2019 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 2019 Canadian dime is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish — Business Strike, Specimen, Proof-Like, and Silver Proof — with CAD market values as of February 2026.
Most 2019 Canadian dimes found in pocket change are worth $0.10 (face value). In certified Gem grades the value climbs sharply — but finish matters as much as grade for this date.
- Circulated (G4–AU55):$0.10 — face value
- Business Strike (MS60–MS64):$0.50–$7.50
- Business Strike (MS65 Gem):$18.00 — the critical value cliff
- Business Strike (MS66):$24.00
- Proof-Like (PL65+):$3.00–$5.00
- Specimen (SP66 — Pileated Woodpecker Set):$2.90
- Specimen (SP67):$14.70
- Silver Proof (PR66 — D-Day Set):$14.70
- Silver Proof (PR69):$40.00+
- Big Coin 5 oz Silver (PR69):$559.00
Found a shiny or mirror-like coin? Apply a magnet first. A steel coin (Business Strike, PL, or SP) sticks firmly; a silver proof does not react. Finish — not grade alone — is the primary value driver for this date.
Is it silver? Only the Proof dime from the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set contains silver (99.99% fine). All standard 2019 dimes — including Proof-Like and Specimen versions — are multi-ply plated steel with zero precious-metal content.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. See the full value chart →
The 2019 Canadian dime continues the iconic Bluenose Schooner reverse design by Emanuel Hahn — in use since 1937 — paired with Susanna Blunt's fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Production was divided between the Winnipeg Mint, which struck 159,775,000 coins for general circulation, and the Ottawa Mint, which produced Specimen, Proof-Like, and Silver Proof collector issues. Because finish and packaging determine most of the value for modern Canadian coinage, this guide segments the 2019 dime by manufacturing method before grade. For values across all Canadian dime years, see the Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes exist for 2019 Canadian dimes but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II — Susanna Blunt's fourth portrait (bare head, pearl necklace, no crown), facing right. Reverse: Bluenose Schooner under full sail by Emanuel Hahn. Date 2019 and "CANADA 10 CENTS" appear on the reverse.
2019 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
Circulation & Collector Steel Issues (Business Strike, PL, SP)
The 2019 dime's circulation coin — and the steel-planchet Proof-Like and Specimen versions — is produced using the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology. A low-carbon steel core (~92–94% of total mass) is electro-plated with alternating layers of copper (~5.5%) for adhesion and the electro-magnetic signature required by vending and transit coin acceptors, topped with an outer nickel layer (~2.5%) that gives the coin its silver-coloured, corrosion-resistant appearance.
Melt value (MPPS): Negligible. The steel, copper, and nickel content, when scrapped, amounts to a fraction of face value — and the cost of refining the plated layers from the steel core exceeds the value of the recovered metals. These coins have no bullion case whatsoever; their value is either face value (circulation) or purely numismatic (collector grades).
Magnetism as a diagnostic: All steel-based 2019 dimes are strongly magnetic. This is the single fastest field test to distinguish any steel issue from the silver proof. See the Identification Guide below for how to use this test.
Silver Proof Issues (D-Day Set & Big Coin)
The Silver Proof dime, found in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set, is struck on a 99.99% pure silver planchet weighing 2.45 grams — noticeably heavier than the 1.75-gram steel coin. It contains approximately 0.078 troy ounces of silver. The silver content provides intrinsic bullion value, though the numismatic premium for these 15,000-mintage proofs consistently exceeds the raw melt price. The coin is non-magnetic and will not react to a magnet — the definitive field test.
The Big Coin (5 oz series), listed on the Royal Canadian Mint's Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose product page, is struck on a 5-ounce fine silver planchet measuring 65 mm in diameter with selective reverse gold plating reproducing the Bluenose design at monumental scale. Its physical profile is in a completely different category from any standard-diameter dime, and it is identified at a glance by its size alone.
