The 1937 Canadian Silver Dollar marks an important chapter in Canadian numismatic history. It was the first Canadian silver dollar issued with the portrait of King George VI, following the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936.
With a relatively low mintage and the classic Voyageur design, the 1937 dollar remains a popular collectible among Canadian coin enthusiasts.
The Classic Voyageur Design
The obverse features the portrait of King George VI, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
The reverse features Emanuel Hahn's famous Voyageur design, showing a voyageur and an Indigenous man paddling a canoe. This iconic design had first appeared on the 1935 Canadian Dollar and would remain closely associated with Canada's silver dollar series.
Mintage and Specifications
Only 241,002 circulation coins were struck in 1937, making it one of the lower-mintage regular issues of the George VI silver dollar series.
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight: 23.33 grams
Diameter: 36 mm
Silver content: 18.664 grams
Edge: Reeded
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
The 1937 Double HP Variety
Collectors should also watch for the scarcer 1937 Double HP variety. The "HP" refers to the initials of obverse designer Thomas Humphrey Paget, located below the King's portrait.
The doubled initials are clearly collectible and can command a significant premium, particularly in higher Mint State grades. Numicanada currently lists the regular 1937 at approximately $231 CAD in MS64, compared with approximately $499 CAD for the Double HP in MS64.
A Popular Early Canadian Silver Dollar
The combination of its low mintage, 80% silver composition, historical importance and beautiful Voyageur design makes the 1937 Canadian Dollar a desirable addition to any Canadian coin collection.
High-grade certified examples become considerably more valuable, especially in MS65 and above, where surviving coins are much more difficult to find.
At CoinsFlip.ca, we specialize in buying and selling certified Canadian coins, including ICCS, PCGS, NGC and CCCS-certified Canadian silver dollars.
Have a 1937 Canadian Silver Dollar to sell? Contact CoinsFlip.ca for an evaluation.