1959 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
1959 Canadian dime value guide: silver melt floor (~$6.65 CAD), grade-by-grade prices (MS65 = $45–$60 CAD), Proof-Like Heavy Cameo premiums ($400–$800+). Complete price guide in CAD, February 2026.
Most 1959 Canadian dimes are worth $6.65–$7.00 CAD in circulated grades — the silver melt floor, roughly 66 times the 10-cent face value. In top certified grades, values can reach $800+ CAD.
- Circulated (G4–EF40) — Found in change:$6.65–$7.00 (silver bullion only — no numismatic premium)
- About Uncirculated (AU50):$7.00–$7.50
- Uncirculated (MS60):$9.00–$12.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$45.00–$60.00 — the key investor grade
- Proof-Like (PL66):$80.00–$110.00
- Proof-Like Heavy Cameo (PL67 HC):$400–$800+
Found in change or have a circulated coin? Your 1959 dime contains 0.0600 troy oz of pure silver — currently worth approximately $6.65 CAD in metal value, far above its face value. No collector premium applies in worn grades.
Is it shiny or mirror-like? If you can clearly see your reflection in the coin's flat background fields, it is almost certainly a Proof-Like (PL) collector coin from a 1959 mint set — worth a meaningful premium over a standard Business Strike.
Is it silver? Yes. All 1959 Canadian dimes are 80% silver and entirely non-magnetic. If a magnet attracts your coin, it is not a genuine 1959 silver dime.
All values in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026. Value depends on grade, finish (Business Strike vs. Proof-Like), and cameo contrast. See full value chart →
The 1959 Canadian 10-cent coin is part of the Elizabeth II First Portrait (Laureate Bust) series, struck at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The obverse effigy — designed by Mary Gillick and showing a young Queen wearing a laurel wreath — pairs with Emanuel Hahn's celebrated Bluenose Schooner reverse. Unlike the earlier 1953–1955 issues, the 1959 dies were fully standardized, with no Shoulder Fold versus No Shoulder Fold complications. With 19,691,433 circulation strikes and a Proof-Like (PL) run of 31,577 sets, the 1959 dime serves two roles: a widely available silver bullion coin whose melt value sits well above face value, and a condition-rarity trophy in Gem and Superb Gem grades. For the full series context, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
1959 Canadian dime obverse: Queen Elizabeth II in the Laureate Bust (First Portrait) by Mary Gillick. The laurel wreath distinguishes this portrait from the Tiara (Second Portrait by Arnold Machin) introduced in 1965.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes and wrong-planchet coins exist for 1959 dimes but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1959 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The 1959 Canadian dime is an 800-parts-per-thousand (0.800 fine) silver coin — an alloy the Royal Canadian Mint maintained for dimes from 1920 until mid-1967. Its precious metal content ensures that even the most heavily worn survivors retain significant intrinsic value, functioning as fractional silver bullion.
Metallurgical Breakdown
- Alloy: 80% Silver (Ag), 20% Copper (Cu)
- Total weight: 2.33 grams (approximately 0.075 troy oz total)
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.0600 troy oz — approximately 1.87 grams of pure silver
- Diameter: 18.03 mm
- Edge: Reeded
Melt Value (February 2026)
As of early February 2026, silver spot prices were trading in the range of $77.00–$81.00 USD per ounce, with the Canadian equivalent at approximately $111.00–$113.00 CAD per ounce, or roughly $3.57 CAD per gram. Current live silver prices are tracked by Kitco and Canada Gold.
Melt formula: 2.33 g × 0.80 (silver purity) = 1.864 g of pure silver. At ~$3.57 CAD per gram: ≈ $6.65 CAD intrinsic value per coin. This is approximately 66.5 times the 10-cent face value.
Because the melt value is so elevated, every circulated 1959 dime — from Good (G4) through About Uncirculated (AU50) — trades primarily as bullion. There is virtually no price difference between a VF-20 and an AU-50 example; both are worth their silver content. The numismatic premium only appears above MS60, and becomes substantial at MS65 and above.
Magnetic Properties (Authentication Diagnostic)
The 80% silver composition makes a genuine 1959 Canadian dime completely non-magnetic. Apply a standard refrigerator magnet: it should not attract the coin at all. If the coin is drawn to a magnet, it is struck on a nickel or plated-steel planchet and is not a genuine 1959 silver dime. Always confirm authenticity with a secondary weight check — genuine examples weigh 2.33 grams.
The reeded edge and silver metal colour of a 1959 Canadian dime. The 80% silver, 20% copper alloy gives the coin a bright silver tone distinct from the yellowish tint of later nickel dimes (1968–1999) or the plated-steel dimes issued from 2000 onward.
