1982 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
1982 Canadian dime value guide: circulated examples worth face value; MS-67 commands $450–$700+ CAD. Full price chart by finish — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof — with CAD market values.
Most 1982 Canadian dimes found in circulation are worth face value ($0.10). Uncirculated examples range from $0.50–$8.00 at MS-60–64, climbing sharply to $134.00–$160.00 at MS-66 and $450.00–$700.00+ for the extremely rare MS-67 — the most valuable non-error variant of this date. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
- Circulated (G–AU50): Face value (10¢)
- Uncirculated MS-60–MS-64:$0.50–$8.00
- Gem MS-65:$28.00–$35.00
- Superb Gem MS-66:$134.00–$160.00 — the condition cliff
- Ultra Gem MS-67:$450.00–$700.00+ — extremely rare
- Proof-Like PL-65:$3.00–$5.00 | PL-67: $20.00–$30.00 | PL-66 HCAM: $50.00–$80.00
- Specimen SP-67:$60.00–$70.00
- Proof PR-69 DCAM:$30.00–$50.00 | PR-70 DCAM: $150.00–$250.00
Found in change? Worth face value. Looks shiny or mirror-like? Almost certainly a Proof-Like coin from a 1982 Uncirculated Set — worth $3–$5 at PL-65, but potentially $50–$80 if it shows Heavy Cameo contrast. Is it silver? No — all standard 1982 Canadian dimes are 99.9% nickel and strongly magnetic. There is no silver 1982 dime. See full value chart →
The 1982 Canadian 10-cent coin belongs to the Nickel Era (1968–2000), a period often overlooked by casual collectors but rich in condition rarity for specialists. That year, the Royal Canadian Mint produced over 93 million dimes for circulation alongside three distinct collector finishes — Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof — creating a complex value hierarchy anchored almost entirely by surface preservation and finish quality rather than precious-metal content. For the complete context of the Canadian dime series, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as wrong-planchet strikes and struck-through pieces exist for 1982 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1982 Canadian Dime Composition & Specifications
The 1982 Canadian dime is struck entirely from 99.9% pure nickel — a composition adopted in 1968 when rising silver prices ended the silver-content dime era. Nickel is significantly harder than the silver-copper alloys used previously, which has two important numismatic consequences: the metal resists wear exceptionally well in circulation, but it also transfers contact marks as sharp, jagged furrows rather than soft bruises. This hardness is the primary reason Gem-condition 1982 dimes are so scarce despite the enormous mintage.
Because pure nickel is ferromagnetic, the 1982 dime is strongly attracted to a magnet. This is the definitive authentication diagnostic: any 1982 dime that does not respond to a magnet is not a standard issue and should be evaluated by an expert before any conclusions are drawn.
The coin carries no precious-metal content. Its numismatic value is driven entirely by condition, finish, and collector demand — not by melt or bullion considerations.
⚠️ The 1982 Silver Dime Misconception
The 1982 "Regina Centennial" Proof Double Dollar Set contains a commemorative silver dollar struck in 50% silver. However, the 10-cent coin housed in that same set is not silver — it retains the standard 99.9% nickel composition. There is no standard non-error silver 1982 Canadian dime. If you believe you have a silver 1982 dime (confirmed non-magnetic), consult a specialist — it may be a rare wrong-planchet error, which is an entirely different category of coin.
1982 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1982 dime exists in four distinct finishes, each produced under different manufacturing conditions and valued on a separate scale. Values below are in CAD, synthesized from Coins and Canada and NGC Price Guide as of February 2026.
