2020 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide

What is a 2020 Canadian dime worth? Complete price guide by grade and finish โ€” Business Strike, Specimen, and Silver Proof values in CAD. Includes the COVID low-mintage effect, magnet test guide, and First Strikes identification. Values as of February 2026.

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Quick Answer

Most 2020 Canadian dimes found in pocket change are worth exactly $0.10 โ€” face value. In Gem Uncirculated grades (MS65โ€“MS66), values reach $7.00โ€“$30.00. Coins from collector sets and silver proofs โ€” which carry a melt value of approximately $8.92 CAD โ€” command meaningful premiums above face.

  • Circulated (found in change):$0.10 โ€” face value only
  • Business Strike, BU (MS60โ€“MS64):$0.25โ€“$0.50
  • Business Strike, Gem (MS65โ€“MS66):$7.00โ€“$30.00
  • Numismatic BU โ€” Uncirculated Set (Gem):$10.00โ€“$20.00
  • Specimen (Gem, from Black-footed Ferret Set):$7.00โ€“$15.00
  • Silver Proof โ€” 99.99% Ag (Gem):$20.00โ€“$35.00
  • Coloured Silver Proof (Gem):$45.00โ€“$60.00

Found in change? It is worth face value โ€” the 2020 dime is a steel coin with negligible intrinsic metal value. Shiny coin from a set? Examine the fields: a lined or matte background indicates a Specimen finish (higher value); uniform cartwheel luster is a standard BU. Is it silver? Apply a magnet โ€” the steel circulation coin grips firmly; a 99.99% pure silver proof shows no attraction at all. A non-magnetic 2020 dime carries a silver melt value of approximately $8.92 CAD and is worth at least $20โ€“$35 in Gem condition. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart โ†’

The 2020 Canadian 10-cent piece continues the iconic Bluenose Schooner reverse designed by Emanuel Hahn โ€” a design that has appeared on the Canadian dime since 1937 โ€” but this issue is defined by an extraordinary production circumstance: a historically low circulation mintage of 68,750,000, directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic's suppression of cash commerce. For context, the 2021 mintage surpassed 704 million. Alongside the reduced circulation run, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the 2020 dime in a full suite of collector finishes spanning Specimen steel and fine silver proofs, creating a multi-tiered numismatic landscape that rewards careful identification. For values across all Canadian dime years and designs, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Note: Minor production anomalies such as die chips and plating blisters exist for the 2020 10-cent coin but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.

2020 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value

The 2020 Canadian dime exists in two metallurgically distinct forms that look nearly identical to the untrained eye but differ in composition, weight, magnetic behavior, and value. A single magnet test settles the question instantly โ€” no scale or special equipment required.

Side-by-side comparison of 2020 Canadian dime in Multi-Ply Plated Steel (1.75 g, strongly magnetic) and 2020 silver proof (2.45 g, 99.99% Ag, non-magnetic) showing magnet test and weight difference

The 2020 circulation dime (1.75 g, Multi-Ply Plated Steel, strongly magnetic) alongside the 2020 silver proof (2.45 g, 99.99% Ag, non-magnetic), with a magnet demonstrating which grips and which does not. (Illustration โ€” not a photo of your exact coin)

Circulation & Steel Collector Issues: Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS)

2020 Canadian 10-Cent โ€” Steel Coin Specifications
Weight: 1.75 g | Composition: 92% steel, 5.5% copper, 2.5% nickel (Multi-Ply Plated Steel) | Diameter: 18.03 mm | Reeded edge | Strongly magnetic

All Business Strike (circulation), Numismatic BU (Uncirculated Set), First Strikes roll, and Specimen coins share the same Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) construction introduced to the 10-cent denomination around 2000/2001. The RCM's proprietary process electroplates alternating layers onto a low-carbon steel core before the blank is struck: a copper inner layer (~5.5% of total weight) assists adhesion and provides electromagnetic vending machine discrimination, while an outer nickel layer (~2.5%) delivers the silver-colored, corrosion-resistant surface.

Magnetic Properties:Strongly Magnetic. This is the definitive authentication test for steel 2020 dimes. Press any household or rare-earth magnet to the coin โ€” a standard MPPS issue will grip firmly. Any 2020 dime that does not respond to a magnet is not a steel circulation issue.

Melt Value (Steel Coins): Less than $0.01 CAD. The combined intrinsic value of the steel, copper, and nickel in a single coin is negligible. There is no rationale for accumulating circulated 2020 dimes based on metal content.