1959 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The tables below reflect typical retail market prices for the 1959 Canadian dime as of February 2026. Values for circulated grades are driven almost entirely by the elevated silver spot price. The numismatic premium begins at MS-60 and escalates sharply above MS-65. Separate tables cover Business Strikes (standard circulation-quality coins) and Proof-Like (PL) collector issues. All values are in CAD.
Business Strike vs. Proof-Like (PL): the Business Strike (left) has satin cartwheel luster with natural contact marks. The Proof-Like (right) has deeply mirrored fields in which you can see your reflection. Identifying finish correctly is the critical first step to valuing your 1959 dime. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1959 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
With a mintage of 19,691,433 circulation coins, the 1959 dime is abundant in circulated grades. The vast majority of surviving examples trade at silver melt value. The meaningful value ladder begins at MS-64 and escalates sharply at MS-65 and above, where the coin becomes a genuine condition rarity. Attractive original toning — particularly multicolour "rainbow" toning acquired from paper coin rolls — can push individual MS-64 examples above listed MS-65 values. Sources: NGC World Coin Price Guide, Calgary Coin, Colonial Acres.
| Type | G4–EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS62 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 | MS66 | MS67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 Business Strike | $6.65–$7.00 | $7.00–$7.50 | $9.00–$12.00 | $12.00–$15.00 | $15.00–$20.00 | $25.00–$35.00 | $45.00–$60.00 | $150–$225 | $225–$400 | G4–EF40: bullion only, no numismatic premium. MS66–MS67 prices heavily dependent on eye appeal and toning. A blast-white MS67 may sell for less than a spectacularly toned MS66. |
⚠️ Silver Price Compression
Due to the historically elevated silver spot price in February 2026, there is virtually no price difference between a coin graded VF-20 and one graded AU-50. The meaningful value cliff occurs at MS-65: below this grade the coin is essentially bullion; at MS-65 and above it becomes a condition rarity that commands a genuine numismatic premium, with prices escalating rapidly as registry-set collectors compete for the finest known examples.
Grade progression for the 1959 Canadian dime: circulated VF (left), MS63 Choice Uncirculated with full luster but bag marks (centre), and MS65 Gem with booming luster and a sharp strike (right). The value cliff occurs at MS65, where the price jumps from $20 to $45–$60 and continues escalating above. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1959 Canadian Dime — Proof-Like (PL)
Proof-Like dimes were struck using polished dies at slower press speeds, creating mirror-like fields with frosted devices. The 1959 PL issue had a mintage of 31,577 sets, originally packaged in white cardboard holders. After more than six decades of storage, many sets show toning, spotting, or PVC residue from later rehousing in soft plastic flips; truly pristine, spot-free examples are increasingly scarce. The Heavy Cameo (HC) designation — available only on coins struck from freshly prepared dies before the acid-induced frost wore away — commands a substantial premium over standard PL examples at all grade levels. Sources: London Coin Centre, Newcan Coins & Currency.
| Finish | PL63 | PL64 | PL65 | PL66 | PL67 | PL67 Heavy Cameo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | $15.00–$25.00 | $30.00–$45.00 | $50.00–$75.00 | $80.00–$110.00 | $250–$350 | $400–$800+ | PL63: mirrors present but may be hazy or toned. PL65+: clear liquid mirrors required. Heavy Cameo = snow-white portrait against jet-black fields — represents the first ~50 strikes from a freshly prepared die. Cameo contrast adds a substantial premium at all grades above PL63. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins from 1959 stored in their original pliofilm packaging — or later moved into soft PVC plastic flips — may develop a green, sticky haze on the silver surfaces over decades. This chemical reaction degrades the metal irreversibly. If your coin shows green slime or a waxy residue, professional conservation using pure acetone is required — do not use nail polish remover or household cleaners. PVC-damaged PL coins are typically ungradeable and revert to bullion value regardless of their underlying technical quality.
ℹ️ PL Set Contamination
With 31,577 PL sets produced in 1959, many have been broken open over the decades. A loose, mirror-surfaced 1959 dime found outside its original holder is almost certainly a PL coin rather than a rare high-grade Business Strike. Dealers routinely scrutinize the fields carefully — true mirror-polish fields on a coin presented as a Business Strike typically indicate PL origin, which affects how they price the coin.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1959 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1959 dime does not carry major naked-eye varieties like a Large Date or Dot — there is no equivalent of the 1969 Large Date or the 1936 Dot for this issue. Value above the melt floor is driven primarily by grade, Proof-Like finish quality, and cameo contrast. However, specialist catalogues document minor die varieties that reward collectors who examine their coins carefully.
