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Canadian Five Cent Coins

Calgary Coin offers one of the most extensive selections of Canadian five cent coins for sale on the internet, with most dates available in a variety of grades and price ranges for all collectors. We price from the Canadian Coin News trend sheet, offering most coins well below the prices listed there. We grade conservatively and any significant defects described. If you ever order a coin from us that you are not happy with, it can be returned for a full refund. For those new to coin collecting and who are not familiar with the meaning of the grading codes that preceded each price, information on them can be found on our Canadian Coin Introduction Page.

ALL PRICES ON THIS PAGE ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

SILVER FIVE CENTS

Because of their very small size, these silver five cent pieces were sometimes referred to as "FISH SCALES".

QUEEN VICTORIA
1837 TO 1901

PROVINCE OF CANADA

In 1858, 5 cent coins were struck with the Victorian young head design. While identical in design to those later coins issued under the Dominion of Canada starting in 1870, these 1858 coins were issued for the British territory then known as the Province of Canada. The design was by Leonard C. Wyon. These were of an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and to a standard of 1.16 grams with a 15.5 mm diameter. The die axis was 180 degrees, which is called coinage alignment.

The 1858 5 cent coins come with large and small date varieties, with the large date being much rarer than the small date.

1858 small date ......................... F-15    $42.50

DOMINION OF CANADA

Unlike the other denominations except for the 10 cent, the Wyon young head design continued to be used after Confederation, from the first issue in 1870 until 1901. The standards remain the same as the 1858 issue, with the weight 1.16 grams, diameter of 15.5 mm and the coinage die axis of 180 degrees. The coin were struck at the British Royal mint in London England, unless they have the H mint mark, in which case they were struck at the Heaton mint in Birmingham England.

In 1870 there are two rim variations. Those with a wide flat rim are known as either the flat border (FB) or wide (W) border, and were struck earlier in the year. Later in the year the design was changed to a narrower more rounded rim, called either the round border (RB) or narrow (N) border, depending on which reference you are using. There is no significant difference in rarity between the two types. After 1870 all 5 cent silver have rounded borders.

1870 FB .................................. G-4      SOLD
1870 FB ........................... rough F-12      SOLD
1870 FB ................................. F-15    $42.50

1870 rounded border .................... VF-20    $55.00

1871 ........................... cleaned XF-40      SOLD

1872 H .................. lightly pitted XF-40      SOLD

In 1874 there are two varieties of 5 cent coins. The first is known as the "crosslet 4" which has a small vertical bar at the very back of the four, and a slightly larger date (some references call this the "large date" variety). The second variety is the "plain 4" which lacks that small upright at the back of the four, and has a slightly smaller date (and some references call the small date variety). The plain 4 is very slightly scarcer than the crosslet 4, but the difference is minor and there is no significant difference in the values.

1874 H plain 4 ......................... VF-20      SOLD

1874 H crosslet 4 ...................... VG-10    $34.00

1875 H small date ...................... VF-20    $525.00

1875 H LD ............................... VG-8      SOLD

1880 H ...................... minor marks VG-8      SOLD
1880 H .................................. F-15    $22.50

1881 H .................................. F-12      SOLD

1882 H .................................. VG-8      SOLD

1883 H ................................. VF-30      SOLD

1884 near 4 .............................. G-4      SOLD
1884 near 4 ........... minor rim damage VG-10      SOLD
1884 near 4 ............................. F-12      SOLD
1884 near 4 ............................. F-15   $325.00

1884 far 4 ............................. VG-10      SOLD

In 1885 and 1886, there are varieties with large and small last digits in the date, plus in 1885 there is a scarcer variety with the small 5 punched over a large 5.

1885 small 5 ............................ F-12      SOLD
1885 small 5 ........................... VF-20    $65.00

1885 large 5 ......... pitted and cleaned VG-8      SOLD

1885 sm 5/lg 5, lt scraches on cheek ... VF-30   $325.00
1885 small 5 over large 5 .............. VF-30   $485.00

1886 small 6 ............................ VG-8      SOLD
1886 small 6 ........................... VG-10      SOLD
1886 small 6 ............................ F-12      SOLD
1886 small 6 ........................... MS-60   $525.00

1886 large 6 ................... cleaned VF-20      SOLD
1886 large 6 ........................... VF-30    $65.00

1887 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1887 ................................... VF-20    $85.00

1887 7/7 ............................... VF-30   $160.00

1888 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1888 ................................... VF-20    $29.50

1889 .................................... F-12    $55.00
1889 .................................... F-15    $70.00
1889 ................................... VF-20   $100.00

1890 H .................................. F-15    $23.50
1890 H ................................. VF-20    $33.00
1890 H ................................. VF-30      SOLD

