2018 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
What is your 2018 Canadian dime worth? Price guide by grade and finish: Business Strike (face value to $100+), Specimen ($5–$10), Silver Proof ($15–$35), 5 oz Big Coin ($600–$1,000+). All values in CAD.
Most 2018 Canadian dimes found in change are worth $0.10 (face value). Gem-grade certified examples reach $5–$15, and a top-pop MS67 First Strike commands $40–$60. Collector silver issues range from $15 (Silver Proof) to over $1,000 for the rare 5 oz Big Coin.
- Circulated (VF–AU55):$0.10 (face value)
- BU (MS60–64):$0.25–$1.00
- Gem BU (MS65–66):$5.00–$15.00
- MS67 First Strike (certified):$40.00–$60.00
- Specimen (SP — Burrowing Owl Set):$5.00–$10.00
- Silver Proof (Standard):$15.00–$25.00
- Silver Proof (Special Edition 110th Anniversary):$20.00–$35.00
- Big Coin (5 oz Pure Silver):$600–$1,000+
- Legacy of the Dime (Full 5-Coin Set):~$700–$800
Found in change? Worth face value. Shiny or mirror-like? Apply a magnet — plated steel sticks (Business Strike or Specimen, up to $60 certified); pure silver does not stick (Proof or NCLT, minimum $15+). Is it silver? The standard 2018 circulation dime is not silver — it is multi-ply plated steel. Only NCLT collector issues use 99.99% pure silver. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2018 Canadian 10-cent piece presents a study in contrasts: the standard circulation issue — struck in Winnipeg from multi-ply plated steel with a mintage of 118,525,000 — sits at one extreme, while the "Legacy of the Dime" Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) program sits at the other, reviving the legendary 1936 Dot and 1947 Maple Leaf reverses in 99.99% pure silver. That breadth makes determining exactly which 2018 dime you hold the essential first step in any valuation. For a full denomination history and cross-year price comparison, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Production errors such as off-center strikes occur for 2018 dimes but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2018 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
The 2018 Canadian dime exists in two fundamentally different metallurgical forms. Knowing which you hold resolves most valuation questions immediately and protects against alterations.
A. Circulation Strike: Multi-Ply Plated Steel
The Royal Canadian Mint's Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology coats a low-carbon steel core (approximately 92% by weight) with alternating layers of copper (~5.5%) and an outer nickel layer (~2.5%). The nickel outer plating produces a bright silver-white appearance that can be mistaken for a precious-metal coin at a glance. While the steel core provides exceptional wear resistance, the plating process can introduce microscopic blistering or surface imperfections that present a significant challenge for coins seeking the highest Mint State grades.
Magnetic Properties: The 2018 circulation dime is strongly magnetic — a magnet will attract it immediately and decisively. This is the single fastest diagnostic to separate it from the silver NCLT issues described below.
Melt Value: Negligible. The combined intrinsic metal value of the steel, copper, and nickel content is well below the $0.10 face value. There is no investment rationale for accumulating 2018 circulation dimes for their metal content.
B. NCLT Collector Issues: 99.99% Pure Silver
All 2018 collector NCLT dimes — Silver Proofs, the Big Coin, and the Legacy of the Dime series — are struck in 99.99% pure silver ("four nines" fine), a purity standard that surpasses the Sterling Silver (92.5%) used in older Canadian issues. The RCM offers these in multiple formats, each with a distinct weight and therefore a distinct silver melt floor.
| NCLT Format | Weight | Troy Oz Silver (Approx.) | Silver Melt Floor (Approx. CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Silver Proof (2.45 g) | 2.45 g | ~0.079 troy oz | Modest — tracks silver spot price |
| 2 oz Legacy Tribute Coin (62.67 g) | 62.67 g | ~2.01 troy oz | Substantial floor; well above face value |
| 5 oz Big Coin (157.6 g) | 157.6 g | ~5.06 troy oz | ~$150–$200 CAD in silver content alone |
Magnetic Properties: Silver is diamagnetic — a magnet will not stick to any genuine 2018 silver NCLT dime. This is the fastest authentication confirmation for these issues.
Weight as Authentication Diagnostic: A genuine 2018 circulation dime weighs 1.75 g. A genuine silver proof weighs 2.45 g. A silver-plated steel coin (a common alteration) will weigh approximately 1.75 g and be magnetic — use both tests together for a near-conclusive verdict. Silver is heavier; plated steel is magnetic. Neither test alone is sufficient, but both together are.
