Canadian 10-Cent Bluenose Dime, 1968 Circulation Issue (92.5% Silver or Nickel)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint, the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s coinage since 1908. Known for high-quality strikes and as a world leader in refining technologies.
Pattern: Elizabeth II (Young Head / Tiara) with Bluenose Schooner reverse. This specific design by Emanuel Hahn has been the standard Canadian dime pattern since 1937.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint, the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s coinage since 1908. Known for high-quality strikes and as a world leader in refining technologies.
Material
Likely 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper for early 1968 strikes, or 100% nickel for late 1968 strikes. The silver versions contain approximately 0.06 troy ounces of fine silver. Nickel versions are magnetic; silver versions are not.
Dimensions
Diameter: 18.03 mm; Thickness: 1.22 mm. Silver weight: 2.33 grams; Nickel weight: 2.07 grams.
Description
A classic example of Canadian numismatic history, the 1968 dime serves as a transitional artifact. It features the iconic Bluenose Schooner, a symbol of Atlantic Canadian maritime heritage. The coin represents the final year Canada utilized silver for circulating currency, making the 1968 date particularly interesting to collectors who sort silver from base metal.
Key Features
The 'Transition Year' date of 1968; the Emanuel Hahn schooner design; the lack of 'P' or 'W' mint marks found on newer issues; the magnetic property test to determine silver vs. nickel content.
Material & Composition
Likely 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper for early 1968 strikes, or 100% nickel for late 1968 strikes. The silver versions contain approximately 0.06 troy ounces of fine silver. Nickel versions are magnetic; silver versions are not.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated business strike finish. Features a reeded edge. Reverse depicts the fishing schooner 'Bluenose' under sail. Obverse features the tiara portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin surrounded by Latin inscriptions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked in the traditional silver sense but stamped with '10 CENTS', 'CANADA', and the date '1968'. Includes the initials 'H' for designer Emanuel Hahn and 'ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA'.
Construction Details
Die-struck at high pressure by the Royal Canadian Mint using automated punching presses. The blank (planchet) was struck between two dies to impart the design and the collar to create the reeded edge.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender currency. The reeded (milled) edge was originally a security feature to prevent 'clipping' or shaving precious metal from the edges of the coin.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-quality steel dies. The detail in the rigging of the schooner and the lettering shows the precision of the Royal Canadian Mint’s engraving department in the 1960s.
Authentication Indicators
Visual matching of mint-standard typography and imagery; weight consistency; magnetism test (if non-magnetic, it is the silver alloy). No evidence of cast counterfeiting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint facility. Representing the pinnacle of mid-20th-century mass-production minting technology.
Era & Period
Elizabeth II Era, specifically the transition period from precious metal coinage to base metal fiat currency in North America.
Age Estimate
Dated 1968; specifically manufactured during the global transition away from silver coinage due to rising bullion prices.
Cultural Significance
The Bluenose is a celebrated racing and fishing vessel from Nova Scotia, representing Canadian pride and resilience during the Interwar period. This coin is a staple of Canadian identity.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Average condition. Visible surface scratches (bag marks), light tarnish/patina typical of silver-copper alloys, and softened detail on the higher points of the schooner sails and the Queen's hair.
Value Estimate
Silver composition: approximately $1.50-$2.00 USD based on silver melt value. Nickel composition: face value ($0.10 CAD). Rare proof-like or uncirculated specimens can fetch more.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if intending to keep for numismatic value; harsh abrasives destroy coin surfaces. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1967 Centennial Dime (features a fish), pre-1967 Dimes (80% silver), and current Canadian dimes (multi-ply plated steel). US Roosevelt Dimes also transitioned from silver in the same decade (1964).
Interesting Facts
The 1968 dime exists in two metal types because the price of silver rose so high that the mint switched to nickel mid-year. About 50% of 1968 dimes are silver, and 50% are nickel.