The 1947 Canadian Silver Dollar is one of the most fascinating dates in the entire Voyageur Dollar series. While the famous 1947 Maple Leaf and Pointed 7 varieties often receive the most attention, the 1947 Blunt 7, also known as the Straight 7, remains an important and highly collectible variety.
With several recognized die varieties and a fascinating connection to the transition of King George VI's royal titles, 1947 is a year every serious Canadian silver dollar collector should understand.
A Unique Year for Canadian Silver Dollars
Demand for Canadian silver dollars dropped considerably in 1947. According to Numicanada, several major Canadian cities, including Calgary, Saint John, Regina, and Vancouver, placed no orders for silver dollars that year.
The year also coincided with an important historical change. Following India's independence in 1947, King George VI could no longer be identified as Emperor of India. Canadian coinage therefore needed to remove the Latin abbreviation "ET IND: IMP:" from the King's titles.
Because the new dies were not ready immediately, the Royal Canadian Mint continued producing coins dated 1947 into early 1948. These later coins were distinguished by the addition of a small maple leaf beside the date.
This unusual transition helped create one of the most variety-rich dates in Canadian numismatics.
What Is the 1947 Blunt 7?
The easiest way to distinguish the major 1947 dollar varieties is by examining the final digit of the date.
On the Blunt 7, the bottom of the numeral 7 has a shorter, straighter appearance. This is noticeably different from the Pointed 7, where the lower portion of the numeral extends into a more pronounced point.
Collectors may also encounter the term Straight 7. Numicanada, for example, catalogs the variety as the "7 droit", while English-speaking collectors generally refer to it as the Blunt 7.
The distinction may appear minor at first, but it can have a significant impact on rarity and value.
Blunt 7 vs. Pointed 7
The 1947 issue contains an unusually large number of recognized varieties.
The two principal date styles are:
- 1947 Blunt 7
- 1947 Pointed 7
Additional varieties exist involving repunched dates, dots and the HP initials beneath the portrait of King George VI. The initials belong to obverse designer Thomas Humphrey Paget.
Among the varieties catalogued for 1947 are the Blunt 7 Double HP, Blunt 7 7/7, Pointed 7 with Dot, and Pointed 7 with doubled, tripled or quadrupled HP initials.
This makes the 1947 dollar particularly interesting for collectors who specialize in Canadian die varieties rather than simply collecting one coin from each year.
The Famous 1947 Maple Leaf Connection
One important distinction should not be overlooked: a regular 1947 Blunt 7 should not be confused with the much scarcer 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar.
The Maple Leaf dollars were actually struck in early 1948 using dies dated 1947. A small maple leaf was placed beside the date to distinguish these coins while the Mint waited for the new 1948 dies.
Only 21,135 circulation strikes of the 1947 Maple Leaf dollar are reported by Numicanada, explaining why it has become one of the best-known key issues of the George VI silver dollar series.
The standard Blunt 7 is considerably more accessible, making it an excellent entry point into the complex world of 1947 dollar varieties.
Specifications
The 1947 Blunt 7 shares the classic specifications of Canada's George VI Voyageur silver dollars:
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight: 23.33 grams
Actual silver weight: 18.664 grams
Diameter: 36 mm
Edge: Reeded
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
The obverse features the portrait of King George VI, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
The reverse features Emanuel Hahn's famous Voyageur design, depicting a voyageur and an Indigenous man paddling a canoe, with the Northern Lights appearing above them.
How Much Is a 1947 Blunt 7 Dollar Worth?
Condition is extremely important when evaluating a 1947 Blunt 7.
Numicanada's June 2026 guide lists approximate retail values for the standard Blunt/Straight 7 at:
| Grade | Approx. Value (CAD) |
|---|---|
| VG-8 | $65 |
| F-12 | $93 |
| VF-20 | $128 |
| EF-40 | $169 |
| AU-50 | $204 |
| MS-60 | $253 |
| MS-62 | $348 |
| MS-63 | $500 |
| MS-64 | $1,140 |
| MS-65 | $7,300 |
These figures are reference values rather than guaranteed selling prices. Actual market value depends on certification, eye appeal, strike quality, toning and current collector demand.
The jump between MS64 and MS65 also demonstrates an important characteristic of vintage Canadian dollars: truly high-grade examples can be dramatically scarcer than ordinary Mint State pieces.
Certification Matters
Because several 1947 varieties can look similar, third-party certification can be particularly valuable.
Canadian collectors commonly encounter examples certified by ICCS, PCGS, NGC and CCCS. A properly attributed holder can confirm both the grade and, when recognized on the certification label, the specific variety.
For valuable Mint State examples or unusual die varieties, accurate attribution becomes especially important.
A Great Coin for Variety Collectors
The 1947 Blunt 7 Canadian Silver Dollar may not have the immediate fame of the 1947 Maple Leaf, but it represents an important part of one of Canada's most interesting numismatic years.
Its combination of Canadian history, multiple die varieties, silver content and strong demand in higher grades makes it an excellent coin for both new and advanced collectors.
For specialists, 1947 can become a collection within a collection: Blunt 7, Pointed 7, Maple Leaf, doubled HP initials, repunched dates, dots and other recognized varieties provide plenty to search for.
At CoinsFlip.ca, we specialize in buying and selling certified Canadian coins, including ICCS, PCGS, NGC and CCCS-certified Canadian silver dollars.
Looking to buy or sell a 1947 Canadian Silver Dollar? Explore CoinsFlip.ca or contact our team for an evaluation of your certified Canadian coins.