The RCM's Mintshield™ surface protection technology was introduced in 2018 to reduce the white spot (milk spot) problem that has affected silver bullion products in prior years, suggesting 2018 silver NCLT dimes may exhibit better long-term surface stability than earlier-year counterparts.
2018 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
2018 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
With a mintage of 118,525,000, the 2018 business strike is an abundant coin. Dealers do not purchase circulated examples, and even pristine raw BU coins trade in bulk rather than individually. Value is almost entirely driven by certified grade. Mintage figures and base market values are documented at the Royal Canadian Mint's 10-cent page and cross-referenced at Calgary Coin's modern Canadian dime valuations.
| Type | Circulated (VF–AU55) | BU (MS60–64) | Gem BU (MS65–66) | MS67 | MS68+ | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluenose — Business Strike | $0.10 (face value) | $0.25–$1.00 | $5.00–$15.00 | Registry set premium — see note below | ~$100+ (Estimated) | 118,525,000 |
ℹ️ The MS67 Value Cliff for Plated Steel
The multi-ply plated steel surface is vulnerable to microscopic blistering and contact marking during high-speed production at the Winnipeg facility, making MS67 a genuine condition rarity for the 2018 dime. Serious registry set collectors pay premiums in the $60–$100+ range for validated MS67 and MS68 examples. MS68 is considered a statistical near-impossibility for this composition and is estimated at approximately $100+ CAD. First Strike rolls (see below) are the most common source of high-grade survivors, because fresher dies and more careful early handling translate directly into higher average grades.
2018 Canadian Dime — First Strike (Special Wrap Rolls)
The RCM packaged coins from early production runs in special paper wrappers and offered them as sealed "First Strike" rolls — approximately 5,000 rolls were produced. While the coins are compositionally identical to standard business strikes, the fresh-die provenance and careful handling mean they grade higher on average. Certification services including ICCS recognize the First Strike designation. A certified example sold by Colonial Acres shows an ICCS MS67 First Strike as a benchmark for top-end pricing.
| Format | Per Coin (BU, MS60–64) | Per Coin (MS67) | Per Sealed Roll | Approx. Roll Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Wrap Roll — First Strike | $2.00–$4.00 | $40.00–$60.00 | $10–$20 | ~5,000 rolls |
⚠️ Preserve the Wrapper
An intact, sealed Special Wrap Roll commands a premium as a complete provenance unit. Once the wrapper is broken, individual coins lose the documented First Strike origin and dealers typically treat them as standard BU business strikes. If submitting coins for grading, photograph the intact roll before opening. The wrapper is the pedigree.
2018 Canadian Dime — Specimen & Silver Proof Collector Finishes
The Specimen (SP) finish is found exclusively in the 2018 Burrowing Owl 6-Coin Set, which is archived on the Royal Canadian Mint's product archive. Its lined (matte/striated) fields visually distinguish it from both the cartwheel luster of a business strike and the deep mirror fields of a proof. The Silver Proof (PR) format uses 99.99% pure silver and appears in two distinct products: the standard annual proof set (approximately 15,000 mintage) and the Special Edition 110th Anniversary set (7,000 mintage). Pricing for the standard silver proof is documented at London Coin Centre.
| Finish | Composition | Collector Value (Typical) | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) — Burrowing Owl Set | Plated Steel (1.75 g) | $5.00–$10.00 | 30,000 sets | Lined/matte fields; strongly magnetic. From 6-coin set only. |
| Silver Proof (PR) — Standard Annual Set | 99.99% Silver (2.45 g) | $15.00–$25.00 | ~15,000 | Deep mirror fields + frosted devices; non-magnetic. Silver melt floor applies. |
| Silver Proof (PR) — Special Edition (110th Anniversary) | 99.99% Silver (2.45 g) | $20.00–$35.00 | 7,000 | Lower mintage commands premium over standard proof. Non-magnetic. |
ℹ️ Silver Content as a Value Floor
Unlike the plated steel business strike, silver proof coins carry a precious-metal melt value that acts as a price floor even if they are handled or lack original packaging. While the silver content of the standard proof (2.45 g / ~0.079 troy oz) is modest, it ensures these coins retain some intrinsic value regardless of numismatic demand. Verify with the magnet test and scale before selling or buying a raw example.
