Home | Links | About | Contact Canadian Five Cent Calgary Coin offers an extensive selection of Canadian 5 cent coins including 5 cent silver and nickel coins for sale on the internet and in my store here in Calgary. I usually have most dates available in a variety of grades and prices for collectors at all levels, usually priced at a discount from the Canadian Coin News trend sheet price guide. I normally do not provide images my coins as I have thousands of coins, sometimes multiples of the same coin. Imaging even a tiny percent of them would be impossible and putting that many images on my web pages would make them difficult to download, plus for inexpensive coins the value to the time to create the images would far exceed the value of the coins. I grade conservatively, describing any significant defects, including minor ones many dealers would not mention. If you ever receive a coin from me that you are not satisfied with, please feel free to return it for a full refund. For those unfamiliar with the grade (quality) descriptions preceding each price, they are discussed on my Canadian Coin Introduction Page.

Prices are in Canadian Dollars

SHORTCUTS TO SECTIONS Victoria 5 Cent silver, 1858-1901

Edward VII 5 Cent silver, 1902-1910

George V 5 Cent silver, 1911-1921

George V 5 Cent Nickel, 1922-1936

George VI 5 Cent, 1937-1952

Elizabeth 5 Cents, 1953-1989

Elizabeth 5 Cents, 1990-2012



SILVER FIVE CENTS Because of their very small size and silver color, silver five cent coins were commonly 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 of identical design to those first issued by the Dominion of Canada in 1870, 1858 examples were issued for the British territory then known as the Province of Canada. The design was by Leonard C. Wyon. These were struck of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, at 1.16 grams with a diameter of 15.5 mm. The die axis was coinage alignment of 180 degrees.

(image of type only) 1858 5 cents are found with large and small dates, with the large date the rarer variety. The difference between is minor and difficult for many to differentiate but on the small dates the top and bottom circles of the final 8 as close to round while on the large date are more elliptical. On the small date the size of all four digits in the date are about the same, while on the large date the 58 are slightly larger than the 18. This is easier to tell when you have the two side by side. 1858 small date ..... toned ............ VF-20 SOLD

1858 large date .................... ICCS F-15 $355.00

DOMINION OF CANADA

(image of type only) Unlike the other denominations except for the 10 cent, the Wyon young head design continued in use after Confederation right up to 1901. The standards remain as the 1858 issue at 1.16 grams, 15.5 mm and coinage axis. Coins without mint mark were struck at the British Royal mint in London England while those with the H mint mark were struck at the Heaton mint in Birmingham England. 1870 5 cents come with two border types. Flat border (FB) which is sometimes called wide border. Raised border (RB) which is sometimes called the narrow border. There is no significant difference in rarity or value between the two but as the difference is distinctive, many collectors collect both. All dates after 1870 have the raised (narrow) border. 1870 flat border .................... G-6/aG-3 $11.50 1870 flat border ........................ F-12 $34.00 1870 flat border ................... ICCS F-15 $42.50 1870 flat border .................. ICCS AU-50 $170.00 1870 flat border ......... PCGS 28174717 MS-64 $1300.00

1870 raised border ................ ICCS XF-40 $110.00 1871 ............................... ICCS VF-20 SOLD 1872 H .................................. aG-3 $ 5.50

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 .................... ICCS VF-30 $165.00 1874 H plain 4 ........... nice old tone VF-30 $175.00

1874 H crosslet 4 ............. scratches F-12 $32.00 1874 H crosslet 4 ................. ICCS VF-20 $100.00 1874 H crosslet 4 ................. ICCS XF-40 $220.00 1875 H small date ...................... VF-20 $520.00 1875 H small date ................ toned VF-20 $520.00 1875 H small date ................ toned XF-40 $875.00 1875 H small date ........ PCGS 28062967 XF-40 $875.00

1875 H large date .................. ICCS F-12 SOLD 1880 H obv. 2 ...................... ICCS F-15 SOLD

1880 H obv. 3 ............................ G-4 $ 5.00 1880 H obv. 3 ............................ G-6 $ 7.00 1880 H obv. 3 .. nice for the grade ICCS XF-45 $150.00 1880 H obv. 3 ............ PCGS 37298979 AU-55 $275.00 1881 H ........................... toned VF-30 $68.50 1881 H ............................ ICCS XF-40 $97.50 1882 H .............................. bent G-6 $ 3.00 1882 H ............................ ICCS XF-40 $97.50 1883 H obverse 4 ......... cleaned, dings F-12 SOLD

1883 H obverse 5 ........ CCCS rim nicks VF-20 $105.00 1874 5 cents are found in what are known as near and far 4 varieties which can be difficult to tell a part as the spacing difference is very minor. A second diagnostic is the shape of the four where the near 4 has a slightly squared off front tip and a slightly wedge shaped upright at the back of the 4, which the far 4 is more pointed at the front and the upright at the back of the 4 is closer to rectangular than wedge shaped. On both types the first 8 is weak, especially at the top. 1884 near 4 ....................... ICCS VG-10 $195.00 1884 near 4 ....................... ICCS VF-30 $725.00

1884 far 4 .............. rim nicks ICCS 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. The way to tell the 1885 large and small 5 a part is to look inside the circle of the 5. The opening inside the large 5 is distinctly comma shaped, while on the small 5 it is rounded. large 5/5 and small 5/5 varieties exist with some grading companies mistakenly listing the small 5/5 as a small 5 / large 5. 1885 large 5 ............................ F-15 $ 55.00 1885 large 5 ...................... ICCS VF-20 $ 72.00 1885 large 5 ........................... VF-30 $115.00

1885 small 5 ......... mark on date ICCS VF-20 $52.00

1885 small 5, incorrectly identified by PCGS

as Large 5/5 . the cleaning is very light ....

... PCGS 34602474 Genuine, cleaned, AU-details $240.00

1885 small 5/5 .................... ICCS VG-10 $130.00 1885 small 5/5 .......................... F-12 $160.00 1885 small 5/5 ......................... VF-20 $325.00 1885 small 5/5 ................... toned VF-20 $325.00 1885 small 5/5 .... even mid tone . ICCS VF-20 $325.00 1885 small 5/5 ....... I grade VF-30 ICG VF-35 $525.00 1885 small 5/5 ........ CCCS hard holder VF-30 $525.00 1886 small 6 ..................... toned VF-30 $71.50

1886 large 6 ........................... VF-30 $80.00 1887 .................................... VG-8 $28.00 1888 ................................... VG-10 $11.00 1888 .............................. ICCS VF-20 $27.00 1888 .............................. ICCS VF-30 $45.00 1888 ................................... XF-40 $65.00 There is an interesting variety of the 1889 5 cent where the first 8 is over a 3, which is not in the standard listings but is in the Charlton specialty edition on 5 cents 1889 first 8 over 3 .................... AU-55 $575.00 1890 H ................... damage by nose VG-8 $ 5.00 1890 H ... obverse toned with rough areas F-15 $16.00 On worn specimens for obverse 2 Victoria's upper lip is longer than the lower and her eyeball is flat. For obverse 5 the upper lip is shorted and the eyeball is rounded. 1891 to worn to obverse type ............ aG-3 $ 3.50

1891 obverse 2 ................... scratch G-4 SOLD

1891 obverse 5 .......................... F-12 $11.50 Some older references list 1892 with both obverse 2 and 5 but more recent research suggests only obverse 2 exists with any offered as probably miss-identified. 1892 .................................... F-15 SOLD 1893 ..................................... G-6 $ 6.50 1893 ........................ light marks F-12 $ 6.50 1893 .................................... F-12 $11.50 1893 .................................... F-15 $15.50 1893 ......................... toned ICCS F-15 $15.50 1893 ............................ scrape VF-20 $12.00 1893 ............................. toned VF-20 $20.00 1893 ................................... XF-45 $65.00 1894 .................................... F-15 $60.00 1894 ........................ toned ICCS VF-30 $120.00 1894 .............................. ICCS VF-30 $120.00 1894 ................................... XF-40 $160.00 1896 ..................................... G-4 $ 5.00 1896 ..................................... G-6 $ 6.50 1896 ..................... tiny edge nick F-15 $ 8.00 1896 ................................... VF-20 $16.00 1896 .............................. ICCS VF-20 $16.00 1896 ................................... VF-30 $28.00 1896 ............................. toned VF-30 $28.00 1896 .............................. ICCS VF-30 $28.00 1896 ........................ toned ICCS VF-30 $28.00 1896 ................... light hairlines XF-40 $32.00 1896 ....................... light toned XF-40 $40.00 1896 .............................. ICCS XF-40 $40.00 Four varieties exist for 1997:



1) narrow 8 - most common.

2) Wide 8.

3) narrow 8 over wide 8.

4) 7 over 7 with a standard narrow 8 - scarcest type.