1891 obverse 2 .......................... VG-8      SOLD

1891 obverse 5 ......................... VG-10      SOLD
1891 obverse 5 .......................... F-12      SOLD
1891 obverse 5 .......................... F-15      SOLD
1891 obverse 5 ......................... VF-20    $20.00
1891 obverse 5 ................. cleaned VF-30    $20.00

1892 obverse 2 ......................... AU-50   $165.00

1892 obverse 5 .......................... F-12      SOLD
1892 obverse 5 ......................... VF-30   $135.00
1892 obverse 5 ......................... XF-40   $210.00
1892 obverse 5 . light scratches on face AU-50      SOLD

1893 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1893 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1893 ................................... VF-20    $20.00
1893 ................................... VF-30    $27.50
1893 ................................... AU-58   $155.00

1894 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1894 ................. obverse scratches VF-30    $77.50
1894 ................................... VF-30   $110.00

1896 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1896 ................................... VF-30    $31.00
1896 ................................... XF-40    $47.50

In 1897 there are four varieties :

1) narrow 8.
2) Wide 8.
3) narrow 8 over wide 8.
4) 7 over 7 (which has a standard narrow 8).

The narrow 8 is by far the most common, with the 7 over 7 the scarcest.

1897 narrow 8 ........................... F-15      SOLD
1897 narrow 8 .......................... VF-20    $20.00
1897 narrow 8 .......................... VF-30    $28.50
1897 narrow 8 .... light reverse scratch VF-30      SOLD
1897 narrow 8 .................... spots XF-40    $33.50
1897 narrow 8 .......................... XF-40    $41.50
1897 narrow 8 .................... rough AU-50    $59.50

1897 wide 8 ............................. F-15    $14.50

1898 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1898 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1898 ................................... VF-30    $75.00
1898 ...................... old cleaning XF-40   $ 80.00
1898 ................................... XF-40   $125.00
1898 .......... minor small obverse pits AU-50   $130.00

1899 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1899 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1899 ................................... VF-20    $16.00
1899 ................................... VF-30    $23.50
1899 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1899 ................................... XF-45    $55.00
1899 ....................... light marks AU-50    $57.50
1899 ................................... AU-50    $75.00

1899 high 9, Zoell J125q ................. G-4      SOLD
1899 high 9, Zoell J125q ................ F-12    $20.00
1899 high 9, Zoell J125q ............... VF-20    $35.00
1899 high 9, Zoell J125q ............... VF-30      SOLD
1899 high 9, Zoell J125q,heavy hairlines XF-40    $35.00

The 1900 5 cent exists with either large (or round) and small (or oval) 0's in the date, with the large 0's the rarer of the two.

1900 oval 0's ................... cleaned F-15      SOLD

1900 round 0's .......................... F-15    $67.50
1900 round 0's ......................... VF-20    $80.00
1900 round 0's ......................... VF-30   $120.00
1900 round 0's ....... rev light scratch XF-40   $145.00
1900 round 0's ......................... XF-40   $210.00

1901 ................................... VF-20    $16.50
1901 ............. light scratch on neck AU-50    $59.50
1901 ................................... AU-50    $72.50
1901 ................................... AU-55   $105.50
1901 ................................... MS-62   $245.00

EDWARD VII
1902 TO 1910

The Edward VII five cent design is by George W. DeSaulles, with the portrait of Edward VII on the obverse, with the reverse similar to the Victorian type except that the word "CANADA" was moved from below the monarch head on the obverse, to just above the date on the reverse.

The standards remain the same as the Victorian coins, with a weight of 1.16 grams, a diameter of 15.5 mm, and struck from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. From 1902 to 1907 the this have a "coinage" 180 degree die axis, and are without a mint mark if struck at the British Royal mint in London England, or with an "H" mint mark for those struck at the Heaton mint in Birmingham England. Starting in 1908, all of the coins were struck without a mint marks, but this now designates the new Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa. Also in 1908, the die axis changed to "medal axis" or 0 degrees (normally used for war medals).

1902 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1902 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1902 ................................... XF-45    $12.50
1902 .............................. ICCS MS-63    $65.00

The 1902 H and 1903 H five cent coins can have either a large and small "H" mint marks. In 1902 the small H is scarcer, and 1903 the large H is scarcer.

1902 small H ............................ VG-8      SOLD

1902 large H ........................... VG-10      SOLD
1902 large H ........................... VF-30    $75.00
1902 large H ........................... AU-50      SOLD

1902 large H/small H ................... XF-40    $77.50

Until 1902 these 5 cent coin had a small St. Edward's crown at the top of the reverse, with 21 leaves in the wreath. The H mint marked coins struck at the Heaton mint retain this design even after 1902, but starting in 1903 those struck at the Royal Mint in London, and later at the Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa, have W. H. J. Blakemore's slightly modified design with the Imperial state crown and 22 leaves in the wreath.

