When were Canadian quarters silver? This question often arises among coin collectors and history enthusiasts, as the silver content in Canadian quarters has been a significant aspect of their numismatic value. The answer to this question spans over a century, with silver quarters being minted during various periods in Canadian history.
The history of silver quarters in Canada dates back to the early 20th century. In 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint began producing the first silver quarters, known as the Victoria nickel. These quarters were minted from 1908 to 1913 and featured the profile of Queen Victoria on the obverse side. The reverse design depicted the Canadian shield, surrounded by the motto “Canada.” The silver content of these quarters was 80% silver and 20% copper, with a weight of 6.23 grams.
Following the discontinuation of the Victoria nickel in 1913, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced the George VI silver quarter in 1937. This coin was minted until 1947 and featured the profile of King George VI on the obverse side. The reverse design was similar to that of the Victoria nickel, with the Canadian shield and motto. The silver content remained at 80% silver and 20% copper, with a weight of 6.23 grams.
The next significant period for silver quarters in Canada was from 1952 to 1967, when the Royal Canadian Mint produced the Dominion nickel. This coin was minted in three different denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents. The silver quarter from this series, known as the Dominion nickel, featured the profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. The reverse design depicted the coat of arms of Canada. The silver content was 80% silver and 20% copper, with a weight of 6.35 grams.
However, the silver content in Canadian quarters took a different turn in 1967. The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the new 25-cent coin, which was no longer composed of silver. This coin, known as the “Loonie,” featured a loon on the reverse side and was minted in a cupro-nickel composition. The discontinuation of silver quarters marked the end of an era for Canadian numismatics.
In summary, the period when Canadian quarters were silver spans from 1908 to 1967. During this time, the Royal Canadian Mint produced several silver quarters, including the Victoria nickel, George VI silver quarter, and Dominion nickel. These coins are highly sought after by collectors today due to their historical significance and the scarcity of some denominations.
