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Canadian Ten Cent Coins

Calgary Coin offers one of the most extensive selections of Canadian ten cent coins for sale on the internet, with most dates available in a variety of grades and price ranges for all collectors. We price from the Canadian Coin News trend sheet, offering most coins well below the prices listed there. We grade conservatively and any significant defects described. If you ever order a coin from us that you are not happy with, it can be returned for a full refund. For those new to coin collecting and who are not familiar with the meaning of the grading codes that preceded each price, information on them can be found on our Canadian Coin Introduction Page.

ALL PRICES ON THIS PAGE ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

SILVER 10 CENT

QUEEN VICTORIA
AD 1837 - 1901

Young Head

The young head Victorian coins, struck in 1858, were prior to Canadian Confederation, and are British Colonial issues of the Province of Canada.

1858 .............................. ICCS VF-20      SOLD
1858 .............................. ICCS AU-50   $235.00

Unlike the other denominations, the young head type continued to be used on the 5-cent and 10-cent coins even after Confederation.

1870 wide 0 ....................... ICCS XF-40      SOLD
1870 wide 0 ............................ XF-45   $350.00

1870 narrow 0 .......................... VF-20   $105.00
1870 narrow 0 .......................... XF-45   $195.00

1871 ................................... VF-30   $195.00
1871 .............................. ICCS XF-40   $285.00

1871 H , lt corrosion, scratch on neck . VF-20    $80.00
1871 H ................................. VF-20   $165.00
1871 H ................................. VF-30   $215.00

1872 H ............................ ICCS VF-30   $650.00
1872 H ................. lightly cleaned XF-40   $675.00

1874 H ............. light marks on neck XF-45      SOLD

1875 H .............. 2 marks on reverse VF-30      SOLD
1875 H ............................ ICCS XF-40      SOLD

1880 H obverse 1 ....................... VF-30   $115.00

1882 H ..................... light scratch G-4    $12.00
1882 H ................................. VF-30   $125.00

1883 H ............................. ICCS F-15      SOLD
1883 H ................................. XF-40   $650.00

1884 ........... PCGS XF-40 but actually VF-30  $1650.00

1885 obverse 4 ......................... XF-40   $675.00

1885 obverse 5 ........................... G-4    $85.00

1886 obverse 5, large knob 6 ...... ICCS VF-20      SOLD

1886 obverse 5, pointed 6 ............... F-12   $275.00

1886 obverse 5, small 6 ........ scratches G-4      SOLD

1887 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1887 ................................... VG-10      SOLD

1888 ........................ light marks VG-8      SOLD
1888 .................................... F-15      SOLD

1889 ............ cleaned, reverse scratch G-4      SOLD
1889 ..................................... G-4      SOLD

1890 H ......................... cleaned AU-50   $295.00

1891 21 leaves .......................... F-12      SOLD

1891 22 leaves .......................... F-15    $82.50
1891 22 leaves ......................... VF-30   $165.00

The coin below is the scarce 2 over 1 variety, but ICCS has not noted the variety on their holder.

1892 Obv 6, large 9 (2/1) . scratch ICCS VF-20      SOLD

1893 flat top obv. 6 .... scratch on neck F-12    $77.50
1893 flat top obv. 6 ................... VF-30   $280.00
1893 flat top obv. 6 .............. ICCS VF-30   $280.00

1893 round top 3 ......................... G-6      SOLD

1894 obverse 5 ....... light damage ...... G-4      SOLD

1894 obverse 6 ........................... G-4      SOLD
1894 obverse 6 .......... mark over E .. VF-30   $165.00

1896 obverse 5 .......................... F-12    $80.00
1896 obverse 5 ......................... VF-20   $145.00
1896 obverse 5 ..... minor obverse marks VF-30   $160.00

1896 obverse 6 .......................... F-12      SOLD
1896 obverse 6 ......................... VF-20      SOLD
1896 obverse 6 ......................... XF-45   $155.00