โš ๏ธ Never Clean Steel Coins

The nickel and copper plating on the 2020 dime is thin. Abrasive cleaning or polishing will strip the plating and expose the reactive steel core to humidity, leading to rust and irreversible damage that reduces numismatic value to face value or zero. Even humidity alone can cause milk spots or rust spots if the coin was struck with surface contaminants โ€” store in a cool, dry environment.

Silver Proof Issues: 99.99% Pure Silver

2020 Canadian 10-Cent โ€” Silver Proof Specifications
Weight: 2.45 g | Composition: 99.99% Fine Silver | Diameter: 18.05 mm | Reeded edge | Non-magnetic

Premium collector products โ€” including the V-E Day 75th Anniversary Fine Silver Proof Set โ€” contain a 10-cent coin struck entirely from 99.99% pure silver with no steel core and no plating. At 2.45 grams, these coins are approximately 40% heavier than their steel counterparts, a difference that is palpable when held in hand and measurable on a precision gram scale.

Magnetic Properties:Non-Magnetic. Silver is diamagnetic and will show zero attraction to any magnet. A non-magnetic 2020 dime is a silver proof from a collector set โ€” never a standard circulation coin.

Melt Value Calculation (Silver Proof): Based on a silver spot price of approximately $3.64 CAD per gram as of February 2026 (see SilverPrice.org for current CAD silver spot prices): 2.45 g ร— $3.64 CAD/g โ‰ˆ $8.92 CAD. This establishes a firm value floor โ€” the silver proof can never be worth less than its silver content regardless of collector demand. Silver proof coins found in change have almost certainly been accidentally spent from a broken-up collection and retain their melt value regardless of finish impairment.

FeatureCirculation / BU (Steel)Specimen (Steel)Silver Proof (NCLT)
Primary MetalSteel (92%)Steel (92%)Silver (99.99%)
PlatingNickel / CopperNickel / CopperNone (solid silver)
Weight1.75 g1.75 g2.45 g
Diameter18.03 mm18.03 mm18.05 mm
MagnetismStrongly MagneticStrongly MagneticNon-Magnetic
Melt Value (CAD)< $0.01< $0.01~$8.92

2020 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish

The 2020 Canadian dime market is divided by finish and product source before grade is even considered. A coin's origin โ€” circulation, collector steel set, Specimen set, or silver proof โ€” determines its value tier. All values in CAD as of February 2026.

Three 2020 Canadian dimes showing three distinct finishes: Business Strike with cartwheel luster, Specimen with matte lined fields and frosted devices, and Silver Proof with deep mirror fields and frosted relief

Three 2020 Canadian dime finishes side by side: Business Strike (left, uniform cartwheel luster across fields and devices), Specimen (center, matte/lined fields contrasting with frosted devices), and Silver Proof (right, deeply mirrored fields with heavily frosted Bluenose relief). (Illustration โ€” not a photo of your exact coin)

2020 Canadian Dime โ€” Business Strike (Circulation)

The standard coin struck for commerce, found in pocket change, bank rolls, and through branch withdrawal. The 2020 circulation mintage of 68,750,000 is exceptionally low by modern Canadian standards โ€” far below the 330+ million struck in 2012 and the 704+ million struck in 2021. This pandemic-era contraction means fewer original bank rolls entered the supply, making pristine high-grade survivors statistically harder to locate than for surrounding years.

TypeCirculated (AU50)BU (MS60โ€“MS64)Gem (MS65โ€“MS66)MS67+ (Top Grade)Mintage
Bluenose Business Strike$0.10$0.25โ€“$0.50$7.00โ€“$30.00~$1,440 (Est.)68,750,000

โ„น๏ธ The Grade Cliff: Why MS64 and MS65 Are Worlds Apart

The price jump from the upper end of BU (~$0.50) to Gem MS65 ($7+) and Gem MS66 ($30) is dramatic and driven by the MPPS plating process. Microscopic defects called rinse spots and plating blisters โ€” invisible to the naked eye but penalizing under grading magnification โ€” prevent most coins from reaching MS65. A coin that appears pristine to a novice may receive only MS64 from PCGS, NGC, or ICCS due to these technical flaws. The MS67+ estimate of approximately $1,440 CAD is based on top-population precedents for modern Canadian steel dimes and represents a theoretical ceiling, not an established market price; verified examples at that grade are extraordinarily rare.