I have noticed recently that ICCS sometimes refers to the narrow 8 as the slender 8. 1897 narrow 8 ................. edge nick F-12 SOLD

1897 wide 8 .............. light scratch XF-45 SOLD

1897 slender 8/wide 8 ..... ICCS cleaned XF-40 SOLD 1898 ................................... VF-30 $85.00 1898 ........................ light tone VF-30 $85.00 1898 ........................ dark toned VF-30 $85.00 I have noted a variety in 1899 with a small 2nd 9, which I have not seen listed in any standard references. 1899 ................................... VG-10 $ 8.50 1899 .................................... F-12 $ 9.50 1899 .............................. toned F-12 $ 9.50 1899 .................................... F-15 $13.00 1899 ................ scratches on cheek VF-20 $ 8.00 1899 ................................... VF-20 $16.00 1899 ............................. toned VF-20 $16.00 1899 ................................... VF-30 $24.00 1899 .............................. ICCS VF-30 $24.00 1899 .............................. ICCS XF-45 $52.50 1899 ..................... faint scratch AU-50 $60.00 1899 .............................. ICCS AU-50 $72.50 1899 ................................... AU-50 $72.50 The 1900 5 cent exists with either large (round) and small (oval) 0's in the date, with the large 0's the rarer of the two. The easiest way to confirm the variety when looking at only one coin is by the hole in the middle of the O's which on the small (Oval) 0 is more distinctly over than the outside of the O, which in the wide (round) 0 the inside is a near perfect circle. 1900 oval 0's ........... small edge nick F-15 SOLD

1900 round 0's .................... ICCS XF-40 $200.00 1901 .............................. toned F-12 $10.00 1901 .............................. toned F-15 $11.50 1901 ........................... scratch VF-20 $ 9.00 1901 ........................ toned ICCS XF-40 $32.00 1901 ........................ toned ICCS XF-45 $52.00 1901 .............................. ICCS AU-50 $72.00 1901 ................................... AU-50 $72.00 1901 ...... attractive mid tone ... ICCS MS-66 $2300.00



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. The reverse is 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 they 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 have 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). Edward VII coins are very difficult to grade because they are often weakly struck, and different dates wear slightly differently. Like most Canadian coins most of the grade is assigned from the portrait side and those details predominate in the grade, but on these one must look at details on the leaves on the reverse to sometimes differentiate between a worn obverse and a weak struck obverse. However, a coin that has XF wear but a VF portrait due to weak strike, should only be graded and priced as a VF-30 and not XF-40.

(image of type only) Many but not all 1902 5 cents were struck with a concave reverse die, so that the portrait bows out very slightly. These coins tend to wear more quickly on the King's ear and one can find examples with the top of the ear worn through, but with VF-20 details in all other respects, however as will not grade one of these VF-20 without seeing a full ear, I prefer to grade those examples as F-15. For those who are type only collectors, 1902 is the least expensive date of George V 5 cent to find in high quality. 1902 ..................................... G-4 $ 2.50 1902 .................................... F-12 $ 4.50 1902 ........................ light toned F-15 $ 5.00 1902 ....................... light marks VF-20 $ 4.00 1902 ......................... dark spot VF-20 $ 5.00 1902 ................................... XF-40 $10.00 1902 .............................. ICCS MS-62 $48.00 1902 . dark peripheral rainbow tone ICCS MS-64 $80.00 For 1902 there is a common small "H", a slightly scarcer large H and occasionally one sees coins with a large H over small H. 1902 small H medium peripheral tone ICCS AU-58 $115.00

1902 large H ...................... ICCS AU-58 $42.00

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

Prior to 1903 Edwardian 5 cent coins had a St. Edward's crown at the top of the reverse, with 21 leaves in the wreath. That design is retained for the Heaton (H) mint coins right up to 1907 but starting in 1903 coins struck at the Royal Mint in London (which do not have the H) have W. H. J. Blakemore's design slightly modified with the Imperial state crown and 22 leaves in the wreath. 1903 ............................... toned G-6 $ 5.50 1903 .............................. toned F-12 $10.50 1903 .............................. toned F-15 $15.50 1903 ........................ dark spots VF-20 $17.50 1903 ........................... scratch VF-30 $16.00 1903 .............................. ICCS XF-45 $80.00 1903 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $190.00 For 1903 there are small and large H examples with the large H scarcer. There are also some with the small H slightly re-cut to look sightly doubled. 1903 small H ........................ G-6/aG-3 $ 2.50 1903 small H .............. slightly bent VG-8 $ 2.50

1903 large H ...................... ICCS VF-20 $32.00 1903 large H ........................... VF-30 $48.00 1903 large H ...................... ICCS AU-50 $110.00 1903 large H ...................... ICCS AU-55 $170.00

1903 small H re cut H ............. ICCS AU-55 $170.00 1904 ..................................... G-4 $ 2.50 1904 ..................................... G-6 $ 3.00 1904 .............................. toned VG-8 $ 4.00 1904 .............................. toned F-15 $ 7.25 1904 ........................... cleaned XF-40 $16.00 1904 ................................... XF-40 $28.00 1904 .............................. ICCS XF-45 $52.50 1905 ..................................... G-4 SOLD 1906 ..................................... G-4 $ 2.00 1906 ............................. scratch G-6 $ 2.50 1906 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.75 1906 ........................... scratch VF-20 $ 5.00 1906 .......... small scratch, dark tone XF-40 $11.50 1906 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $74.50 1907 ......................... trace rough G-6 $ 3.00 1907 ..................................... G-6 $ 3.00 1907 ............................... ding VG-8 $ 2.50 1907 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1907 .............................. toned VG-8 $ 3.50 1907 ................................... VG-10 $ 4.00 1907 ............................. toned VG-10 $ 4.00 1907 ....................... spotty toned F-12 $ 4.00 1907 .................................... F-12 $ 4.50 1907 ............................ scratch F-15 $ 3.50 1907 .................... slightly rough VF-20 $ 4.00 1907 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1907 ............................. toned VF-20 $ 5.00 1907 .............. very light scratches VF-30 $ 5.00 1907 ....... reverse die breaks ........ VF-30 $ 8.50 1907 ................ attractively toned XF-45 $20.00 1907 narrow . grey toned . PCGS 37355159 MS-63 $65.00

The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 at which point nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. The designs remained the same but the die axis changes from "coinage" to "medal" on all denominations except for the 1 cent which were always medal axis. Coinage axis means if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin side to side, the reverse comes out upside down. Medal axis means it stays right side up. 1908 5 cent coins come with either a small or large 8, also called small and large date although only the 8 is different. It can be difficult to differentiate these looking at the 8 but the small cross above the reverse crown (above 5 cents) is a sharper cross on common small 8 examples and a badly engraved Maltese cross looking more like a bow tie on the scarcer large date. 1908 small date . minor lamination error VF-30 $32.00 1908 small date ................... ICCS XF-40 $52.50 1908 small date ........................ AU-50 $80.00

1908 large date ................... ICCS VF-30 $170.00 1908 large date .... dark tone ......... XF-40 $225.00

1908 large date re punched 8, CCCS hrd H XF-45 $265.00

In 1909 and 1910 two different leaf shapes occur on the reverse wreath, with some having slightly rounded tips similar to maple leaves and others have more pointed tips similar to holly leaves. They can be slightly difficult to tell a part. Some references refer to them as pointed leaf (PL) and round leaf (RL) and other maple leaf (ML) and holly leaf (HL). The 1909 point leaves type as the cross over bow tie for the small crown at the top of the reverse. The round leaves type normally has only a bow tie but there is a fairly rare variety with a cross over bow tie. 1909 pointed leaves ............... ICCS VF-30 $70.00 1909 pointed leaves .................... VF-30 $70.00 1909 pointed leaves .................... XF-40 $100.00 1909 pointed leaves ............... ICCS XF-40 $100.00

1909 rounded leaves BT ................. XF-40 $36.00 In 1910 all pointed leaves examples have a cross over bow tie on the small crown at the top of the reverse. Round leaves examples are found only with the bow tie. 1910 pointed leaves ...................... G-6 $ 2.50 1910 pointed leaves ........... small dig VG-8 $ 3.00 1910 pointed leaves ..................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1910 pointed leaves ............... marks F-12 $ 3.00 1910 pointed leaves ..................... F-12 $ 4.00 1910 pointed leaves ............... toned F-15 $ 5.00 1910 pointed leaves ..................... F-15 $ 5.00 1910 pointed leaves ........ light marks VF-30 $ 5.50 1910 pointed leaves . cleaning scratches XF-40 $ 6.50 1910 pointed leaves .............. toned XF-40 $11.50 1910 pointed leaves .................... XF-40 $11.50 1910 pointed leaves .............. toned XF-45 $17.50

1910 rounded leaves .............. toned VG-10 SOLD



GEORGE V

1911 to 1936 The 1903 reverse design by W. H. J. Blakemore was retained, along with the standards of a 1.16 grams, 15.5 mm, and an alloy of from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper until 1919 when the alloy was reduced to 80% silver and 20% copper.