The four finishes of the 1982 Canadian dime: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (mirror fields), Specimen (satin/lined fields), and Proof (deep mirror fields with frosted devices). Finish is the primary value driver alongside grade. (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
1982 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
With a mintage of 93,960,898, the 1982 business strike is abundant in circulated and lower uncirculated grades. However, the pure nickel planchet makes bag-mark-free Gem examples statistically improbable. The value jumps sharply — the "condition cliff" — between MS-65 and MS-66, and again at MS-67.
| Grade | Approximate Market Value (CAD) | Rarity / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–AU50) | Face value (10¢) | Abundant; traded at face value or nominal premium |
| MS-60–MS-64 | $0.50–$8.00 | Bag marks in focal areas; common |
| MS-65 (Gem) | $28.00–$35.00 | Full luster; scattered minor marks; scarce |
| MS-66 (Superb Gem) | $134.00–$160.00 | Clean surfaces; blazing luster; very scarce — condition cliff begins here |
| MS-67 (Ultra Gem) | $450.00–$700.00+ | Virtually flawless; full Bluenose rigging; extremely rare |
Grade comparison for the 1982 Canadian dime reverse. Bag marks that are merely "distracting" at MS-64 become disqualifying at MS-66. The condition cliff between MS-65 ($28–$35) and MS-66 ($134–$160) represents one of the sharpest value jumps in modern Canadian coinage. (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
ℹ️ The Nickel Handicap
On pure nickel coins, a bag mark does not patina softly like silver — it appears as a bright, jagged furrow that catches the light directly. This is why fewer than a handful of 1982 business-strike dimes survive to MS-67 despite a production run of nearly 94 million coins. A Heritage Auctions lot (Sale 1128, Lot 7749) for a PCGS MS-67 example reported a PCGS population of 77 (with 4 finer) and an NGC census of 31 (with 0 finer) at time of sale — figures that underscore the extreme condition rarity of the grade.
1982 Canadian Dime — Proof-Like (PL)
Proof-Like coins (mintage: 203,287) were sold in pliofilm cellophane Uncirculated Sets. They feature mirror-like fields but lack the heavy frosting of a true Proof. Because they were stored in protective packaging, higher grades survive more readily than business strikes — but PL examples showing genuine Heavy Cameo (HCAM) contrast are a significant rarity, as die frost is lost after only a few dozen strikes.
| Grade | Approximate Market Value (CAD) | Rarity / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PL-65 | $3.00–$5.00 | Common; standard mirror fields |
| PL-67 | $20.00–$30.00 | Scarce; pristine mirror surfaces |
| PL-66 HCAM (Heavy Cameo) | $50.00–$80.00 | Very scarce; heavy frost on portrait and ship; see Variants section |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades. If you see green slime or haziness, the coin requires professional conservation with pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover or household cleaners. Advanced PVC damage pits the surface and eliminates all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying grade.
1982 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP)
Specimen coins (mintage: 62,298) — the lowest mintage of the four finishes — were struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies and included in prestige "Double Dollar" leatherette sets. The 1982 Specimen finish is characterized by semi-matte or "lined" fields with brilliant relief, giving a distinctive satin appearance that differs from both the cartwheel luster of a business strike and the liquid mirror of a PL or Proof. The source document provides pricing only for SP-67; lower SP grades exist but were not priced in the available data.
| Grade | Approximate Market Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SP-67 | $60.00–$70.00 | Scarce; from prestige Double Dollar sets; lowest mintage finish of the year |
1982 Canadian Dime — Proof (PR)
Proof dimes (mintage: 180,908) were struck on highly polished, defect-free blanks using chemically treated dies that impart heavy frosting to the devices. They were hermetically sealed in hard plastic cases as part of the 1982 Proof Set (the "Regina Centennial" Double Dollar set). Because the protective packaging preserved surfaces so effectively, high-grade PR-69 examples are relatively common. Perfection at PR-70 DCAM is where meaningful rarity and premium emerge. Note that the silver content of the set belongs exclusively to the commemorative dollar coin — the dime is 99.9% nickel regardless of its finish.
| Grade | Approximate Market Value (CAD) | Rarity / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $30.00–$50.00 | Common in high grade due to protective case storage |
| PR-70 DCAM | $150.00–$250.00 | Rare; perfection required across deep mirror fields and full frost |
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 1982 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1982 Canadian dime carries no famous die variety analogous to the 1969 Large Date. In the absence of a headline variety, value is generated by two mechanisms: extreme condition preservation and the visual distinction of cameo contrast on collector finishes. Advanced specialists also recognize several die-state variants that add depth to a collection.
