6 denominations on record · George VI on the obverse
Canadian coins dated 1938
4 of the 6 denominations struck in 1938 contain silver: 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar. The rest are base metal.
Silver value, Canadian dollars
1.1091 troy ounces at US$64.70 per ounce, converted at 1.3917 (Bank of Canada, 2026-09-15). At last page build
One of each silver denomination dated 1938: 4 coins, 1.85 dollars of face value, 1.1091 troy ounces of silver.
Every denomination dated 1938
| Coin | Composition in 1938 | Weight | Silver | Mintage | Magnet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cent penny | 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc | 3.24 g | none | 18,365,608 | not attracted |
| 5 cents nickel | 99% nickel | 4.54 g | none | 3,898,974 | attracted |
| 10 cents dime | 80% silver, 20% copper | 2.33 g | 0.0599 ozt | 4,197,323 | not attracted |
| 25 cents quarter | 80% silver, 20% copper | 5.83 g | 0.1500 ozt | 3,149,245 | not attracted |
| 50 cents half dollar | 80% silver, 20% copper | 11.66 g | 0.2999 ozt | 192,018 | not attracted |
| 1 dollar | 80% silver, 20% copper | 23.3 g | 0.5993 ozt | 90,304 | not attracted |
If you have a handful of them
The richest silver standard for each denomination dated 1938, and what a dollar of face value in each holds. Face value is how the bullion trade actually prices bags of circulated Canadian silver.
What was on the coins
1 cent
The maple leaf twig (round coin)
In 1937, as part of an effort to modernize Canada's coins, G.E. Kruger-Gray created the maple leaf twig design. His initials appear on the right.
5 cents
The beaver design was created in 1937 by G.E. Kruger-Gray as part of a coin modernization effort.
25 cents
Emanuel Hahn's caribou design was adopted in 1937 in an effort to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
50 cents
A simplified version of Canada's Coat of Arms was created in 1937 for the 50-cent coin as part of an initiative to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
1 dollar
This design by Emanuel Hahn features a voyageur and his Indigenous guide travelling by canoe. The illustration has been modified only slightly over the years. | |
Whose portrait is on it
A Canadian coin dated 1938 carries the effigy of George VI, used from 1937 to 1952.
His Majesty King Charles III’s grandfather appeared in effigy on Canadian coins until his daughter’s Coronation in 1952. Until 1947, the inscription accompanying his image read GEORGIVS VI D:G:REX ET IND:IMP or GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA REX ET IND:IMP (depending on the denomination). After India became independent in 1947, the ET IND:IMP, which meant “George VI, Emperor of India,” was discontinued.
What 1938 coins sell for
Completed sales rather than a catalogue value, because we do not publish catalogue values.
Completed sales, newest first, so you are looking at what buyers paid rather than what sellers are asking. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it changes nothing on this page.