1898 obverse 6 .......................... VG-8      SOLD
1898 obverse 6 ....... obverse scratch .. F-12      SOLD
1898 obverse 6 .................... ICCS VF-20      SOLD
1898 obverse 6 ................... toned VF-30      SOLD
1898 obverse 6 ......................... AU-58   $325.00

1899 small 9's ........... discoloured ... G-4    $ 6.50
1899 small 9's ... heavy hairlining ..... VG-8      SOLD
1899 small 9's .......................... VG-8      SOLD
1899 small 9's ......................... VF-20      SOLD

1899 large 9's ......................... VF-30      SOLD
1899 large 9's ......................... XF-40   $210.00

The 1900 10 cent exists with a large and small date, with the large 0's being much rarer than the small 0's. The variety was created by a process similar to that which created the oval and round 0 varieties in the 5 cent coins, and while the variety in the 5 cent is recognized by both Charlton and on the trend sheet, it is not yet recognized as an official variety on the 10 cent coins (and for this reason ICCS does not certify it as to variety at this time). On the 10 cent, the variety is more subtle than on the 5 cent coins, but there are actually a number of minor differences on the dies with the best diagnostic being the bottom tip of the "C" in CENT, which is more pointed on the small date, and very blunt on the large date.

Technically, there are actually three varieties of the 1900 10 cent, but two of them are common and share the pointed "C". Only the blunt "C" variation is rare. A full discussion of this variety can be found in an article by Preston and Orton, on pages 85 to 89 of ASPECTS OF THE NUMISMATICS OF NORTH AMERICA, edited by C.F. Gilboy, as a special publication #1 of the Regina Coin Club in 1986 (the article has one glaring error in that it mixes up which is the common and rare varieties).

Note that these are not officially recognized varieties, and when ICCS certified are only certified as to grade, but not the variety.

1900 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
1900 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1900 ........................ dark toned MS-62   $400.00

1900 large date ........................ AU-50   $295.00
1900 large date ........................ AU-58   $325.00

1901 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1901 .................................... F-12      SOLD

EDWARD VII
AD 1902 - 1910

1902 ..................................... G-6      SOLD

1902 H ............................ ICCS XF-45      SOLD
1902 H ............................ PCGS AU-55    $85.00
1902 H ............................ ICCS MS-64   $585.00

1903 ..................................... G-4      SOLD

1903 H ................................. XF-40      SOLD
1903 H ............................ ICCS XF-40      SOLD

1904 .................. a few letters weak G-4      SOLD
1904 .................................... VG-8      SOLD

1905 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
1905 ................................... XF-40   $160.00

1906 ................................... VF-20    $35.00

1907 ..................................... G-6    $ 5.00
1907 .................................... F-12      SOLD

The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908, after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs remained the same, the die axis for was changed from "coinage" to "medal", except for the 1 cent coins which had always been made at medal axis. Coinage die axis means that if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin around the other side comes out upside down. Medal axis means it comes out the same way up.

1908 ................... scratches ....... G-6      SOLD
1908 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1908 ................................... XF-40   $135.00

1909 10 cent coins were made with two different types of leaves in the wreath around the reverse. Those struck earlier in the year have slightly smaller leaves with subdued veins, as on the 1902 to 1908 coins, and are known as the Victorian leaf variety. Those struck later in the year have leaves that are slightly broader, with more pronounced veins, and are known as the Broad Leaf variety. From 1910 to 1912, all 10 cent coins were struck with the broad leaves in the wreath.

1909 Victorian leaves ................... VG-8      SOLD

1909 broad leaves ...................... VG-10      SOLD
1909 broad leaves ...................... XF-40      SOLD

1910 ..................................... G-4      SOLD
1910 ..................................... G-6    $ 4.00
1910 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1910 .................................... F-12    $10.00
1910 ................................... VF-20    $20.00
1910 ........... odd toning, minor marks VF-30      SOLD
1910 ................................... AU-50    $80.00

GEORGE V
AD 1911 - 1936

The 1911 coins, lacking "DEI GRATIA" in the obverse inscription, are known as "GODLESS COINS". They are considered to be a different type than the rest of George V's coinage.