2019 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Four 2019 dime finishes compared. Left to right: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (mirror fields, moderate cameo), Specimen (lined/matte fields, brilliant devices), Silver Proof (deep mirror fields, DCAM contrast). (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
The MS65 value cliff: a circulated coin (worth $0.10) versus an MS64 business strike (up to $7.50) versus a Gem MS65 (worth $18.00). The absence of distracting bag marks on the cheek and sails defines the threshold. (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
2019 Canadian Dime — Business Strike (Circulation)
With 159,775,000 coins struck in Winnipeg, the 2019 dime is one of the most abundant dates in the modern series. Circulated examples are worth face value. The decisive inflection occurs at MS65, where condition rarity begins to generate real premiums: multi-ply plated steel surfaces scratch readily when coins collide in mint bags, especially on the Queen's cheek and the Bluenose's sails. Finding a flawless survivor in a bank roll is statistically unusual.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G4–AU55) | $0.10 | Face value; abundant in commerce |
| BU (MS60–MS64) | $0.50–$7.50 | MS64 represents the top of this tier at $7.50 |
| MS65 Gem | $18.00 | Critical value cliff — eye-clean, no distracting bag marks |
| MS66 Superb Gem | $24.00 | Genuine condition rarity for a bag-struck issue |
| MS67–MS68 Top Population | ~$100–$200+ | Estimated; registry-set competition drives premiums at this tier |
Source: Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 2003–2023 Pricing. MS67/MS68 values are estimates extrapolated from the documented MS64–MS66 price trajectory; specific auction records for these extreme grades were not available at time of publication.
ℹ️ The MS65 Value Cliff
For modern multi-ply plated steel coinage, MS65 is the threshold where a coin becomes truly eye-clean. The jump from $7.50 (MS64) to $18.00 (MS65) reflects how statistically difficult it is for a coin struck into a hopper bin to survive without a single distracting contact mark. Coins at MS66 and above represent genuine condition rarities despite a mintage of 159 million.
2019 Canadian Dime — Proof-Like (PL)
Proof-Like dimes are included in the Classic Canadian Uncirculated Set, with a production limit of approximately 75,000 sets. These coins display mirror-like reflective fields and a frosted relief producing a moderate cameo effect, but without the lined texture that defines a Specimen. Because the set holder protects them from contact damage, high-grade PL examples are common — which moderates their price relative to condition-rare business strikes.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PL60–PL62 | $1.70 | Lower end; minor imperfections present |
| PL65+ | $3.00–$5.00 | Gem Proof-Like; typical set-fresh example |
Sources: Coins and Canada; Numista — 10 Cents Elizabeth II (4th Portrait).
2019 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP)
The Specimen dime is found exclusively in the 6-Coin Specimen Set — Pileated Woodpecker, struck at Ottawa with a mintage of 30,000. Its defining visual characteristic is the lined or matte textured background field — fine vertical striations visible under magnification — contrasting with the brilliant, mirror-like Queen and Bluenose devices. Because book-style holders protect these coins from the moment of striking, SP66 and SP67 survival is the norm rather than the exception, which moderates prices relative to equivalent-grade business strikes.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SP66 | $2.90 | Standard high-grade survival for a set coin |
| SP67 | $14.70 | Top tier for Specimen; worth pursuing in registry sets |
Sources: Coins and Canada; RCM — Pileated Woodpecker Specimen Set.
ℹ️ Pricing Anomaly: SP66 vs. MS66
An SP66 Specimen ($2.90) is valued lower than a Business Strike at MS66 ($24.00). SP66 is an expected survival grade — the protective set holder makes it routine — whereas MS66 in a bag-struck business strike reflects genuinely improbable condition preservation. Rarity of condition, not rarity of finish alone, sets the price for business strikes.
2019 Canadian Dime — Silver Proof (PR)
The Silver Proof dime is struck on a 99.99% fine silver planchet (2.45 g) at the Ottawa Mint and is found exclusively in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set (mintage: 15,000). These coins exhibit deep mirror fields and typically display Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast between the frosted devices and the reflective background. The limited mintage and silver content provide a dual premium: intrinsic bullion value plus collector demand. Certified examples in PR69 or PR70 holders attract additional registry-set competition.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR66 | $14.70 | Solid collector grade; UHC contrast typical |
| PR69 | $40.00+ | Near-perfect; registry-set demand; DCAM contrast |
Sources: Coins and Canada; RCM — 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set.
2019 Canadian Dime — Big Coin Series (5 oz Silver, Reverse Gold Plated)
The Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose is an extraordinary NCLT collector piece: a 65 mm, 5-ounce fine silver coin with selective reverse gold plating reproducing the Bluenose Schooner at monumental scale. With a mintage of only 1,250, it is the rarest of all 2019 dime variants. Its size and plating immediately distinguish it from any standard-diameter issue. See the RCM Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose product page for full specifications.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR69 | $559.00–$850.00 | Mintage 1,250; 5 oz silver; selective gold plating on reverse |
Sources: Coins and Canada; RCM official listing.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2019 Canadian Dime Varieties
The Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose (65 mm, 5 oz silver, reverse gold plated, mintage 1,250) beside a standard 2019 dime (18.03 mm). The size difference alone makes identification instant.
