1964 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Discover what your 1964 Canadian dime is worth. Complete silver 10-cent price guide covering Business Strike, Proof-Like, and Specimen finishes by grade with Heavy Cameo premiums and the Extra Water Line myth debunked. All values in CAD, updated February 2026.
The 1964 Canadian dime is an 80% silver coin worth a minimum of $6.65 CAD in any problem-free condition its silver melt value at current spot prices. In Gem Uncirculated grades, values reach $45.00, and trophy-grade specimens command $2,500+.
- Circulated (G4AU50):$6.65$7.50 (silver melt floor)
- Uncirculated (MS60MS63):$9.00$14.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$45.00
- Trophy Grade (MS67+):~$2,500
- Proof-Like (PL63PL67):$10.00$120.00
- Proof-Like Heavy Cameo (PL67 HC/DCAM):$300$500
- Specimen (SP66SP67):$400$750
Found in change or a drawer? A worn 1964 dime is worth its silver content approximately $6.65 CAD at current spot, far above its 10 face value. Shiny and mirror-like? It is almost certainly a Proof-Like (PL) collector coin, not a rare high-grade Business Strike see the PL table below. Is it silver? Yes all genuine 1964 Canadian dimes are 80% silver and non-magnetic. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart
The 1964 Canadian 10-cent piece marks a pivotal numismatic moment: it is the final high-volume year of Canada's classic 80% silver dime era and the last issue to carry Mary Gillick's Laureate Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Produced exclusively at the Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility, the coin was hoarded by the roll as rising silver prices approached face value creating one of the largest surviving populations of any Canadian silver dime, yet also one of the most bag-marked. For values across the entire denomination's history, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
1964 Canadian 10-cent coin: Laureate Portrait obverse by Mary Gillick (left) and Bluenose schooner reverse by Emanuel Hahn (right). This is the final year of the Gillick portrait on the Canadian dime.
Note: Production anomalies such as off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and wrong-planchet errors exist for the 1964 dime but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1964 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
Unlike modern Canadian dimes composed of multi-ply plated steel, the 1964 issue is a precious metal coin. Its 80% silver alloy the Canadian standard established in 1920 creates a bullion price floor that makes even worn, problem-free examples worth significantly more than their 10 face value.
Alloy Breakdown
- Silver (Ag): 80.0%
- Copper (Cu): 20.0%
The copper content improved durability for circulation. This 80/20 ratio differs from the U.S. 90% silver standard of the same period and from pre-1920 Canadian sterling silver (92.5%).
Actual Silver Weight (ASW) & Melt Value
The coin's total weight is 2.33 grams. Pure silver content: 2.33 g 0.80 = 1.864 grams (approximately 0.06 troy ounces).
At the silver spot price of approximately $3.57 CAD per gram (~$111.02 CAD per troy ounce) observed in February 2026 (see GoldBroker Silver Price in CAD), the melt value formula is:
2.33 g 0.80 $3.57 CAD/g = $6.65 CAD
This $6.65 CAD figure is the price floor for every problem-free 1964 Canadian dime. In previous decades, circulated examples were often catalogued at $1$2; the surge in silver prices to over $100 CAD/oz in 2026 has completely eclipsed those historical book values for all grades up to AU50. A coin must reach the mid-Mint State range (MS63+) to begin accruing a meaningful numismatic premium above this bullion floor.
Magnetic Test (Composition Verification)
A genuine 1964 Canadian dime is non-magnetic silver and copper are both non-magnetic metals. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it is not an authentic 1964 silver dime.
Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1964 Canadian dime will not respond silver and copper are both non-magnetic. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is likely a modern nickel-plated steel dime, a later-date piece, or a counterfeit. This is the fastest single authentication test available without specialized equipment.
Melting Note
Canada's Currency Act prohibits the melting or destruction of Canadian coins. The melt value is presented here strictly as a pricing baseline, not as a recommendation to melt coins.
