Canadian 5-Cent Coin (Nickle), Mary Gillick Portrait Obverse
Royal Canadian Mint · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1953-1964 (Current obverse design used during these years)
Material
Nickel (99.9%). High-quality Canadian nickel known for its magnetic properties and durability.
Condition
Good to Very Good (VG). Circular wear is evident on the high points of the hair and facial details. The fields show significant bag marks, scratches, and minor pitting/toning. Not a high-grade specimen.
Demand Level
Low. This is a common circulation coin. While collectible for beginners or silver/nickel stackers, it is not a high-demand key date item.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$0.10 - $1.00 USD
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 (Face Value)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings show individual circulated 1953-1964 nickels selling for $0.50 to $1.50 plus shipping, though they often sit for a long time. Roll sets or bulk lots of 40 coins typically sell for $10-$15.
Description
This is a Canadian 5-cent piece featuring the first effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. The obverse shows the Queen facing right, laureated with a ribbon. The legend reads 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA'. While the date is on the reverse (not visible), this specific portrait style was minted for Canadian nickels between 1953 and 1964.
Key Features
First portrait of Queen Elizabeth II; High nickel content (pre-1982 Canadian nickels are sought for melt value/metal content); Historical interest for Canadian numismatists.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The denticles (rim beads) and lettering style are consistent with Royal Canadian Mint production. Authentic nickel coins from this era are magnetic; a simple magnet test would confirm the metal composition.
Flaws to Note
Significant surface scratches and contact marks; visible wear on the laurel wreath and hair detail; minor oxidation/dark spots in the fields; low numismatic premium due to high mintage numbers.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a larger 'bulk lot' of Canadian vintage coins on eBay, or kept as a 'filler' piece for a novice collection. Individual sale is not recommended due to shipping costs exceeding item value.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin, as abrasive cleaning destroys numismatic value. Use keywords like 'Vintage Canadian Nickel', 'Mary Gillick Portrait', and 'Elizabeth II DEI GRATIA'. Best sold in a set with other years to justify postage.