2018 Canadian Dime — Premium NCLT Issues (Big Coin & Legacy of the Dime)
The most valuable 2018 dime-denominated coins are large-format NCLT pure silver pieces intended for display collectors as much as coin collectors. The 5 oz Big Coin is documented by Canadian Coin & Currency. The Legacy of the Dime set is archived at the Royal Canadian Mint and priced on secondary market platforms including MintedMarket and J&M Coin.
| Issue | Format | Value | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Coin — 5 oz Bluenose Schooner | 65 mm / 99.99% Silver / 157.6 g | $600–$1,000+ | 1,500 | Silver melt floor ~$150–$200 CAD. Top certified (PF69–70) supports upper range. |
| Legacy of the Dime — Full 5-Coin Set | 2 oz each / 99.99% Silver / Gold-plated details / Wooden case | ~$700–$800 | 3,000 sets | Contains 1936 Dot and 1947 Maple Leaf tribute coins. NCLT only. |
| Legacy — 1936 Dot Tribute (Individual) | 54 mm / 2 oz / 99.99% Silver / 62.67 g | ~$150 | From 3,000 sets | 2018-dated obverse. Historic dot below wreath on reverse. Not a 1936 coin. |
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price history across all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2018 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 2018 dime market is driven by two distinct forces: manufactured scarcity (strictly limited NCLT mintages) and conditional perfection (business strikes that survive the production process without a single significant surface flaw). The following section covers both.
A. Trophy-Level: Highest Documented 2018 Dime Values
These items represent the ceiling of the 2018 dime market. They are not found in circulation but are essential knowledge when evaluating a collection or estate lot.
| Coin / Item | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Requirement | High-End Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Pure Gold 1/4 oz Edition | Gold content; extremely rare format | Proof / Reverse Proof | ~$1,300+ CAD |
| 2018 Big Coin Bluenose (5 oz Silver) | 5 oz of 99.99% silver; 65 mm diameter; mintage only 1,500; flagship prestige bullion format | Original case; PF69 or PF70 certification | $600–$1,000+ CAD |
| Legacy of the Dime — Full 5-Coin Set | Historic tribute designs (1936 Dot & 1947 Maple Leaf); 10 oz total silver; mintage 3,000 sets in wooden case | Complete set in original wooden display case | ~$700–$800 CAD |
| 2018 Business Strike MS68 | Statistical near-impossibility for plated steel; MS67 is the practical ceiling; MS68 is considered a "unicorn" grade | ICCS or PCGS MS68 hard slab | ~$100+ CAD (Estimated) |
B. Findable Variants: What to Look For in Dealer Stock and Broken Sets
These variants appear regularly in dealer inventories, online auctions, and broken collector sets. Knowing the diagnostics lets you identify them before buying or selling.
| Variant | How to Identify | Mintage / Scarcity | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) Finish | Fine vertical striations (lined/matte fields) under magnification; frosted Queen portrait; strongly magnetic (plated steel) | 30,000 sets | $5–$10 |
| Silver Proof (PR) — Standard | Deep mirror fields; frosted raised devices (cameo contrast); non-magnetic; weighs 2.45 g | ~15,000 | $15–$25 |
| Silver Proof (PR) — Special Edition 110th Anniversary | Same diagnostics as standard proof; distinguish by original packaging and certificate | 7,000 | $20–$35 |
| Special Wrap Roll "First Strike" | Original RCM special paper wrapper intact; coins inside are standard plated steel but struck on fresh early-run dies | ~5,000 rolls | $10–$20 per sealed roll; $40–$60 per MS67 coin |
| Legacy 1936 Dot Tribute (Individual) | 2018 Susanna Blunt obverse; dot visible below wreath on reverse; 54 mm diameter; non-magnetic; weighs ~62.67 g | From 3,000 sets | ~$150 |
| Legacy 1947 Maple Leaf Tribute (Individual) | 2018 obverse; maple leaf design adjacent to date on reverse; 54 mm; non-magnetic; weighs ~62.67 g | From 3,000 sets | Part of full set value (~$700–$800) |
ℹ️ Legacy Tributes Are Not Vintage Coins
The Legacy of the Dime coins bear 2018 on the obverse (Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II) but reproduce the reverse designs of famous historical Canadian dimes. A "1936 Dot" tribute is a 2018-dated, 2 oz pure silver coin — it is not an actual 1936 dime. However, the silver weight (62.67 g), low mintage, and desirability of the historic designs drive genuine numismatic premiums well above silver melt value. Always verify the obverse date, diameter, and weight before buying or selling any Legacy Tribute coin.
2018 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine precisely which 2018 dime you hold and which value table applies to it.