1911 Godless ............................ F-12      SOLD
1911 Godless ............................ F-15    $16.00
1911 Godless ........................... VF-20    $25.00
1911 Godless .......... obverse scratchs VF-20      SOLD
1911 Godless ........................... VF-30    $30.00
1911 Godless ............... light marks XF-40    $41.50
1911 Godless ........................... XF-40    $55.00

In 1912, the "DEI GRATIA" again appeared on Canadian Coins.

In 1913 there are two varieties in the way the leaves on the reverse are drawn. The common variety has a distinct gap between the tips of the leaves and the rim all the way around the reverse. On the scarce variety, known as the broad leaves (or BL) variety, the gap between the leaves and the rim is much narrower, with the leaves almost touching the rim.

1912 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1912 ................................... AU-50    $82.50
1912 ................................... AU-55   $150.00
1912 ................... slight cleaning MS-63   $195.00
1912 ................................... MS-63   $600.00

Early in 1913, the leaves in the wreath were again redesigned, to be smaller, with less veining, and a wider gap between the leafs and the rim. The first issues, where the leaves nearly touch the rim, are designated as the "Broad Leaf" variety and are much rarer than the later ones. The small leaf variety is fairly common and no type designation is used for them. From 1914 to 1936, all 10 cent coins were struck with the new smaller leaf design.

1913 broad leaf .......................... G-4      SOLD
1913 broad leaf ........................ AU-50  $3000.00

1913 .................................... F-12    $ 4.75
1913 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1913 .............................. ICCS VF-30    $16.50
1913 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $110.00

1914 .............................. ICCS VF-30    $16.50
1914 ................ attractively toned MS-63   $500.00

1915 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1915 ......................... hairlined MS-60   $375.00
1915 ................................... MS-63      SOLD

1916 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1916 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1916 ................................... VF-30    $10.00
1916 ................................... MS-63   $195.00
1916 ................ attractively toned MS-63   $195.00

1917 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1917 ................................... VG-10    $ 3.50
1917 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1917 ................................... VF-20    $ 4.00
1917 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

1918 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1918 .................................... F-12    $ 3.50
1918 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1918 ................ attractively toned MS-65   $650.00

1919 ................................... VF-20    $ 4.00
1919 ......................... rim nicks VF-30      SOLD
1919 ................................... VF-30    $ 6.00
1919 ................. small obverse dig XF-40      SOLD
1919 .................... small rim nick XF-40      SOLD
1919 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1919 ................................... XF-45    $17.50
1919 ................................... AU-50    $33.50

The alloy from which the 10 cent coins were struck was reduced to 80% silver and 20% copper beginning in 1920.

1920 ......................... hairlined VF-20      SOLD
1920 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1920 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1920 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1920 ........... light obverse scratches AU-50      SOLD

1921 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1921 .................................... F-12    $ 3.50
1921 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1921 ................................... VF-30    $11.50

From 1922 to 1927 no Canadian 10 cent coins were struck.

1928 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1928 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1928 ................................... AU-55      SOLD

1929 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1929 ................................... VG-10    $ 3.50
1929 .................................... F-12    $ 3.75
1929 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1929 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1929 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1929 .......................... rim nick XF-40      SOLD
1929 ....................... minor marks XF-45      SOLD
1929 .................... harsh cleaning AU-50    $15.00
1929 ................................... MS-63   $120.00

1930 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1930 ................................... VG-10    $ 3.50
1930 ................................... VF-20    $ 6.00
1930 .............;........... hairlined AU-50    $32.50

1931 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.00
1931 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1931 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1931 .............................. ICCS AU-58    $59.50

1932 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1932 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1932 ................................... VF-30    $19.50

1933 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.50
1933 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1933 ............ scratch on cheek ..... XF-45    $42.50