Grade comparison of three 2020 Canadian dimes showing circulated AU with contact marks and dulled high points, BU MS60-64 with full luster and minor marks, and Gem MS65 with virtually mark-free surfaces

Grade comparison for the 2020 Canadian dime: circulated AU (left, contact marks and dulled high points), BU MS60โ€“MS64 (center, full luster with minor contact marks), and Gem MS65 (right, virtually mark-free surfaces). The dramatic price cliff between BU and Gem is driven by MPPS plating quality. (Illustration โ€” not a photo of your exact coin)

2020 Canadian Dime โ€” Collector Steel Issues (Numismatic BU & First Strikes)

These higher-quality business strikes were segregated from circulation and sold directly to collectors in sealed packaging. They share the same MPPS composition as circulation coins but typically exhibit fewer handling marks due to more controlled production and handling. The Numismatic BU coins come from the Classic Uncirculated Set; First Strikes are from a separately marketed special wrap roll program limited to 5,000 sets.

ProductBU (MS60โ€“MS64)Gem (MS65โ€“MS66)MS68 (Top Certified)Mintage
Numismatic BU (Classic Uncirculated Set)$1.00โ€“$3.00$10.00โ€“$20.00โ€”75,000
First Strikes (Special Wrap Roll)$1.00โ€“$2.00$15.00โ€“$35.00>$1505,000 sets

โš ๏ธ Provenance Is Everything for First Strikes

A First Strikes 2020 dime is only verifiable by its original sealed special-wrap roll with the holographic security seal intact. Once removed from the packaging, the coin is visually indistinguishable from any other 2020 Business Strike. A loose coin sold as a "Winnipeg First Strike" without accompanying sealed packaging cannot be authenticated and should not command a premium. Sealed rolls trade at approximately $12โ€“$20 per roll, compared to approximately $8 for a standard roll.

2020 Canadian Dime โ€” Specimen (SP)

The Specimen finish is a dedicated collector product from the 2020 6-Coin Specimen Set โ€” Black-footed Ferret. It features a distinctly lined or matte texture in the background fields contrasting with frosted, brilliant device surfaces โ€” a finish achievable only through specialized production techniques and impossible to replicate through circulation. Specimen coins do not enter circulation under normal circumstances; if found loose, the coin may be considered impaired and will lose its set premium, dropping to near face value or a small curiosity premium.

FinishGem (SP65โ€“SP66)MintageSource Set
Specimen (SP) โ€” Steel$7.00โ€“$15.0030,000Black-footed Ferret 6-Coin Specimen Set

2020 Canadian Dime โ€” Silver Proof Issues (NCLT)

The Royal Canadian Mint released the 10-cent design in three distinct 99.99% pure silver proof configurations for 2020. All are Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT), struck in solid silver (2.45 g standard; 1 oz for the 1870 Tribute), non-magnetic, and characterized by deeply mirrored fields with heavily frosted cameo devices. Values below reflect Gem (PF65โ€“PF66) condition:

ProductCompositionGem (PF65โ€“PF66)Mintage
Silver Proof โ€” V-E Day 75th Anniversary Set99.99% Ag, 2.45 g$20.00โ€“$35.0015,000
Coloured Silver Proof (Silver Coloured 6-Coin Set)99.99% Ag, 2.45 g$45.00โ€“$60.007,000
1870 Tribute โ€” 1 oz Large Silver Proof (First National Coinage Set)99.99% Ag, 1 oz (38 mm)$250.00+850

Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide covering all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.

Most Valuable 2020 Canadian Dime Varieties

The 2020 Canadian 10-cent coin has no catalogued major die varieties of the traditional type โ€” no bead varieties, double dies, date size differences, or mint mark varieties are documented for this issue. Value differentiation is instead driven by finish rarity, packaging provenance, condition scarcity at the top of the grade scale, and specialized NCLT product categories.

A. Trophy-Level Examples (Condition Rarity & Institutional Products)

These represent the documented ceiling of the 2020 dime market, requiring either exceptional grading outcomes, precious or rare metal content, or extreme product scarcity:

2020 First Strikes Special Wrap Roll with holographic security seal โ€” the sole means of verifying a 2020 dime as a certified Winnipeg First Strike; individual coins are indistinguishable once removed

The 2020 First Strikes Special Wrap Roll with holographic security seal. This seal is the only means of verifying a 2020 dime as a Winnipeg First Strike. Once the roll is opened, the coins inside are visually indistinguishable from standard Business Strikes and lose their provenance premium.

