2002 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide: Golden Jubilee Edition
Find out what your 2002 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide covering the common 2002-P plated steel dime, the scarce Sterling Silver Proof, Specimen, and Proof-Like finishes — with current CAD values by grade and finish.
Most 2002 Canadian dimes found in change are worth face value ($0.10). However, the same year produced a scarce Sterling Silver Proof — worth $10–$20 in typical certified grades and up to $100–$200+ in a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo.
- Circulated (G4–AU50): Face value to ~$0.25
- Uncirculated MS66 (Plated Steel):$10–$20
- Condition Rarity MS67:$30–$50
- Condition Rarity MS68:$100+
- Proof-Like (PL) — typical:$1–$3
- Specimen (SP) — typical:$2–$5
- Specimen (SP69–SP70 top grades):$40–$80
- Sterling Silver Proof (PR) — typical:$10–$20
- Sterling Silver Proof PR69 Deep Cameo:$30–$50
- Sterling Silver Proof PR70 Deep Cameo:$100–$200+
Three quick checks: (1) Found in change? Worth face value in worn grades. (2) Shiny or from a set? Almost certainly a Proof-Like or Specimen — still modest value unless top-graded. (3) Is it silver? Look below the Queen's bust: if there is no "P" mark and the coin does not stick to a magnet, you likely have the Sterling Silver Proof, worth at least $10–$20. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2002 Canadian 10-cent coin was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II — the 50th anniversary of her accession. Every circulation dime that year carries the double date "1952–2002" on the obverse, which also meant removing the standard date from the reverse, creating what many collectors call the "dateless Bluenose." Simultaneously, the Royal Canadian Mint completed its industry-wide shift to Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) composition, marked by the "P" below the Queen's bust. For a complete look at all years in this denomination, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as wrong-planchet strikes exist for the 2002 dime but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2002 Canadian Dime Composition & Metal Specifications
The 2002 dime was struck in two distinct compositions depending on finish — a fact that is central to both identification and valuation.
Plated Steel Issues (Circulation, Proof-Like, and Specimen)
The Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) process developed by the Royal Canadian Mint coats a low-carbon steel core with successive layers of nickel, copper, and an outer nickel layer — giving dimes their silver-coloured appearance. This technology replaced the pure nickel composition used from 1968 to 1999, driven by rising raw-nickel costs. The letter "P" below the Queen's bust is a composition mark: it stands for "Plated" and indicates the coin's alloy. It is not a mint-city identifier. The "W" (Winnipeg) mint mark — which appeared on certain collector sets in years such as 1998 and 2000 — was not used on 2002 dimes. Any reference to a "2002-W Canadian dime" almost certainly refers to a U.S. West Point Mint issue, not a Canadian variety.
Because the core is predominantly steel, all three plated-steel finishes (Circulation, Proof-Like, and Specimen) are strongly attracted to a magnet. This is the fastest and most reliable diagnostic test available to collectors.
Sterling Silver Proof
The Sterling Silver Proof weighs 2.40 g — notably heavier than the 1.75 g plated-steel coins. This weight difference, combined with the absence of the "P" mark and a non-magnetic response, forms a reliable three-point identification test. Because the source document does not provide a current spot-price formula, melt value should be calculated separately using current silver spot prices applied to the coin's .925-fine, 2.40 g silver content.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned 2002 dime — including the Sterling Silver Proof — receives a "Details" (damaged) designation from certification services, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the coin's underlying detail quality.
2002 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 2002 dime was produced in four distinct finish categories. Each carries its own value scale. The plated-steel Business Strike — the coin found in pocket change — is essentially worth face value unless in the highest certified grades. The Sterling Silver Proof carries intrinsic bullion value plus a numismatic premium from the moment it leaves its presentation case.
Grade comparison (Illustration — not photos of specific coins): a circulated 2002 dime trades at face value; an MS66 example commands $10–$20; an MS67/MS68 coin is a genuine condition rarity reaching $30–$100+.
