The five cent coin was introduced into Canadian currency in 1858 and began as a small thin sterling silver coin. The coin was commonly known as fish scale due to its appearance and not as the nickel. It
was later on in 1922 when the coin was created with nickel that the coin gained its new name. In February 2013, the coin became the smallest value coin in Canadian currency with the elimination of the penny. Learn more about nickels from 1960 to 1969 below.
1960 5 CENT COIN
Coin collectors have found that in 1960, some five cent coins were weakly struck with the beaver image on the reverse side of the coin. The beaver appeared to have less fur as the fur markings were not as visible as with the higher quality coins. This particular coin is known as a ‘bald beaver’. Depending on the quality of the ‘bald beaver’ coin, the nickel can have a higher value, sometimes in the $3.00 to $10.00 range.
1961 FIVE CENT COIN
In 1961, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to switch to a purer softer Sherritt nickel for the material used for coins, instead of using the INCO nickel. The strikes were improved which lead to more distinctive markings for the coin. The coins of this time period can actually grade higher due to the quality from striking.
1962 5 CENT COIN
In 1962, some five cent coins were struck that have a doubling of the date on the bottom of the coin. Some letters may also appear doubled in the reverse inscription. Some 1962 coins also lack the fur detail of the beaver’s back and the area of the Queen’s head may appear weak.
1963 5 CENT COIN
In 1963, some strikings of the five cent coin will have a double effect on the beaver’s head as well as along the back. The K in the K.G. of the coin designer’s initials may be doubled along with the letters found in the word CENTS.
1964 5 CENT COIN
Another problem during minting led to a unique five cent coin for 1964. The reverse die from 1964 developed a heavy die crack on the water lines found on the left side of the beaver image. The die cracks gives the coin the appearance of an extra water line. These coins are known as the extra waterline variety.
1965 5 CENT COIN
In 1965, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to update the portrait of the Queen to a more mature head. This time, the Queen would be wearing a tiara. Most coins from this time frame are of standard value but there are a small amount of coins that are said to have larger beads on the head side and the jewel found at the back of the head on the Queen’s image is detached, only slightly. These coins are considered quite rare and can be quite valuable.
1967 5 CENT COIN
For 1967, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to create a unique minting of coins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country. Coins would have an animal image on the reverse side with the rabbit chosen for the five cent coin.
1968 5 CENT COIN
The Mint would return to the beaver design for the 1968 five cent coin and most of these coins have no collectible value.
