Canadian nickels might seem like small change, but some rare ones are worth thousands, with one dubbed the “Holy Grail” of nickels. The 1921 Five Cent coin leads the pack due to its extreme rarity and historical value. Whether you’re checking your piggy bank or diving into coin collecting, these nickels could turn pocket change into a windfall. Here’s a simple guide to the most valuable Canadian nickels in circulation, focusing on the legendary 1921 and other gems.
The 1921 Five Cent: The Holy Grail
The 1921 Five Cent coin, known as the “Prince of Canadian Coins,” is the rarest Canadian nickel. With only a few hundred minted before most were melted down, fewer than 100 are believed to exist. Its value ranges from $5,000 in worn condition to $160,000 for a top-grade specimen (PCGS MS-67 sold for $115,000 in 2010). Look for a silver coin (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), 15.5mm wide, with King George V’s portrait and “5 CENTS” between maple leaves. Its scarcity stems from a shift to larger nickel coins in 1922.
Other Rare Nickels to Hunt
- 1926 Far 6: The “6” in the date is farther from the maple leaf, making it the “King of Canadian Nickels.” Worth $100–$5,000 in good condition.
- 1947 Dot: A small dot near the date marks a die issue after India’s independence. Values range from $500–$2,500.
- 1936 Dotless: Some 1936 nickels lack the dot below the date, fetching $1,000–$10,000.
- 1965 Large Beads: Features 138 large beads around the rim, worth $500–$3,000 in mint state.
Why Are These Valuable?
These nickels are prized for low mintages, minting errors, or historical events, like the 1947 Dot tied to India’s independence. The 1921’s rarity comes from its silver “fish scale” design being phased out. High-grade coins (MS-60+) command top prices, especially if certified by PCGS or NGC. Unlike common nickels (worth 5 cents), these are collector’s treasures, with values rising as nickel production may end, per global trends.
How to Find Them
- Check old change, coin rolls, or family heirlooms for 1921, 1926, or 1947 dates.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like the 1947 Dot or 1926 Far 6.
- Store coins in plastic holders to preserve condition.
- Sell via eBay, coin shops, or auctions like Heritage after grading by PCGS/NGC.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 1921 Five Cent | Silver, 15.5mm, $5,000–$160,000 |
| 1926 Far 6 | Nickel, 21.2mm, $100–$5,000 |
| 1947 Dot | Nickel, 21.2mm, $500–$2,500 |
| 1936 Dotless | Nickel, 21.2mm, $1,000–$10,000 |
| 1965 Large Beads | Nickel, 21.2mm, $500–$3,000 |