1903 ..................................... G-6      SOLD
1903 ................................... XF-40    $50.00

1903 small H ........................... VF-20      SOLD

1903 large H ........................... VG-10    $21.50
1903 large H ......... numerous scratches F-12    $ 8.00
1903 large H ............................ F-12    $29.50
1903 large H ........................... VF-20      SOLD
1903 large H ........................... VF-30      SOLD

1903 small H recut ...................... F-12      SOLD

1904 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1904 ................................... VF-20    $11.00
1904 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

1905 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1905 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1905 ................................... AU-50      SOLD

1906 .................................... F-12      SOLD

1907 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1907 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1907 ................................... AU-50    $30.00
1907 ................................... MS-63   $165.00

The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs remained the same, the die axis for was changed from "coinage" to "medal", except for the 1 cent coins which had always been made at medal axis. Coinage die axis means that if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin around the other side comes out upside down. Medal axis means it comes out the same way up.

In 1908 5 cent coins are seen with either a small or large 8 in the date, with most of them being of the small 8 variety (which is normally called the "small date" variety even though only the 8 is small.

1908 small date .,....... slightly rough VF-30      SOLD
1908 small date ........................ AU-50    $85.00

1908 large date .... minor obverse marks XF-40   $195.00

In 1909 and 1910, there were two different types of leaves on the wreath on the reverse of these coins. Some coins have what appear to be maple leaves with slightly rounded tips, which some references called "maple leaves" and others call "rounded leaves" (RL). Others have what appear to be holly leaves on the wreath, which in some references are known as "holly leaves" and in others "pointed leaves" (PL).

1909 pointed leaves .................... VG-10    $20.00                          
1909 pointed leaves ............. pocked VF-30    $24.00
1909 pointed leaves .................... VF-30    $70.00
1909 pointed leaves ........ minor marks XF-40    $90.00
1909 pointed leaves .................... AU-50   $250.00

1909 rounded leaves ..................... F-15      SOLD
1909 rounded leaves ..... slightly rough VF-20      SOLD
1909 rounded leaves .................... VF-20      SOLD
1909 rounded leaves .................... VF-30      SOLD
1909 rounded leaves .................... XF-40    $38.50

1910 pointed leaves ..................... VG-8      SOLD
1910 pointed leaves ..................... F-15      SOLD
1910 pointed leaves .................... VF-30      SOLD
1910 pointed leaves .................... AU-50    $25.00

1910 rounded leaves ....... a few lt marks G-6      SOLD
1910 rounded leaves ...................... G-6      SOLD
1910 rounded leaves, scratches, rim nicks VG-8      SOLD
1910 rounded leaves .................... VG-10      SOLD
1910 rounded leaves ......... dig on head F-12      SOLD
1910 rounded leaves .................... VF-30    $72.50

GEORGE V
1911 to 1936

The new obverse type for George V was designed by Sir E. B. MacKennal, but his design upset a lot of people because it lacked "DEI GRATIA" (Latin for God's Grace) in the obverse inscription (a type know known as the "GODLESS COINS". The 1903 reverse design by W. H. J. Blakemore was retained, and the standards remained at a weight of 1.16 grams, diameter of 15.5 mm, and struck from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (until 1920 when only the alloy changed).

1911 Godless ............................. G-6      SOLD
1911 Godless ............................ VG-8      SOLD
1911 Godless ........................... XF-40      SOLD
1911 Godless ................... cleaned AU-50      SOLD

Due to the many complaints about the "Godless" type, in 1912 "DEI GRATIA" again appears in the obverse inscription on these coins.

1912 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1912 ................................... VF-20    $ 6.00
1912 ................................... VF-30    $ 7.25
1912 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1912 ................ attractively toned XF-40      SOLD
1912 ................................... AU-50    $31.00
1912 ............................. toned AU-50    $31.00
1912 ................................... MS-62   $105.00

1913 ................................... XF-40    $ 8.50
1913 ................................... XF-45    $12.00

1914 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1914 ................................... MS-63   $195.00

1915 .......................... hairlined VG-8    $11.00
1915 .................................... VG-8    $15.00
1915 ................................... VG-10    $17.50
1915 .................................... F-12    $20.00
1915 .................................... F-15    $24.00
1915 ................................... VF-20    $32.50
1915 ...... minor pitting and rim damage VF-30      SOLD
1915 ...................... digs on face XF-40      SOLD
1915 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

1916 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1916 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1916 .................................... F-15    $ 8.75
1916 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1916 ................................... XF-40    $25.00
1916 ...................... light toning MS-64   $575.00

1917 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1917 ................................... AU-50      SOLD

1918 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1918 .................................... F-15    $ 3.50
1918 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1918 ................................... VF-30      SOLD

1919 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1919 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1919 ................................... XF-40    $ 8.00

The 5 cent silver coins of George 5th remain the same design and general specification in 1920 and 1921, except alloy was reduced to 80% silver and 20% copper.

