2004 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 2004 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, Silver Proof, and the Golf Championship commemorative — with current CAD values as of February 2026.
Most 2004 Canadian dimes found in change are worth $0.10 (face value). The 2004 dime exists in four distinct types — plated steel circulation and collector issues, a low-mintage Golf Championship commemorative, and a Sterling Silver Proof — each commanding a different premium.
- Circulated Business Strike (Bluenose):$0.10 (face value)
- Gem Uncirculated MS65 (Business Strike):$17.40
- Superb Gem MS67 (Business Strike):$84.30–$125
- Proof-Like PL65:$8.00
- Specimen SP67:$14.70
- Golf Championship Commemorative (BU):$6.00–$12.00
- Sterling Silver Proof (PR67–PR69):$10.00–$15.00
Circulated coin? Face value only — the plated steel composition has negligible intrinsic metal worth. Shiny coin from a set? It is most likely a Proof-Like (PL); check for a matte/lined background to confirm a Specimen (SP). Is it silver? The magnet test is definitive: if the coin does not stick, you have the Sterling Silver Proof worth approximately $7.90 CAD in silver content alone (February 2026 spot). All values in CAD. See full value chart →
The 2004 Canadian dime belongs to the era of Susanna Blunt's fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II — the first uncrowned effigy since George VI — paired with the Royal Canadian Mint's fully established Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology. All plated steel issues carry a "P" composition mark below the Queen's bust, mandatory from 1999 to 2006. Alongside 211 million standard Bluenose circulation coins, the RCM struck a commemorative Golf Championship dime for the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Open (1904–2004) and a Sterling Silver Proof in the annual prestige set. For values across all years of the denomination, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Mint errors such as off-center strikes and wrong-planchet coins are known for this era but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2004 Canadian dime — obverse (left) with Susanna Blunt's fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and 'P' composition mark highlighted below the bust, reverse (right) featuring the Bluenose schooner designed by Emanuel Hahn.
2004 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The 2004 dime was produced in two entirely different materials depending on its intended use. Identifying which type you hold is the essential first step in determining value.
Multi-Ply Plated Steel (Circulation, Proof-Like, Specimen, Golf Commemorative)
The Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology replaced pure nickel in the dime denomination around 2000–2001, reducing production costs and improving electromagnetic signature compatibility for vending mechanisms. These coins will adhere strongly to a magnet — the single most important diagnostic test when evaluating any 2004 dime. The letter "P" stamped directly below the Queen's effigy on the obverse confirms the plated steel composition; this mark was mandatory on all plated coinage from 1999 to 2006 to alert the vending industry to the new electromagnetic signature.
Melt value (plated steel): Negligible. The aggregate intrinsic value of the steel, copper, and nickel in a 1.75 g coin is a fraction of one cent. There is no precious metal melt value in the circulation, Proof-Like, or Specimen issues.
Sterling Silver (Proof Sets Only)
The coins packaged in the 2004 Silver Proof Set were struck in solid Sterling Silver. These are non-magnetic — silver is diamagnetic and will not adhere to a magnet. They weigh approximately 37% more than the plated steel version (2.40 g vs 1.75 g), a measurable difference on a precision scale. Critically, the Silver Proof does not carry the "P" composition mark, since it contains no steel. This absence of the "P" mark is normal and correct for the Silver Proof.
Melt value calculation (Sterling Silver, February 2026): Based on a silver spot price of approximately $3.56 CAD per gram (derived from ~$81.33 USD/oz at the February 2026 exchange rate, per Canada Gold silver spot data):
2.40 g × 0.925 (silver purity) × $3.56 CAD/g ≈ $7.90 CAD
This strong silver floor means even a damaged or impaired 2004 Silver Proof retains meaningful intrinsic worth. Dealers will rarely sell this coin below $10.00 CAD, leaving only modest room for numismatic markup on lower-end examples. For ongoing melt value calculations, see NGC World Silver Coin Melt Values.
