The nickel is a common form of currency used in Canada and is the lowest denomination used when considering coinage in the country. Canadian currency has changed greatly over the years as the coins receive a different look when a new monarch takes the throne. From the time period of 1930 to 1939, changes were made to coinage as George VI came to wear the crown. Below is more information about coins from this time frame to get a better understanding of what changes took place.
From 1930 to 1936, there is no significant change to the nickel coin. The design would remain the same as well as the composition, weight and diameter. There are collectible coins from this time frame that can be found, with the value determined by the grading scale.
1937 New Monarch
In the year 1937, George VI would come to the throne so a new set of designs would need to be created. The Royal Canadian Mint would introduce a new design for the reverse side of all Canadian coins except for the silver dollar. For the five cent coin, the beaver would be used as the reverse image. An image of George VI would be placed on the obverse side with a minimalistic look.
The coins would be struck with nickel from the International Nickel Company, there were problems with hardness inconsistency so variations exist within the hairlines of the image of the King. There are versions where the eyebrow does not strike up and it can be difficult to find an example where the eyebrow is filled.
With the minting of the five cent piece from 1937, there is a dot found after the date. The dot was added to the design to give balance due to the lean of the 7 which made a bigger gap to the right of the date than what was seen to the left of the date.
While changes did take place within this decade, even more changes were to come in the future. Commemorative coins will become popular within Canada with the Royal Canadian Mint designing unique coins to celebrate the history of the country. The decade would be one that would see Canada abandoning the gold standard and the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint would officially be named the Royal Canadian Mint.
In 1934, the Bank of Canada would be created to handle the issuance of paper currency for the country. The first silver dollar would be created the next year, in 1935, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. The coin would become highly collectible and have a reverse design featuring a Voyageur designed by Emanuel Hahn.
The changes would continue with the paper and coin currency in Canada over the years as the Royal Canadian Mint makes changes based on design and need. The decade is certainly an interesting one when it comes to learning about the Canadian five cent coin as well as other currency. Any coins added to your collection from this era should be evaluated so you can determine the value placed on that particular coin.