2002 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation, 2002-P)
Mintage: 252,563,000 (Winnipeg facility). See Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities (Saskatoon Coin Club) and the NGC KM 447 Price Guide for certified market data.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G4–AU50 (Circulated) | Face value (~$0.10–$0.25) | No numismatic premium in worn grades. Extremely common. |
| MS63 | — | Specific price not provided in source; modest premium range. |
| MS65 | — | Premiums begin at MS65+; specific MS65 price not quoted in source. |
| MS66 | $10–$20 | Accessible condition rarity. Bag marks sharply reduce availability at this level. |
| MS67 | $30–$50 | Rare. High-speed Winnipeg production makes pristine survivors statistically improbable. |
| MS68 | $100+ | "Condition whale" — few known. Specialized auction needed for best realization. |
The 252-million circulation mintage ensures this coin is always abundant in lower grades. The value cliff is steep: only MS66 and above earn meaningful numismatic premiums, and the primary enemies of high-grade survival are bag marks from mechanical ejection at Winnipeg and milk spot development (see FAQ).
ℹ️ Grading Economics — Know the Value Cliff
Professional grading typically costs $20–$50+ USD per coin. For the 2002-P circulation dime, this cost is only justified if you have strong reason to believe the coin grades MS66 or higher. Examine the high points — the Queen's hair and the Bluenose sails — under 5× magnification for bag marks before submitting.
2002 Canadian Dime — Proof-Like (PL, 2002-P)
Mintage: approximately 150,000. Source: Numista — 2002 Canadian 10 Cents (Golden Jubilee, plated steel).
| Finish | Composition | Typical Value (Raw / Low-Grade Certified) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | Nickel-plated steel | Magnetic | "P" mark present | $1–$3 | From pliofilm (cellophane) Uncirculated sets. Brilliant fields; sharper than circulation. PVC risk from original packaging. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins sealed in original pliofilm packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades. If you see a greenish film on the coin's surface, it requires professional conservation with pure acetone — do not use nail polish remover. PVC-damaged coins revert to face value regardless of underlying detail.
2002 Canadian Dime — Specimen Strike (SP, 2002-P)
Mintage: approximately 67,672. Source: Numista.
| Finish | Composition | Typical Value | SP69–SP70 (Top Grades) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) | Nickel-plated steel | Magnetic | "P" mark present | $2–$5 | $40–$80 | Lined/matte background field; brilliant devices. Struck at Ottawa with greater care. Milk spot risk is elevated on plated specimens. |
The Specimen finish is prone to "hazing" and milk spots (white residue from the plating process that develops post-minting). A spot-free SP69 or SP70 is highly desirable. Always examine Specimen coins under good lighting — ideally with a loupe — before purchasing at a grade-level premium.
The 2002 Sterling Silver Proof dime — identifiable by the absence of the "P" mark, non-magnetic response, heavier weight (2.40 g), and deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields. PR70 examples can reach $100–$200+. (Illustration — not a photo of a specific coin)
2002 Canadian Dime — Sterling Silver Proof (PR, "No P" Issue)
Mintage: 32,642–65,315 (range reflects uncertainty between coins sold in full proof sets versus potential individual or special-edition issues). Sources: Numista — 2002 Canadian 10 Cents (Golden Jubilee, sterling silver) and NGC KM 183a Price Guide.
| Finish | Composition | Typical (PR63–PR67) | PR69 Deep Cameo | PR70 Deep Cameo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Silver Proof | .925 Sterling Silver | Non-magnetic | No "P" mark | $10–$20 | $30–$50 | $100–$200+ | Collector-only. Deep cameo: frosted devices against mirror fields. From leatherette proof sets. Carries intrinsic silver bullion value as a floor. |
The Sterling Silver Proof is the most prestigious standard 2002 dime issue. Silver is a soft metal, making PR70 (no flaws under 5× magnification) genuinely difficult to achieve — a single contact point drops the coin to PR69. Even PR69 carries meaningful premium. The coin's silver content provides a bullion floor price independent of numismatic demand.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2002 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 2002 dime has no documented die varieties (such as doubled dies or bead varieties) in the conventional numismatic sense. Rarity for this issue is driven entirely by finish, composition, and condition. The following represents the documented hierarchy of desirable non-error variants.
