Canada Junk Silver Dollar

The Canada Junk Silver Dollar, minted from 1935 to 1967, is a popular choice among collectors and investors interested in Canadian silver coins. These dollars are composed of 80% silver and 20% copper, and they are valued for both their historical significance and their silver content.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Features a portrait of the reigning monarch at the time of minting. This includes King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse (back): Various designs, including the iconic Voyageur design by Emanuel Hahn, which depicts a canoe with a fur trapper and an Indigenous person.
• Weight: 23.33 grams
• Silver Content: 0.6 troy ounces of pure silver
• Fineness: 80% silver (0.800 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Canada Junk Silver Dollar was struck at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa, and most of these coins do not carry a specific mint mark. However, there are some varieties and specific years that are more sought after:

• 1935: The first year of issue, commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V.
• 1948: One of the rarest dates due to a low mintage of just 18,780 coins.
• 1967: The last year of 80% silver dollars, featuring the special Centennial design with a Canada Goose on the reverse.

Collectible Varieties

• 1935 Silver Jubilee: The inaugural year, featuring King George V on the obverse and the Voyageur design on the reverse.
• 1948 Low Mintage: Coins from this year are highly valued due to their scarce production numbers.
• 1967 Centennial: Special reverse design featuring a Canada Goose, issued to commemorate Canada's 100th anniversary.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Coins from the mid-1950s and early 1960s are generally more common and easier to find. These dates often trade closer to their intrinsic silver value due to their higher mintages.

Rare Dates and Varieties

The 1948 Canada Junk Silver Dollar is particularly notable for its rarity. Another key date is the 1935 Silver Jubilee coin, which is also highly sought after by collectors. The 1967 Centennial dollar is unique for its special design, making it a favorite among collectors looking for something distinct.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Canada Junk Silver Dollars depends on their condition (grade), rarity, and specific year. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins:

• Good (G): $20-25
• Fine (F): $25-30
• Extremely Fine (XF): $30-40
• About Uncirculated (AU): $40-50
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $50-70

Rare dates and key varieties like the 1948 and 1935 issues can command significantly higher prices, often ranging into the hundreds of dollars for coins in higher grades.

The Canada Junk Silver Dollar holds a special place in Canadian numismatic history, with certain years and varieties commanding significant premiums. Common-date coins are more accessible and often trade close to their silver content value, making them a popular choice for both collectors and investors. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and key dates.

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