1934 ..................................... G-6    $ 3.00
1934 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1934 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1934 ................................... VF-30    $42.50
1934 ................. mottled tone, NGC MS-64  $1100.00

1935 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1935 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1935 .............................. ICCS VF-20    $25.00
1935 .............................. ICCS VF-30    $50.00

1936 .................................... F-15    $ 4.00
1936 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1936 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1936 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1936 ................................... AU-50      SOLD

1936 BAR ........................... CCCS VG-8      SOLD
1936 BAR .......................... CCCS VF-30      SOLD

GEORGE VI
AD 1937 - 1952

1937 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1937 ................................... AU-55      SOLD

1938 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1938 ................................... MS-60    $62.50
1938 ................................... MS-62      SOLD

Some 1938 10 cent coins show minor doubling of the 193 in the date. While this type is not listed in any of the standard Canadian references, it was recorded by Hans Zoell as #R260c in his books on Canadian varieties.

1938 doubling in date, Zoell $260c ..... VF-20      SOLD

1939 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1939 ................................... MS-60      SOLD

1940 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1940 ................................... VF-20    $ 3.00
1940 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1940 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
1940 ................................... MS-60      SOLD
1940 ................................... MS-63      SOLD

In 1940 some examples show evidence of re-engraving of part of the date. The bottom of the "1" and nearly all of the "9" are strongly doubled. We refer to this variety as the 1940 re-engraved (or "RE").

1940 re-engraved ........................ F-12      SOLD
1940 re-engraved ....................... AU-50      SOLD
1940 re-engraved .......... nicely toned MS-62      SOLD

1941 ................................... MS-62    $65.00
1941 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1941 ............................. toned MS-63   $100.00

In 1941 some examples show evidence of re-engraving of part of the date. The bottom of the "1" and nearly all of the "9" are strongly doubled. We refer to this variety as the 1941 re-engraved (or "RE"). This type was listed by Hans Zoell as #R263b in his works on Canadian coin varieties.

1941 re-engraved ...... Zoell R263b .... VF-20      SOLD

1942 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1942 ................................... AU-50    $16.00
1942 ................................... AU-55    $24.00
1942 ................................... AU-58    $28.00

1943 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1943 ................................... XF-40    $ 5.00
1943 ................................... XF-45    $ 5.75
1943 ................................... AU-50    $ 8.00
1943 ................................... AU-58    $15.00
1943 .............................. ICCS MS-60      SOLD
1943 ................................... MS-63    $35.00

1944 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1944 ................................... AU-50    $12.50
1944 ................................... AU-58    $20.00
1944 ................................... MS-60    $30.00
1944 .............................. ICCS MS-60    $30.00

1945 ................................... XF-40    $ 4.25
1945 ................................... AU-50    $ 8.50
1945 ................................... AU-55      SOLD

1946 ................................... VG-10    $ 2.00
1946 ................................... XF-40    $16.00
1946 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.50
1946 ................................... AU-50    $14.50
1946 ................................... AU-58      SOLD
1946 ................................... MS-62    $33.50
1946 ................................... MS-64   $190.00

1947 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1947 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1947 ................................... XF-40    $ 8.00
1947 ................................... AU-50    $16.00
1947 ................................... AU-58    $25.00
1947 ................................... MS-62    $42.50
1947 ................................... MS-63    $65.00

In 1947, India received its independence requiring the "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) be removed from the King's titles on any British Commonwealth coins dating after 1947. In 1948, the designs for the new dies has to be prepared in England and were not yet available for most Canadian coins until later in the year. Since 1948 dies were not available, and coins were needed, Canadian coins dated 1947 with "IND IMP" still in the King's titles were struck, but with a small maple leaf following the date to indicate they were actually minted in 1948.