Side-by-side comparison of the 2004 plated steel dime (left, 1.75 g, strongly magnetic, with 'P' mark) and the 2004 Sterling Silver Proof dime (right, 2.40 g, non-magnetic, no 'P' mark). The weight difference of approximately 37% is measurable on a precision scale and is an additional confirmation tool beyond the magnet test. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2004 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 2004 dime market is sharply bifurcated: the 211 million plated steel circulation coins are face-value items in any grade below MS65, yet condition rarities at Gem and Superb grades command exponential premiums. Values below are typical retail prices in CAD as of February 2026, sourced primarily from Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 2003–2023 and the NGC Canada 10 Cents (KM-492) Price Guide.
2004 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
Composition: Multi-Ply Plated Steel | "P" mark present | Mintage: 211,924,000
| Design | Circulated (VF–AU) | MS60–62 | MS63–64 | MS65 (Gem) | MS66 (Superb) | MS67 (Superb+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-P Bluenose | $0.10 | $0.50–$0.60 | $0.80–$7.80 | $17.40 | $31.90 | $84.30 |
⚠️ The Face-Value Cliff
A circulated 2004 dime is worth exactly $0.10, yet a Gem Uncirculated MS65 jumps to $17.40. This dramatic "face-value cliff" exists because Multi-Ply Plated Steel surfaces develop plating blisters and spider-web stress lines during the high-speed minting and binning process, making flawless survivors genuine condition rarities despite the enormous 211-million-coin mintage.
Grade comparison for the 2004 Canadian dime Business Strike: circulated (left, visible wear and contact marks), MS63 Choice Uncirculated (centre, fresh luster with minor marks), and MS65 Gem Uncirculated (right, near-flawless surfaces). The steep value jump between MS64 and MS65 reflects the inherent difficulty of preserving plated steel surfaces. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2004 Canadian Dime — Collector Finishes (Proof-Like & Specimen)
Composition: Multi-Ply Plated Steel | "P" mark present
| Finish | Low (60–62) | Choice (63–64) | Gem (65) | Superb (66) | Superb (67) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | $1.00–$2.00 | $3.00–$5.00 | $8.00 | $15.00+ | — | From Uncirculated Sets; brilliant fields and relief |
| Specimen (SP) | N/A | N/A | $5.00 | — | $14.70 | From Specimen Sets (~60,000 sets); matte/lined background with frosted devices |
ℹ️ Why Does MS67 Outprice SP67 So Dramatically?
Specimen coins (SP) were sold in protective rigid cases or presentation books, ensuring a high survival rate at top grades — an SP67 is relatively common and accessible. By contrast, an MS67 Business Strike from circulation is a genuine condition rarity in plated steel, which is why MS67 at $84.30 far outpaces SP67 at $14.70.
Finish comparison for the 2004 Canadian dime: Business Strike (left, cartwheel luster from high-speed production), Proof-Like (centre, brilliant mirror-like fields from Uncirculated Sets), and Specimen (right, distinctive matte/lined background with frosted devices from Specimen Sets). The lined field is the clearest visual identifier for a Specimen. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2004 Canadian Dime — Golf Championship Commemorative (NCLT)
Composition: Multi-Ply Plated Steel | "P" mark present | Mintage: 39,486 | Charlton Ref: RC-1900
| Design | Finish | Grade | Typical Value | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Championship (1904–2004) | NCLT / Brilliant Uncirculated | Uncirculated (sealed) | $6.00–$12.00 | 39,486 | Came in folder/gift set. Reverse features a golfer swinging a club and dates 1904–2004, not the Bluenose schooner. |
With only 39,486 struck — compared to 211 million circulation Bluenose coins — the Golf Championship dime is substantially rarer by mintage and commands a corresponding premium. Top-certified MS69 examples have traded above $199 CAD. See Coins Unlimited's listing for the 2004 Golf Championship set for reference on original packaging.
2004 Canadian Dime — Sterling Silver Proof
Composition: Sterling Silver (92.5%) | No "P" mark | Non-magnetic | Mintage: 57,614
| Design | Finish | PR67–PR69 | PR70 DCAM | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluenose | Proof (Deep Cameo) | $10.00–$15.00 | $60–$100 | 57,614 | From 2004 Silver Proof Set. Sterling Silver with deep mirror fields and heavily frosted devices. Melt value ~$7.90 CAD provides a strong price floor. |
With a silver melt value of approximately $7.90 CAD as of February 2026, even an impaired Silver Proof retains meaningful intrinsic worth. A pristine PR70 Deep Cameo represents the perfection premium sought by modern proof registry collectors.