A) Trophy-Level Specimens (Highest Documented Values)
| Specimen | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade Requirement | Typical Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL-67 Heavy Cameo (HC) | The rarest combination for this issue: technical perfection at PL67 plus dramatic snow-white frosted portrait against jet-black mirror fields. In 1959, frost was created by acid-pickling of fresh dies and wore off after only the first few dozen strikes — making HC coins an organic rarity. | ICCS PL-67 HC / PCGS PR67 DCAM equivalent | $400–$800+ |
| PL-67 (Standard / Cameo) | Technical perfection without the full Heavy Cameo contrast. The soft original cardboard packaging made contact marks on PL coins nearly inevitable, making mark-free PL67 survivors genuinely scarce. | ICCS PL-67 | $250–$350 |
| MS-67 Business Strike | A statistical anomaly. Circulation coins were ejected into bins and bags during production, making contact marks nearly universal. An MS-67 survived the entire production and distribution process essentially unscathed. | ICCS / PCGS MS-67 | $225–$400 |
| MS-66 Business Strike | Superb Gem grade. Often associated with exceptional original toning — blue, red, or gold oxidation acquired from paper coin rolls over decades. Eye appeal drives significant price variation within this grade. | ICCS MS-66 | $150–$225 |
ℹ️ Eye Appeal and Toning
For 1959 Business Strike dimes, attractive original toning is a major value driver. A spectacularly toned MS-64 may sell for more than a blast-white MS-65, because silver collectors prize original skin. Conversely, an MS-67 with unattractive or uneven toning may sell below published ranges. When evaluating high-grade examples, eye appeal is not secondary — it is central to the final price.
Standard Proof-Like (left) vs. Heavy Cameo Proof-Like (right): the Heavy Cameo displays dramatic black-and-white contrast — jet-black mirror fields and snow-white frosted portrait. This contrast results from acid-frosted dies and represents only the first few dozen strikes before the frost wore away. A Heavy Cameo PL-67 example can reach $400–$800+ CAD. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B) Findable Varieties (Check with Magnification)
The following varieties can be found by careful examination and represent premium opportunities within an otherwise common-date issue.
| Variety | Reference | How to Identify | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-engraved Date | CCCS / Zoell (not listed in Charlton main catalogue) | Under 10× or higher magnification, look for a visible doubling or a distinct "shelf" line on one or both nines (9s) in the date. The numeral appears thickened or carries a faint ghost of an earlier punch entry. | $15–$30 CAD above base MS60+ value |
| Rotated Die | Minor variety; see George Manz Coins | Hold the coin by the obverse and flip it vertically (end over end). On a normally aligned coin, the Bluenose Schooner should appear right-side up at 180°. Any visible tilt from true vertical indicates a die rotation. | $20–$50 CAD for severe rotation |
| Heavy Cameo (PL) | Standard PL designation — ICCS: HC; PCGS: DCAM; NGC: UCAM | Hold the PL coin under a direct light source and tilt it. If the Queen's portrait appears brilliant white while the surrounding fields appear jet-black and glassy, this is a Heavy Cameo — representing the first ~50 strikes from a freshly prepared die pair. | 2× to 5× the base PL value at equivalent numeric grade |
Note: An "Extra Waterline" variety has been documented for other Canadian dime years, but research does not confirm a widely recognized Extra Waterline variety for 1959. Collectors should focus on the Re-engraved Date, Rotated Die, and Cameo finish designations for this date.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1959 dime — with metal polish, baking soda, toothpaste, or any abrasive — strips the original silver luster and leaves fine hairlines visible under magnification. ICCS, PCGS, and NGC label cleaned coins "Details — Improperly Cleaned," eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail. A cleaned Proof-Like Heavy Cameo is worth only its silver melt value. The only safe process for PVC-contaminated coins is professional conservation using pure acetone, which removes PVC residue without touching the metal surface.
1959 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly what you have — common bullion piece, Proof-Like collector coin, or potential condition rarity.
30-Second Checklist
- Monarch check: Confirm the obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA around the portrait.
- Portrait check: Confirm the Laureate Bust (First Portrait) — the Queen wears a wreath of laurel leaves, not a tiara. The Tiara portrait (Second Portrait by Arnold Machin) was not introduced until 1965. If your coin shows a tiara, it belongs to a different year.
- Reverse check: Confirm the Bluenose Schooner design by Emanuel Hahn, with CANADA arcing above the ship and 10 CENTS below.
- Date check: Confirm the date reads 1959.
- Edge check: The edge must be reeded (grooved). A smooth edge is a red flag.