1947 ML ................................ VF-20    $ 3.00
1947 ML ................................ XF-40    $ 4.00
1947 ML ................................ XF-45    $ 5.00
1947 ML ........... some bag marks ..... AU-50    $ 5.50
1947 ML ................................ AU-50      SOLD
1947 ML .......................... SPECIMEN-64   $195.00

POST 1947 INSCRIPTIONS

1948 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.50
1948 ................................... VG-10    $ 4.50
1948 ................................... MS-60      SOLD

1949 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1949 ................................... MS-60      SOLD
1949 ................................... MS-62      SOLD

1950 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1950 ................................... AU-58      SOLD

1951 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1951 ................................... MS-63      SOLD

1952 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1952 ................................... MS-65    $85.00

ELIZABETH II
AD 1953 - PRESENT

Young Head Series

When the first issue of Elizabeth appeared in 1953, it was quickly noticed that her shoulder was bare. This was considered inappropriate, so the design was redrawn to include a fold of cloth over the shoulder. There was also a slight change in some of the letter forms. 1953 10 cent pieces occur in both types, with the shoulder-strap type slightly scarcer.

1953 NSS ............................... AU-50      SOLD
1953 NSS ............................... AU-55    $ 4.00
1953 NSS ............................... MS-62    $ 6.00
1953 NSS ............................... MS-63    $ 8.00

1953 SS ................................ XF-40      SOLD
1953 SS ................................ AU-50    $ 4.00
1953 SS ................................ MS-60    $ 6.00
1953 SS ................................ MS-62    $ 8.00
1953 SS ........................... ICCS MS-65   $130.00
1953 SS .......................... cameo PL-64   $125.00

1954 ................................... MS-62      SOLD
1954 ...... small reverse scratch, cameo PL-64      SOLD

1955 ............................. CAMEO MS-63    $12.50

1956 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1956 ................................... MS-62      SOLD
1956 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1956 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $25.00
1956 .. slightly cloudy heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $14.50

In 1956, one of the dies started to deteriorate and developed a small pit centered just below the 9 and 5 in the date. Coins struck with this die have a very small raised dot in that position and while this is just a minor mint error, the position of the dot makes it look intentional and these are collected as a recognized variety.

1956 DOT ................................ VG-8    $ 3.00
1956 DOT ................................ F-12      SOLD
1956 DOT ............................... VF-30      SOLD
1956 DOT ............................... XF-40      SOLD

In 1956, one of the dies deteriorate and developed a small pit at the top right of the 5 in the date. Coins struck with this die have a lump of extra metal on the end of the 5. This is known as the a "knob 5" variety. The variety is very distinctive, but is not at this time recognized as an official variety in the standard references.

1956 KNOB 5 ............................. VG-8      SOLD

1957 ................................... AU-50    $ 3.00
1957 ................................... MS-60    $ 3.50

In 1957, one of the dies deteriorated developing a small pit about 2/3 of the way up the back of the 7. Coins struck with this die have a lump of extra metal in that position that looks like a small barb, resulting is what is known as the a "nippled 7" variety. The variety is fairly distinctive and while not recognized as an official variety in the standard references, it was listed by Hans Zoell as #P2801.

1957 nippled 7 .......................... VG-8    $ 4.00

1958 ................................... MS-60    $ 3.50
1958 ................. ultra cameo, PROOF-LIKE   $160.00

1959 ................................... MS-64      SOLD

1960 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1960 ................................... MS-64    $10.00
1960 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
1960 .......... spots, heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $10.00

1961 ............... TONED .. ICCS CAMEO MS-65    $40.00
1961 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1962 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50

1962 ...... clipping error ............. VF-20    $ 3.50

1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50

1964 ................................... MS-64    $10.00
1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

Mature Head Series

1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1965 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a mackerel being depicted on the ten cent coins. These are the earliest Canadian coin commonly found in Specimen strikings, which were made for the black-boxed sets which also contained the $20.00 gold coins. For the first half of the year 1967 10 cent coins were struck to the 800 fine purity standard, and then they switched to the 500 fine purity standard. There is no simple way to determine which purity a particular example was struck at, as they look exactly the same.

