Tucked away in old piggy banks, rolled up in paper coin wrappers, or loose in a jar on a shelf — old Canadian silver coins are one of the most commonly overlooked sources of value in households across the Lower Mainland. Many people assume old coins are just old coins. In fact, Canadian coins minted before 1968 contain real silver, and at todays silver prices, a roll of old dimes your grandparents saved could be worth significantly more than you might expect.
This guide from Five Star Gold Exchange in Coquitlam explains which Canadian coins contain silver, what they are worth in 2026, and what to do if you think you might have some.
The key rule of thumb: Canadian coins in standard denominations (dimes, quarters, fifty-cent pieces, and dollars) minted before 1968 generally contain silver. Heres a more precise breakdown:
1858–1919: 92.5% Silver (Sterling Silver
Coins minted during this era — dimes, 20-cent pieces (1858 only), quarters, 50-cent pieces, and 5-cent pieces (until 1921) — were made from sterling silver, the same purity as fine silverware. These are the most silver-rich coins from this period.
1920–1966: 80% Silver
During this period, the silver content dropped from 92.5% to 80%. Dollar coins, fifty-cent pieces, quarters, and dimes from 1920 through 1966 all contain 80% silver. Still highly valuable — these are the coins most often found in inherited collections.
1967: A Mixed Year
1967 was a transition year for Canadian coinage, struck during Canadas centennial. Dollar and fifty-cent coins were made in 80% silver. Quarters and dimes were struck in 80% silver for the first half of the year and 50% silver for the second half — and the two are visually identical. Because of this uncertainty, 1967 quarters and dimes are valued slightly lower than 1966 pieces.
1968: Partial Silver
Some quarters and dimes from 1968 were struck in 50% silver during the first few months of the year. These can be identified by a simple magnet test: if the coin sticks to a magnet, it is made from nickel and has no silver content. If it does not stick, it is likely silver.
1969 and Later: No Silver
All standard circulation coins from 1969 onward were made from nickel or other base metals. They have no precious metal value beyond face value.
Silver is currently trading at approximately $33–$35 CAD per troy ounce. Heres what that means for common coin denominations:
| Coin | Silver Content | Est. Silver Value (2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1968 Dime (10¢) | ~2.33g silver | ~$2.50–$3.00 CAD | 10× face value |
| Pre-1968 Quarter (25¢) | ~5.83g silver | ~$6.00–$7.00 CAD | 25× face value |
| Pre-1968 50-cent piece | ~11.66g silver | ~$12–$14 CAD | Common find |
| Pre-1968 Dollar coin | ~18.66g silver | ~$18–$22 CAD | Best value per coin |
| 1920–1966 Nickels (5¢) | No silver | Face value only | Nickel, not silver |
A full roll of 40 pre-1968 quarters (face value: $10.00) contains approximately $240–$280 in silver value at current prices. Many families find rolls or bags of these coins in estates and have no idea of their worth.
Some Canadian coins are rare because of low mintage numbers or historical circumstances. These key date coins can be worth far more than their silver content alone — sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars to collectors. When we see these at Five Star Gold Exchange, we flag them for you so you can explore the best selling option.
Notable Canadian key dates include the 1921 50-cent piece, the 1948 Silver Dollar (considered the king of Canadian coins), and several early 5-cent and 10-cent pieces from the 1870s–1890s. If you have coins from these periods, please mention it when you call.
Many BC households also contain American silver coins, particularly from families with US connections. US dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins minted before 1965 are 90% silver and carry significant value. Post-1965 US coins (except some half dollars through 1969) contain no silver.
When you bring coins to our Coquitlam office, we sort them by denomination and date, identify any potential key date pieces, and calculate the silver value using our live silver buying price. The process is explained step by step. You see exactly how we reach the number.
We are one of the few buyers in the Lower Mainland who will take the time to look at every coin individually and flag anything with collector potential. Most pawn shops will simply weigh the lot and apply a flat rate — you could leave with significantly less than you deserve.
This is the most common mistake we see. Old coins are casually spent, given to grandchildren, or donated to charity because they look like regular money. If you or a family member has a jar of old coins, especially from pre-1968 Canada, bring them in for a free evaluation before making any decisions. There is no cost and no obligation.
Five Star Gold Exchange — Coquitlam, BC | By Appointment Only
#230 – 1140 Austin Ave, Coquitlam, BC | View Live Prices at fsge.ca