1920 .................................... VG-8    $ 2.25
1920 .................................... F-12    $ 3.00
1920 .................................... F-15    $ 3.50
1920 ................................... MS-63    $75.00
1920 ................................... AU-50    $17.00

Although many 1921 examples were struck, most were melted down after the decision was made to strike 5 cent coins from silver starting in 1922. The coins are now rare, and WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO PURCHASE EXAMPLES OF THE 1921 5 CENT SILVER.

1921 .................................... VG-8      SOLD

To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary, special sets of coins were struck with the sizes, alloys, and general reverse designs of the 1908 coins, but Queen Elizabeth's portrait and the date shown as "1908 - 1908". The five cent coins are the only small 5 cent silver coins struck after 1921. The early sets were struck with an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved un-popular with collectors (but are now the rare type), with later sets issued as mirror-proofs.

1908-1998 ........................ MATTE-PROOF      SOLD
1908-1998 ....................... MIRROR-PROOF      SOLD

FIVE CENT NICKELS
(AND TOMBAC)

GEORGE V (continued)

1922 saw a dramatic change in the Canadian 5 cent coins, as the alloy was changed to pure nickel (from 80% silver and 20% copper). Today we call them nickels, because they were made of nickel. The weight was increased to 4.54 grams and the diameter to 21.21 mm. The pre-1922 obverse design by Sir E. B. Mackennal is retained, but there is a totally new reverse design, by W. H. J. Blakemore.

The Royal Canadian Mint was not set up for striking nickel, a much harder alloy than silver or bronze. This resulted in many George V nickels being weakly struck with only 6 of the 8 pearls on the King's crown band visible, with the two pearls in front of the center diamond not struck up. Normally a George V coin cannot be graded XF or better without all 8 pearls visible, but on these nickels that rule does not always apply. For examples of these nickels grading XF or better, we will clearly state if there are 8 or 6 pearls visible (although normally if there are only 6, we will grade the coin no higher than VF).

Another problem with nickels is that due to extensive use in parking meters and vending machines, many have scratches across the face which are commonly called "meter scratches". Such scratches are to be expected on coins grading VG or lower, but we will note them if they are heavy. On coins grading Fine or higher we will note any such scratches, no matter how light.

George V 1922 to 1936, type only

There are two varieties of the 1922 5 cent, called the near and far rim varieties which are differentiated by how close the rim of the coin is to the S in CENTS on the reverse. Far rim examples are much scarcer than those with the near rim.

1922 ................................... VF-30      SOLD

1922 FAR RIM ............... seven beads AU-55      SOLD

1923 ................................... VF-30    $11.00

1924 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1924 ................................... VF-30      SOLD

1925 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1925 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1925 ....................... slight rough F-12      SOLD
1925 ........................ minor marks F-15      SOLD
1925 .................................... F-15   $110.00
1925 ................................... XF-40   $300.00

The 1926 5 cent comes in two varieties with respect to the position of the 6 in the date. On the variety known as the near 6, the six is rotated slightly so that the tip of the 6 is closer to the maple leaf, and the bottom is farther from the rim. Likewise, on the far 6 variety the tip of the 6 is slightly farther from the maple leaf, and the bottom is slightly closer to the rim of the coin. It is important to look at the spacing from the rim, as well as from the maple leaf, because some people have tried to turn a near six into a far six by shaving down the tip, but they cannot add metal to make the bottom nearer to the rim.

1926 NEAR 6	1926 FAR 6

1926 near 6 ............................. VG-8    $ 4.00
1926 near 6 ............................ VG-10    $ 5.00
1926 near 6 ............................. F-12    $ 7.50
1926 near 6 ............................ VF-20      SOLD
1926 near 6 .. (seven beads) ...... ICCS AU-50   $220.00

1926 far 6 .............................. VG-8      SOLD
1926 far 6 .............. meter scratches F-15      SOLD
1926 far 6 ............................. VF-20   $325.00
1926 far 6 ............................. VF-30      SOLD

1927 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1927 ................................... VF-20    $ 3.25
1927 ............... 6 beads ........... XF-40      SOLD
1927 ............... 7 beads ........... XF-40      SOLD

1928 .................................... F-15    $ 2.00
1928 ................................... VF-30    $ 6.50
1928 ............... 6 beads ........... XF-40    $12.50