(image of type only) George V coins were introduced in 1911 with "DEI GRATIA", Latin for "God' Grace", omitted from the obverse inscription. Known as the "GODLESS COINS" there was a public out rage and in 1912 "DEI GRATIA" returned to Canadian coins. 1911 Godless ............................. G-6 $ 2.50 1911 Godless ................ small digs VF-20 $ 5.00

(image of type only) 1912 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.75 1912 ....................... weak reverse VG-8 $ 3.00 1912 .......................... dig on 9, VG-8 $ 3.00 1912 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1912 .............................. toned VG-8 $ 3.50 1912 ..................... light scratch VG-10 $ 3.00 1912 ....................... spotty tone VG-10 $ 3.50 1912 ................................... VG-10 $ 4.00 1912 ................. toned, light marks F-12 $ 3.00 1912 .................................... F-12 $ 4.50 1912 .................................... F-15 $ 5.00 1912 .............................. toned F-15 $ 5.00 1912 ...................... long scratch VF-20 $ 3.00 1912 ..................... small scratch VF-20 $ 5.00 1912 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.50 1912 ............................. toned VF-20 $ 5.50 1912 ................................... VF-30 $ 8.00 1912 ....................... light toned VF-30 $ 8.00 1913 ..................................... G-6 $ 3.00 1913 .......................... scratches VG-8 $ 2.50 1913 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1913 ............................... VG-10/G-4 $ 3.50 1913 ................................ F-12/G-4 $ 3.50 1913 ....................... light scrape F-12 $ 3.00 1913 ...................... light scratch F-12 $ 3.00 1913 ............................ cleaned F-12 $ 3.50 1913 .................................... F-12 $ 4.50 1913 .............................. toned F-15 $ 5.00 1913 .................................... F-15 $ 5.00 1913 ........................... cleaned VF-20 $ 4.50 1913 ..................... light scratch VF-20 $ 4.00 1913 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.50 1913 ................................... VF-30 $ 7.25 1913 ........................ light tone VF-30 $ 7.25 1913 ............................ scuffs XF-40 $ 8.00 1913 .............................. ICCS XF-40 $10.00 1914 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.75 1914 ............................ scratch VG-8 $ 3.00 1914 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1914 ................... light gold tone VG-10 $ 4.00 1914 ........................ trace rough F-12 $ 3.00 1914 .................................... F-12 $ 4.50 1914 ................... scratches, toned F-15 $ 3.50 1914 .................................... F-15 $ 5.00 1914 .............. dark tone, sl spotty VF-30 $ 8.00 1914 ............................. toned VF-30 $ 8.00 1914 ................................... XF-40 $11.50 At about 1.17 million, the 195 5 cent silver is the lowest mintage in the George V series. 1915 ....... rough areas, heavy scratches VG-8 $ 6.00 1915 ............................. toned XF-40 $65.00 1916 .............................. toned F-15 $ 9.00 1916 ................................... VF-20 $12.00 1916 ................................... XF-45 $42.00 1916 ................ light to mid toned AU-50 $60.00 1916 ........................ spots ICCS AU-55 $77.50 1917 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.00 1917 .................................... F-15 $ 4.50 1917 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1917 ............................. toned VF-30 $ 7.00 1917 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $100.00 1918 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.50 1918 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.50 1918 ....................... toning line VG-10 $ 3.75 1918 ................................... VG-10 $ 3.75 1918 ............................... mark F-12 $ 3.00 1918 ............................ cleaned F-12 $ 3.00 1918 .................................... F-12 $ 4.00 1918 .................................... F-15 $ 4.50 1918 ............................. toned VF-20 $ 5.00 1918 ............................. toned VF-30 $ 6.00 1918 ......................... dark spot AU-50 $17.50 1919 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.75 1919 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.00 1919 .............................. toned VG-8 $ 3.00 1919 ........................ dark spots VG-10 $ 3.00 1919 ................................... VG-10 $ 3.50 1919 ......................... dark tone VG-10 $ 3.50 1919 ................... attractive tone VG-10 $ 3.50 1919 ............................ cleaned F-12 $ 2.50 1919 ............... nice tone but scuffs F-12 $ 3.00 1919 .............................. toned F-15 $ 4.59 1919 .................................... F-15 $ 4.50 1919 ................................... VF-30 $ 6.00 1919 ............................. toned VF-30 $ 6.00 1919 ................................... AU-50 $17.75

During 1920 and 1921 5 cent silver coins of George 5th remain the same design, weight and diameter as earlier coins but the alloy was reduced to 80% silver and 20% copper. 1920 ..................................... G-6 $ 2.50 1920 ................................ VG-8/G-6 $ 2.25 1920 ........................... rim nick VG-8 $ 2.50 1920 .................................... VG-8 $ 3.00 1920 ................................... VG-10 $ 3.50 1920 .................................... F-12 $ 4.00 1920 .......................... hairlined F-15 $ 3.00 1920 .................... small scratches F-15 $ 4.00 1920 .............................. toned F-15 $ 4.50 1920 .................................... F-15 $ 4.50 1920 ........................... scratch VF-20 $ 3.00 1920 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1920 ............................. toned VF-20 $ 5.00 1920 ........................... cleaned VF-30 $ 4.00 1920 ..................... light scratch VF-30 $ 5.00 1920 ................................... VF-30 $ 6.00 1920 ......................... nice tone VF-30 $ 6.00 1920 ........................... cleaned XF-45 $ 7.25 1920 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $68.00 More then 2.5 million 1921 5 cents were struck but on deciding 5 cents would be struck in nickel starting in 1922, most of the 1921 examples were melted. Estimates of how many survive vary from just over 300 to about 800 but I believe it is higher. Just over 300 having been certified although some examples may have been sent in more than once, most of the examples I come across have not yet been certified. Due to the numbers I see raw, and the fact it is not unusual to see several of them available at major coin shows, I believe there are at least 800 to 1000 and probably a little more than that. This still makes them one of the scarcest coins in the Canadian series. Most examples will be weakly struck on one side suggesting the weakness is due to a worn die, otherwise it would be on both sides. Before assigning a grade one must example both sides carefully, especially the veins on the leaves on the reverse to determine if it is die wear or coin wear, making these difficult to grade accurately. Examples struck from strong dies on both sides, where the sides are even, bring a premium above the trend sheet estimates which assume some weakness on one side. I am always looking to purchase 1921 5 cents in any grade. 1921 ...................... PCGS 37074141 F-15 SOLD To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary sets of coins including a 5 cent silver 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 - 1998". The early sets have an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved unpopular so later sets were issued with a mirror-proof finish. 1908-1998 ........................ MATTE-PROOF SOLD

1908-1998 ....................... MIRROR-PROOF SOLD To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1911 dollar, the mint produced a set of coins including a 5 cent silver were struck with the sizes, alloys, and same general obverse and reverse designs of the 1911 coins. The date is shown as 1911 - 2011, with the portrait that of George V including the godless inscriptions. 1911-2011 .............................. PROOF SOLD



FIVE CENT NICKELS GEORGE V (continued) 1922 saw the introduction of the larger 5 cents made of nickel, struck at 21.21 mm and 4.54 grams which is exactly 100 to the pound. The obverse design by Sir E. B. Mackennal is retained, but a new reverse design by W. H. J. Blakemore was introduced. The Royal Canadian Mint equipment was not designed to strike the relatively hard nickel so in 1922 started with a higher die pressure which resulted in relatively good strikes but rapid die deterioration, so short die life. To preserve the dies they had to lower the die pressure which resulted in weaker strikes which is the norm for most George V nickels. The most obvious place one can notice this is on the band of George V's crown which if fully struck has three jewels and eight pearls, but most examples in XF or higher grade will only show six or seven of the pearls. Examples with eight visible pearls are scarce, and eight strong pearls are rare. The mint sourced their nickel from the International Nickel Company (INCO) which used furnace based refining which produced nickel no higher than 92% pure but even within one block of nickel delivered to the mint most of the nickel would be between 88 and 90% nickel and only a small portion would be up to 92%. Keep in mind that industrially when nickel is said to be pure nickel, that only means at least 77% nickel so when the references say these nickels are pure nickel, but are by industrial standards. Slightly purer nickel is also slightly softer which is why these nickels have inconsistent strikes. Examples struck at 92% nickels will show good crown details with 8 clear pearls. Those in the 90 to 91% range may show eight pearls but they can be weaker. Below 90%, which is most of the nickel the mint received will not show all eight pearls and many will have only six or sometimes even four pears visible when mint condition. This makes George V nickels difficult to grade as the general rule of eight visible pears needed before a coin can be grade XF does not apply to these nickels. One must consider the amount of luster, wear to the leaves on the reverse and wear to other features when grading them. One must also consider that the price guides are for coins of average strike so when I list a coin XF-40 or higher and do not make comments on it, you should assume a six or seven bead strike. If there are less than six clear beads I will comment and price lower. If there are eight visible beads I will comment on if they are strong or weak, but as such coins are scarce they will be priced accordingly higher. At an Edmonton coin show reception on March 2, 2014 I heard Mark Bink (an metallurgist who studies these alloys) comment that 1961 was the year the beaver got it's whiskers back. I asked him what that meant and he explained how in 1961 the mint changed from the inconsistently pure INCO nickel to Sherritt nickel chemically refined to 100% nickel so much softer and strikes better, but also more subject to bag marking. A discussion followed where I brought up the erratic striking characteristics of earlier coins, and we suddenly realized how the two were directly related. Nickels were used extensive in parking meters and vending machines which often scratched them with what are commonly called "meter marks". Scratch free George V nickels can be difficult in grades below XF but I endeavor to offer scratch free examples and will describe scratches when present, and price accordingly. George V 1922 to 1936, type only (image of type only) There are two varieties of the 1922 5 cent in the spacing between the S of CENTS and the rim. These are confusing and often miss-identified as the real difference is an illusion caused by how the fields meet the rim. Most examples appear to have the S closer to the rim (near S) because of slightly convex fields where the metal between the S and rim rounds up into the rim. The scarcer type has flat fields making it appear there is a larger gap between the S and the rim. If you measure them there is no real difference in the spacing. While the true variety is convex and flat fields, near and far S are how most major references designate them so I use that. Until recently ICCS did not designate these varieties on their certification so on older holders I designate it and mention the certification as grade only when the coin is the scarcer far rim type. 1922 near rim ........................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1922 near rim .......................... VG-10 $ 0.75 1922 near rim .......................... VF-20 $ 2.50 1922 near rim ..................... ICCS AU-55 $42.50 1922 near rim ..................... ICCS MS-60 $56.00 1922 near rim ...... 8 beads ...... ICCS MS-62 $80.00 1922 near rim ...... 8 beads ...... ICCS MS-63 $150.000 1922 near rim strong 8 beads ...... ICCS MS-64 $275.000

