Obverse: identify the front

The 1955 specimen shows Elizabeth II facing right, with the monarch’s name and title around the rim. Earlier coins in the same composition family have different monarchs. A head portrait identifies neither the denomination nor the later transition alloy by itself.

Reverse: identify the back

The Bluenose schooner is under sail, with CANADA, the date 1955 and 10 CENTS visible. Read TEN CENTS or 10 CENTS rather than estimating size from a screen. The schooner design also persists into later nonsilver production, so it cannot substitute for a date and composition check.

History and purpose

The Mint dates the Bluenose reverse to 1937; earlier dimes use crossed maple boughs. Its technical table lists eighty-percent silver in the historical period, while the reference separately identifies the fifty-percent 1967–1968 transition. This guide keeps those compositions distinct despite similar faces.

How to identify this variant

Confirm ten cents, date and the .800 silver issue before using 2.3328 g nominal mass. The Mint’s 2.33 g display rounds the longer the reference weight. The nominal diameter is 18.034 mm. Record actual measurements separately and obtain a composition assessment for an uncertain transition coin.

Understanding its metal content

Multiply 2.3328 g by 0.8 to obtain 1.86624 g nominal silver, then divide by 31.1034768 g per troy ounce. Three correctly identified standard-weight coins contain approximately 0.180003 troy oz. These are decimal calculations from the cited specification, not an assay, customer weighing result, collector price or payment commitment. The remaining alloy is not additional silver.

Dates, varieties and composition changes

The 1967 centennial reverse uses a mackerel rather than Bluenose. The reference’s .800 and .500 rows overlap in 1967; the face year alone cannot decide the alloy. Earlier pre-1920 sterling dimes and later nickel issues belong outside this calculator identity.

Melt value versus collector value

Maintain date and design distinctions when sorting a lot. Keep a 1967 coin with uncertain composition unassigned until identified rather than selecting the larger silver amount. A normal pre-transition reference photograph provides useful design context but is not chemical evidence for another specimen.

Authenticity and condition

Keep measurements, denomination, date, both face designs and original packaging together. A familiar portrait or silver color cannot certify a composition. Use a suitable scale and caliper without scratching, cleaning or removing a coin from a grading holder. Preserve photographs and provenance for individual examination when attribution or authenticity is uncertain. These reference images do not grade or authenticate a customer coin.

Selling this coin

Sort this identified type separately from adjacent alloys and denominations. Record the quantity, readable dates and mint details, and supply both-side photographs for unusual or uncertain examples. Request an appraisal of the actual lot using the existing quote form; its prefilled coin context assists identification. Keep the nominal metal total separate from a collector assessment and any accepted offer.

Sources and calculation methodology

The reference’s .800 dime row gives 2.3328 g; the Mint rounds this to 2.33 g. The nominal .800 calculation applies to confirmed composition, especially in 1967; it does not silently classify overlapping transition issues. The reference is the owner-selected specification authority when references disagree. Rounded ASW displays are compared with the calculation rather than converted into extra precision. Photographic identity and photographer reuse rights are reviewed independently. No approved live feed is configured, so dollar melt values remain unavailable. Publication and modification dates document actual review, not an artificial freshness claim.

Common questions

References

• NGC: Canadian silver dime composition rows — identity; dates .800 row 1920–1967; .500 row 1967–1968; weight .800 2.3328 g; fineness .800; ASW rounded .06 oz (checked 2026-10-10)
• Royal Canadian Mint: ten-cent designs and dimensions — design Bluenose from 1937, earlier maple boughs, 1967 mackerel; diameter 18.034 mm; rounded weight 2.33 g; .800 silver technical period (checked 2026-10-10)

Issue-year references

• Royal Canadian Mint: dime annual mintages

Content maintained by CashForCoins. Last substantive record update: 2026-10-10. Report a specification or attribution issue through our contact page.

Related coins

Canadian Quarter — 80% Silver

Photo credits and rights on the linked coin profile.

Canada • 80.0% silver; balance copper

Issue years: 1920–1921, 1927–1967

Fine silver: 0.150000 troy oz

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