A. Trophy-Level: Business Strike MS-67
The single most valuable non-error 1982 Canadian dime is unequivocally the Business Strike graded MS-67, commanding $450.00–$700.00+ CAD. Despite a production run of 93,960,898 coins, the violent handling in mint bags — where two nickel coins colliding leave jagged furrows rather than soft dents — destroyed the surfaces of virtually the entire mintage. A Heritage Auctions sale (Lot 7749, Sale 1128) of a PCGS MS-67 example reported PCGS populations of 77/4 and an NGC census of 31/0 at time of sale, with a hammer price over $460 USD (approximately $600+ CAD) — and that sale predates the modern registry-set boom. In the current market, an MS-67 with superior eye appeal is capable of challenging those historic figures. Note: PCGS labels these coins "No P" simply to confirm the standard absence of a mint mark — this is not a variety designation.
B. The Heavy Cameo Opportunity: PL-66 HCAM
For collectors who prefer an accessible path to value, the Proof-Like Heavy Cameo offers the best cherry-picking opportunity. A standard PL-65 from a 1982 Uncirculated Set is worth $3.00–$5.00. However, a PL-66 with confirmed Heavy Cameo contrast — where the Bluenose ship and the Queen's portrait appear as brilliant white frost against deep mirror fields — is documented at $50.00–$80.00. The dies responsible for HCAM contrast lose their frost after striking only a few dozen coins, making these pieces a small fraction of the 203,287-coin PL mintage. Many 1982 Uncirculated Sets are sold unexamined; a sharp-eyed buyer can identify an HCAM coin and realize this premium upon professional certification.
Standard Proof-Like (left) versus Heavy Cameo Proof-Like (right) for the 1982 Canadian dime. The HCAM coin's frosted devices against deep mirror fields command $50–$80 versus $3–$5 for a standard PL-65. (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
C. Die-State Variants (Specialist Territory)
The "Ghost" Die Clash: When the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, each transfers an impression of the other's design. On a 1982 dime affected by this phenomenon, a faint outline of the Queen's portrait is visible within the sails of the Bluenose on the reverse. This is not an error in the manufacturing-defect sense but rather evidence of the minting process itself. Die-clash examples command a documented premium of 20–50% above the standard grade price.
A 'Ghost' die clash on the 1982 Canadian dime: the faint silhouette of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait is visible within the Bluenose mainsail. Documented premium: 20–50% above the standard grade value for that finish. (Illustration)
The "Missing H" Variety: Emanuel Hahn's initial "H" appears near the waterline on the reverse. On examples struck from heavily polished dies — polished to remove clash marks or extend die life — this initial can be faint or absent entirely. While technically a die state rather than a catalogued variety, "Missing H" dimes are recognized and collected by enthusiasts.
The "Floating Queen" Variant: Aggressive obverse die polishing can remove the line of the Queen's gown at the shoulder, making the portrait appear to float against the field. Like the Missing H, this is a die-state phenomenon rather than a variety with a specific Charlton listing, but it adds genuine depth to specialist collections.
The "Constitution" Brilliant Specimen: Some Specimen dimes from the 1982 prestige sets exhibit fully brilliant fields — more akin to a Proof-Like — rather than the standard lined/matte Specimen surface. Collectors refer to these as "Brilliant Specimen" or "Constitution Specimen" sub-types. This is a recognized niche category; no separate market-price data was available in the source document.
1982 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value tables.
