1963 – 5 Cents Canada

The 1963 Canadian 5 cents coin is composed of 100% nickel with a weight of 4.54 grams and a diameter of 21.21 mm. The obverse of the coin features the laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick, with the Latin inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, the Queen.” The reverse side, designed by G. E. Kruger-Gray, depicts a beaver sitting on a rock-studded mound, gnawing on a log, a classic Canadian symbol. The coin has a plain smooth edge and a medal alignment (the obverse and reverse designs are oriented the same way). Approximately 43,970,000 were minted, making it widely circulated. It was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint and has magnetic properties due to its nickel content. The 1963 5 cent coin is a typical business strike coin from this era, commonly found in circulation today.