1964 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Finish
Jump to:Business Strike Proof-Like (PL) Specimen (SP)All values in CAD as of February 2026. Values assume problem-free coins with no cleaning, holes, or deep scratches. The silver melt floor of $6.65 CAD applies to all grades.
1964 Canadian Dime Business Strike (Circulation)
Sources: Numista Canada 10 Cents, Elizabeth II First Portrait NGC Price Guide KM-51 Colonial Acres Coins
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Standard Laureate / Bluenose 80% Silver | $6.65 | $6.65 | $6.65 | $6.65 | $6.75 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $14.00 | $45.00 | MS64 $20. MS67+ $2,500. Bag marks on Queen's cheekbone are the primary grade detractor for this issue. |
Grade comparison circulated (VF20, left), Choice Uncirculated (MS63, center), and Gem Uncirculated (MS65, right). The sharp value cliff between MS64 and MS65 is driven by bag marks on the Queen's cheekbone, visible under 5 magnification. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
The Bag Mark Problem & Value Cliff
With 49,518,549 circulation strikes produced, the 1964 dime survives abundantly in lower uncirculated grades. The Royal Canadian Mint ejected finished coins into large bins where they collided, leaving small nicks ("bag marks" or "chatter") concentrated on the Queen's cheekbone and the sails of the Bluenose. A clean, mark-free cheek is the defining characteristic of an MS65+ specimen. Grades MS60MS63 are so common that the cost to certify them ($10$30 per submission) typically exceeds the numismatic premium over melt certification is only financially viable at MS65 or higher for Business Strikes, or for PL coins with demonstrable Heavy Cameo contrast.
1964 Canadian Dime Proof-Like (PL)
Proof-Like coins were struck with polished dies on specially prepared blanks and sealed in flat pliofilm strips for the collector market. The Royal Canadian Mint sold 1,653,162 PL sets in 1964. Many sets have been broken up for their silver content or damaged by PVC contamination from the original packaging. Source: London Coin Centre 19601964 RCM Collector Items
| Finish | PL63 | PL64 | PL65 | PL66 | PL67 | Cameo Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) Standard | $10.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $60.00 | $120.00 | Heavy Cameo (HC / DCAM): +50% to 100% over standard PL at same grade. Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC): +200% to 300% over standard PL at same grade. | PL67 HC/DCAM: $300$500. PL68 finest known: ~$900 (asking). See PVC warning below. |
PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in the original 1964 pliofilm packaging for decades may develop green PVC residue on the silver surface. If caught early, this can be removed by a professional conservator using pure acetone. Left untreated, PVC residue permanently etches into the coin surface reducing any PL coin to melt value ($6.65 CAD) regardless of its underlying grade.
PL Set Contamination
With over 1.6 million PL sets produced in 1964, many have been broken open over the decades. A "shiny" or mirror-like 1964 dime found loose in a collection is almost certainly a PL coin not a rare high-grade Business Strike. Dealers frequently discount raw "Uncirculated" 1964 dimes because they assume PL origin. The key distinction: a Business Strike shows a cartwheel rotating luster, while a PL coin shows true mirror fields that reflect your image.
1964 Canadian Dime Specimen (SP)
True Specimen strikings for 1964 were reserved for specific V.I.P. presentation sets and are significantly rarer than the 1.6 million PL sets. They feature a double-struck finish matte or mirror that is visually distinct from both Business Strikes and PL coins, with sharply squared rims and exceptional strike definition. Specimen strikes rarely appear in retail channels. When encountered, they command prices starting at approximately $400 CAD in SP66 grade, with documented examples reaching $400$750 CAD across the SP66SP67 range. Source: Moore Numismatic Auctions The Canadian Legacy Sale II
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1964 Canadian Dime Varieties
A. Trophy-Level Examples (Top 0.1% of Population)
The following table summarizes the highest-value configurations for the 1964 Canadian 10-cent coin. These prices reflect professionally graded examples (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) representing the top tier of surviving specimens. The dramatic spread between a standard MS65 ($45) and an MS67+ (~$2,500) illustrates the "registry set" phenomenon: collectors competing for the highest-ranked coins on the PCGS or NGC registry drive prices for top-population coins exponentially above book value.