WhatWhy It Commands a PremiumTypical RequirementDocumented High-End Value
2020 Bluenose MS67 / MS68Condition rarity โ€” MPPS plating process makes flawless certified examples statistically anomalousPCGS / ICCS MS67+~$1,440 CAD (Est. based on top-pop precedents)
2020 Pure Gold 10-Cent ProofPrecious metal โ€” 1/10 oz gold NCLT coin from special collector setProof (PF70)~$2,999 CAD (Retail Ask)
2020 1oz Silver 1870 Tribute (38 mm)Mintage scarcity โ€” large-format recreation of the Victorian dime; only 850 struckProof (PF69/PF70)~$1,500 CAD (Set price)
2020 First Strikes Certified (MS68)Provenance + condition โ€” from limited 5,000-roll run, graded nearly perfect by PCGS or NGCPCGS / NGC MS68>$150 CAD

Note: The MS67/MS68 estimate of ~$1,440 reflects top-population precedents for modern Canadian MPPS dimes and is not a confirmed individual auction result. The Pure Gold 10-Cent Proof and 1870 Tribute are specialized NCLT products โ€” not standard circulation dimes โ€” and are valued separately from the Bluenose dime series.

B. Findable Variants (Identifiable Without Professional Equipment)

These variants can be identified by examining the coin's surface, packaging, or response to a magnet โ€” no grading service required at first assessment:

VariantHow to IdentifyWhy It's NotableTypical Value Impact
First Strikes โ€” Winnipeg RollOriginal sealed special-wrap roll with holographic security seal intactLimited to 5,000 roll sets; struck with fresh Winnipeg dies; provenance lost once opened$12โ€“$20 per sealed roll (vs ~$8 standard roll)
Specimen Finish (SP)Lined / matte background fields; frosted brilliant devices; from Black-footed Ferret Set packagingOnly 30,000 struck; unique finish not produced for circulation$7โ€“$15 (Gem, single coin)
Silver Proof โ€” StandardNon-magnetic to magnet test; mirror fields; frosted devices; weight 2.45 g (vs 1.75 g steel)99.99% silver; hard melt floor ~$8.92 CAD; mintage 15,000$20โ€“$35 (Gem)
Coloured Silver ProofApplied blue color on Bluenose design; non-magnetic; from sealed coloured silver set99.99% silver; lowest-mintage standard silver issue at 7,000$45โ€“$60 (Gem)

โ„น๏ธ The "W" Mint Mark โ€” 2020 Clarification

Standard 2020 circulation dimes struck at the Winnipeg facility do not bear a W mint mark. The coins inside First Strikes rolls are visually identical to any other 2020 Business Strike once removed from their sealed packaging โ€” there is no mark, symbol, or surface feature that distinguishes them. The W mint mark appeared on certain Canadian collector coins in earlier years (e.g., 2003 uncirculated sets) but is not a documented feature of the 2020 10-cent issue in any finish or product.

2020 Canadian Dime Identification Guide

Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly what 2020 Canadian 10-cent coin you have โ€” and which value tier it falls into. The most important step is the magnet test, which instantly separates the two distinct compositions.

2020 Canadian 10-cent coin showing obverse with Susanna Blunt Queen Elizabeth II bare-head portrait facing right and reverse with Emanuel Hahn Bluenose Schooner, with key identification features labeled

2020 Canadian 10-cent coin: obverse (left) featuring the Susanna Blunt Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II โ€” no crown, facing right, with legend ELIZABETH II D G REGINA and date 2020; reverse (right) showing Emanuel Hahn's iconic Bluenose Schooner with CANADA 10 CENTS.

30-Second Identification Checklist

  1. Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II facing right, without a crown. This is the Susanna Blunt Fourth Portrait (Bare Head), which defined Canadian coinage from 2003 until the transition to King Charles III beginning in 2023. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D G REGINA. The Queen is depicted wearing a necklace and earrings but no crown โ€” this absence is the key visual identifier of the Blunt effigy. A crowned portrait indicates a different era entirely.

  2. Reverse Check: Confirm the Bluenose Schooner design with the date 2020. The legends read CANADA and 10 CENTS. Note: if the coin bears a dual date (such as 1945โ€“2020) or a Victory-themed design, it is a different commemorative issue โ€” the standard 2020 10-cent retained the classic Bluenose reverse without dual dating. The commemorative dual-date Bluenose did not appear until the 2021 centenary issues.

  3. Edge Check: The edge should be reeded โ€” vertical grooves running around the entire circumference. A plain edge on a coin of this size and design would indicate a manufacturing anomaly or a foreign coin.

