Canadian Silver 50 Cents (1870–1967) Melt Value
Pure silver content of the Canadian Silver 50 Cents (1870–1967): 1870–1919 (sterling .925) 0.3456 oz; 1920–1967 (.800 silver) 0.3000 oz. At $57.35/oz silver, the 1870–1919 (sterling .925) is worth about $19.82 in melt value. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
Canadian Silver 50 Cents (1870–1967) specifications
| Version | Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure silver | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1870–1919 (sterling .925) | 1870–1919 | .925 (92.5%) | 11.62 g | 10.75 g (0.3456 oz t) | 29.72 mm | 50 Cents |
| 1920–1967 (.800 silver) | 1920–1967 | .800 (80%) | 11.66 g | 9.331 g (0.3000 oz t) | 29.72 mm | 50 Cents |
Canada's 50 cent piece was sterling silver (.925) through 1919 and .800 silver from 1920 to 1967. From 1968 the coin is nickel with no silver.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the 1870–1919 (sterling .925): 11.62 g × .925 = 10.75 g of pure silver. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.3456 oz, then multiply by $57.35 spot: about $19.82.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | 1870–1919 (sterling .925) | 1920–1967 (.800 silver) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | $19.82 | $17.21 |
| 5 coins | $99.09 | $86.03 |
| 10 coins | $198.19 | $172.05 |
| 20 coins | $396.37 | $344.11 |
| 50 coins | $990.93 | $860.26 |
| 100 coins | $1,982 | $1,721 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the silver in a Canadian Silver 50 Cents is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
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Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Melt values use the silver spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a Canadian Silver 50 Cents?
1870–1919 (sterling .925): 10.75 g (0.3456 troy oz) of pure silver; 1920–1967 (.800 silver): 9.331 g (0.3000 troy oz) of pure silver.
What is a Canadian Silver 50 Cents worth in melt value today?
At $57.35/oz silver (October 19, 2026): 1870–1919 (sterling .925) about $19.82; 1920–1967 (.800 silver) about $17.21. The value moves with the spot price, and this page updates automatically.
Is a Canadian Silver 50 Cents worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.