- Magnet test (Composition Verification): Apply a standard refrigerator magnet — the coin must not stick. A genuine 1959 dime is 80% silver and entirely non-magnetic. Any attraction to a magnet means this is not a genuine 1959 silver dime. Confirm with weight: genuine examples weigh 2.33 grams.
- Mint marks: No documented mint marks on the 1959 Canadian dime. Standard for Canadian circulation coins of this era — no mark should be present or expected.
- Finish identification (the critical valuation step): See the guide below.
1959 Canadian dime reverse: the Bluenose Schooner by Emanuel Hahn. Confirm CANADA above and 10 CENTS below the ship. The reeded edge is visible at the perimeter. No mint marks appear on the 1959 issue.
Finish Identification: Business Strike vs. Proof-Like
Correctly identifying the finish is the single most important step in valuing your 1959 dime. An incorrectly identified PL coin sold as a Business Strike — or vice versa — can mean a significant price error in either direction.
- Business Strike (Circulation Coin)
- Luster: Satin or creamy, with a distinct cartwheel effect — a rotating spoke of reflected light sweeps across the fields when the coin is tilted under a single light source.
- Fields: Shiny but not a true mirror. You cannot see a clear reflection of your hand or read text reflected in the background.
- Contact marks: Bag marks (small dings and scratches from contact with other coins) are expected and do not disqualify a coin from the MS scale.
- Value range:$6.65–$400 CAD depending on grade.
- Proof-Like (PL)
- Fields: True mirror surfaces — you can clearly see your fingerprint or read printed text reflected in the flat background fields.
- Devices: The portrait and ship appear to float on a pool of liquid silver.
- Original packaging: Issued in white cardboard holders as part of official 1959 mint sets.
- Cameo check: If the Queen's portrait looks snow-white (frosted) against jet-black mirrored fields, this is a Heavy Cameo (HC) — the most premium designation for Proof-Like coins.
- Value range:$15–$800+ CAD depending on grade and cameo contrast.
Magnet test: a genuine 1959 Canadian dime is 80% silver and will not attract to a magnet. If the coin sticks, it is not a genuine silver dime. Always confirm with a weight check (2.33 g) as a secondary diagnostic.
Grading Service Context
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service), based in Toronto, is the Canadian-standard grading service and is particularly respected for its Heavy Cameo (HC) designation on Proof-Like issues — considered the gold standard in the domestic market. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), both US-based, use equivalent terms: PCGS calls the same standard "Deep Cameo" (DCAM); NGC uses "Ultra Cameo" (UCAM). PCGS and NGC slabs typically command higher prices in international markets and on eBay due to broader collector recognition. For a 1959 dime, grading fees are economically justified at MS-64 or above for Business Strikes, and PL-65 or above for Proof-Like examples.
1959 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1959 Canadian dime worth?
In circulated grades (Good through About Uncirculated), a 1959 Canadian dime is worth approximately $6.65–$7.50 CAD — its silver melt value based on the February 2026 spot price of approximately $3.57 CAD per gram. In Gem Uncirculated (MS-65), the retail value is $45–$60 CAD. Proof-Like examples range from $15 CAD (PL-63) to $800+ CAD (PL-67 Heavy Cameo). All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 1959 Canadian dime made of silver?
Yes. All 1959 Canadian dimes are struck in an alloy of 80% silver and 20% copper — the same composition used for Canadian dimes from 1920 until mid-1967. The actual silver weight (ASW) is 0.0600 troy oz, approximately 1.87 grams of pure silver per coin. A magnet test instantly distinguishes the silver 1959 dime from post-1967 issues: pure nickel dimes (1968–1999) and plated-steel dimes (2000+) are magnetic; the 1959 silver dime is not.
Is a 1959 Canadian dime rare?
In circulated grades, no — nearly 20 million were struck and survivors are plentiful. In Gem Mint State (MS-65 and above) and Superb Gem (MS-66–MS-67) grades, the 1959 dime is a genuine condition rarity, as most examples circulated extensively and were marked by bag contact during production and distribution. Proof-Like Heavy Cameo examples at PL-66 and PL-67 are also genuinely scarce, since the frost on dies wore off after only the first few dozen impressions from each fresh die pair.
What makes a 1959 Canadian dime valuable?
Four factors drive value above the silver melt floor: (1) Grade — there is a sharp value cliff at MS-65; prices escalate rapidly toward MS-67. (2) Finish — Proof-Like coins are worth significantly more than Business Strikes at the same numeric grade. (3) Cameo contrast — Heavy Cameo (HC) PL coins command 2× to 5× the base PL value. (4) Eye appeal — original toning (particularly multicolour rainbow toning on Business Strike coins) can push individual examples above published price guides. A spectacularly toned MS-64 may outsell a blast-white MS-65.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Proof-Like (PL) dime?