1929 far rim ........................... VF-20    $ 3.50
1929 far rim ........................... VF-30    $ 6.50
1928 .... 8 beads but dark and hairlined AU-50    $16.50

1930 ................................... VF-20      SOLD

1931 ................................... VF-20    $ 5.00
1931 ................................... VF-30    $10.00

1932 ................................... VF-20    $ 5.00
1932 ................................... VF-30    $ 9.50

1933 .................................... F-15    $ 3.50
1933 ................................... VF-20    $ 6.75
1933 ................................... VF-30    $12.50

1934 ................................... VF-20    $ 4.00
1934 ................................... VF-30    $ 9.00

1935 ................................... VF-20    $ 4.00

1936 ................................... VF-20    $ 2.50
1936 ................................... VF-30    $ 5.00

GEORGE VI
1937 to 1952

As George VI came to the throne in 1937, an entirely new set of designs was introduced for the reverse of all Canadian coins except the silver dollars, with the beaver chosen for the 5 cent coins. There are no rare dates in this series, although there are some rare varieties for some dates such as the 1947 dot, 1951 high relief, 1953 mules, 1964 extra water line and a few others discussed below. Only examples of fairly high quality are worth the time and expense of listing them here. Average circulated examples of most dates are available in our store in a "pick bin" very inexpensivly (please do not ask me to pick them out and ship them, they are available in store only).

The image above shows a 1937 with the dot after the date. All 1937 5 cent coins have this dot, which the designer felt was needed to balance the look of the coin due to how the 7 leans creating a bigger gap to the right than the left of the date. This feature is unique to this date, although some 1947's have a much smaller unintentional dot in a similar position, resulting from a pitted die.

1937 ................................... VF-20    $ 1.25
1937 ................................... VF-30    $ 1.75
1937 ................................... MS-63    $25.00

1938 ................................... XF-40    $12.50

1939 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

1940 ................................... VF-20      SOLD
1940 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1940 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1940 ................................... AU-50      SOLD

1941 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

1942 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1942 ................................... XF-40      SOLD

TOMBAC

WW II created a nickel shortage in Canada, so starting part way through 1942, and through all of 1943, Canadian 5 cent coins were struck from a brass alloy called "tombac". The designers of these coins must have realized the color would make them easy to confuse with a one cent coin, so they changed the shape from round to 12 sided. This proved not enough, so in 1942 the traditional beaver design was replaced by the "V" (for victory) design which was used until the war ended in 1945. But even with the 12 sides and the new design there was still confusion, so in 1944 the "tombac" alloy was abandoned and 5 cent coins were struck from chrome plated steel in 1944 and 1945.

1942 tombac ............................ AU-55      SOLD
1942 tombac ............................ AU-58      SOLD
1942 tombac .................. trace red MS-60      SOLD
1942 tombac ............................ MS-62    $ 8.50
1942 tombac ............................ MS-63      SOLD

The twelve sided shape was not enough to stop the confusion with one cent coins, so in 1943 the reverse design was replaced by the "V" (for victory) design which was used until the war ended in 1945.

1943 tombac ............................ AU-55      SOLD
1943 tombac ............................ AU-58      SOLD
1943 tombac .................. trace red MS-62      SOLD
1943 tombac ............................ MS-64    $30.00

Chrome-plated steel

In spite of the new reverse design, the public continue to rejection the tombac alloy five cent pieces as being too easy to confuse with a one cent when only the head side was visible. The governments response was to return to a silvery colored alloy, but during 1944 and 1945 they were still short of nickel so struck them from steel blanks that had been first nickel plated and then chrome-plated, using the same "V" reverse design as the 1943 tombac nickels. These 1944 and 1945 "V" nickels are very common and of little value in average circulated condition, but are difficult to find in Mint State (MS) conditions.

Some 1944 and 1945 "V" nickel blanks missed the final chrome plating, and are refered to as "no chrome" examples. Since they do have the nickel plating, their color is no different than solid nickel 5 cent coins of other years, but they do have the steel cores.

1944 ................................... MS-62    $ 4.50

1945 ......................... no chrome XF-40      SOLD

When the war ended there was no longer a nickel shortage, so 1946 saw a return to both the standard "beaver" design, and the use of a pure nickel alloy blanks, although the 12 sided edge was retained and used until 1962.

1946 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1946 ................................... XF-45      SOLD
1946 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1946 .............................. ICCS MS-63      SOLD

Some 1946 nickels show what at first appears to be a slight doubling inside of the 6, and are known as the 6/6 variety. On closer examination, rather than a true doubling of the 6 it is probably die deterioration in that region that causes this appearance. Most of them have about the amount of doubling you see on our image, but we have seen one example where the tail of the size also show some doubling to the left side

1946 6/6 ................. meter scratch VG-10      SOLD
1946 6/6 ................................ F-12    $ 5.00
1946 6/6 .................................F-15    $ 7.00
1946 6/6 ............................... VF-30    $12.50

We came across another 1946 nickel which has a strong doubling of the bottom of the 6, and a weaker doubling if the 194, so there is at least some doubling along the bottom of every digit in the date. You will need good magnification to see it on the 194. We are referring to this as a DOUBLE DATE variety. This variety is new, and not listed in any of the standard references.