1967, Mackerel .................... ICCS MS-65    $23.50
1967, Mackerel .................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1967, Mackerel .............. cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1968 saw a return to the standard reverse of the Bluenose schooner. These 1968 silver 10 cent cons were struck to the 50% silver purity standard.

1968 silver ............................ MS-64      SOLD

Note that both silver and nickel ten cent coins were struck in 1968. A magnet will pick up those made from nickel, but not from silver. Proof-like strikings only occur in nickel.

NICKEL 10 CENT

In 1968, part way through the year, the alloy of our 10 cent coins was changed from 50% silver to pure nickel with no change in size or weight. Most people have trouble telling them apart, but it can be done easily with a magnet as a magnet will pick up the nickel ones but not the silver ones.

For the majority of dates, nickel 10 cent coins are very common and not worth the time and trouble to list for sale unless of exceptional quality usually from proof-like, specimen or proof sets, although there are some exceptions such as the such as the 1969 large date which is so rare that the odds of finding one approach zero (the date is distinctly larger than on a regular one). We will discuss other exceptions among the listings.

If you don't see a particular date listed here, please do not assume it is rare as it is more likely too common (thus low value) for us to list (you can find them in your change, so no one is going to order one). I say this because I get a lot of e-mails from people asking why the date they have is not listed, and they they assume it is rare.

1968 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1969 ...............................ICCS MS-65    $27.50
1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1969 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

Beginning in 1971, the mint begins striking three different striking qualities of coins, with a fourth added in 1981 :

Mint state (abbreviated MS) which are coins struck for issue through the banks and have average lustre and surface qualities. In most cases MS coins have little value unless in the highest range of the MS coins, and those are seldom seen. We don't list most dates in MS because they are not of high enough value to justify the time and trouble to list and/or ship them.

Proof-like (abbreviated PL) are standard mint set coins, usually from the pliofilm packaged sets, red double penny sets, and later the blue book set, but in later dates there were a variety of other types of sets they can come from. PL coins coins have a much higher lustre than MS coins, mostly because they are struck from dies in their newest die state. They also have very minimal marks (the average PL is a PL-64) as they did not go through as many of the mint handling processes as MS coins do, but they are not perfect coins and one should not expect them to be absolutely mark free.

Specimen (abbreviated SP or SPEC) which were in the black leather double dollar sets from 1971 to 1980, and for later dates in various types sets. Like PL coins they are struck from dies in their freshest die state but differ in being double struck to give them a higher lustre and sharper images, and they do not go through any mint handling processes before going into the sets so are nearly mark free. The rims tend and edges tend to be a little sharper although this is not obvious on a casual inspection. When we list a coin as being a specimen, it is because we personally took it from a specimen set before listing it here.

Proof (abbreviated PR) coins are very nice coins found mostly issued in the double dollar black leather boxed proof sets starting in 1981, although some specialty coins did come other ways. The coins are clearly differing from the other striking qualities by being double struck from specially prepared dies so they have mirror fields and frosted images (and ultra cameo effect) and are specially handled so they go into the sets in near perfect condition as possible.

1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1975 ................................ SPECIMEN      SOLD

1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1976 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.00

1977 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1978 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50

1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1979 ................................ SPECIMEN      SOLD

In 1980, there were two varieties on how the date is drawn. The more common of the two varieties is the narrow date, on which the lines of the numerals are wider across the middle and narrower at the top and bottom, and are found in both circulation (MS) and mint sets (PL and Specimen. Less common are the wide dates examples on which the lines of the numerals are wider and of equal width across the middle as well as at the top of bottom, and which are only found in circulation (MS) strikes (the listing for them in the Canadian coin new trend sheet in PL quailty is an error).

