How much does a Canadian silver dollar weigh? This question often arises among collectors and enthusiasts of Canadian currency. The weight of a Canadian silver dollar can vary depending on its denomination and the year of minting. In this article, we will explore the weight of different Canadian silver dollars and provide some historical context to better understand their significance.
The Canadian silver dollar, also known as the “loonie,” is a popular coin among collectors due to its unique design and the metal content it contains. The coin features a loon, a bird native to Canada, on its reverse side, which has made it a symbol of the nation.
The first Canadian silver dollar was minted in 1858, and it weighed 15.87 grams. This coin, known as the “large cent,” was used as the country’s standard currency until the introduction of the gold dollar in 1908. The large cent was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, which is why it is considered a silver dollar.
In 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced the “small cent,” which weighed 11.6 grams. This coin continued to be minted until 1967, when it was replaced by the Canadian loonie. The small cent also contained 90% silver and 10% copper.
The Canadian loonie, which was introduced in 1987, is a one-dollar coin made of a combination of nickel, copper, and silver. While it is not made entirely of silver, it is still considered a silver dollar due to its silver content. The weight of the loonie is 6.1 grams, which is significantly lighter than its predecessors.
The silver content in the Canadian silver dollar has also changed over the years. The large cent and the small cent contained .48375 troy ounces of silver. However, in 1967, the silver content was reduced to .05 troy ounces, and the coin was no longer made of silver.
In conclusion, the weight of a Canadian silver dollar has evolved over the years. The first large cent weighed 15.87 grams, while the small cent weighed 11.6 grams. The modern Canadian loonie, however, weighs only 6.1 grams. Despite these changes, the silver dollar remains a cherished part of Canadian currency history and continues to be a popular collectible among enthusiasts.