Business Strike coins were produced for circulation on standard presses at normal speed, giving the coin satin or cartwheel luster. Proof-Like (PL) coins were struck using specially polished dies at slower press speeds, producing deeply mirrored fields with frosted devices. PL dimes were sold in official mint sets — originally in white cardboard holders — rather than released into circulation. The key visual test: tilt the coin under a single light source. If you see a rotating cartwheel of satin light sweeping across the fields, it is a Business Strike. If you can see a clear reflection of your hand or surroundings in the flat fields, it is a Proof-Like.
What is a Heavy Cameo (HC) and why is it valuable?
A Heavy Cameo describes a Proof-Like coin where the portrait (Queen Elizabeth II and the Bluenose) appears brilliantly white or frosty against deeply black, mirror-like fields — a dramatic black-and-white contrast. In 1959, this frost was an organic byproduct of the acid-pickling process used to prepare fresh dies; it wore off rapidly as each die struck successive coins. A Heavy Cameo coin therefore represents one of the very first strikes from a brand-new die pair, making it a scarce organic rarity. ICCS designates these coins "HC" (Heavy Cameo); PCGS calls the equivalent standard "Deep Cameo" (DCAM); NGC uses "Ultra Cameo" (UCAM). A PL-67 Heavy Cameo 1959 dime can command $400–$800+ CAD, compared to $250–$350 for a standard PL-67.
How do I know if my 1959 Canadian dime is genuine silver?
Three quick tests: (1) Magnet test — a genuine 80% silver dime will not be attracted to a magnet. If it sticks, it is not a genuine 1959 silver dime. (2) Weight check — genuine examples weigh 2.33 grams; a digital jeweller's scale accurate to 0.01 g is sufficient. (3) Edge check — the edge must be reeded (grooved). A smooth-edged coin claiming to be a 1959 dime is not genuine. For high-value examples, professional third-party certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC provides definitive authentication.
Should I get my 1959 Canadian dime professionally graded?
Grading becomes economically worthwhile when your coin is likely to reach MS-64 or above (Business Strike) or PL-65 or above (Proof-Like). Below those thresholds, grading fees typically exceed the premium gained. For the domestic Canadian market and Heavy Cameo designations, ICCS is the preferred service. For international registry sets and broader secondary-market liquidity, PCGS or NGC slabs are preferred. For coins likely to grade MS60–MS63 or PL63–PL64, a bulk submission or selling raw may be more practical than individual certification.
What is the Re-engraved Date variety on the 1959 dime?
The Re-engraved Date is a minor die variety recognized in the CCCS (Canadian Coin Collecting Society) and Zoell specialized catalogues, though not listed in the Charlton Standard Catalogue main text. Under magnification (10× or higher), look for a visible doubling or a distinct "shelf" line on one or both of the nines (9s) in the date 1959. This occurs when a die engraver corrected or re-punched the date numerals by hand, leaving a faint ghost impression of the original entry. In grades of MS-60 and above, this variety can add approximately $15–$30 CAD above the base value for an unattributed example.
Can I clean my 1959 Canadian dime to make it look better?
No. Cleaning — with metal polish, baking soda, toothpaste, ultrasonic devices, or any abrasive — removes the original surface metal and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. ICCS, PCGS, and NGC label such coins "Details — Improperly Cleaned," which eliminates all numismatic premium regardless of the coin's underlying detail. A cleaned PL coin with Heavy Cameo contrast will grade only as a "Details" coin worth bullion value. The only appropriate cleaning-adjacent process is professional conservation using pure acetone to remove PVC residue — which lifts the chemical contamination without disturbing the coin's original metal surface.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail market prices as of February 2026, compiled from the following sources:
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 51 (1953–1964)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian Dimes Buy & Sell
- Colonial Acres Coins — 10 Cents 1950–1959
- London Coin Centre — 1959 Canada 10 Cents ICCS MS65
- Newcan Coins & Currency — Canada Price Inventory (Re-engraved Date and PL HC variety pricing)
- Numista — Canada 10 Cents, Elizabeth II 1st Portrait
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents official history
- Kitco — Live Silver Price Chart (silver spot reference, February 2026)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (print) — primary variety and mintage reference
- CCCS / Zoell Catalogue — specialized variety listings including Re-engraved Date
- Heritage Auctions and Geoffrey Bell Auctions — auction record context
Market values are estimates reflecting typical retail conditions and are subject to change with silver spot price movements. This guide covers standard (non-error) issues only. All values are 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.