Trophy-Level: Sterling Silver Proof in PR70 Deep Cameo
The Sterling Silver Proof — identifiable by the absence of the "P" mark and a non-magnetic response — is the premier collector issue of the year. In PR70 Deep Cameo, with bold frosted-white devices against pitch-black mirror fields and no flaws under 5× magnification, examples can command $100–$200+. The relatively limited mintage of 32,642–65,315 stands in stark contrast to the quarter-billion circulation coins, creating a genuine scarcity differential. Silver's softness makes PR70 survivors genuinely rare: a single handling mark at 5× drops the coin to PR69, which itself trades at $30–$50. Realized prices vary by grading service — PCGS, NGC, or ICCS slabs are each accepted in the market, though liquidity differs.
Condition Rarities: MS67 and MS68 Circulation Strikes
With a mintage of 252,563,000, the common 2002-P dime would seem to offer endless supply at any grade. The challenge is survival: coins struck at the Winnipeg facility are ejected mechanically into collection bins, accumulating contact marks immediately after striking. A coin that emerges from this process with pristine surfaces — MS67 or higher — is a genuine condition rarity sought by Registry Set collectors.
- MS67: Rare. Typically fetches $30–$50.
- MS68: A "condition whale" — few are known to exist at this grade. Potential to exceed $100 at a specialized auction, reflecting both the coin's near-perfect surfaces and the competitive Registry Set market.
Specimen Gems: SP69 and SP70
Specimen coins struck at the Ottawa facility, with an approximate mintage of 67,672, represent the middle tier of the value hierarchy. While accessible at typical SP63–SP67 grades ($2–$5), examples graded SP69 or SP70 — free of milk spots and hazing — are the pinnacle of the plated-steel 2002 collector series and command $40–$80.
ℹ️ The "Missing P" — Intentional Design, Not an Error
The Sterling Silver Proof has no "P" mark because it is solid .925 silver — the mark is a composition indicator for plated steel, and it simply does not apply. Some sellers market this as a "No P" error or undiscovered variety. It is neither. What it IS, however, is the most valuable standard 2002 dime you can own.
2002 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use the following 30-second checklist to determine exactly which 2002 dime you have. The magnet test in Step 5 is the single most important diagnostic available without specialized equipment.
Step 1: Monarch Check
The obverse should show Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diadem (a diamond crown typically worn at the State Opening of Parliament), a necklace, and earrings. This is the Third Portrait, designed by Dora de Pédery-Hunt — in use from 1990 to 2003 and the first Canadian-designed royal effigy. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D GRATIA REGINA. If you see a different portrait style, you have a different year's dime.
Obverse of the 2002 Canadian dime: Queen Elizabeth II's Third Portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The double date "1952–2002" appears in the left field (Golden Jubilee commemoration), and the "P" composition mark sits directly below the bust truncation — indicating Multi-Ply Plated Steel, not a mint-city identifier.
Step 2: Date Check — Obverse Double Date
Confirm "1952–2002" in the left field of the obverse, flanking the Queen's portrait. This dual date marks the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession (February 6, 1952). If you see only a single four-digit year, you have a different year's dime.
Step 3: Reverse Check — The Dateless Bluenose
The reverse shows the iconic Bluenose schooner, designed by Emanuel Hahn (in use since 1937). In all other years, the coin's date appears to the right of the ship. On the 2002 dime, this space is intentionally empty. The legends read simply "CANADA" and "10 CENTS" — no date on the reverse. This dateless reverse is completely normal and is not an error; it is, in fact, the fastest way to confirm you have a 2002 dime from the tails side.
The reverse of the 2002 Canadian dime: Emanuel Hahn's Bluenose schooner under full sail. The date position to the right of the ship is intentionally blank — not an error. This "dateless" reverse is the primary identifier when viewing the tails side.
Step 4: "P" Mark Check — Composition Identifier
Directly below the truncation of the Queen's bust, look for the letter "P."
- "P" present: The coin is Multi-Ply Plated Steel (magnetic, 1.75 g). Could be a Circulation strike, Proof-Like, or Specimen. Proceed to Step 5.
- No "P": Proceed immediately to the magnet test — you may have the Sterling Silver Proof, the most valuable standard 2002 dime.
There is no "W" (Winnipeg) mint mark on the 2002 dime for any finish. Any coin described as a "2002-W Canadian dime" almost certainly refers to a U.S. West Point Mint issue, not a Canadian variety.