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade / Finish Required | Documented Value (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Strike MS67+ | Condition rarity: despite 49.5M minted, endemic bag marks make a flawless example nearly unique | MS67+ (PCGS / NGC) | ~$2,500 | Heritage Auctions via NumisBids Jun 2023 |
| PL67 Ultra Heavy Cameo (DCAM) | Visual contrast: stark black mirror fields against brilliant white frosted devices; only first strikes from polished dies achieve this level | PL67 DCAM (PCGS) | $300$500 | TCNC June 2016 Torex Auction; GreatCollections 1964 PCGS PL-67 DCAM |
| Specimen (SP) Strike | Mintage rarity: true V.I.P. Specimen strikes are far scarcer than the 1.6M PL sets; distinct double-struck finish | SP66SP67 | $400$750 | Moore Numismatic Auctions Canadian Legacy Sale II |
| PL68 (Finest Known) | Grade rarity: single finest certified examples command "name your price" premiums from registry set collectors | PL68 (PCGS) | ~$900 (asking) | The Toronto Coin Shop PCGS PL-68 Cameo |
Cameo contrast levels on 1964 Proof-Like dimes: Standard PL (uniform brilliance, left), Heavy Cameo HC (frosted portrait against mirror field, center), and Ultra Heavy Cameo/DCAM (stark black-and-white contrast, right). The DCAM designation adds 200300% to standard PL prices at the same grade. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Varieties: What to Check
| Variety / Feature | Finish | How to Identify | Why It Is Scarcer | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cameo (HC) | PL Only | Queen's portrait appears frosted white against black mirror fields. Examine under a single directional light source. | Cameo frost fades rapidly with each successive strike from the polished die; only the earliest coins from a freshly polished die show strong contrast. | +50% to 100% over standard PL at the same grade |
| Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC / DCAM) | PL Only | Intense, thick frost on both the Queen and the Bluenose; stark "black-and-white" appearance. Fields are deeply mirrored, devices brilliant white. | Very scarce; visual contrast at this level requires the very first strikes from freshly prepared dies before any die degradation occurs. | +200% to 300% over standard PL at the same grade |
| Missing Dot | Business Strike / PL | Examine the designer initials (TS / EH) under 510 magnification; look for faint or missing dots in the legends. | Caused by over-polished dies inadvertently removing design elements; an incidental production variety. | Minor: approximately $5$10 above standard value |
Critical Correction: The "Extra Water Line" Myth
Many sellers and casual collectors advertise 1964 dimes as having an "Extra Water Line" (EWL or XWL) variety. This is a misattribution. The famous Extra Water Line variety belongs exclusively to the 1964 5-cent (nickel) coin caused by a die crack near the beaver design on that denomination's reverse. There is no widely recognized or Charlton-catalogued Extra Water Line variety for the 1964 10-cent piece. Do not pay a premium for a dime described this way without verification from a reputable third-party grader such as ICCS, PCGS, or NGC.
1964 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm what you have and whether it carries numismatic, bullion, or only face value.
Step 1: Monarch Check (Obverse)
Close-up of the Mary Gillick Laureate Portrait on the 1964 Canadian dime. Queen Elizabeth II wears a wreath of laurel leaves not a tiara or crown. This First Portrait (19531964) was replaced by Arnold Machin's Tiara Portrait from 1965 onward. The 1964 dime is the final year of this design on the Canadian 10-cent piece.