1982 Canadian dime: obverse with Queen Elizabeth II (Arnold Machin, Second Portrait, 1965–1989) and reverse with the Bluenose schooner (Emanuel Hahn, Redesigned Smaller Bluenose). Key grading points are the tiara jewel separation on the obverse and the mainsail line definition on the reverse.
Monarch Check: The obverse should show Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" tiara and a draped gown. This is Arnold Machin's Second Portrait, used on Canadian coins from 1965 through 1989. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA.
Reverse Check: The reverse shows the Bluenose racing schooner under full sail, designed by Emanuel Hahn. This is the "Redesigned Smaller Bluenose" introduced in the late 1960s for the nickel-format dime. The legend reads CANADA 10 CENTS. The date "1982" appears to the right of the schooner.
Edge Check: The edge is reeded (milled). A plain or otherwise smooth edge would indicate a different coin or a major anomaly.
Magnet Test (Critical Composition Verification): Apply a magnet to the coin. A standard 1982 Canadian dime is 99.9% pure nickel and will be strongly attracted to the magnet. This distinguishes it from silver coins (non-magnetic), foreign blanks, or plated-steel issues from later years. A coin that does not respond to a magnet is outside the scope of standard variety collecting and should be examined by a specialist.
The magnet test for the 1982 Canadian dime. A strong magnet attracts the coin firmly, confirming the 99.9% nickel composition. A non-magnetic response would indicate a non-standard composition requiring expert evaluation.
Mint Mark Check: No documented mint marks exist on 1982 Canadian dimes in any finish. The "No P" notation sometimes seen on PCGS holders for this date simply confirms the standard absence of a "P" or any other mint mark — it is not a variety designation. If you see no mint mark, your coin is perfectly normal.
Finish Identification (The Critical Step):
- Business Strike: The fields show a rotating "cartwheel" spoke of light when tilted. Surfaces are bright but will have contact marks.
- Proof-Like (PL): The fields are mirror-flat and highly reflective — you can see your reflection. Devices (portrait and ship) are brilliant but not necessarily frosted. These came from pliofilm cellophane Uncirculated Sets.
- Specimen (SP): The fields have a lined, satin, or matte texture rather than a liquid mirror. The rims are sharply squared. These came from leatherette-bound prestige Double Dollar Sets.
- Proof (PR): Deep mirror fields that appear almost black when tilted, contrasted by heavily frosted white devices. These were hermetically sealed in hard plastic Proof Set cases.
The Bluenose reverse under magnification — the primary grading checkpoint. Crisp, unbroken rigging lines indicate a full strike. The small 'H' initial (Emanuel Hahn) near the waterline is visible on well-struck examples; on heavily polished dies it can be faint or absent ('Missing H' die-state variant).
Grading Key Points: Focus first on the Queen's cheek (any scratch here is fatal to grades above MS-64) and the Bluenose mainsail lines (broken or missing rigging indicates a weak strike unlikely to grade above MS-64). On the obverse, look for distinct separation between the individual jewels of the tiara — a sign of an early die state and a strong strike.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1982 dime strips its original cartwheel luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details — Cleaned" by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC and loses all numismatic premium, regardless of how sharp the underlying detail appears. The coin that could have been worth $134 at MS-66 becomes worth face value after cleaning.
1982 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1982 Canadian dime worth?
In circulated condition, a 1982 Canadian dime is worth face value — 10 cents. In uncirculated grades, values range from $0.50–$8.00 at MS-60 to MS-64, up to $450.00–$700.00+ at the ultra-rare MS-67. Collector-finish examples range from $3–$5 for a standard PL-65 to $150–$250 for a flawless PR-70 DCAM. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 1982 Canadian dime silver?
No. All standard 1982 Canadian dimes are struck in 99.9% pure nickel and are strongly magnetic. The silver dollar in the 1982 "Regina Centennial" Proof Double Dollar Set is 50% silver, but the dime in that same set is nickel. There is no standard silver 1982 Canadian dime. A 1982 dime that tests non-magnetic should be examined by a specialist — it would represent a non-standard composition outside the scope of standard variety collecting.