Step 5: Magnet Test — The Critical Diagnostic
Apply a strong magnet to the coin:
- Sticks firmly: Plated steel — Circulation, Proof-Like, or Specimen. Proceed to Step 6 to identify finish.
- No attraction: If the coin also has no "P" mark, you almost certainly have the Sterling Silver Proof (worth $10–$200+ depending on grade). Confirm by weighing: sterling silver proof = 2.40 g; plated steel = 1.75 g.
The definitive identification test: the 2002-P plated steel dime (left) is firmly attracted to a strong magnet. The Sterling Silver Proof (right) shows zero magnetic response. A non-magnetic 2002 dime warrants immediate closer examination. (Illustration — not a photo of specific coins)
Step 6: Finish Identification
If your coin is magnetic (plated steel), tilt it under a direct light source to identify the finish:
- Business Strike (Circulation): Standard cartwheel luster that sweeps across fields and devices as you tilt the coin. May show minor contact marks from handling and bag storage.
- Proof-Like (PL): Fields are noticeably more mirror-like than a circulation coin; devices are sharper. From pliofilm (cellophane) Uncirculated sets.
- Specimen (SP): The definitive tell — look for fine striations (parallel lines) running across the background fields. Devices appear brilliant by contrast. From leatherette presentation cases, struck at Ottawa.
- Sterling Silver Proof (PR): Deep mirror fields (appear near-black when tilted to the right angle) with heavily frosted, white-appearing raised devices. No "P" mark. Non-magnetic.
Finish comparison (Illustration — not photos of specific coins): Business Strike (left) shows rolling cartwheel luster; Specimen (centre) displays the characteristic lined/matte field with brilliantly struck devices; Sterling Silver Proof (right) shows the dramatic deep cameo contrast of frosted white devices against mirror-black fields.
Step 7: Milk Spot Check
On all collector-finish coins (Proof-Like, Specimen, and Silver Proof), examine the fields under strong lighting for white, cloudy patches known as milk spots. These develop from detergent or lubricant residue left on planchets before striking and can appear months or years after minting. A spotted coin receives a lower grade — or a "Details" designation — from certification services, significantly reducing its market value.
ℹ️ ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC
For Canadian coins, ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic standard and widely respected by Canadian dealers and collectors. PCGS and NGC are U.S.-based market leaders whose slabs offer strong liquidity in international auction markets and Registry Set competition. An ICCS MS65 may sometimes cross to a PCGS MS66 due to differing eye-appeal standards. Always confirm which service graded a coin when comparing prices.
2002 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 2002 Canadian dime worth?
Most 2002 Canadian dimes found in circulation are worth face value — $0.10. These are the 2002-P plated steel coins with a mintage of 252,563,000. Numismatic premiums apply only at grades of MS65 and higher, with MS66 reaching $10–$20 and MS67 reaching $30–$50. The most valuable standard issue is the Sterling Silver Proof, which trades at $10–$20 in typical certified grades and up to $100–$200+ in a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is the 2002 Canadian dime rare?
The circulation 2002-P dime is not rare — 252,563,000 were struck. Two categories of 2002 dime are genuinely scarce: (1) the Sterling Silver Proof, with an estimated mintage of 32,642–65,315, and (2) high-grade circulation strikes in MS67 or MS68, which are rare survivors of the high-speed Winnipeg minting process. Even with a quarter-billion base mintage, condition rarities at MS67+ carry real collector premiums driven by Registry Set competition.
What does the "P" mark on my 2002 dime mean?
The "P" below the Queen's bust stands for "Plated" — it is a composition mark confirming the coin is struck on a Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) core rather than solid nickel. It is not a mint-city indicator. All 2002 circulation, Proof-Like, and Specimen dimes carry the "P" mark. The Sterling Silver Proof does not, because solid .925 silver requires no composition disclosure of this kind.
Is my 2002 Canadian dime silver?
Most 2002 dimes are not silver — they are nickel-plated steel. A small number of Sterling Silver Proof coins were produced for collectors. To test yours: (1) look for the "P" mark below the bust — if present, not silver; (2) apply a magnet — if the coin sticks, it is plated steel; (3) weigh the coin — plated steel is 1.75 g; the silver proof is 2.40 g. A non-magnetic 2002 dime with no "P" and a weight of approximately 2.40 g is the Sterling Silver Proof and worth at minimum $10–$20.