Confirm the portrait: Queen Elizabeth II should appear as the Laureate (Young Head) wearing a wreath of laurel leaves in her hair, not a tiara or crown. This is Mary Gillick's First Portrait, used from 1953 through 1964. The 1964 dime is the last year this design appeared. From 1965, Arnold Machin's Tiara (Second) Portrait replaced it. A detailed overview of obverse design evolution is available at the Saskatoon Coin Club 10-Cent Obverse Design Evolution. The legend reads: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA.
Step 2: Reverse Check
The reverse shows the Bluenose schooner under full sail, moving to the left, designed by Emanuel Hahn a design present on the Canadian dime since 1937. Confirm the denomination inscription and the year 1964 are present and clearly struck.
Step 3: Edge Check
The edge is reeded (milled). Run a fingernail around the edge you should feel uniform, consistent ridges all the way around. A plain edge would indicate a wrong-planchet error (out of scope for this guide) or a counterfeit.
Step 4: Magnet Test (Composition Verification)
Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1964 Canadian dime is non-magnetic. Both silver and copper are non-magnetic metals. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is not a genuine 1964 silver dime modern Canadian dimes (2000+) use nickel-plated steel cores and will respond strongly to a magnet.
Step 5: Weight Check
Weigh the coin on a digital scale with at least 0.01g precision. The standard weight is 2.33 grams. A tolerance of 0.05g is acceptable for circulation wear. Significant deviation (e.g., below 2.20g or above 2.50g) indicates a counterfeit or wrong-planchet anomaly.
Step 6: Mint Mark Check
The 1964 Canadian dime carries no mint mark. It was struck exclusively at the Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility. Unlike U.S. coins of the same period, the absence of a mint mark is the standard, expected state not a variety, rarity, or error. Confirm official specifications via the Royal Canadian Mint 10-Cent Coin History.
Step 7: Finish Identification (Critical for Valuation)
Finish comparison for the 1964 Canadian dime: Business Strike (cartwheel luster, contact marks possible, left), Proof-Like (mirror fields with frosted devices, center), and Specimen (matte/satin surfaces with sharply squared rims, right). Correctly identifying the finish is the single most important step for accurate valuation. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
- Business Strike: Shows a "cartwheel" a rotating spoke of light across the coin surface when tilted under a single lamp. Fields are shiny but not mirror-reflective. Likely to show bag marks from mint-bag contact on the Queen's cheek.
- Proof-Like (PL): Fields are deeply mirror-like you will see your own reflection in the flat background areas of the coin. Devices (Queen's portrait, Bluenose ship) appear frosted or matte white by contrast. Originally sold in flat, transparent cellophane (pliofilm) strips. Once removed and handled, mirror fields can develop microscopic hairlines that reduce value toward melt.
- Specimen (SP): Rarer than PL. Features a double-struck, matte-or-mirror finish with sharply squared rims and exceptional device definition. From V.I.P. presentation sets only. Distinguished by both surface quality and rim sharpness, not reflectivity alone.
Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1964 dime even gently wiping it with a cloth strips the original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned silver coin is graded "Details" (damaged) by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC and is worth only its melt value ($6.65 CAD), regardless of its underlying condition or rarity.
1964 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1964 Canadian dime worth?A problem-free 1964 Canadian dime in any circulated condition (G4AU50) is worth approximately $6.65 CAD its silver melt value at current spot prices (February 2026). Uncirculated examples (MS60MS63) trade for $9.00$14.00, while Gem Uncirculated (MS65) examples are worth $45.00. Proof-Like coins range from $10.00 (PL63) to $120.00 (PL67), with Heavy Cameo PL67 examples documented at $300$500. True Specimen strikes in SP66SP67 are documented at $400$750 CAD. Any cleaned, holed, or heavily scratched coin is worth melt only.
Yes all genuine 1964 Canadian dimes are composed of 80% silver and 20% copper. The pure silver weight (ASW) is approximately 1.864 grams (~0.06 troy oz), yielding a melt value of approximately $6.65 CAD at February 2026 silver prices. The fastest confirmation test is the magnet: genuine 1964 dimes are non-magnetic. Modern Canadian dimes (using plated steel) will respond strongly to a magnet. A correct weight of 2.33 grams is secondary confirmation.