Is the 1982 Canadian dime magnetic?
Yes, strongly so. The 99.9% nickel composition makes the 1982 dime firmly attracted to a magnet — one of the most useful authentication diagnostics for this date. This property distinguishes the coin from earlier silver dimes (1967 and before), from later plated-steel dimes (post-2000), and from any foreign or wrong-planchet anomalies. Always test with a magnet before drawing conclusions about composition.
What makes a 1982 Canadian dime valuable?
The three primary value drivers are: (1) Grade — the condition cliff between MS-65 ($28–$35) and MS-66 ($134–$160) is dramatic, driven by pure nickel's unforgiving surface; (2) Finish — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof are valued on entirely separate scales, with the top Business Strike MS-67 commanding the highest overall price; and (3) Cameo Contrast — a Proof-Like coin with Heavy Cameo frost commands ten to twenty times the value of a standard PL at the same numeric grade.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL) and Proof (PR) for the 1982 dime?
Proof-Like coins have mirror fields and brilliant devices but lack the heavy device frosting of a true Proof. They were struck at moderate speed using polished dies and packaged in pliofilm Uncirculated Sets. Proof coins are struck on individually polished, defect-free blanks using chemically treated dies that produce deeply frosted (white) devices against near-black mirror fields. Because Proof coins were hermetically sealed in hard plastic cases, high PR-69 grades are relatively common — whereas a pristine PL-67 requires genuinely exceptional die and planchet conditions.
What is a Heavy Cameo and why does it matter for the 1982 dime?
A Heavy Cameo (HCAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation means the devices — the Queen's portrait and the Bluenose ship — carry heavy, unbroken frosting that contrasts dramatically against the mirror fields, creating a striking "black and white" visual effect. Die frost is lost after the dies strike only a small number of coins, making HCAM examples a tiny fraction of any PL or SP mintage. A 1982 PL-66 HCAM is documented at $50–$80 CAD, compared to $3–$5 for a standard PL-65 — making cameo identification the most accessible route to finding overlooked value in 1982 Uncirculated Sets.
Should I get my 1982 Canadian dime graded?
Grading submission makes financial sense only once the coin's likely grade justifies the cost. For a business strike, professional certification (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) becomes economical at MS-66 and above, where market value reaches $134+ CAD. For a PL coin, grading is worth considering if it shows genuine Heavy Cameo contrast. For circulated or lower-uncirculated examples, grading fees will exceed the coin's market value. The key rule: buy certified coins in grades MS-66 and higher — the difference between a raw "looks like MS-66" and a certified MS-66 is entirely in the seller's subjective assessment versus objective market pricing.
What is a die clash, and how do I find one on a 1982 dime?
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The result is that each die transfers a faint incused impression of the opposing design. On a 1982 dime with a die clash, you may see a ghostly outline of the Queen's portrait silhouette within the sails of the Bluenose on the reverse. Examine the mainsail and foresail area under 10x magnification tilting the coin under a single raking light source. Confirmed die-clash examples command a documented premium of 20–50% above the standard grade price for that finish.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are synthesized from the following primary sources and represent approximate CAD market prices as of February 2026. Individual coins may realize more or less depending on eye appeal, certification service, and auction venue competition.
- Coins and Canada — 1982 10 Cents Price Guide (primary value data)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 77.2
- Heritage Auctions — Sale 1128, Lot 7749 (PCGS MS-67 auction record and population data)
- Numista — Canada 10 Cents, Elizabeth II (2nd portrait modified) (specifications and mintage)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents history
- Wikipedia — Dime (Canadian coin) (composition history and background)
Values are market estimates, not guarantees. Prices for top-grade and cameo-designated coins are auction-driven and subject to change. This guide covers standard non-error issues only. Grading is subjective; always consult a certified third-party grader (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) for investment-grade acquisitions.
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.