All values in CAD represent typical retail prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2004 Canadian Dime Varieties
Unlike earlier decades, the 2004 dime has no widely recognized major die varieties in general circulation. Value is driven almost entirely by condition rarity — the grade of the coin — and by coin type (Golf Commemorative, Silver Proof, or top-certified Business Strike). Registry Set competition concentrates extreme premiums on top-population certified examples.
Trophy-Level: High-Grade Certified Examples
The following values represent the absolute upper echelon of the market — certified coins graded by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS at the top of the grading scale. These are not prices to expect for raw coins found in pocket change; they require professional authentication and encapsulation (slabbing).
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade Required | Documented Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-P Business Strike (MS67) | Condition rarity — MS67 represents the top fraction of the surviving population; plated steel surfaces degrade easily from blisters and spider-web lines | PCGS / ICCS MS67 | ~$85–$125 CAD |
| 2004-P Business Strike (MS68) | Extreme condition rarity — achieving a flawless MS68 in plated steel is nearly impossible; Registry Set demand from collectors competing for the highest-ranked Elizabeth II dime set | PCGS / ICCS MS68 | $4,000+ CAD (estimate based on comparable modern top-pop sales) |
| 2004 Golf Championship (MS69) | Low mintage (~39,000) combined with top-grade certification; strong sports thematic and commemorative collector demand | NGC / PCGS MS69 | $199+ CAD |
| 2004 Silver Proof (PR70 DCAM) | Perfect grade with deep cameo contrast (black-and-white frosted devices against mirror fields); modern proof registry competition | PCGS / NGC PR70 DCAM | $60–$100 CAD |
ℹ️ Registry Set Premiums Explained
The extreme value gap between MS67 (~$85–$125) and a theoretical MS68 ($4,000+) reflects Registry Set competition. Collectors competing to hold the highest-ranked set of Elizabeth II dimes will pay significant sums for a 2004-P in MS68 simply because so few exist. If you find a 2004 dime that appears flawless under magnification — no bag marks, no plating blisters, no spider-web lines — hold it only by the edges and consider professional grading before handling further.
Findable Varieties Worth Checking
| Variety / Anomaly | Charlton Ref | How to Identify | Rarity Context | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Championship Commemorative | RC-1900 | Reverse features a golfer swinging a club with the dates "1904–2004" (not the Bluenose schooner) | Mintage 39,486 vs 211,924,000 standard circulation coins | $6–$12 typical; $199+ at MS69 |
| Die Clash (Obverse) | Minor variety (unlisted) | Faint outline of the Bluenose schooner sails visible in the Queen's neck or field area — evidence of die collision prior to striking | Popular with error and variety specialists; not a common find | $5–$10 CAD raw |
| Missing "P" on Steel (Unconfirmed) | Unlisted | No "P" mark below the Queen's bust on a coin that is magnetic — the magnet test is essential to distinguish this from the Silver Proof, which correctly has no "P" | No confirmed magnetic no-P examples are widely catalogued for 2004 in standard references as of 2026 | High if authenticated (professional attribution required); no confirmed market exists as of 2026 |
⚠️ The "Missing P" Confusion
The most common source of confusion is the Silver Proof, which correctly and normally lacks the "P" mark. Before assuming you have a rare steel variety: (1) Apply a magnet. (2) If the coin does not stick, it is the Silver Proof — normal, expected, and worth approximately $10–$15 CAD. (3) If it does stick and has no "P", seek professional attribution — no confirmed magnetic no-P examples are catalogued for 2004 as of 2026.
Reverse comparison: standard 2004 Bluenose dime (left) vs the 2004 Golf Championship commemorative (right, Charlton RC-1900) featuring a golfer mid-swing and the dates '1904–2004'. The Golf reverse is the fastest visual identifier for this premium type.
2004 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to identify exactly which 2004 dime you hold and whether it has value above face.
Step 1: The Magnet Test (Most Critical)
Hold any household magnet near the coin:
- Sticks strongly: Multi-Ply Plated Steel — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, or Golf Commemorative. Proceed to Step 2.