1922 far rim ............................ VG-8 $ 0.75 1922 far rim ........................... AU-50 $55.00 1922 far rim .......... grade only, ICCS AU-55 $90.00 1922 f R weak 8 beads . grade only, ICCS AU-55 $110.00 1922 far rim .......... grade only, ICCS MS-62 $160.00 1922 far rim grade only dull lustre ICCS MS-64 $400.00 1923 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.75 1923 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.25 1923 .................................... F-15 $ 4.00 1923 ..................... faint scratch VF-30 $ 5.00 1923 .............................. ICCS AU-50 $56.50 1923 .................. light toned ICCS AU-50 $56.00 1923 ........... minor dirt ....... ICCS AU-55 $100.00 1923 .............................. CCCS AU-55 $100.00 1923 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $100.00 1923 ........... weak 8 beads ..... ICCS AU-55 $120.00 1923 .............................. ICCS MS-62 $200.00 1923 ....... nice 8 bead strike ... ICCS MS-62 $280.00 1924 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1924 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1924 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1924 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $70.00 1924 ........... weak 8 beads ..... ICCS MS-62 $175.00 1925 is the lowest mintage and scarcest date of the George V nickel series. 1925 .............................. ICCS VG-10 $80.00 1925 ............................... ICCS F-15 $100.00 1925 ...................... ICCS scratch VF-20 $110.00 1925 ..........nice for the grade . ICCS VF-20 $125.00 1925 ................................... VF-30 $200.00

1926 5 cent comes in two varieties with respect to the position of the 6. The more common near 6 variety has the tip of the 6 closer to the maple leaf which farther from the rim. The scarer far 6 has the 6 rotated slightly away from the maple leaf, causing the tip of the 6 to be slightly farther from the maple leaf while the bottom is slightly closer to the rim. One must look at both as the distance from the rim and the maple leaf as people have tried to cut down a 6 but they cannot decrease the spacing at the bottom. 1926 NEAR 6 1926 FAR 6 1926 near 6 ............................. VG-8 $ 5.00 1926 near 6 ............................ VG-10 $ 6.00 1926 near 6 ............................. F-12 $ 7.25 1926 near 6 ................ minor spots XF-40 $60.00 1926 near 6 ....................... ICCS AU-50 $200.00 1926 far 6 .............. light scratches VG-8 $125.00 1926 far 6 .............................. VG-8 $140.00 1926 far 6 ........................ rough F-15 $115.00 1926 far 6 ................. ICCS scratch F-15 $175.00 1926 far 6 ......................... ICCS F-15 $220.00 1926 far 6 ..................... scratch VF-20 $185.00 1926 far 6 ............................. VF-20 $275.00 1927 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1927 ................................... VG-10 $ 0.75 1927 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1927 .................... minor scratches F-15 $ 1.00 1927 .................................... F-15 $ 2.00 1927 ................................... XF-40 $12.00 1927 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $52.50 1927 .... 8 strong beads ............... MS-62 $135.00 1928 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1928 ................................... VG-10 $ 0.75 1928 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1928 .................................... F-15 $ 2.00 1928 ..................... light scratch VF-20 $ 3.00 1928 ................................... VF-20 $ 4.00 1928 .............................. ICCS AU-50 $32.50 1928 .............................. ICCS AU-55 $55.00 1928 .............................. ICCS MS-62 $100.00 1928 .... strong 8 beads .......... ICCS MS-64 $265.00

In 1929, 1932, 1934 and 1936 references designate NEAR and FAR rim types referring to the gap between the S of CENTS and the rims as we see on the 1922 nickel, however while 1922's have a significant gap difference, there is little difference on the other dates making things very confusing. The actual difference is flat and concave fields where on flat field examples the fields meet the rim at a sharp angle, while for concave fields there is a slight rounding. As there is no difference in value or rarity for these dates, I do not sort them out. The one question mark is on the 1932 where there may be a near and far 2 variety related to these fields, but no one seems to agree on these. The Charlton standard catalogue does not list a far 2 variety with a different value, while the Canadian Coin news trend sheet lists one with a major difference in price. Recently I have heard of a few that people felt where the far 2 sending them for certification, but could not find a certification company willing to do so and without that they are not very salable. 1929 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1929 ................................... VG-10 $ 0.75 1929 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1929 ...................... light scratch F-15 $ 1.00 1929 .................................... F-15 $ 2.00 1929 ................... corrosion spots XF-40 $ 3.00 1929 ................................... AU-50 $32.00 1929 .............................. ICCS AU-50 $32.00 1929 ............................... NGC MS-63 $200.00 1930 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1930 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1930 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1930 ........................ light marks F-15 $ 1.50 1930 .................................... F-15 $ 3.00 1930 ............. strong lustre ....... AU-55 $70.00 1931 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1931 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1931 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1931 .................................... F-15 $ 3.00 1931 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1931 ..................... light scratch VF-30 $ 5.00 1931 .... weak 8 beads ............ ICCS XF-45 $45.00 1931 ..... strong beads ............... AU-50 $75.00 I have been looking into the near and far S varieties of the 1932 5 cent and find no conclusive way to differentiate between.



The variety that is distinctive Near and Far 2 which is really more a high (near to the maple leaf's) and low (further from the Maple leaves) date. If you draw a line across the bottom of the maple leaves it will cut through the 2 on the near 2 (high date), but will not touch the 2 on the far 2 (low date). While the near 2 is extremely common, the far 2 is very rarely. A dealer I know checks every 1932 that he handles and in 30 year (and many thousands of them) has only found 3. The only one I have ever handled I bought from him. 1932 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1932 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1932 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1932 .................... trace scratches F-15 $ 1.00 1932 ............................... ribs F-15 $ 1.25 1932 .................................... F-15 $ 3.00 1932 ........................... scratch VF-20 $ 4.00 1932 ....................... light marks VF-30 $ 5.50 1932 ................................... VF-30 $10.00

1932 FAR 2 (low date), problem free, ICCS F-15 SOLD 1933 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1933 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1933 .................................... F-12 $ 2.50 1933 .................................... F-15 $ 5.00 1933 ................................... XF-40 $24.00 1934 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1934 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1934 .................................... F-15 $ 3.00 1934 ........................... scratch VF-20 $ 2.50 1934 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1934 ..................... small scratch VF-30 $ 5.00 1934 ................................... XF-40 $18.00 1934 ................................... XF-45 $32.00 1935 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1935 ................................... VG-10 $ 1.00 1935 .................................... F-12 $ 1.50 1935 .................... faint scratches F-15 $ 1.25 1935 .................................... F-15 $ 3.00 1935 ................................... VF-20 $ 5.00 1935 ................................... VF-30 $ 8.00 1935 ......... 8 beads ............ ICCS AU-55 $130.00 1936 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.50 1936 ................................... VG-10 $ 0.75 1936 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1936 .................................... F-15 $ 2.00 1936 ................................... VF-20 $ 3.00 1936 .............................. ICCS MS-62 $90.00



GEORGE VI

1937 to 1952 (image of type only)

With George VI coming to the throne in 1937, an new set of designs was introduced for the reverse of all Canadian coins other than 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 inexpensively (please do not ask me to pick them out and ship them, they are available in store only). As these were struck from the same INCO nickel as discussed above the 1922, the same problem of inconsistent hardness remained and in mint state examples one see's a wide variation in the strength of the hair lines on the King, making these somewhat difficult to grade, plus the King's eyebrow rarely strikes up, and finding mint state examples with a fill eyebrow is very difficult (nearly impossible for some dates). 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 design due to lean of the 7 creating a bigger gap to the right than the left of the date. 1937 .................................... F-15 $ 0.75 1937 ................................... VF-20 $ 1.50 1937 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $24.00 1937 ......... strong strike ........... MS-63 $30.00 1937 ................................... MS-65 $180.00 1938 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1938 .................................... F-15 $ 2.00 1938 ................................... VF-20 $ 4.00 1938 .............................. ICCS MS-62 $115.00 1938 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $160.00 1939 .................................... F-12 $ 0.50 1939 .................................... F-15 $ 1.00 1939 ....................... light marks VF-20 $ 1.50 1939 ................................... VF-20 $ 2.00 1939 ..... very strong strike ..... ICCS MS-64 $185.00 1940 .................................... F-15 $ 0.75 1940 ................................... VF-20 $ 1.50 1940 ................................... VF-30 $ 2.75 1940 ................................... XF-40 $ 4.00 1940 .............................. ICCS MS-64 $100.00 1940 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $480.00 1941 .................................... F-15 $ 0.75 1941 ................................... VF-20 $ 1.50 1941 ................................... VF-30 $ 3.00 1941 ....................... light marks XF-40 $ 3.00 1941 ................................... XF-40 $ 5.00 1941 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $70.00 1942 nickel ............................. F-15 $ 0.75 1942 nickel ............................ VF-20 $ 1.50 1942 nickel ............................ VF-30 $ 2.75 1942 nickel ............................ XF-40 $ 4.00 1942 nickel ............................ MS-63 $48.00



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.