1980 wide date ......................... MS-60    $ 1.00
1980 wide date ......................... MS-62    $ 2.50
1980 wide date ......................... MS-63    $ 4.25

1980 narrow date .................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1980 narrow date .................... SPECIMEN    $ 2.00

1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1982 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1982 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1987 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.50

1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

Diademed Head Series

1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.50
1990 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1990 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1991 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1992 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1992 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1993 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1993 capped die error (obverse side) ..... UNC   $125.00

1994 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1994 ................................ SPECIMEN      SOLD
1994 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1995 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

Starting with 1996 all of the Proof strikes of ten cent coins are of sterling (92.5%) silver at 2.4 grams. Proof-like, specimen and circulation strike coins continue to be pure nickel at 2.07 grams. Because the mint did not create a fully sealed packaging for the proof sets, silver coins in these sets will often have a light golden brown toning, especially around the edges and one should expect these coins to have some of that toning, which can be fairly attractive.

1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00
1996 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 6.00

1997 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 6.00

In 1998, the Canadian Mint experimented with mint marked coins in the mint sets, placing a small "W" in front of the Queen's head on those struck at Winnipeg (the ones without the "W" were struck at Ottawa). The experiment was abandoned partway through the year, and examples with the "W" are much scarcer than those without.

1998 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
1998 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 6.00

1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00

Also for 1998, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint, a series of coins were struck in a style similar to the original 1908 coinage, but with a bust of Elizabeth II in place of Edward's on the obverse. These were struck from silver and only issued in specimen sets, available with either a proof or artificially toned matte surface.

1908-1998 ........................ MATTE-PROOF    $17.00
1908-1998 ....................... MIRROR-PROOF    $17.00

1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1999 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00

In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The blanks were first nickel plated, then copper plated, with the 1 cent coins struck on the copper plating, but the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent were given a second nickel plating before being struck. A small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicated that the coins were on plated blanks. No "P" coins were issued for circulation in 1999, but sets of them were made as test tokens for calibrating vending machines to accept them.

The vending machine companies were required to return test tokens after they were done with them, but some of the tokens appeared on the market at very high prices (over $100 each). The mint decided to get in on the action and made about 20,000 sets of 1999 "P" coins to sell directly to collectors at just over $100 per set of 5 coins. The packaging was similar to Proof-like sets, so we call these coins Proof-likes, although there exact status is not certain. The 1999 P 10 cent below, is from one of these sets.

1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

In 2000, the first circulation strike "P" coins were minted, but only on 5 cent coins were coins were officially released for circulation (both plated "P" and solid nickel without the "P" 5 cent pieces were minted in 2000). A few 2000 dated "P" 10, 25 and 50 cent coins were struck, and while they were never officially released for circulation, some have turned up having been accidentally released. 2001 saw the official issues of other denominations begin to appear.

2000 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
2000 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00

2001 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00

2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

In 2001c Canada struck a special commemorative dime to commemorate people who do volunteer work in Canada. They were struck both in regular alloys for circulations, and special Proof's in sterling silver. Although the government says the circulation strike volunteer dimes were struck to the same specifications as all P times, these volunteer dimes are rejected by many vending machines. So far we cannot figure out what is causing this, but there has to be something different about them.

2001 Volunteer commemorative .... silver PROOF    $ 6.50

2002 P .... double dated .......... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

2002 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 8.00

2003 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
2003 P .............................. SPECIMEN    $ 4.00

2003 WP ........................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50

Uncrowned Head Series

2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50
2005 P .............................. SPECIMEN    $ 4.25

2006 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 7.25

Since non-plated 10 cents were no longer being struck, it was decided that the "P" on the plated coins was no longer needed. The P was replaced with a stylized maple leaf in a circle, which is the logo of the Royal Canadian Mint, but which is not a mint mark as it does not distinguish between the Ottawa and Winnipeg branches of the mint. The Royal Canadian mint is a "Crown Corporation", which is a private company wholly owned by the Canadian government, designed to make a profit. This gives our Canadian coins the rather dubious distinction as an advertising medium for a private company.

2006 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

2007 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00

2008 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
2008 LOGO ........................... SPECIMEN    $ 4.00
2008 ............................ silver PROOF      SOLD

2009 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
2009 ............................ silver PROOF      SOLD

2010 LOGO ........................... SPECIMEN      SOLD