- Does not stick: Sterling Silver Proof. The absence of the "P" mark on this coin is normal. Value: approximately $10–$15 CAD. Skip to Step 5 to confirm the design.
The magnet test: the plated steel 2004 dime adheres strongly (top), while the Sterling Silver Proof falls away (bottom). This single test is the fastest way to distinguish a $0.10 coin from one worth $10 or more for its silver content alone.
Step 2: The Monarch Check (Obverse)
- Confirm the portrait: Susanna Blunt's bare-head (uncrowned) effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a simple string of pearls and button earrings. This fourth portrait was used from 2003 to 2022.
- The date 2004 appears on the obverse.
Step 3: The "P" Composition Mark Check
Look directly below the Queen's bust truncation:
- "P" present: Standard plated steel coin — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, or Golf Commemorative. This is a composition mark, not a mint mark.
- "P" absent on a magnetic coin: Potential unconfirmed variety requiring professional attribution. (Absence of "P" on a non-magnetic coin = Silver Proof, which is correct and normal.)
Close-up of the 'P' composition mark positioned directly below Queen Elizabeth II's bust truncation on the 2004 Canadian dime. This mark identified the plated steel composition to vending operators (mandatory 1999–2006) and appears on all plated steel 2004 dimes. The Silver Proof correctly lacks this mark.
Step 4: Finish Identification (Plated Steel Coins Only)
Tilt the coin under a direct light source and examine the background fields:
- Shiny, cartwheel luster (radiating from centre as coin is tilted): Business Strike from rolls or general circulation.
- Brilliant, mirror-like fields with brilliant relief: Proof-Like (PL) from Uncirculated Sets. Both Business Strikes and PL coins appear shiny; knowing the coin's provenance (set vs circulation) is the clearest distinguisher.
- Matte/lined background with frosted, sharply squared devices: Specimen (SP) from Specimen Sets. The lined field texture is the definitive visual identifier. Value: approximately $5.00–$14.70.
ℹ️ PL vs. Business Strike: A Common Confusion
Because both Business Strikes and PL coins have brilliant, shiny surfaces, they can be difficult to distinguish visually. With approximately 60,000 Uncirculated Sets produced in 2004, many PL coins have been broken out of their original packaging. A "shiny" loose 2004 dime in a collection is often a PL coin rather than a rare high-grade Business Strike.
Step 5: Reverse Design Check
- Bluenose schooner: Standard issue — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, or Silver Proof.
- Golfer swinging a club with "1904–2004": Golf Championship Commemorative (Charlton RC-1900). Value: $6–$12+.
Step 6: Condition Assessment
- Hold the coin by its edges under a bright light source.
- Scratches, dullness, or visible wear on the Queen's cheek: Circulated — face value ($0.10).
- Full luster, zero visible scratches under magnification, no plating blisters: Potential Gem (MS65+) candidate — do not touch the surfaces; consider professional grading.
Quick Identification Matrix
| Magnet | "P" Mark | Finish | Design | Identity | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticks | Yes | Shiny (cartwheel or brilliant) | Bluenose | Business Strike or PL | $0.10 circulated / $1–$8+ PL grade-dependent |
| Sticks | Yes | Shiny | Golfer (1904–2004) | Golf Commemorative (RC-1900) | $6–$12+ |
| Sticks | Yes | Matte/Lined | Bluenose | Specimen (SP) | $5.00–$14.70 |
| No Stick | No | Deep Mirror + Frosted | Bluenose | Silver Proof | $10.00–$15.00 |
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details" (damaged) designation from grading services and loses all numismatic premium regardless of its underlying detail. This is especially damaging for plated steel coins, whose thin surface layers are easily scarred by any chemical or abrasive.
2004 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 2004 Canadian dime worth?
A circulated 2004 Canadian dime (standard Bluenose, plated steel) is worth $0.10 — face value. In Gem Uncirculated (MS65), it is worth approximately $17.40, and at MS67 it reaches $84.30–$125. The Golf Championship commemorative is worth $6–$12+ uncirculated, and the Sterling Silver Proof is worth $10–$15 (with a melt floor of ~$7.90 CAD as of February 2026).