(image of type only) 1942 tombac ............................ VF-30 $ 1.75 1942 tombac ............................ XF-40 $ 2.00 1942 tombac ............................ XF-45 $ 2.50 1942 tombac ............................ AU-50 $ 3.00 1942 tombac ............................ AU-55 $ 4.00 1942 tombac ..................... spotty MS-60 $ 4.00 1942 tombac ............................ MS-60 $ 5.00 1942 tombac ............................ MS-62 $ 8.00 1942 tombac ..................... spotty MS-63 $12.00 1942 tombac ............................ MS-63 $16.00 1942 tombac ..................... spotty MS-64 $24.00

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.

(image of type only) 1943 tombac ............................ VF-20 $ 0.50 1943 tombac ............................ VF-30 $ 0.75 1943 tombac ............................ XF-40 $ 1.00 1943 tombac ............................ XF-45 $ 1.50 1943 tombac ............................ AU-50 $ 2.00



Chrome-plated steel In spite of the new reverse design the public rejected the brown tombac five cent coins as too easily confused with one cents so while still short of nickel, 1944 and 1945 5 cents of the "V" design were struck on steel blanks that were first nickel plated then chrome-plated which gives them a blue-silver appearance. There were problems with the chrome plating process with many examples received only a partial chrome finish and occasionally they missed the final plating receiving no chrome so that you only see the nickel plating and look like any other nickel date. There is a miss-understanding circulating where people believe the chrome can be easily removed without removing the nickel plating, thus turning regular chromed coins into no chrome coins. Because of this miss-understanding ICCS will no longer designate any example as missing chrome. I researched this and found a number of website explaining how to remove chrome by soaking in acetone, but these websites did not explain clearly is this process will removes chrome applied as chrome paint. It is not affect chrome applied through electroplating in the way these nickels were chromed. The only way to remove electroplated chrome is by dissolving it in acid which will destroy the entire nickel. The chrome plating on 1944 and 1945 "V" nickels scratches easily and/or wears through at the high points quickly. As these coins are very common inexpensive unless extremely high quality, I through scratched or significantly worn examples in my till to be handed out in change. The examples we offer below are all scratch free unless otherwise noted.

(image of type only)

1944 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1944 ................................... VF-30 $ 0.75 1944 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.00 1944 ................................... XF-45 $ 1.25 1944 ................................... AU-50 $ 1.50 1944 ................................... AU-55 $ 2.25 1944 ................................... AU-58 $ 2.50 1944 ................................... MS-60 $ 4.00 1944 ................................... MS-62 $ 5.00 1944 ................................... MS-63 $ 5.50 1944 ........................ minor spot MS-64 $ 9.50 1944 ................................... MS-64 $12.00 1944 ................................... MS-65 $40.00 1944 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $40.00 1944 no chrome ........... light scratch VF-30 SOLD 1945 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1945 ................................... VF-30 $ 0.75 1945 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.00 1945 ................................... XF-45 $ 1.25 1945 ................................... AU-50 $ 1.50 1945 ................................... AU-55 $ 2.25

1945 no chrome ......... light scratches 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 nickel alloy, but retaining the 12 side form used since the 1942 tombac. 1946 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.75 1946 slightly filled 6 ................. VF-20 $ 0.75 1946 ................................... VF-30 $ 1.50 1946 ................................... XF-40 $ 3.00 Some 1946 nickels have doubling of the 6 and are known as the 6/6 variety. There are two distinctly different types of doubling that occur. The first is a true re-punched 6/6 with a well formed with smooth outline of a second 6 both inside the lower right edge and along the upper back of the 6. These are somewhat scarce and what I consider a true 6/6 and what I feel the trend sheet price reflects. The second 6/6 type is due to die deterioration with slightly rough and irregular doubling inside the lower right and occasionally a little along the back of the 6. These weak 6/6 types are more common I price them lower than the strong 6/6. I have recently seen both types in certification holders with no distinction between them. I recently saw one 1946 with doubling along the bottom of the 4 and 6 due, but this was more a double date related to the 1962 double date types. 1946 very strong 6/6 ................... VF-30 SOLD A distinct triangular mark occurs inside the 6 of some examples, and is known as the "arrowhead" variety. These were listed by Hans Zoell as P176a. 1946 arrowhead .................. scratch F-12 SOLD Some 1947'S have a small dot behind the 7 which some believe was intentional to mark where the maple leaf was to be punched, but never was. There are other dots in other positions on these, suggesting the dots result from simple die deterioration. The dot is very small and most people have trouble seeing it without magnification, and it is a distinct rough dot. If what you see is larger and slightly ragged, it is almost certain a 1947 Maple Leaf. These are a recognized variety and widely collected. 1947 .................................... F-15 $ 0.50 1947 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.75 1947 ................................... XF-40 $ 2.00 1947 ................................... MS-63 $28.00

1947 dot ................................ F-15 $35.00 1947 dot ............................... VF-20 $40.00 1947 dot .......................... ICCS VF-20 $40.00 1947 dot ....................... scratch VF-30 $40.00 1947 dot .......................... ICCS VF-30 $65.00 1947 dot ............................... AU-50 $160.00 1947 dot .......................... ICCS AU-50 $160.00 When India received its independence in 1947, "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from all British Commonwealth coins dated after 1947. The new designs were prepared in England and did not arrive in Canada until late in 1948. While waiting for the new designs, coins dated 1947 a small maple leaf after the date, were minted in 1948. 1947 maple leaf ........................ VF-20 $ 0.50

When the dies with the new inscriptions were ready late in 1948, 5 cent pieces dated 1948 were struck but for a limited period time resulting in one of he lower mintages of that era. The new obverse design had not just a new inscription, but the King's portrait was slightly redesigned to be slightly higher relief with bolder hair lines. This new bold portrait was used until mid 1951 when the 1951 steel nickels were introduced and proved difficult to strike with a high relief design. 1948 .................................... VG-8 $ 0.75 1948 .................................... F-12 $ 1.00 1948 .................................... F-15 $ 1.25 1948 ................................... VF-20 $ 1.50 1948 ................................... VF-30 $ 3.00 1948 ................................... XF-40 $ 5.00 1949 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1949 ................................... VF-30 $ 1.00 1949 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.50 1950 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1950 ................................... VF-30 $ 1.00 1950 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.50 1950 ................................... XF-45 $ 2.75 1950 ................................... MS-62 $ 9.50

Because of the economic importance the Sudbury nickel deposits the 200th anniversary of the Swedish chemist A. F. Cronstedt's discovery of nickel was commemorate by depicting a refinery building in the early year 5 cent coins. Because they were unusual people saved them so today they are very common and most are high quality. Please note this type is always has the High Relief portrait which is rare on the beaver type that replaced it later in the year. image of 1951 5 commemorative cent, type only 1951 commemorative ..................... XF-40 $ 0.50 1951 commemorative ..................... XF-45 $ 0.75 1951 commemorative ..................... AU-50 $ 1.00 1951 commemorative ..................... AU-55 $ 1.75 1951 commemorative ................ ICCS MS-65 $120.00

1951 commemorative double HP ...... ICCS MS-63 SOLD One of 1951 commemorative nickel dies developed a small die pit in the King's hair that resulted in a small raised bump on the coins. This variety was noted by Zoell who listed it B 182b, and we refer to it as the "bug in hair" variety. 1951 commemorative, bug in hair ........ AU-50 SOLD

The Korean war created a nickel shortage so chrome-plated steel blanks were used for the beaver design 5 cents struck later in 1951. The high-relief obverse introduced in 1948 proved difficult to strike on steel blanks so after a short time with not many struck in high-relief a new low-relief portrait was used for most 1951 beaver and all 1952 nickels. The 1951 high relief portrait beaver nickels scarce but low-relief examples very common. 5 cents continued to be struck on chrome plated steel blanks through 1952, 1953 and 1954. The chrome plating scratches easily most examples below VF-30 will be scratched. See my comments above (just above 1944) about the mistaken believe some people (including those at ICCS) have that the chrome can be easily removed, which it cannot with destroying the coin.





