimes on secondary markets without scrutiny; many are AU-55 "sliders" polished to look uncirculated.

How do I distinguish weak strike from actual wear?

This is the single most important grading skill for the 1943 dime. Hold the coin under a single directed light source and tilt it slowly. If cartwheel luster flows unbroken across any soft or "bald" area on the King's hair or Bluenose rigging, the coin is Mint State — it was simply weakly struck (a common wartime issue). If the luster is broken and the affected area shows flat, grey metal, that is genuine circulation wear. A weakly struck MS-63 is worth $40–$60; an AU-55 with actual wear is worth $18–$25 — a meaningful difference driven by a subtle visual distinction.

Why does the King's title say "IND:IMP:"?

"IND:IMP:" is an abbreviation of the Latin Indiae Imperator — Emperor of India. In 1943, King George VI held the title of Emperor of India in addition to King of Canada. Following Indian independence in August 1947, the title was removed from the royal style. The Royal Canadian Mint did not receive updated dies in time for the 1948 production run, leading to the historically significant 1947 Maple Leaf issues. The 1943 dime thus belongs to the final years of the full Imperial legend — a piece of numismatic history marking the zenith of the British Empire's coinage reach before its post-war dissolution.

What drives the value premium for high-grade 1943 dimes?

Three factors account for the steep value cliff between MS-63 and MS-65+: (1) Strike completeness — a fully struck 1943 dime with crisp hair detail and sharp Bluenose rigging is rare due to wartime die fatigue; (2) Surface preservation — coins produced in bulk and handled in bags accumulate contact marks; Gem-grade examples with nearly mark-free fields are statistically unusual; and (3) Eye appeal — natural iridescent toning resulting from the 20% copper content reacting with atmospheric sulfur over decades (russet, gold, electric blue rings) commands meaningful premiums above standard grade values at major auction houses.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide reflect February 2026 market conditions, incorporating the significant impact of elevated silver spot prices (USD ~$80–$82/oz; CAD/oz ~$117–$121). Grade-by-grade pricing is drawn from the detailed 1943-specific market analysis in the source report, cross-referenced against the appendix market matrix. Variety attributions reference the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the Hans Zoell (HZ) variety catalogue. Specimen valuations are based on comparative George VI specimen coinage data referenced in the source document.

Key reference sources:

All values are estimates reflecting current market conditions as of February 2026 and should not be construed as formal appraisals or guarantees of realized value. Individual coin values vary with strike quality, surface preservation, natural toning, and the grade assigned by a recognized certification service. Always consult a certified numismatist or submit to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for a formal assessment before buying or selling higher-grade 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.