1953 – 5 Cents Canada – NSF Far

The 1953 Canada 5 cents coin known as the “NSF Far” variety is part of a group of coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II with no shoulder fold (NSF) on her portrait and a “Far Leaf” on the reverse side. This variety emerged after the initial 1953 release when the Royal Canadian Mint, led by Chief Engraver Thomas Shingles, corrected the original relief of the Queen’s portrait that had been too high, which made strikes difficult and details less clear. The NSF Far coin has a plain smooth edge, is composed of nickel and chrome-plated steel, weighs 4.54 grams, and measures 21.3 mm in diameter. It features the Queen wearing a laurel wreath on the obverse, designed by Mary Gillick, and a beaver on a log on the reverse, designed by G.E. Kruger-Gray. The mintage for this variety was 16,635,552 coins. It is magnetic and typically found in circulation, uncirculated, or specimen finishes. The difference between the “Far Leaf” and “Near Leaf” varieties lies in the position of the maple leaf on the reverse side relative to the coin’s rim.