Three factors push value above the $6.65 CAD melt floor: (1) Grade bag marks are endemic to this high-mintage issue, so an MS65+ example with a clean Queen's cheekbone is genuinely scarce despite the large production. (2) Finish a Proof-Like coin with Heavy Cameo or Ultra Heavy Cameo contrast commands premiums of 50300% over a standard PL because the frost-to-mirror contrast fades rapidly with die use. (3) Condition rarity at the extreme end trophy-grade MS67+ examples are nearly unique among survivors and command prices in the thousands driven by registry set competition.
Tilt the coin under a single directional lamp. A Business Strike shows a "cartwheel" a rotating spoke of light across the entire coin surface. A Proof-Like coin has deeply mirror-like fields: you will see your own reflection in the flat background areas, while the Queen's portrait and the Bluenose ship appear frosty or matte-white by contrast. With over 1.6 million PL sets produced in 1964, a "shiny" 1964 dime found loose in a collection is almost certainly a PL coin not a rare high-grade Business Strike.
In circulated and lower uncirculated grades, it is not rare 49,518,549 were struck, and they were hoarded immediately, creating an abundant surviving population. What IS genuinely scarce is an MS65+ example free of bag marks, or a PL coin with Ultra Heavy Cameo (DCAM) contrast. Trophy-grade MS67+ Business Strikes are legitimately condition-rare and command prices around $2,500 CAD.
Certification is only financially viable if you believe your coin grades MS65 or higher essentially flawless under 5 magnification or if it is a Proof-Like coin with demonstrable Heavy Cameo contrast. Grading fees of $10$30 per coin quickly exceed the numismatic premium for grades MS60MS64. For Canadian coins in the domestic market, ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) provides liquid, trusted grades within the Canadian dealer network and is typically the most cost-effective choice. PCGS and NGC are preferred for MS67+ coins destined for international auctions or registry set competition, where their holder commands a broader audience.
No. The Extra Water Line (EWL/XWL) is a famous, valuable variety of the 1964 5-cent (nickel) coin caused by a die crack near the beaver on that coin's reverse. There is no widely recognized or Charlton-catalogued Extra Water Line variety for the 1964 10-cent dime. This misattribution is common among casual sellers. Do not pay any premium for a 1964 dime marketed as an "Extra Water Line" coin without independent verification from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC which is highly unlikely to be forthcoming, as the variety does not exist for this denomination.
Almost certainly not a rare Business Strike it is most likely a Proof-Like (PL) coin from the 1964 Royal Canadian Mint collector set. Over 1.6 million PL sets were produced, so loose PL coins are relatively common. A standard PL coin is worth more than melt ($10$120 depending on grade), but it is not an extraordinary find. To confirm PL status: the flat background fields will mirror your reflection, while the Queen's portrait and ship appear frosty white. Check for the presence or absence of cameo contrast to determine whether a cameo premium applies.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail market prices in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026, compiled from the following primary sources. Prices are subject to change with silver spot price movements and auction market conditions. No affiliation with any listed service is implied. This guide covers standard (non-error) values only.
- NGC Price Guide Canada 10 Cents KM-51 (19531964)
- Numista Canada 10 Cents, Elizabeth II First Portrait
- GreatCollections 1964 Canada 10 Cents PCGS PL-67 DCAM (auction record)
- Colonial Acres Coins 1964 Canada 10-Cents Circulated (retail pricing)
- Calgary Coin Canadian 10-Cent Price Reference
- GoldBroker Silver Price in CAD (February 2026 spot data)
- Royal Canadian Mint 10-Cent Coin History & Specifications
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins primary reference for variety attribution and mintage data
- ICCS Population Reports scarcity context for high-grade examples
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.