How to Identify the Voyageur Dollar

Start with the reverse: a genuine Voyageur Dollar shows two figures paddling a birch-bark canoe past a small islet with two windswept trees, a bundle marked "HB" at the canoe's center, and streaks representing the northern lights. "CANADA" arcs above and "DOLLAR" with the date sits below. For this specific type, that date must read 1935.

Check the obverse legend closely. The 1935 issue names King George V with the imperial titles "GEORGIVS V REX ET IND:IMP:" around a left-facing crowned bust. The presence of "IND:IMP:" (Emperor of India) is a strong marker of the George V era and helps distinguish it from later George VI and Elizabeth II Voyageur dollars, which use different portraits and legends.

Verify the physical specs. The coin should be about 36 mm across, weigh roughly 23.3 grams, be struck in .800 fine silver, and have a reeded edge. A coin that is noticeably lighter, non-magnetic testing aside, or the wrong diameter is a warning sign. Silver gives the coin a characteristic ring and heft compared with base-metal copies.

Beware of look-alikes. Later Voyageur dollars from 1936 onward share the same canoe reverse but carry different dates and, for issues after George V, different obverse portraits and legends. Do not assume any canoe dollar is the 1935 Jubilee type; read the date and the King's titles. Note that 1935 is a one-year issue, so a "Voyageur" reverse paired with a later date is a different coin.

For high-value or uncertain pieces, seek authentication. Cast or altered-date counterfeits exist for desirable Canadian dollars, so weight, dimensions, edge reeding, and design sharpness should all be checked. When in doubt, have the coin examined by a reputable dealer or submitted to a recognized third-party grading service.