1939 Canadian Dime Value: Silver and Identification
Agate Precious Metals · Coin Education
1939 Canadian Dime Value and Identification Guide
By Agate Metals Editorial Team · Review record: September 2026
The standard 1939 Canadian dime is an .800 silver George VI ten-cent coin. Its metal content provides a calculation reference, while collector value depends on condition, originality, any verified variety and demand. Identify the exact coin before comparing prices, and keep silver melt value separate from retail asking prices and dealer bids.
How to Identify the 1939 Canadian Dime
Confirm the country, ten-cent denomination, readable 1939 date and George VI portrait. The N#388 reference covers the George VI type dated 1937–1947 with “IND:IMP” in the inscription.
Silver Content and Weight
The standard specification is approximately 2.33 grams gross weight at .800 silver fineness. At that nominal full weight, the calculation is 2.33 × 0.800 = 1.864 grams of fine silver, or approximately 0.05993 troy ounce.
Wear and damage can reduce actual weight. Verify the individual coin before using a metal calculation for a transaction.
Record the silver price source, currency and timestamp. This estimates contained silver value, not a guaranteed selling price.
Condition and Collector Demand
Inspect portrait wear, ship detail, lettering, rim condition and original surfaces. Scratches, corrosion, bends and harsh cleaning can reduce appeal.
A claimed variety should be supported by specific diagnostics. Do not assume that an unusual mark or altered colour establishes rarity.
How to Compare Value
Use completed sales for the same date, type and comparable condition. Keep catalogue estimates, asking prices and dealer bids separate. Include currency conversion, shipping and buyer fees where relevant.
Modern one-ounce bullion coins and historical silver dimes serve different comparison purposes. A bullion premium should not be copied onto a historical coin without coin-specific market evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1939 Canadian dime silver?
Yes. The standard issue is .800 silver. Confirm the coin’s identity and authenticity before applying that specification.
How much silver does it contain?
At the nominal 2.33-gram gross weight, it contains approximately 1.864 grams, or 0.05993 troy ounce, of fine silver. Wear can reduce actual weight.
Is a 1939 Canadian dime automatically rare?
No. Date alone does not establish rarity. Preservation, any authenticated variety and current collector demand affect value.
Can I use face value to estimate its worth?
No. Face value is separate from silver content, collector value and a current dealer offer.
What is the safest way to handle it?
Hold it by the edges, avoid cleaning and use a suitable non-abrasive holder. Preserve uncertain pieces for qualified examination.
Sources and Review Information
Numista — George VI Canadian Dime, N#388.
Review record: September 2026. Silver prices, collector demand and dealer terms can change.