What does "1952–2002" mean on my dime?
The double date "1952–2002" commemorates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II — the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952. The Royal Canadian Mint applied this dual date to all 2002 circulation dimes so that every transaction that year served as a reminder of the anniversary. The date replaced the standard single year on the obverse, which is why the reverse carries no date.
Why doesn't my 2002 dime have a date on the back?
Because the commemorative double date "1952–2002" is placed on the obverse (Queen's side), the standard date position on the reverse — to the right of the Bluenose schooner — was left blank. This is intentional for all 2002 dimes and is not a minting error. The dateless reverse is, in fact, one of the fastest ways to identify a 2002 dime when examining the tails side.
What are milk spots, and how do they affect my coin's value?
Milk spots are white, cloudy blemishes caused by detergent or lubricant residue left on coin blanks before striking. They are invisible at the time of minting but can develop on the coin's surface months or years later. They affect both plated steel and sterling silver collector coins. Even a single visible milk spot causes grading services to lower the assigned grade — or issue a "Details" designation — significantly reducing market value. When purchasing high-grade 2002 Specimen or Silver Proof examples, always insist on a spot-free coin or a certified slab where the grade was awarded to a clean, unaffected surface.
Is a 2002-P dime a rare "test token"?
No. In 1999 and 2000, the "P" plated coins were issued in small experimental batches to the vending industry as test tokens — those issues are genuinely rare and valuable. By 2002, however, Multi-Ply Plated Steel was the standard production method for all Canadian dimes, quarters, and nickels. A 2002-P dime is the ordinary circulation coin with a mintage of 252,563,000. Sellers labeling it a rare test token are conflating the genuine rarity of the 1999/2000 experimental pieces with the complete commonality of the 2002 standard issue.
Should I get my 2002 Canadian dime professionally graded?
For most 2002 dimes, grading costs will exceed the coin's value. Professional certification typically costs $20–$50+ USD per coin, which is only economically justified if you have strong reason to believe the coin grades MS66 or above (for circulation strikes) or SP69/PR69+ (for collector issues). Before submitting, examine the coin under 5× magnification for contact marks on the high points — the Queen's hair and the Bluenose sails — as well as milk spots, cleaning, or PVC residue. Seek an opinion from a reputable Canadian coin dealer first. ICCS is the recommended service for Canadian collector audiences; PCGS or NGC for international registry-set competition and maximum liquidity.
What is the difference between a Proof-Like and a Specimen finish?
Both are collector finishes produced in limited quantities, but they are visually and technically distinct. A Proof-Like (PL) coin has brilliant, slightly mirror-like fields and sharply struck devices — noticeably shinier than a circulation coin but without the depth of a true proof. A Specimen (SP) coin has a distinctive lined or matte background field — fine striations run across the field surface — combined with brilliantly struck devices. The Specimen finish is produced at the Ottawa facility with greater care than the Winnipeg-produced circulation coins. For 2002, the Specimen (mintage ~67,672) carries a higher typical value than the PL (mintage ~150,000): $2–$5 vs. $1–$3 at typical grades, with top-grade Specimens reaching $40–$80.
Milk spots — white cloudy blemishes from planchet residue — can develop on modern Canadian plated steel and silver coins months or years after minting. A single spot can cost a coin one or more certified grade points, substantially reducing its market value. (Illustration — not a photo of a specific coin)
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical CAD market prices as of February 2026, compiled from the following sources:
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 447 (1952–2002 Golden Jubilee, plated steel)
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 10 Cents KM 183a (Sterling Silver Proof, 1996–2003)
- Numista — 2002 Canadian 10 Cents (Golden Jubilee, plated steel)
- Numista — 2002 Canadian 10 Cents (Golden Jubilee, sterling silver)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10-Cent Dime Market Reference
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities
- Wikipedia — Dime (Canadian coin)
All prices represent collector and dealer market values as of the date noted and are not guaranteed buy or sell prices. Values may vary by region, grading service, and prevailing market conditions. This guide covers standard (non-error) issues only. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins was used as a reference for series context.
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.