As discussed above 1951 beaver type nickels comes with the very common low relief and the much scarcer high relief portraits. They are fairly easy to differentiate as the final A in GRATIA behind the King's head points between two denticles (left side of the image above) on the common low-relief but directly at a denticle on the rare high relief (right side of the image). As with all chrome plated steel nickels most examples have been scratched and I generally do not offer such examples for the common low relief. On the high relief examples I do listed scratched ones but will describe the scratches and price them accordingly. 1951 beaver high relief ................ AU-55 SOLD

1951 beaver low relief ................. VF-20 $ 0.50 1951 beaver low relief ................. VF-30 $ 0.75 1951 beaver low relief ................. MS-63 $ 9.50 1952 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1952 ................................... VF-30 $ 0.75 1952 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.00 1952 ................................... XF-45 $ 1.50 1952 ................................... MS-64 $20.00 1952 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $80.00



ELIZABETH II

1953 to present Young Head Series



INCO nickel was still used from 1953 until about 1961 when the mint switched to Sherritt nickel refined by a leaching process that resulted in 99.9% pure nickel. The inconsistent purity and hardness of the INCO nickel again resulted in inconsistent strikes with the sharpness of details on the laurels in Queen Elizabeth's hair very different from coin to coin, again making these difficult to grade accurately. The 1961 switch to Sherritt nickel solved that but created a new problem because the much purer Sherritt nickel was slightly softer making the coins less resisted bag marking which is why nickels from 1961 to 1967 are very difficult to find in MS-65 (even MS-64) and command higher prices in that grades than do 1950's nickels, in spite if having much higher mintages.

(image of type only)



When the first coins of Elizabeth appeared in 1953, it was noticed that her shoulder appeared to be bare. This resulted from the fold of cloth on her shoulder being too weakly engraved into the dies to strike up well with only traces or none visible on most coins. These are known as the no-shoulder-strap or no-shoulder fold variety, usually abbreviated as NSS or NSF, but the best way to identify them is by "I"'s in the obverse inscription which have a distinct flare at both the top and bottom. There is also a slightly wider (than on the later type) gap between the small maples leaf's to the upper right and left and the denticles around the rim, which is why these are known as the "far leaf" variety, although the entire design is slightly smaller and the date is also further from the rim.



1953 far leaf, note gap between ML's and denticles 1953 NSS far leaf ...................... AU-55 $ 2.75 1953 NSS far leaf ...................... MS-60 $ 3.50 1953 NSS far leaf .... small rust spot . MS-62 $ 3.00 1953 NSS far leaf ...................... MS-62 $ 5.00 1953 NSS far leaf ...................... MS-63 $ 5.50 1953 NSS far leaf ...................... MS-64 $12.00 1953 NSS far leaf ................. ICCS MS-65 $32.50

1953 NSS far leaf no chrome ............ VF-20 SOLD

To correct the bare shouldered look, part way through 1953 new dies were prepared with a deeper shoulder fold that struck up better and at the same time the shape of the "I"'s in the inscription were changed to straighter without that distinct flare. These are known as the shoulder-strap (abbreviated SS) or shoulder-fold (SF) variety. On the reverse the entire design was made slightly larger resulting in a smaller gap between the maples leaf's and the denticles (they nearly touch the denticles) so this is known as the "near leaf" variety", although because the design is bigger the date is also closer to the rims.

1953 near leaf ML' nearly touch denticles on the left 1953 SS near leaf ...................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1953 SS near leaf ...................... XF-40 $ 1.00 1953 SS near leaf ...................... XF-45 $ 1.50 1953 SS near leaf ...................... AU-50 $ 2.50 1953 SS near leaf ...................... AU-55 $ 4.25 1953 SS near leaf ...................... MS-63 $ 8.00 1953 SS near leaf ................. ICCS MS-64 $16.00 1953 SS near leaf ................. ICCS MS-65 $48.00 1953 SS near leaf holder dated 1954 ICCS MS-65 $48.00 1953 SS near leaf ...................... MS-65 $48.00 1953 SS near leaf ..... CCCS hard holder MS-65 $48.00



1953 SS near leaf, no chrome . ICCS designated

the grade but not the no chrome ... ICCS MS-62 $650.00 Due to incorrect die pairing a small number of 1951 nickels exist as either "SS far leaf" or "NSS near leaf" varieties, commonly called the SS mule and NSS mule. S some references us SF and NSF as the designations. The NSS (NSF) mules are much rarer than the SS (SF) mules. 1953 SS FL MULE .......... scratches ICCS F-15 $80.00 1953 SS FL MULE ......... scratches ICCS VF-20 $120.00 1953 SS FL MULE ........................ VF-20 $135.00 1953 SS FL MULE .... problem free . ICCS VF-20 $160.00 1953 SS FL MULE (VF-30 scratch) ... ICCS VF-20 $160.00 1953 SS FL MULE ... faint scratches ICCS VF-30 $160.00 1953 SS FL MULE .... problem free . ICCS VF-30 $175.00

1953 NSF Mule ..... minor scratches ICCS VF-30 SOLD 1954 ................................... VF-30 $ 1.00 1954 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.50 1954 ................................... XF-45 $ 2.25 1954 ................................... AU-50 $ 3.00 1954 ................................... MS-62 $ 8.00 1954 ................................... MS-63 $12.00 1954 ................................... MS-64 $20.00 1954 .............................. CCCS MS-64 $20.00 1954 .............................. ICCS PL-64 $40.00 1954 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $44.00

1954 no chrome ......................... XF-40 SOLD 1955 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1955 ................................... VF-30 $ 0.75 1955 ................................... XF-40 $ 1.00 1955 ................................... XF-45 $ 1.50 1955 ................................... MS-60 $ 4.00 1955 ................................... MS-62 $ 5.00 1955 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $24.00 1955 ........................ ICCS cameo PL-65 $32.00 1955 .............................. ICCS PL-66 $48.00 1956 ................................... VF-20 $ 0.50 1956 ................................... XF-40 $ 0.75 1956 ................................... AU-50 $ 1.50 1956 ................................... AU-55 $ 2.25 1956 ................................... MS-60 $ 3.00 1956 ................................... MS-64 $12.00 1956 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $48.00 1956 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $14.50 1956 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $18.00 One of the dies developed a die pit on the tip of the beavers tail, resulting in coins with a raised dot in that position resulting in a variety known as the "bug tail". 1957 ................................... XF-40 $ 0.50 1957 ................................... AU-50 $ 0.75 1957 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $36.00 1957 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $13.00 1957 .............................. ICCS PL-66 $33.50

1957 bug tail ........................... F-15 $ 3.50 1957 bug tail ................ scratches VF-20 $ 3.00 1957 bug tail .......................... VF-20 $ 4.00 1957 bug tail ................ scratches VF-30 $ 4.00 1957 bug tail .......................... VF-30 $ 5.00 1957 bug tail .......................... XF-40 $ 5.50 1957 bug tail ................ scratches XF-45 $ 5.00 1957 bug tail .......................... MS-64 $100.00 Some 1958 five cents show a slight doubling of the 1 and 8 in the date, and are known as the double date, although sometimes ICCS calls them just double 18. 1958 ................................... XF-40 $ 0.50 1958 ................................... AU-50 $ 0.75 1958 ................................... MS-60 $ 1.50 1958 ................................... MS-62 $ 2.50 1958 ................................... MS-63 $ 4.00 1958 .............................. ICCS MS-64 $12.00 1958 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $36.00 1959 ................................... MS-60 $ 0.50 1959 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.75 1959 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00 1959 ................................... MS-64 $10.00 Some 1960 5 cents are weakly struck beavers with much of the fur on the beaver's back so weakly struck that most of the details is missing even on otherwise high quality coins. There is a corresponding weak point on the Queen's head in the hair just above her ear. Known as the "bald beaver", Zoell listed this for 1960 as his Y192b. The amount of fur showing varies from coin to coin, but for me to list a coin as a "bald beaver" at least 80% of the fur between the head and haunch must be missing. Between 50 and 80% I may list them but noting a weak slightly bald beaver. 1960 ................................... MS-60 $ 0.50 1960 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.75 1960 ................................... MS-64 $10.00

1960 bald beaver ....................... AU-50 SOLD

1961 is the year the mint switched from the harder INCO nickel to purer softer Sherritt nickel. I have heard this referred to as the year the beaver got it's whiskers back due to the better quality strikes resulting from the slightly softer metal. While the strikes improve, the softer metal also results in more bag marks in the mint handling processes, so coins grading higher than MS-64 are very unusual in this period. Some 1961 5 cents have some doubling of the bottom of the date and sometimes parts of the reverse inscription, usually either 61 or the first and last 1's but not as strong as on the 1962 double dates. 1961 5 cents also come in the Bald Beaver variety, and recently I had one that was both a bald beaver and a double date. 1961 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.75 1961 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50 1961 ............ very strong strike ... MS-63 $ 2.50 1961 ................................... MS-64 $10.00

1961 Bald beaver, some doubled letters . MS-65 $80.00 Some 1962 nickels have doubling at the bottom of the date and some letters of the reverse inscription. The doubling is slightly different on each coin showing it is caused in the striking (known as machine doubling) rather than the die cutting. The price in the CCN trend is for an average example with three digits doubled. Examples with only two digits double (usually the 1 and 2) I call weak double date. Examples with some doubling on all four digits I call strong double date and if all four are strongly double are ultra double date and worth a premium. As described under 1960, some 1962 5 cents are known with the Bald Beaver variety. 1962 ................................... MS-60 $ 0.50 1962 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.75 1962 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50 1962 ................................... MS-64 $ 9.50 1962 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.00 1962 ............................... NGC PL-66 $12.00

1962 weak double date .................. MS-60 $ 5.50 1962 weak double date .................. MS-62 $ 8.00

