Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents

Canadian 5 Cents (Beaver Nickel)

Canada · 1954

A 12-sided nickel coin featuring a laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a beaver on a log with maple leaves on the reverse.

Country: Canada
Year: 1954
Denomination: 5 Cents
Metal: Nickel (100% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 14, 2026More canada coins →

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Overview

A 12-sided nickel coin featuring a laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a beaver on a log with maple leaves on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this coin represents the transition era of Canadian coinage following the death of King George VI. The 12-sided nickel composition was adopted to conserve copper and distinguish the denomination from other coins.

Obverse (front)

Young laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, surrounded by the Latin inscription 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA'.

Reverse (back)

A beaver standing on a log, flanked by two maple leaves, with '5 CENTS' above, 'CANADA' and the year '1954' below, and designer initials K.G. on the left.

Estimated value

$0.50 to $2.00 in circulated condition, $5.00 to $25.00+ in Mint State uncirculated condition.

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition/grade, presence of original mint luster, absence of scratches or cleaning marks.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with minor surface marks and light cartwheel luster.

Mintage & rarity

Common (Mintage of over 49 million pieces)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (4.54g) and dimensions. Genuine coins are made of pure nickel and are magnetic, unlike counterfeit base metal alloys.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for heavy die cracks, doubled dies, or striking errors, though common years generally lack high-value varieties.

Similar coins

Other Canadian nickel-alloy 5-cent coins from the 1950s with the same 12-sided geometry and beaver design.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths to preserve the original mint luster and natural toning.

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