1955 – 5 Cents Canada

The 1955 Canadian 5 cents coin, known as the “nickel,” was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa and made of 99.9% nickel. It weighs 4.54 grams, with a diameter of 21.3 mm and has a smooth (plain) edge with medal alignment. The obverse features a young Queen Elizabeth II wearing a laurel wreath, designed by Mary Gillick, bearing the inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA.” The reverse, designed by G. E. Kruger-Gray, depicts a beaver sitting on a log—a symbol closely associated with Canada—along with two maple leaves. Approximately 5,355,028 of these coins were minted in 1955. This coin is magnetic due to its nickel content and was the first year of the series to return to nickel after a previous period of chromium-plated steel composition. It retains a modest collector’s value, increasing significantly if in uncirculated or mint condition.