1962 double date ....................... MS-62 $16.00

1962 strong double date (162) ..... ICCS MS-60 $15.00

1962 bald beaver ....................... MS-60 SOLD Some 1963 nickels have doubling of the beaver's head, back,the K of the K.G. designers initials, and minor doubling on the bottom of some letters in CENTS. While not listed in any major references on Canadian coins, this is listed in Hans Zoell books as #R195j, although he does not seem to noted the doubling of CENTS. 1963 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1963 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1963 ................................... MS-64 $10.00 1963 .............................. ICCS MS-64 $10.00 1963 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $65.00 1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75

1963 doubled beaver ........ lt scratches F-15 SOLD 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, resulting in the extra waterline (XWL) variety. In 1964 the government issued presentation sets, mostly for presentation to visiting dignitaries. Coin from these sets have high lustre fields with heavy to ultra cameo in both sides including on the lettering. They are different than cameo proof-likes which rarely are cameo on both sides and it is never perfectly even across both sides including the letter. ICCS calls these coins Specimen but because they do look like proofs, PCGS calls them Proof, but both mean the same thing. I have not been able to find the mintage of these sets but it was likely only a few hundred. 1964 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1964 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1964 ................................... MS-64 $10.00 1964 ... minor grease on die error ..... MS-65 $80.00 1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1964 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1964 .................. ICCS HEAVY CAMEO SP-64 $80.00

1964 extra water line .................. MS-60 $36.00 1964 extra water line ............. ICCS MS-63 $100.00

Starting in 1965, the Queen's portrait was updated to a more mature head, wearing a tiara. (image of type only) The 1965 nickel is common as a date worth very little unless high quality or the rare large bead variety. It is not difficult to differentiate between the common small and rare large bead once you know how, and there are two diagnostics to look for. Most reference say to imagine a line drawn between the II to the upper left of the Queen's head and it will point between two beads on the common small bead but directly at a bead on the rare large bead. It find that way difficult to tell, what I find clearer is the A of REGINA it will point between two beads on the common type, and directly at a bead on the rare type. Until recently it was thought all large bead examples have a detached jewel at the back of the Queen's head, but recently some examples with an attached jewel have turned up. Many people bringing in examples they claim are large bead but which are not. It not difficult to tell if looking closely, but it seems most people have trouble with it. Keep in mind that the population of large beads is probably less than 1 in 100,000. If you had 100,000 examples available it is only a 50-50 chance you will find one and if it takes you 10 seconds to closely examine each one, it will take you about 280 hours to check them (less than 1/2 minimum wage even if you find one). 1965 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1965 ................................... MS-64 $10.00 1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75

1965 large bead attached jewel ......... AU-50 SOLD

1966 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1966 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75

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 ............................ MS-62 $ 0.50 1967 rabbit ............................ MS-63 $ 1.00 1967 rabbit ....................... PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1967 rabbit ......................... SPECIMEN $ 0.75

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 nice enough to be of enough value to justify listing it. Please note that up to 2011 when I describe a coin to be Proof-like (PL) I mean a coin from a mint set, intestinally struck to a higher quality than normal, but worth less than a MS (Mint State) coin from a bank roll in the same grade. They are fairly easily differentiated by their strike and luster. ICCS and some references call such coins "NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE" which I feel will cause confusion in beginning collectors. Starting in 2012 the mint stopped making intentionally nicer coins for the standard sets and the coins are all simply MS (mint state) except for specimen and proof examples.



1968 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1968 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1968 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50 1968 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.50 1969 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50 1970 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00 1970 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

Beginning in 1971, the mint begins striking three different striking qualities of coins, with a fourth added in 1981 :



Mint state (abbreviated MS) which are coins struck for issue through the banks and have average lustre and surface qualities. In most cases MS coins have little value unless in the highest range of the MS coins, and those are seldom seen. We don't list most dates in MS because they are not of high enough value to justify the time and trouble to list and/or ship them.



Proof-like (abbreviated PL) are standard mint set coins, usually from the pliofilm packaged sets, red double penny sets, and later the blue book set, but in later dates there were a variety of other types of sets they can come from. PL coins have a much higher lustre than MS coins, mostly because they are struck from dies in their newest die state. They also have very minimal marks (the average PL is a PL-64) as they did not go through as many of the mint handling processes as MS coins do, but they are not perfect coins and one should not expect them to be absolutely mark free.



Specimen (abbreviated SP or SPEC) which were in the black leather double dollar sets from 1971 to 1980, and for later dates in various types sets. Like PL coins they are struck from dies in their freshest die state but differ in being double struck to give them a higher lustre and sharper images, and they do not go through any mint handling processes before going into the sets so are nearly mark free. The rims tend and edges tend to be a little sharper although this is not obvious on a casual inspection. When we list a coin as being a specimen, it is because we personally took it from a specimen set before listing it here.



Proof (abbreviated PR) coins are very nice coins found mostly issued in the double dollar black leather boxed proof sets starting in 1981, although some specialty coins did come other ways. The coins are clearly differing from the other striking qualities by being double struck from specially prepared dies so they have mirror fields and frosted images (and ultra cameo effect) and are specially handled so they go into the sets in near perfect condition as possible. 1971 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1971 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1971 ................................... MS-64 $ 8.00 1971 ................................... MS-65 $24.00 1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1971 ..................... ICCS heavy cameo PL $ 8.00 1972 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00 1972 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1973 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1973 ................................... MS-64 $ 8.00 1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1973 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1974 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50 1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1975 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.50 1976 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.00 1977 comes in two varieties where one has the 7's slightly lower than the other, resulting in a low high 7's varieties. Circulation (MS) strikes are found in both varieties with some confusion in the references as to which is scarcer where the CCN trend sheet lists the high 7 as scarcer but the Charlton Standard Catalogue lists the low 7 as scarcer. All proof-like and specimen examples are the high 7. I am not certain which is correct but will look into it. There are two things that are different about them. On the low 7 the gap between the date and CANADA is slightly wider, plus the top right tip of the 7 ends slightly to the right up the right side of the upright on the D. On the high 7 that gap is narrower, and that tip of the 7 ends more directly below that edge of the upright on the D. Even with that this can be a difficult variety to differentiate. 1977 low 7 ............................. MS-63 SOLD

1977 high 7 ............................ MS-65 $80.00 1977 high 7 ....................... PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1977 high 7 ......................... SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75

1978 struck on a New Zealand 5 cent flan, 2.64

grams, 19.2 mm, non magnetic ............. UNC $425.00

1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1979 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1980 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.50 1981 saw the introduction of proof sets with frosted images and mirror fields, which continue to be minted until the current year. 1981 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00

In 1982 the alloy for nickels was changed from pure nickel 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 and while they look exactly like the earlier dates they will not attract to a magnet. A peculiarity of 1982 nickels not seen on most other dates is many examples in proof-like and proof develop toning. Most go a light golden color but some go more vivid colors. I am noticing that as the years go buy more and more of them tone in these sets and white examples are becoming more difficult to find. I do not know why this happens to this dates but not other cupro-nickel examples after 1982. 1982 ................. mix gold/red tone PROOF $ 4.00 1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25 1983 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25 1984 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.75 1984 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25 1985 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25 1986 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.75 1986 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1987 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1988 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1988 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50 1989 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00 1989 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00



ELIZABETH II, Crowned Head One or more of the 1990 5 cent dies dies was missing some fur detail on the beavers belly resulting in what is known as the bare belly beaver variety. This probably results from over polishing of the dies. 1990 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.00 1990 ....................... slight tone MS-63 $ 1.00 1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50 1990 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00 1990 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00

1990 bare belly beaver ................. XF-40 SOLD 1991 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 4.50 1992 was Canada's 125th anniversary of confederation, and all 5 cents of this year have the date shown as the double date 1867-1992. 1992 ................................... MS-62 $ 0.50 1992 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1992 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1992 ................................... PROOF $ 3.00 1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1993 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 1993 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1994 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.00 1994 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.50 1994 ................................... PROOF $ 2.00 1995 ................................... PROOF SOLD

Starting with 1996, all of the Proof strikes of five cent coins are of sterling (92.5%) silver at 5.5 grams, while proof-like, specimen and circulation strike coins are still of cupro-nickel alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The mint did not create a fully sealed packaging for proof sets so the silver coins often have a light golden brown toning, especially around the edges and can be attractive that way. If you want silver proofs to be white (no toning) please let me know when you place your order, although I will usually comment on the toning when I list them. There are near and far 6 varieties of 1996 nickels, defined by the distance between the tail of the 6 and the D of CANADA. All examples in mint sets are near 6 but both occur on circulation strikes. Starting in 1996 specimen strike have a slightly matte background with mirror finish designs so a reverse cameo effect. For a few years starting in 1996 proof-likes also have this effect but not as strongly as on the specimen strikes. 1996 near 6 .... edge toning .... silver PROOF SOLD In 1997 one still sees the matte background with polished images on the proof-like and specimen strikes, but not as strongly as on 1996, and oddly the effect is sometimes stronger on the proof-likes than the specimens. Although the CCN trend sheet list different prices for Ottawa and Winnipeg mint nickels from sets, it is impossible to distinguish them once removed from the sets so as single coins there should not be a difference in price. 1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1997 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 In 1998, the Mint put a "W" mint mark below the Queen's head on coins minted at Winnipeg, although those were all in proof-like sets. Later in the years the minting of these sets was moved back to Ottawa where no mint mark was used. Thus proof-like 5 cents are found both with and without the "W" mint mark. All circulation (MS), specimen and proof coins were without mint mark. The finish on 1998 proof-like coins returns to high luster finish, while specimen coins retain the slightly matte finish fields with high lustre designs that first appeared in 1996. 1998 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25 1998 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.75

