Canadian Silver Dollar

1935-1967 • Canada • $1 CAD

About This Coin

Canada's first silver dollar commemorated the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935. These beautiful coins feature the reigning monarch and iconic Canadian imagery including the voyageur canoe design.

Specifications

Composition

80% Silver, 20% Copper (1935-1967)

Weight

23.33 grams

Diameter

36.07 mm

Edge

Reeded

Designer

Various (Emanuel Hahn for voyageur design)

Mintage

Varies by year (138,000 to 9,000,000)

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	$15-18 (silver melt)
Good (G)	$18-25
Fine (F)	$25-35
Very Fine (VF)	$35-50
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	$50-100
Uncirculated (MS)	$100-500+ (rare dates/varieties more)

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

The obverse features the reigning British monarch (George V, VI, or Elizabeth II). The reverse typically shows a voyageur and Native American paddling a canoe (standard design 1935-1987 except commemoratives). Key dates: 1948 (very low mintage), 1947 Maple Leaf and Blunt 7/Pointed 7 varieties, 1950 Arnprior with extra water lines. Pre-1968 coins are 80% silver.

Historical Context

Canada's first silver dollar was issued in 1935 for King George V's Silver Jubilee, then became an annual issue from 1937. The iconic voyageur design by Emanuel Hahn represents Canada's fur trade heritage. In 1968, silver was removed and replaced with nickel. Special commemorative reverses were issued for royal visits, anniversaries, and the Centennial (1967). The 1948 is a key date - extremely low mintage due to King's title change from "Emperor of India."

Notable Varieties

1947 Maple Leaf (delayed 1948 production)
1947 Blunt 7 vs Pointed 7
1948 (key date - low mintage)
1950 Arnprior (extra water lines)
1955 Arnprior
1967 Centennial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest Canadian silver dollar?

The 1948 is the rarest regular issue with only 18,780 minted, worth $500-3,000+. The 1947 Pointed 7 and Maple Leaf varieties are also valuable. Among varieties, the 1950 and 1955 Arnprior dollars (extra water lines error) are highly sought.

How much silver is in a Canadian silver dollar?

Pre-1968 Canadian dollars contain 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver (80% silver, 23.33g total weight). At $25/oz silver, that's $15 in melt value alone. Most are worth more due to collector demand.