Canadian Junk Silver

In Canada, the term “junk silver” typically refers to Canadian silver coins minted before 1968. These were made of 80% silver and 20% copper and include the silver dollars, half dollars, quarters, and dimes. These coins were gradually phased out of circulation as the composition changed to nickel and copper.

Some examples of Canadian junk silver coins include the 80% silver Canadian Silver Dollar, which was issued until 1967, and the 80% silver Canadian Half Dollar, which was issued until 1968.

Canadian junk silver is more commonly found along the border states, often at estate sales, antique stores and coin shops. It is also readily available from most online precious metals dealers.

Buying Canadian junk silver coins is common amongst precious metals investors and “stackers” as a way to add physical silver as a store of value.

It’s important to note that the term “junk silver” can also refer to similar coins from other countries, like U.S. 90% silver coins, which have a different silver content and history. When buying or selling junk silver coins, it’s advisable to be aware of their silver content, condition, and current market prices to make informed decisions.

Availability

Circulated Junk Silver from Canada is surprisingly plentiful and readily available. There is much less demand for junk Canadian silver coins amongst investors. You can sometimes buy Canadian Junk Silver Coins for below silver spot price.

The composition of silver coins that circulated in Canada is different than those that circulated in the United States.

Silver Canadian Dollar coins, sometimes colloquially referred to as “Loonie Dollars”, were $1 dollar coins that circulated from 1935 to 1967. They were from an alloy that was composed of 80% silver. Each Canadian Silver Dollar coin from this era contained .6 troy ounces of pure silver. Every $10 in Face Value contains 6 troy ounces of silver. This make each $1 face value worth $19.18 based on today’s silver spot price.

Prior to 1967, Canadian half-dollar, quarter-dollar and dime coins also composed of an 80% silver alloy.

Some Canadian junk silver coins were minted in other alloys as well. Some contained a 50% alloy. Others, particularly in years prior to 1919, were minted in 92.5% Sterling silver.

Canadian Silver Coins

Coin Value/Denom	Years	Purity/Fineness	Weight (g)	ASW (g)	ASW (oz.)	Melt Value
Canadian Silver Nickels
George V Nickel	1911-1919	.925		1.0795	0.034706	$1.11
George V Nickel	1920-1921	.800		0.9336	0.030016	$0.96
Canadian Silver Dimes
George V Dime	1911-1919	.925		2.1553	.069293	$2.22
George V Dime	1920-1936	.800	2.3320 g	1.8656 g	0.06 ozt	$1.92
George VI Dime	1937-1952	.800	2.3320 g	1.8656 g	0.06 ozt	$1.92
Elizabeth II Dime	1953-1967	.800	2.3320 g	1.8656 g	0.06 ozt	$1.92
Elizabeth II Dime	1967-1968	.500	2.3328 g	1.1664 grams	0.0375 ozt	$1.2
Canadian Silver Quarters
George V Quarter	1911-1919	.925	5.8319 g	5.3945 g	0.1734 ozt	$5.54
George V Quarter	1920-1936	.800	5.8319 g	4.6655 g	0.15 ozt	$4.79
George VI Quarter	1937-1952	.800	5.8319 g	4.6655 g	0.15 ozt	$4.79
Elizabeth II Quarter	1953-1967	.800	5.8319 g	4.6655 g	0.15 ozt	$4.79
Elizabeth II Quarter	1967-1968	.500	5.8319 g	2.91595 g	.0937 ozt	$3
Canadian Silver Half Dollars
George V Half Dollar	1911-1919	.925	11.62 g	10.75 g	0.3456 ozt	$11.05
George V Half Dollar	1920-1936	.800	11.664 g	9.331 g	0.300 ozt	$9.59
George VI Half Dollar	1937-1952	.800	11.664 g	9.331 g	0.300 ozt	$9.59
Elizabeth II Half Dollar	1953-1967	.800	11.664 g	9.331 g	0.300 ozt	$9.59
Canadian Silver Dollars
George V Dollar	1935-1936	.800	23.3276 g	18.662 g	0.600 ozt	$19.18
George VI Dollar	1937-1952	.800	23.3276 g	18.662 g	0.600 ozt	$19.18
George VI Dollar	1953-1967	.800	23.3276 g	18.662 g	0.600 ozt	$19.18