1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD 1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 1999 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25 In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on nickel plated steel blanks which were first nickel plated, then copper plated and then for all denominations other than the 1 cent, nickel plated again. A P was placed below the Queen's portrait to indicate a plated steel blank. First struck only as test tokens for vending machine companies for calibrate purposes, those companies were supposed to return them to the mint. Some ended up on the market at very high prices so the mint got in on the action selling 20,000 sets to collectors at much lower prices. Packaged like Proof-like sets their exact status is unclear and I prefer to call them Proof-likes, but others including ICCS call them Mint State. A mintage of only 20,000 means they are nearly as scarce as 1948 dollars. The vinyl packaging leaves a light film on them that can be removed with rubbing alcohol. 1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD The first circulation strike plated "P" coins were the 2000 P 5 cents issued only as circulation strikes and are scarcer than the solid nickel 2000 5 cents without the P, which issued as both circulation strikes as well as in proof-like and specimens sets. There are also examples found only in proof-like sets with the "W" Winnipeg mint mark. 2000 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2000 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 1.25

2000 P ................................. MS-62 $ 0.50 2000 P ................................. MS-63 $ 1.00

2000 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD

Two special commemorative 5 cents were issued in 2000. The first commemorates the Les Voltigeurs regiment headquartered in Quebec which was formed in 1862 and served as an armored regiment during world war II. The second commemorates the Royal Military College of Canada established at Kingston Ontario in 1874. Both are struck on 21.3 mm diameter, 1.85 mm thickness, 5.3 gram sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) flans. A commemorative 5 cent was struck in 2000 to commemorate Les Voltigeurs regiment headquartered in Quebec, formed in 1862 and served as an armored regiment in world war II. All examples are struck in Proof at 21.3 mm diameter, 1.85 mm thickness and 5.3 gram of sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). The price listed is for an example in it's capsule but not the original box, which allows for reasonable priced shipping. If you want it in the original box I may be able to provide but because it is thick and has to go parcel post it will add about $8.00 to the shipping charge. 2000 Voltigeur com no case, reverse tone PROOF SOLD Circulation strike 2001 5 cents are found both with and without the P for plated. All proof-like and specimen strikes are on plated steel blanks with the P. All proof strikes are solid silver without the P. 2001 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.00 2001 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2001 P .............................. SPECIMEN $ 1.25 A commemorative 5 cent was struck in 2001 to commemorate the Royal Military College of Canada established at Kingston Ontario in 1874. The specifications and shipping rules are the same as for the 2000 Les Voltigeurs 5 cent listed above. 2001 Military college commemorative .... PROOF SOLD 2002 was the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession which is commemorated on most Canadian coins of that year with the double date as 1952 2002 to the lower left of the Queen's head. The area where the date would be on other dates is blank and I common get phone calls about these coins from people saying they have nickel with no date on it. All except the silver Proof's are on plated blanks with the P. 2002 ...... light edge toning ... silver PROOF SOLD

2002 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2002 P .............................. SPECIMEN $ 1.25 A commemorative 5 cent was struck in 2002 to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge which occurred from April 9th to 12th, 1927. The reverse depicts a lady in morning in front of the Vimy Monument. The specifications and shipping rules are the same as for the 2000 Les Voltigeurs 5 cent listed above. 2002 Vimy Ridge ........................ PROOF SOLD 2003 is an interesting year for Canadian coins with the Queen's old effigy crowned portrait used earlier in the year and the new effigy uncrowned portrait later in the hear. The new portrait was introduced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her coronation so is known as the "Coronation Portrait", but it became the standard portrait on most coins after 2003. Other than silver proofs, all 2003 5 cents have P for plated but some of the Coronation Portrait examples in proof-like sets were struck at Winnipeg with both the P and W together, the only year they are found together. No specimen or silver proof 2003 5 cents were struck with the new effigy. 2003 old effigy ................. silver PROOF $ 5.50

2003 P old effigy ................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

2003 P new effigy ...................... MS-65 SOLD

2003 WP new effigy ................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2004 and all later dates use the new effigy portrait and are struck on plated steel blanks other than the solid silver proof examples. As in previous few years, Proof-like coins have an over all even lustre while specimen examples have high lustre designs with matte backgrounds. 2004 ............ light edge tone silver PROOF SOLD

2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2004 was the 60th anniversary of the D day landing so 5 cent coins with the reverse based on the 1943 to 1945 V nickels were issued but with the dates 1944 - 2004 flanking the V, and random dot's and dashes where the Morse code around the edge should have been. These only come in proof quality, on 12 sided 21.3 mm, 5.3 gram sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) flans. 2004 60th anniversary of D-Day .. silver PROOF SOLD

2004 60th an D-Day set 5 C and medallion PROOF SOLD 2005 ...... light edge toning ... silver PROOF SOLD

2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD 60th anniversary of Victory in European (V-E) Day commemorative 5 cents were issued with a similar reverse to the 1943 to 1945 V 5 cents but dated as 1945 - 2005 flanking the V and lack the Morse code seen on the earlier types. Circulation (MS) and Proof-likes are on round plated blanks with an obverse of the Queen with the P below. Silver proof examples are on 12 sided 21.3 mm blanks containing 5.3 grams of sterling silver with the portrait of George VI, with random dots and dashes around the reverse which does not say anything in Morse code. A few silver proofs found only in the 2005 mint report covers have selective gold plating on the V and torch, with a laminated plastic bubble over the reverse. 2005 P, V-E day Elizabeth II obverse ... MS-62 $ 0.50 2005 P, V-E day Elizabeth II obverse ... MS-63 $ 0.75

2005 P, V-E day George V obverse, silver PROOF $60.00 2006 5 cents come in three varieties. Sterling silver in proof with nothing below the Queen's head. Plated steel in mint state, proof-like and specimen, with the P below her head, struck earlier in the years, Plated steel in mint state and proof-like with the mint logo below the head, struck later in the year. 2/3 of the circulation strikes had the P, only 1/3 had the logo so are harder to find. 2006 ............ light edge tone silver PROOF SOLD

2006 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

2006 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE SOLD

Starting in 2007, all Canada 5 cents including the silver proof coins, have the stylized maple leaf mint logo below the Queen's bust so I will not bother to mention it in the listings below here. 2007 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2007 ............................ silver PROOF $ 9.00 2008 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 0.75 2008 ............................ silver PROOF $10.00 2009 .. very light gold edge tone silver PROOF $10.00 2010 ............................ silver PROOF $10.00



In 2011 the mint stopped making intentionally superior quality coins for Proof-like (standard) mint sets, rather using normal MS coins that had not gone through all of the mint handling processes rolled coins go through. With is no way to differentiate between MS-63 or better coins from a set vs bank rolls, they should be priced the same with the prices reflecting how earlier dates from sets are priced. When available I will price the standard 5 cent types here at MS-63 @ $0.50. MS-64 @ $1.00. MS-65 @ $ 1.50. Specimen sets are still produced with frosted backgrounds and mirror designs and should be priced slightly higher than the PL listings. 2011 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD



From 1996 until 2011 all silver colored coins in normal mint sets were struck of silver but starting in 2012 they mint made them in both silver and nickel plated steel, with the only way to differentiate them is with a magnet which will not attract to the silver examples.



2012 ............................ silver PROOF $12.75 2013 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD 2014 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD 2015 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD 2016 ................................... MS-64 SOLD Canada's 150'th anniversary as a country was celebrated in 2017, and both regular coins and special anniversary coins were issued that year. On the 5 cent the regular traditional beaver type is the most common, issued in over 100 million in both bank rolls and some mint sets. The commemorative issue was called the Livings Traditions beaver, depicting a stylized beaver with it's legs out, with about 20 million issued in both bank rolls and mint sets. 2017 regular beaver .................... MS-64 SOLD 2017 living traditions ................. MS-64 SOLD

Please note that up to 2010 I describe coins as Proof-like (PL) that come from a mint set. PL coins are easily differentiated by their superior strike and luster, and only very minor bag marks. Although nicer than MS coins from bank rolls, they are easier to find in high grades and thus usually worth less in 64 or 65. ICCS and some references refer to coins from mint sets as "NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE" which I find confusing so I prefer to call them Proof-like. Starting in 2011 the mint standard Mint State coins in most mint sets, although these had bypassed some of the mint handling procedures that leave marks on MS coins, making MS-64 and MS-65 examples relatively common. Specimen and proof sets still use specially struck coins with distinctive finishes.



Prices are in Canadian Dollars

All orders shipped to addresses in Canada must add GST (or HST). SHORTCUTS BACK TO SECTIONS Victoria 5 Cent silver, 1858-1901

Edward VII 5 Cent silver, 1902-1910

George V 5 Cent silver, 1911-1921

George V 5 Cent Nickel, 1922-1936

George VI 5 Cent, 1937-1952

Elizabeth 5 Cents, 1953-1989

Elizabeth 5 Cents, 1990-2012



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