The 2019 Silver Proof dime (from the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Set, mintage 15,000) typically exhibits Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC/DCAM) contrast — frosted white Bluenose and Queen's portrait against jet-black mirror fields. PR69 examples are valued at $40.00+ CAD. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Unlike historical Canadian coins where die varieties — bead placement, numeral style, date size — create premium collectibles, the 2019 dime's value hierarchy is governed entirely by finish and packaging. There are no documented die varieties for this date. The meaningful distinctions are the manufacturing method and the RCM set from which a coin originated.
A) Trophy-Level Variants (Highest Documented Values)
| Variant | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Grade | Value (CAD) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Coin — 5 oz Silver, Reverse Gold Plated | NCLT exclusivity; 65 mm diameter; 5 oz fine silver; selective gold plating; lowest mintage of any 2019 dime issue | PR69 | $559.00–$850.00 | 1,250 |
| Silver Proof — Top Grade (D-Day Set) | 99.99% fine silver planchet; low mintage; UHC/DCAM cameo contrast; registry-set competition | PR69 | $40.00+ | 15,000 |
| Silver Proof (Gold Plated) — Set Exclusive | Found only in the Big Coin or specific premium proof sets; distinct from the standard silver proof | PR69–PR70 | ~$50.00–$75.00 | — |
| Business Strike — Top Population | Condition rarity: MPPS surfaces scratch in mint bags; flawless survival at MS67–MS68 is statistically improbable | MS67–MS68 | ~$100–$200+ (est.) | 159,775,000 struck; MS67+ survivors rare |
MS67/MS68 business strike values are estimates extrapolated from the published MS64–MS66 trajectory. Source: Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 2003–2023. Specific auction records for MS67+ grades were not available at time of publication.
B) Findable Variants Worth Checking
Unlike classic-era varieties that require a loupe and die-study expertise, 2019 dime variants are identified by packaging, physical properties, and visual finish. The following types carry a premium over face value and can be identified by any collector.
| Variant | How to Identify | Why It's Rarer | Typical Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP — Pileated Woodpecker Set) | Lined/matte background fields visible under angled light; from protective book-style set holder | Mintage 30,000 vs 159 million business strikes | $2.90–$14.70 (SP66–SP67) |
| Silver Proof (D-Day Set) | Does NOT stick to a magnet; mirror fields; weighs 2.45 g (vs 1.75 g for steel); from sealed RCM set | Mintage 15,000; silver content; set-exclusive | $14.70–$40.00+ (PR66–PR69) |
| Proof-Like (PL — Classic Canadian Uncirculated Set) | Mirror-like fields without the lined texture of a Specimen; from sealed blister-pack set | Limited to approximately 75,000 sets | $1.70–$5.00 (PL60–PL65+) |
| First Strike Roll Collection | Sealed paper or plastic rolls bearing RCM "First Strikes" packaging and markings | 5,000 rolls produced | $8.00–$12.00 per roll |
Sources: RCM Specimen Set; RCM D-Day Silver Proof Set; RCM First Strikes Roll Collection; Numista — 10 Cents Elizabeth II (Bluenose) 2019.
Major mint errors exist for the 2019 dime but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2019 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly which type of 2019 dime you hold — and therefore what it is worth.
The primary diagnostic: a steel Business Strike (or PL/SP) sticks strongly to a magnet. A Silver Proof dime does not react. This single test instantly separates a $0.10 face-value coin from a $14.70–$40.00+ silver collector coin.
Step 1 — The Magnet Test (Primary Split)
Apply a standard magnet to the coin. This is the most important diagnostic step and costs nothing.
- Sticks strongly: The coin is multi-ply plated steel — a Business Strike, Proof-Like, or Specimen issue. Proceed to Step 2.
- Does not react: The coin is silver — a Proof from a collector set. Confirm by weighing (should be 2.45 g) and checking the reeded edge.
⚠️ Silver Confusion Alert
Unscrupulous sellers may attempt to pass off a polished or cleaned Business Strike as a Silver Proof. The magnet test is the foolproof defence — a steel-core coin is always magnetic, regardless of surface appearance. A cleaned steel coin has essentially no numismatic value.
Step 2 — Finish Identification (Visual Analysis for Steel Coins)
With your coin confirmed as steel, examine the surface under good light held at an angle.