Is a 2004 Canadian dime rare?
The standard Bluenose Business Strike is not rare — over 211 million were minted. However, finding one in true Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) condition is genuinely difficult because plated steel surfaces degrade easily during minting and handling. The Golf Championship commemorative (39,486 minted) is legitimately scarce and worth a premium even in typical uncirculated condition.
What makes a 2004 Canadian dime valuable?
Three factors drive value: (1) Grade — MS65 and above triggers an exponential premium due to condition rarity inherent in plated steel production; (2) Type — the Golf Commemorative and Silver Proof command premiums over the standard circulation coin regardless of grade; (3) Certification — a PCGS, NGC, or ICCS-certified MS67 or MS68 example can be worth $85 to $4,000+ CAD to Registry Set collectors.
Is my 2004 Canadian dime silver?
Test it with a magnet. If the coin sticks, it is Multi-Ply Plated Steel — no silver at all. If it does not stick, you have the Sterling Silver Proof (92.5% silver), struck exclusively for the 2004 Silver Proof Set, with a melt value of approximately $7.90 CAD and a numismatic value of $10–$15. The Silver Proof also weighs 2.40 g vs 1.75 g for the steel coin and lacks the "P" mark below the bust.
What does the "P" mark on my 2004 dime mean?
The "P" below the Queen's bust is a composition mark, not a mint mark. It identified the coin's Multi-Ply Plated Steel composition to vending machine operators and was mandatory on all plated coinage from 1999 to 2006. It does not indicate a specific minting facility. All plated steel 2004 dimes should carry this mark; its absence is normal and correct on the Sterling Silver Proof (which contains no steel).
What is the 2004 Golf Championship dime worth?
The 2004 Golf Championship dime (Charlton RC-1900) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Open. Uncirculated examples in their original folder packaging typically trade for $6–$12 CAD. Top-certified MS69 examples have sold for over $199 CAD. Its mintage of only 39,486 pieces makes it legitimately scarce relative to the 211 million standard Bluenose coins of the same year.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL) and Specimen (SP)?
Both are collector finishes produced with greater care than standard business strikes, but they look distinct. Proof-Like (PL) coins have brilliant, mirror-like fields and brilliant relief, struck at higher pressure than circulation coins; they come from Uncirculated Sets. Specimen (SP) coins have a distinctive matte/lined background texture with frosted, sharply squared-off devices; they come from Specimen Sets. The lined background field is the definitive visual identifier for a Specimen — PL and Business Strikes both appear uniformly shiny.
Should I get my 2004 Canadian dime graded?
Professional grading only makes economic sense if you believe your coin grades MS66 or above (value $31.90+ for the Business Strike) or if it is a Golf Commemorative. For standard collector market transactions within Canada, ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic gold standard with strong recognition among Canadian dealers. For Registry Set competition targeting MS67 or MS68, PCGS is often preferred due to the competitive PCGS Set Registry and the international resale premium its holders command.
How do I tell the Sterling Silver Proof apart from a cleaned Business Strike?
Three independent tests: (1) Magnet — the Silver Proof does not stick; all plated steel coins do. (2) Weight — the Silver Proof weighs 2.40 g; the plated steel coin weighs 1.75 g (measurable on a precision scale). (3) "P" mark — the Silver Proof has no "P" below the bust; every plated steel coin does. A cleaned business strike will still stick to a magnet and still display the "P" mark, distinguishing it from the Silver Proof regardless of how shiny it appears.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical CAD retail ask prices (dealer to collector) as of February 2026. Bid prices (dealer buy prices) are typically lower. Primary sources include:
- Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 2003–2023 Pricing (primary market pricing reference)
- NGC Canada 10 Cents KM-492 Price Guide
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents (mintage figures and specifications)
- Numista — Canada 10 Cents Elizabeth II (4th Portrait; Silver), KM#524
- Canada Gold — Silver Spot Price (melt value calculation basis, February 2026)
- NGC World Silver Coin Melt Values
- Wikipedia — Dime (Canadian coin) (historical context)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety attribution and historical context)
Market values may shift with silver spot prices and collector demand. This guide covers standard non-error varieties only; error coins are outside its scope.
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.