30-Second Diagnostic Checklist
Monarch Check (Obverse)
You must see Queen Elizabeth II in the Susanna Blunt portrait — bare head, no crown, wearing a simple string of pearls. This Fourth Portrait has been standard on Canadian circulation coinage since 2003. If the portrait appears to show an older design or a different monarch, check the diameter and weight: you may have an NCLT Legacy Tribute coin with a contemporary obverse and a historical reverse, or an unrelated coin entirely.Date Check
Confirm the date reads 2018. All Legacy Tribute coins are dated 2018 on the obverse, even though their reverses reproduce designs from earlier decades. The date alone cannot distinguish a circulation strike from an NCLT issue.Magnet Test — Composition Filter (Critical Step)
Touch a strong magnet firmly to the coin.
Result A — It Sticks (Magnetic): Plated Steel. This is either a Business Strike or a Specimen (SP). Proceed to Step 4.
Result B — It Does NOT Stick (Non-Magnetic): 99.99% Pure Silver. This is a Silver Proof, Big Coin, or Legacy Tribute. Minimum value is the silver melt floor; numismatic value begins at approximately $15 and can reach $1,000+. Proceed to Step 5.Weight Confirmation
Weigh on a digital scale with at least 0.01 g precision.
~1.75 g: Plated Steel — confirms Business Strike or Specimen.
~2.45 g: 99.99% Pure Silver — confirms Standard or Special Edition Silver Proof.
~62.67 g: 2 oz Legacy Tribute coin (54 mm).
~157.6 g: 5 oz Big Coin (65 mm).
A silver-plated steel coin (a common alteration) will weigh ~1.75 g and be magnetic. A genuine silver proof weighs ~2.45 g and is non-magnetic. Both checks together are near-conclusive.Finish Identification — Visual Inspection
Examine the flat fields (the empty areas surrounding the Queen's portrait) under good directional light while slowly tilting the coin.
Rolling cartwheel luster: Business Strike. If circulated: $0.10. If certified MS67: $40–$60+.
Fine vertical striations / matte or lined appearance: Specimen (SP). Comes from the Burrowing Owl set; value $5–$10.
Deep black-mirror reflection in fields + white frosted raised devices: Proof (PR). If confirmed silver by magnet and scale: $15–$35+.Reverse Design Check
Bluenose Schooner: Standard design — applies to all Business Strikes, Specimens, and standard Silver Proofs.
Wreath with dot below: Legacy 1936 Dot Tribute (~$150 individually).
Maple Leaf adjacent to date: Legacy 1947 Maple Leaf Tribute (part of set value).
Other historical designs: Additional Legacy Tribute coins (part of set).
Oversized diameter (65 mm): 5 oz Big Coin ($600–$1,000+).Mint Marks
No mint mark is present on any 2018 Canadian dime — neither on circulation coins (struck in Winnipeg) nor on NCLT collector issues (struck in Ottawa). The absence of a mint mark is standard for Canadian coinage and does not indicate rarity. Do not confuse the lack of a mint mark with a missing-mark error.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 2018 Dime
The multi-ply plated surface of the 2018 circulation and Specimen dimes is highly vulnerable to hairline scratches from even a gentle cloth wipe. Silver Proof surfaces are equally delicate. A coin with hairlines receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from any third-party grading service, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying design quality. Store coins in original packaging or inert, archival-grade holders and handle only by the edge.
⚠️ Environmental Risks for Plated Steel
If the nickel plating of a 2018 circulation or Specimen dime is breached — by a scratch, chip, or handling damage — the exposed steel core is vulnerable to rust in humid environments. Store plated steel coins in a dry, climate-controlled space. Any visible rust or corrosion immediately drops the coin to a "Details — Environmental Damage" grade with no numismatic premium.
2018 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 2018 Canadian dime worth?
Most 2018 Canadian dimes found in circulation or bank rolls are worth face value — $0.10 CAD. In Brilliant Uncirculated grades (MS60–64), values reach $0.25–$1.00. Gem BU examples (MS65–66) trade for $5.00–$15.00. A certified First Strike MS67 commands $40–$60. Collector issues begin at $5–$10 for the Specimen and reach $600–$1,000+ for the 5 oz Big Coin. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is my 2018 Canadian dime made of silver?
The standard 2018 circulation dime is not silver. It is multi-ply plated steel — a steel core with copper and nickel plating — and it is strongly magnetic. Only NCLT collector issues (Silver Proofs, the Big Coin, and the Legacy of the Dime series) are struck in 99.99% pure silver. The definitive test is a magnet: if the coin sticks, it is plated steel; if it does not stick, it is pure silver. A silver-plated steel counterfeit will stick to a magnet and weigh ~1.75 g, while a genuine silver proof will not stick and will weigh ~2.45 g.