- Business Strike (Circulation): Uniform metallic cartwheel luster radiating from the centre. No strong contrast between the Queen's portrait and the background fields. May show random bag marks on the cheek or Bluenose sails. Value: face value to $0.50 for typical examples; $18.00+ for pristine MS65 survivors.
- Proof-Like (PL): Highly reflective, mirror-like background fields. Moderate frosted contrast on the devices (Queen, ship). No lined or matte texture. Value: $1.70–$5.00.
- Specimen (SP): High contrast with a distinct lined or matte textured background field (fine vertical striations visible under magnification). The devices appear brilliant and mirror-like against the textured field. Sharper, more squared rim than a business strike. Value: $2.90–$14.70.
Step 3 — Monarch & Design Verification
- Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II — Susanna Blunt's fourth portrait (bare head, no crown, pearl necklace and earrings), facing right. This portrait was used on Canadian coins from 2003 through 2022.
- Reverse: Bluenose Schooner by Emanuel Hahn, vessel under full sail traveling to the left. Denomination "10 CENTS," country name "CANADA," and date "2019" appear on the reverse.
- Edge: Reeded (serrated) — consistent across all finishes.
- Mint marks: None. The 2019 dime carries no mint marks on any finish. Winnipeg struck circulation coins; Ottawa struck collector issues — but neither facility's mark appears on the coin itself. This is standard for Canadian circulation coinage of this era.
Step 4 — Special Issue Identification
- Big Coin (5 oz Silver): Immediately identified by its 65 mm diameter — dramatically larger than the standard 18.03 mm dime — and selective gold plating on the Bluenose reverse. No magnet test or weight measurement needed; the size difference is unmistakable at a glance.
30-Second Checklist Summary
- Magnet test: Sticks = Steel (proceed to visual test). Does not stick = Silver Proof.
- Visual test: Lined/matte fields = Specimen. Smooth mirror fields = Proof-Like. Uniform metallic luster = Business Strike (Circulation).
- Weight test: 1.75 g = Steel (Business Strike, PL, or SP). 2.45 g = Silver Proof.
- Size test: 65 mm = Big Coin (5 oz Silver) — no further testing needed.
- Finish confirmed? Consult the value chart for your grade.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Do not dip or apply any chemical cleaner to plated steel dimes. Cleaning can strip the thin nickel plating, expose the copper adhesion layer, or leave hairlines that are permanently visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" (Damaged) by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC and loses all numismatic premium regardless of its underlying detail. Original, natural surfaces — even with minor toning — are always preferable to a cleaned coin.
⚠️ Carbon Spotting
A known vulnerability of multi-ply plated steel coins is the development of carbon spots — small black or copper-coloured dots that form as the plating breaks down and the steel core begins to oxidise microscopically. Carbon spotting significantly degrades eye appeal and can drop an otherwise high-grade coin below the critical MS65 threshold. Store high-grade examples in inert, low-humidity holders and handle them only by the edge.
2019 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 2019 Canadian dime worth?
A circulated 2019 Canadian dime is worth its face value of $0.10 CAD. In uncirculated Business Strike condition, values range from $0.50 (MS60–MS64) to $18.00 (MS65) and $24.00 (MS66). Collector finish versions trade separately: Proof-Like at $1.70–$5.00, Specimen at $2.90–$14.70, and Silver Proof at $14.70–$40.00+. The ultra-rare Big Coin (5 oz silver) commands $559.00–$850.00 at PR69. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 2019 Canadian dime rare?
The standard Business Strike is not rare — 159,775,000 were produced and they remain common in circulation. However, condition rarity applies even to abundant coins: a flawless MS65 or MS66 example is statistically difficult to find because multi-ply plated steel surfaces are susceptible to bag marks during production. Collector issues are genuinely scarce by mintage: Specimen (30,000), Silver Proof (15,000), and Big Coin (1,250).
What makes a 2019 Canadian dime valuable?
Four factors drive value. First, finish — Specimen, Proof-Like, and Silver Proof coins command premiums over business strikes from any grade. Second, grade — for business strikes the MS65 cliff creates a sharp premium for condition survivors. Third, mintage scarcity — the Big Coin (1,250) and Silver Proof (15,000) are inherently limited. Fourth, registry competition — top-population MS67/MS68 and PR69/PR70 examples attract aggressive bidding from collectors building competitive registry sets at PCGS or NGC.
Is my 2019 Canadian dime silver?