  4. Magnet Test โ€” The Critical Sorting Step:

    Magnet test demonstration on two 2020 Canadian dimes โ€” steel circulation coin grips magnet firmly on the left, 99.99% silver proof coin shows zero magnetic attraction on the right

    Magnet test on two 2020 Canadian dimes: the steel circulation coin (left) grips the magnet firmly; the 99.99% silver proof (right) shows zero magnetic attraction. This single test definitively separates a ~$0.10 coin from a ~$20+ coin. (Illustration โ€” not a photo of your exact coin)

    • Strongly Magnetic โ†’ Multi-Ply Plated Steel โ€” This is a Business Strike, Numismatic BU, First Strikes, or Specimen coin. Face value to ~$15 depending on finish and grade. Proceed to Step 5 to determine finish.
    • Non-Magnetic โ†’ 99.99% Pure Silver โ€” This is a silver proof from a collector set. Melt value approximately $8.92 CAD. Numismatic value $20โ€“$250+ depending on the specific product. Confirm by weight: it should be 2.45 g versus 1.75 g for steel.
  5. Finish Identification (Determines Value Tier for Steel Coins):

    • Business Strike: Uniform cartwheel luster across both fields and devices. May show subtle flow lines (microscopic radial lines radiating from center). Contact marks are typical. Value: $0.10 to $30+ depending on grade.
    • Specimen (SP): A distinctly lined or matte texture in the background fields, contrasting sharply with the frosted, brilliant device surfaces (Queen portrait and Bluenose schooner appear bright against a darker matte field). This finish requires specific production techniques and cannot appear on any circulation coin. Originally from the 2020 Black-footed Ferret Specimen Set. Value: $7โ€“$15 (Gem).
    • Silver Proof (PF): Deeply mirrored fields that appear almost black or reflective like liquid mercury when tilted away from the light source, paired with heavily frosted white devices. Identified only in combination with a non-magnetic magnet test. Value: $20โ€“$250+ depending on product (standard, coloured, or 1870 Tribute).
  6. Mint Mark Check: No documented mint marks exist on standard 2020 Canadian circulation dimes. The Winnipeg facility struck all circulation coins without any distinguishing mark. There are no documented privy marks, anniversary marks, or composition marks on the standard 2020 10-cent issue in any finish.

  7. Weight Verification (Secondary Authentication for Silver): If the magnet test suggests a silver proof, confirm by weighing the coin. A steel dime weighs 1.75 g; a silver proof weighs 2.45 g. This 40% weight difference is measurable on an inexpensive precision gram scale. If the coin is non-magnetic but weighs only 1.75 g, investigate further โ€” this is an unusual combination that may indicate a foreign coin or an anomaly.

โš ๏ธ Never Clean Your 2020 Dime

Cleaning a steel coin โ€” whether by rubbing, polishing, or commercial coin cleaners โ€” strips the thin nickel/copper plating and exposes the reactive steel core to oxidation and rust. Cleaning a silver proof leaves hairlines visible under magnification at the grading table. In either case, a cleaned coin is graded "Details" or "Impaired" by all major grading services (ICCS, PCGS, NGC) and permanently loses all numismatic premium, regardless of the underlying detail quality.

2020 Canadian Dime Value FAQs

What is a 2020 Canadian dime worth?

A 2020 Canadian dime found in pocket change is worth exactly $0.10 โ€” face value โ€” since it is a steel coin with negligible intrinsic metal content. Numismatic premiums begin for Business Strike coins graded MS65 or higher ($7โ€“$30), Numismatic BU coins from the Uncirculated Set ($10โ€“$20 in Gem), Specimen coins from the Black-footed Ferret Set ($7โ€“$15), and silver proof coins from collector sets ($20โ€“$60+ depending on type). The 1870 Tribute large-format silver proof, with a mintage of only 850, reaches $250+.

Is a 2020 Canadian dime rare?

In circulated condition, no โ€” 68,750,000 were struck for commerce, which is low by modern Canadian standards but still tens of millions of coins. What is genuinely rare is a 2020 dime in Gem Uncirculated condition (MS65+), because the Multi-Ply Plated Steel composition is prone to microscopic rinse spots and plating blisters that prevent top-grade certification. Among collector issues, the 1870 Tribute (mintage 850) and the Coloured Silver Proof (mintage 7,000) represent meaningful scarcity. The First Strikes rolls (5,000 sets) are the rarest steel product.

Is my 2020 Canadian dime made of silver?