1946 double date ........................ VG-8      SOLD

Some 1946 nickles have a distinct triangular mark inside the 6, which probably results from die deterioration, resulting in a variety known as the "arrowhead" variety. These were listed by Hans Zoel at P176a.

1946 arrowhead .................... baggy F-12      SOLD

1947 ................................... VF-30      SOLD

In 1947 India received its independence, so "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from the King's titles on all British Commonwealth coins dating 1948 or newer. This was a problem for Canada, as new hubs for the dies had to be created in England with the new inscription, and there were delays in receiving them. Because coins were needed, and the new 1948 dies were not ready, for the first part of 1948 coins were struck with the "IND IMP" inscription, but dated 1947 with a small maple leaf behind the date to indicate they were actually minted in 1948.

1947 maple leaf ........................ AU-50    $ 5.00

There is a variety of 1947 5 cent, with a small dot in exactly the same position as the maple leaf on the 1947 maple leaf coins. Some people believe the dot is intentional, put there to mark where the maple leaf was to be punched in, but the die was then used without the maple leaf having being added. The problem with this theory is that the 1947 dot coins (both the quarters and nickels) have multiple dots in various places, showing that the dots result from pitting due to die deterioration on a regular 1947 die. However, they are a recognized variety and widely collected.

1947 dot .................... meter marks VG-8      SOLD
1947 dot ................................ VG-8      SOLD
1947 dot ........... obverse meter marks, F-12      SOLD
1947 dot ............. minor meter marks, F-12      SOLD
1947 dot ................................ F-15      SOLD
1947 dot .................. serious digs VF-20      SOLD
1947 dot ............. minor meter marks XF-40      SOLD

When the new dies, with the new inscriptions, were finally ready later in 1948, 5 cent pieces of that date were struck. The new design for the obverse included not just a new inscription, but the King's portrait was also slightly redesigned, with a slightly higher relief, and much bolder hair lines. Due to having been minted only later in the year, the mintage for 1948 5 cent coins was lower than for most years around that time.

1948 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1948 ................................... XF-40    $ 4.00
1948 ................................... AU-50    $10.00

1949 ................................... XF-40      SOLD
1949 ................................... MS-64    $35.00

1950 ................................... XF-40    $ 1.50

Because of the economic importance of the Canadian nickel, the 200th anniversary of the discovery of nickel, by the Swedish chemist A. F. Cronstedt, was commemorated with a special 5 cent coin showing the Sudbury nickel refinery on the reverse. Because they were unusual, people saved them rather than spending them, and are today extremely common in high quality (they are never seen heavily worn). Lightly circulated examples are of not significant value, so we do not list them here unless they are in uncirculated condition (MS-60 or better).

1951 commemorative, type only

1951 commemorative ..................... MS-63      SOLD

In 1951 the Korean war created a nickel shortage, just as world war II had in the 1940's. As they did in 1944 and 1945, the government struck 5 cent coins of chrome-plated steel of the traditional beaver design. The high-relief obverse introduced in 1948 proved difficult to strike on steel blanks and only small number of such 1951 high relief beaver type nickels were made and are today rare (we are always looking to buy examples).

This problem was solved by returning to the pre-1948 low-relief portrait design, with which these coins were struck in very large numbers and are today very common and of little value (to little to list here) unless in nearly mint condition.

These two designs are easily told a part by the positional of the obverse lettering relative to the denticles around the edge. On high relief examples the second A in GRATIA points directly at one of the denticles (although slightly to the left side of the denticle). On the common low relief that same A point directly between two of the denticles.

1951 beaver high relief ................ XF-45      SOLD

1951 beaver common low relief .......... AU-50      SOLD

1952 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1952 ................................... AU-58    $ 2.50
1952 .............................. ICCS MS-64      SOLD

ELIZABETH II
1953 to present

Young Head Series

When the first coins of Elizabeth appeared in 1953, it was noticed that her shoulder appeared to be bare. This was do to the fold of cloth on her shoulder being too weakly engraved into the dies to strike up well, and so only traces of it appear. This "bare" shoulder look was considered to be inappropriate, so new dies were prepared with a clearer fold of cloth over her shoulder, along with slight changes to some of the letter forms in the obverse inscription. The no-shoulder-strap (NSS) type is sometimes referred to as the no-shoulder-fold (NSF) type. The shoulder-strap (SS) type is also sometimes referred to as the shoulder-fold (SF) type.

