Canadian Beaver 5 Cents

Canada (Royal Canadian Mint) · 1947

A 12-sided nickel-copper coin featuring King George VI on the obverse and a beaver on a log on the reverse.

Country: Canada (Royal Canadian Mint)
Year: 1947
Denomination: 5 Cents
Metal: 88% Copper, 12% 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 August 25, 2026More canada (royal canadian mint) coins →

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Overview

A 12-sided nickel-copper coin featuring King George VI on the obverse and a beaver on a log on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the post-WWII era, the 1947 Canadian five-cent coin holds a special place due to the '1947 Maple Leaf' issue, struck while dies were being prepared for the new 'ET IMP' removal following India's independence.

Obverse (front)

Uncrowned bust of King George VI facing left, with the legend 'GEORGIVS VI D: G: REX ET IND: IMP:' surrounding the portrait.

Reverse (back)

A beaver standing on a log, with the denomination '5 CENTS' above flanked by maple leaves, and 'CANADA' and the year '1947' below.

Estimated value

$1 - $5 in circulated condition, up to $15+ in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade, presence of the rare Maple Leaf punch next to the date, and absence of corrosion or heavy cleaning.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with minor bag marks and typical circulation friction.

Mintage & rarity

Common circulation strike, though specific varieties like the 1947 Maple Leaf or dot varieties carry higher premiums.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify weight, dimensions, and non-magnetic copper-nickel composition. Counterfeits for this common date are extremely rare.

Notable varieties & errors

1947 Maple Leaf variety (a small maple leaf punch after 1947 to indicate striking in 1948) and the 7-sided or double-struck errors.

Similar coins

Other Canadian 5-cent coins from the George VI and Elizabeth II eras with the 12-sided dodecagonal shape.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a dry, inert environment such as a 2x2 cardboard flip or hard plastic capsule to prevent further oxidation.