Canadian silver half dollar (50 cents) (1920–1967) melt value
Every Canadian 50-cent coin dated 1920 to 1967 is 80% silver. Older ones, from 1919 and earlier, are 92.5% (sterling) silver. Here's what the silver inside is worth at today's live price.
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Canadian silver half dollar (50 cents)s by year
| Years | Composition | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1870–1919 | 92.5% silver (sterling) | — |
| 1920–1967 | 80% silver | — |
| 1968–present | Base metal (no silver) | Face value only |
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All coins →Common questions
How do I know if my canadian silver half dollar (50 cents) is silver?
Check the date. All Canadian 50-cent coins dated 1967 or earlier are silver; unlike the dime and quarter, there was no 50% silver version. From 1968 the coin became smaller (27.13 mm) and is nickel, which sticks to a strong magnet. Most silver halves show the Canadian coat of arms on the back; the 1967 centennial coin shows a howling wolf. Face value is 50 Canadian cents.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
What is "junk silver"?
Common-date 90% silver coins that are bought and sold for their silver content rather than their collector value.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.