1953 no shoulder strap ................. AU-55    $ 2.25
1953 no shoulder strap ................. AU-58    $ 2.50
1953 no shoulder strap ................. MS-63      SOLD

1953 shoulder strap ............... ICCS MS-63    $ 8.00
1953 shoulder strap .................... MS-64    $16.50

When the 1953 obverse design was modified, the reverse design was as well by changing the gap between the small maple leaves flanking "5 CENTS" and the rim of the coin creating "near" and "far" maple leaf varieties. This is most notice for the maple leaf on the left where in the near 6 it nearly touches the denticles on the edge while on the far 6 there is a distinct gap. Normal SS obverse coins will be "near" maple leaf and the NSSS obverse coins have a "far" maple leaf. Rarely one comes across coins where this is reversed resulting in a "SS - Far" combination is known as the "SS mule" and the much rare "NSS - near" combination is known as the "NSS mule".

1953 far leaf, not gap between ML's and denticles

1953 near leaf ML' nearly touch denticles

1953 SS MULE ERROR (SS-Far), type only

1953 SS Mule ...... light scratch on head F-15   $225.00
1953 SS Mule ........................... XF-40      SOLD

1954 ................................... AU-50    $ 2.50

1954 missing chrome variety ....... CCCS VF-20      SOLD

1955 ................................... MS-63    $ 7.00

1956 ................................... MS-62    $ 3.50
1956 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $18.00
1956 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $90.00

1957 ................................... MS-63    $ 3.50

One of the 1957 dies developed a die pit on the tip of the beavers tail, resulting in a raised dot in that position. This variety is known as the "bug tail" and while not officially recognized in most references, is widely collected.

1957 bug tail ........................... F-12      SOLD
1957 bug tail .......................... VF-30    $ 3.25
1957 bug tail .......................... XF-40    $ 4.25
1957 bug tail .......................... XF-45      SOLD
1957 bug tail .......................... MS-62      SOLD

1958 ................................... MS-63    $ 3.50
1958 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1960 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00
1960 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

One of the 1960 dies deteriorated in such a way that many of the details of the beaver's fur on his back were removed, and coin struck from this die are missing those details. This variety was noted by Zoell who listed it as Y 192b, and we refer to it as the "bald beaver" variety.

1960 bald beaver ....................... MS-63      SOLD

1961 ................................... MS-63      SOLD
1961 .............................. PROOF-LIKE      SOLD
1961 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $12.50

1962 ................................... MS-63    $ 1.50
1962 ................................... MS-64    $12.50

One of the 1962 dies developed a very distinctive doubling of the date, probably through a process known as hub doubling. More than just the bottom of the date is doubled, but the date is where it shows more prominently.

1962 double date ........................ F-12      SOLD
1962 double date ....................... VF-20      SOLD
1962 double date ....................... VF-30      SOLD
1962 double date .... obverse scratches, XF-40    $ 2.00
1962 double date ....................... XF-40      SOLD
1962 double date ....................... AU-50      SOLD

1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1963 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1964 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

One 1964 reverse die developed a heavy die crack above the water lines to the left of the beaver. The die crack looks like an extra waterline, so coins struck from this die are known as the extra waterline variety.

1964 extra water line .................. VF-30      SOLD

Starting in 1965, the Queen's portrait was updated to a more mature head, wearing a tiara.

1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1965 ....................... cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1965 ................. heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00

1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a rabbit on these 5 cent coins. Please note that the examples of this type we offer here are exceptional examples, either Proof-likes, Specimens or high end MS examples, often with a cameo portrait and/or rabbit. Normal examples, even in MS-60 to 63, or examples from proof-like or specimens sets with any problems, are very common and of no significant value beyond what you can spend them for, so we do not offer them here. For most coins if listed as cameo it is only the portrait side where the cameo effect is important. On these 1967 coins many people like the cameo effect on the animals, so for these we will note if the cameo is on the portrait, on the rabbit, or both (you seldom get it on both, but they do show up sometimes in the specimen sets).

1967 rabbit ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1967 rabbit ........ cameo portrait PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00

In 1968 there was a return to the standard beaver design. For most dates of 5 cent coins from 1968 and newer, there is no collectable value unless in very high quality (generally MS-63 or higher), or if there are special strikes from mint sets, such as proof-likes, specimens or Proofs, or oddities such as a rare variety or a cameo portrait. If you do not see a particular date listed below, do not assume it is rare. It is more likely so common that we do not have one of enough value to justify listing it.