Standard 2020 circulation dimes are not silver โ€” they are Multi-Ply Plated Steel (92% steel, 5.5% copper, 2.5% nickel) with no precious metal content and negligible melt value. To determine if your coin is silver, apply a magnet: a steel coin will stick firmly, while a 99.99% pure silver proof will show no magnetic attraction whatsoever. You can also weigh it โ€” a steel dime is 1.75 g; a silver proof is 2.45 g. Silver 2020 dimes came exclusively from premium collector sets and were never distributed through circulation channels.

What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen?

Both a Business Strike and a Specimen are magnetic steel coins with the same MPPS composition, but they differ in surface finish. A Business Strike has uniform cartwheel luster across both fields (flat background areas) and devices (raised design elements). A Specimen coin has a distinctly lined or matte texture in the fields, with frosted and brilliant devices, creating a sharp visual contrast unique to collector production. The 2020 Specimen was issued exclusively in the Black-footed Ferret Specimen Set (30,000 mintage). If a coin has this matte/lined background finish, it is a Specimen; if the luster is uniform across the entire surface, it is a Business Strike.

What makes a 2020 Canadian dime valuable?

Four factors drive 2020 dime values: (1) Grade โ€” the price cliff between the upper BU range and Gem MS65 is dramatic due to the difficulty of achieving flawless plating on MPPS coins; (2) Finish โ€” Specimen and Silver Proof coins command premiums independent of grade because of their limited mintages and specialized production; (3) Packaging and Provenance โ€” sealed First Strikes rolls command a premium over loose coins because provenance is verifiable only through the original packaging; (4) Silver content โ€” proof coins contain 99.99% pure silver worth approximately $8.92 CAD at the melt floor, creating a hard value minimum that steel coins do not have.

What is the "COVID Lull" and why does it matter for 2020 dimes?

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced cash usage in 2020, causing the Royal Canadian Mint to produce far fewer circulation coins than in typical years. The 2020 dime's circulation mintage of 68,750,000 is extraordinarily low compared to surrounding years โ€” the 2012 mintage exceeded 330 million, and the 2021 mintage surpassed 704 million. Fewer original bank rolls entered the coin supply. As those rolls are spent and dispersed over time, finding a pristine high-grade example becomes statistically more difficult, making 2020 a potential sleeper key date in high grade. Current prices of $7โ€“$30 for Gem examples may not yet reflect future scarcity as original rolls are consumed.

Should I get my 2020 Canadian dime professionally graded?

Professional grading (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) makes economic sense only if your coin is likely to grade MS65 or higher. Grading fees typically start at $30โ€“$50 CAD or more per coin, meaning the coin must reach Gem grade ($7โ€“$30 range) simply to break even โ€” and realistically MS66 ($30) or above to profit from the exercise. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian specialist grading service; PCGS and NGC are the major U.S.-based services with broad global market recognition. For Silver Proof coins, grading is most worthwhile for large-format, high-value pieces such as the 1870 Tribute where a confirmed PF70 grade adds meaningful premium.

How do I tell if my dime is from a First Strikes roll?

You cannot tell from the coin itself. Once removed from its original sealed special-wrap roll, a First Strikes 2020 dime is visually identical to any other 2020 Business Strike โ€” same composition, same finish, same appearance, no mint mark. The only way to verify First Strikes status is the intact original roll with its holographic security seal. Sealed rolls trade at approximately $12โ€“$20 per roll. A loose coin sold as a First Strikes or Winnipeg coin without the original packaging cannot be authenticated and should not command any provenance premium.

Why is the Multi-Ply Plated Steel composition so difficult to grade at high levels?

The electroplating process used for MPPS coins can leave microscopic surface defects โ€” called rinse spots or plating blisters โ€” that differ from the traditional bag marks seen on older copper or silver coins. These defects are invisible to the naked eye in normal lighting but are detectable under the magnification and specialized lighting used by PCGS, NGC, and ICCS graders. A coin that appears pristine to a collector may receive only MS64 due to these technical flaws, which is why the price cliff between the BU range and Gem MS65โ€“MS66 is so steep for modern Canadian steel dimes including the 2020 issue.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide reflect typical market prices as of February 2026 and are synthesized from the following primary numismatic sources. All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Values represent typical market ranges and are not guaranteed prices. Individual coin value depends on strike quality, surface preservation, and current market conditions. This guide covers non-error standard issues only.

A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties โ€” especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone โ€” 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 โ€” 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.