Almost certainly not, unless it came from a sealed collector set. Standard 2019 dimes — including Business Strike, Proof-Like, and Specimen issues — are multi-ply plated steel with zero silver content. Only the Proof dime from the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set is struck on a 99.99% fine silver planchet (2.45 g). Apply a magnet: steel coins stick firmly; silver proofs do not react at all. A non-magnetic 2019 dime is the silver proof, worth $14.70–$40.00+ depending on grade.
Should I get my 2019 Canadian dime graded?
Grading is economically justified only when the certified value will significantly exceed the cost of submission. For business strikes, grading makes sense at MS65 and above ($18.00+). Below MS65, face value or low bulk prices make certification uneconomical. For Silver Proofs and the Big Coin, PCGS or NGC certification is recommended given the active registry set market and the liquidity premium a plastic holder provides. ICCS is the domestic Canadian standard and is well suited for Specimen coins intended for Canadian collector markets.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL) and Specimen (SP)?
Both are collector finishes produced at the Ottawa Mint, but they differ in appearance and manufacture. A Proof-Like coin has mirror-like reflective fields with a moderately frosted device — a pleasing cameo effect, but less precise than a true specimen. A Specimen coin has distinctly lined or matte textured background fields (fine striations visible under magnification) that create a high-contrast, sharply defined device against a non-reflective ground. The Specimen finish requires specialized die preparation and is generally considered a more premium product. For 2019, the SP comes from the Pileated Woodpecker set (30,000 mintage) and the PL from the Classic Canadian Uncirculated Set (~75,000 limit).
How do I tell a silver proof from a steel dime?
The magnet test is definitive: hold a magnet near the coin. A steel dime (Business Strike, PL, or Specimen) sticks firmly. A silver proof will not react. As secondary confirmation, weigh the coin — a silver proof is 2.45 grams, while a steel issue is 1.75 grams. A silver proof will also have originated from a sealed RCM collector set and typically comes with a certificate of authenticity. If a coin is non-magnetic and heavier than expected, it is the silver proof version.
What is the 2019 "Big Coin" series dime?
The Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose is a 5-ounce fine silver coin measuring 65 mm in diameter with selective reverse gold plating, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint with a mintage of only 1,250. It reproduces the Bluenose Schooner reverse design at a dramatically enlarged scale. Its size alone makes identification instant — it is 3.5 times the diameter of a standard dime. At PR69 it is valued at $559.00–$850.00 CAD. It is a collector trophy piece and will never be encountered in circulation.
Why is MS65 such an important grade threshold for the 2019 dime?
Multi-ply plated steel coins are more susceptible to contact marks than the pure nickel alloys used before 2000. When 2019 dimes are ejected from the coining press into hopper bins and then bagged for distribution, they collide constantly — particularly damaging the Queen's cheek and the Bluenose's sails. A coin that survives this process without a single distracting mark earns the MS65 grade, and collector demand for pristine examples creates a sharp value jump compared to the MS64 tier below it.
What is carbon spotting and how does it affect my 2019 dime?
Carbon spots are small black or copper-coloured dots that develop on plated steel coins over time as microscopic breaks in the plating allow the steel core to begin oxidising. They are a known risk for multi-ply plated steel issues and significantly reduce eye appeal and numismatic value — potentially dropping an otherwise high-grade coin below the critical MS65 threshold. To prevent carbon spotting, store coins in inert (non-PVC) holders in low-humidity environments and avoid handling them with bare hands.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide represent typical retail pricing in the Canadian numismatic market as of February 2026 and are sourced from the references below. Market values fluctuate with silver spot prices and collector demand; always verify current pricing before buying or selling. MS67/MS68 business strike values are estimates extrapolated from the documented MS64–MS66 trajectory and are clearly flagged as such in the value tables. No specific auction records for extreme-grade 2019 dimes were available for citation at time of publication.
- Coins and Canada — 10 Cents 2003–2023 (Primary finish-segmented pricing source)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 10 Cents (Official specifications and composition)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 75th Anniversary of D-Day Silver Proof Set
- Royal Canadian Mint — Big Coin 10-Cent Bluenose (5 oz Silver, official listing)
- Royal Canadian Mint — Pileated Woodpecker Specimen Set
- Royal Canadian Mint — First Strikes Roll Collection (Mintage: 5,000)
- Numista — 10 Cents Elizabeth II (Bluenose) 2019
- Numista — 10 Cents Elizabeth II (4th Portrait with RCM logo)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — Methodological authority for variety classification, finish definitions, and CLT/NCLT distinctions.
- ICCS (International Coin Certification Service), PCGS, and NGC — Grading standards and terminology referenced throughout.
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.