What makes a 2018 dime rare or valuable?
Three factors drive numismatic value: (1) Grade — the plated steel surface is easily marked during high-speed production, so MS67 and MS68 examples are genuine condition rarities commanding $40–$100+ CAD. (2) Finish and product format — Specimen, Silver Proof, and NCLT formats each trade on entirely separate scales from business strikes. (3) Mintage scarcity — the 5 oz Big Coin (1,500 mintage) and the Legacy of the Dime set (3,000 sets) combine low supply with precious-metal content and collector demand, driving values well above face value.
What is a "First Strike" 2018 dime, and is it more valuable?
"First Strike" refers to coins packaged by the RCM from early production runs and sealed in special paper wrap rolls — approximately 5,000 rolls were produced. The coins are compositionally identical to standard business strikes, but fresh dies and careful handling produce higher average grades. A certified First Strike MS67 typically trades for $40–$60, while the intact sealed roll itself sells for $10–$20. Once the special wrapper is removed, the First Strike provenance cannot be independently verified, and individual coins revert to standard BU pricing.
What is the "Legacy of the Dime" set, and why is it confusing?
The Legacy of the Dime is a 5-coin, 99.99% pure silver NCLT set released by the Royal Canadian Mint with a mintage of 3,000 sets. Each coin bears a 2018 obverse (Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II) but reproduces the reverse design of a historically significant Canadian dime — including the legendary 1936 Dot and 1947 Maple Leaf rarities. Each coin is 2 oz of silver (62.67 g) and 54 mm in diameter. The full set in its wooden case trades for approximately $700–$800 CAD; the 1936 Dot Tribute sold individually commands approximately $150. These are strictly Non-Circulating Legal Tender — they will never appear in pocket change.
How do I tell a Specimen finish from a Business Strike?
Tilt the coin slowly under good directional light and watch the flat fields (the empty areas around the portrait). A Business Strike shows a flowing cartwheel luster that sweeps across the coin as you tilt it. A Specimen (SP) from the Burrowing Owl set shows fine vertical striations (lines) in the fields, producing a matte or lined appearance with a frosted Queen's portrait. Both coins are plated steel and both are magnetic, so the magnet test alone will not separate them — the finish is the critical visual diagnostic. If in doubt, compare against the original Burrowing Owl set packaging.
Should I get my 2018 dime graded by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
Grading only makes economic sense when the coin's potential certified value exceeds the grading fee ($10–$30+ depending on service level). For most 2018 business strike dimes, this threshold is only crossed at MS67 or higher — a nearly perfect coin with no contact marks, blistering, or hairlines visible under 5x magnification. For silver NCLT issues such as the Big Coin or Legacy Tribute coins, third-party certification by ICCS (the Canadian standard, known for conservative grading) or PCGS/NGC (preferred for international auction markets and robust registry set competition) adds meaningful credibility and deters alteration. Specimen coins valued at $5–$10 do not justify grading fees.
What is the difference between ICCS, PCGS, and NGC for Canadian coins?
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service), based in Toronto, is the preferred grading service for domestic Canadian circulation coinage and is known for conservative standards — an ICCS grade is widely trusted among Canadian dealers and variety collectors. PCGS and NGC are US-based services whose hard plastic holders are favored for high-value NCLT coins, silver proofs, and top-pop business strikes destined for North American or international auction markets. A PCGS or NGC slab often supports higher realized prices at major auction houses due to the competitive US registry set market. For a raw coin found in change, no grading service is economically justified unless the coin appears to be an exceptional example.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide represent typical Canadian market prices as of February 2026, expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Data was synthesized from the following authoritative sources:
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10-cent circulation specifications and mintage figures
- Royal Canadian Mint — Legacy of the Dime archived product page
- Royal Canadian Mint — Burrowing Owl Specimen Set archived page
- Colonial Acres — ICCS MS67 First Strike benchmark pricing
- Calgary Coin — modern Canadian 10-cent valuations
- London Coin Centre — 2018 Silver Proof product and pricing data
- Canadian Coin & Currency — Big Coin specifications and pricing
- J&M Coin — Legacy 1936 Dot Tribute secondary market pricing
- MintedMarket — Legacy of the Dime full set secondary market data
- PCGS Population Report — Canadian coins (high-grade rarity analysis)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, Vol. 1 (71st Edition) — variety specifications and NCLT data
Values reflect typical market transactions and do not constitute financial advice. Market conditions fluctuate with silver spot prices, collector demand, and auction results; verify current pricing before buying or selling. Production errors are excluded from this guide.
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.