1968 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1968 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1969 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1969 ................. heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $ 4.00

1970 ................................... MS-63    $ 1.50
1970 ................................... MS-64    $12.50
1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1971 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00
1971 ................. heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00
1971 ............ ICCS heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $20.00

1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1972 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00
1972 ................. heavy cameo, PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.75

1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1977 saw some dies with the 7's in the date punched into the die a little lower than on other dies. This created what are known as the "low 7" and "high 7" varieties. The "low 7" variety is the scarcer of the two.

1977 high 7 ....................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1977 low 7 ............................. MS-63      SOLD

1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1978 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.00

1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1980 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.00

1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

In 1982 our nickels changed significantly when the alloy was changed from pure nickel in 1981 and earlier, to a cupro-nickel alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The size and weight remained the same at 21.21 mm diameter, 1.75 mm thick, and 4.54 grams. They look no diffent than the earlier ones but they will not attract to a magnet as the earlier pure nickel ones did. There is one peculiarity to the 1982 examples which we don't see on the later ones, in that in the proof sets they nearly all have toned to a light golden color, although I am not certain why this happens to only those of 1982.

1982 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1982 ........ light toned as usual ..... PROOF    $ 2.00

1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1983 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1985 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1987 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 2.00

1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1989 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1990 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1990 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1991 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1991 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1992 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1992 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1992 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1993 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.00
1993 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50

1994 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1994 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00

1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25
1995 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50

Starting with 1996 all of the Proof strikes of five cent coins are of sterling silver. Proof-like, specimen and circulation strike coins are still of the standard non-silver alloys. Please note that the silver proof coin have 5.5 grams of sterling silver is now the determining factor in their price.

1996 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1996 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 9.00

1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1997 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50
1997 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 9.00

In 1998 the Canadian Mints experimented with a mint mark "W" to the right of the Queen's neck on coins struck at the Winnipeg mint, but only on coins in mint sets. The experiment was abandoned part way through the year, so while a coin with the "W" mint mark was struck at Winnipeg, coins without the mint mark may have been struck at either Winnipeg or Ottawa. The "W" mint marks coins are somewhat scarce.

1998 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00

In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The blanks were first nickel plated, then copper plated, with the 1 cent coins struck on the copper plating, but the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent were given a second nickel plating before being struck. A small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicated the coins were on plated blanks. No "P" coins were issued for circulation in 1999, but sets were made as test tokens for calibrating vending machines to accept them.

The vending machine companies were required to return test tokens after they are done with them, but some of the tokens appeared on the market at very high prices (the first ones were around $600 each). The mint decided to get in on the action and made about 20,000 sets of 1999 "P" coins available to collectors at just over $100 per set of 5 coins. The packaging was similar to Proof-like sets, so we call these coins Proof-likes, although there exact status is not certain. The 1999 P 5 cent below is from one of these sets.

The "P" (and later "logo") nickels are 94.5% steel, 3.5% copper and 2% nickel, with a diameter of 21.1 mm, thickness of 1.76 mm, and weight 3.95 grams.

1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.00
1999 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 9.00

1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

In 2000 the first circulation strike "P" coins were minted, but only the five cent denomination was officially released for circulation, but with both "P" and non-"P" coins being struck. A few 2000 dated "P" 10, 25 and 50 cent coins were struck, and while they were never officially released for circulation, a few were accidentally released but are rare. 2000 P five cent coins are scarcer than the non-P coins that year. During this period, there some some dates with several types, including non-"P", "P", "W" and some with both the "P" and "W".

2000 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
2000 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 9.00

2001 ............................ silver PROOF    $ 6.00

2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 9.00

2003 W P .......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50

2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 2.50

In 2006 the "P" for plated was replaced by a mint logo. Coins with this logo we designate with the as "L" coins. Technically, the Royal Canadian mint is a private corporation, although wholly owned by the Canadian government, and since the logo is the logo of that private corporation, Canada has the distinction of being what I believe is the only country that allows a private company to advertise their logo on it's coins (a few probably have tiny mint marks for private mints such as the Franklin mint, but this logo is not a tiny mint mark).

2006 LOGO.......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00

2007 logo ......................... ICCS MS-65    $17.50
2007 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00

2008 logo ......................... PROOF-LIKE    $ 3.00

2009 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE      SOLD

Starting in 2000, Canada issued a series of commemorative five cent coins, struck on sterling silver blanks and of PROOF quality, commemorating various aspects of Canadian culture and history. These particular coins were never struck only for sale to collectors and not issued for general circulation. They originally were issued in custom boxes, but the examples we have here are now in standard 2x2 holders and no not have the boxes. If you want examples in their original boxes, we may be able to get them for you, but boxes will added about $5.00 or more to the shipping cost as they are too thick to be sent by letter mail.

2005 VE DAY ............................ PROOF      SOLD

ALL PRICES ON THIS PAGE ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

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