1942 Canadian Five-Cent Beaver Nickel
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa. Established in 1908, the RCM is renowned for its technical excellence and was originally a branch of the British Royal Mint.
Pattern: Beaver Reverse (G.E. Kruger-Gray design), George VI Series, 1942 Issue.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa. Established in 1908, the RCM is renowned for its technical excellence and was originally a branch of the British Royal Mint.
Material
95% copper, 5% zinc (Tombac brass alloy). Note: Unlike previous years which were 99.9% nickel, 1942 saw a transition to Tombac and eventually chrome-plated steel due to nickel's strategic importance in World War II.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm. Thickness: 1.7 mm. Weight: 4.54 grams. Standard 5-cent module.
Description
An iconic piece of Canadian wartime currency, this 1942 five-cent piece represents a pivotal moment in numismatic history when strategic metal shortages forced a departure from pure nickel. It features the masterfully rendered beaver reverse, a symbol of Canada's industrious spirit and fur-trade heritage. The warm, gold-like hue of the Tombac alloy distinguishes this from predecessors, marking it as a 'war nickel' that served in the pockets of Canadians during the height of global conflict.
Key Features
Tombac brass composition (yellow tint), Beaver design, '5 CENTS' denomination, and the '1942' date. The shift to a 12-sided shape occurred late in this specific year.
Material & Composition
95% copper, 5% zinc (Tombac brass alloy). Note: Unlike previous years which were 99.9% nickel, 1942 saw a transition to Tombac and eventually chrome-plated steel due to nickel's strategic importance in World War II.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated luster with a denticulated border. The reverse features a stylized beaver on a log in water, flanked by maple leaves. The George VI effigy (obverse) is by T.H. Paget.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Denominated '5 CENTS', 'CANADA', and dated '1942'. No mint marks as all were produced in Ottawa. The artist's initials 'K·G' (Kruger-Gray) are visible on the reverse.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage produced via high-pressure hydraulic presses. Reeds are absent; 1942 Tombac nickels were produced with both a smooth round edge and a 12-sided (dodecagonal) edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Dominion of Canada. 12-sided shape (if present) was introduced to help distinguish the yellow brass coin from the bronze cent in low light.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic object). Surface features raised relief to facilitate stacking and tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Professional minting quality for mass-circulation. Despite wear, the die-work shows the high level of detail achieved by the Mint's engravers in replicating Kruger-Gray's original 1937 plaster models.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles for the era, proper denticle spacing, and distinct Kruger-Gray stylistic elements. The color is the primary indicator of the Tombac metal used specifically in 1942-43.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada. Produced under the authority of the Currency Act at the Royal Canadian Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era / WWII Numismatic Period (1939-1945). Styled in the late Art Deco influence typical of 1930s-40s Canadian coinage.
Age Estimate
Precisely 1942. This was the first year of the WWII material transition for the five-cent piece.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the Canadian home-front's contribution to the war effort through metal conservation. The 5-cent piece is Canada's most beloved coin design, with the beaver remaining the standard motif since 1937.
Condition Notes
About Good (AG) to Good (G). The image shows significant circulation wear, flattened high points on the beaver's fur, and numerous surface contact marks/scratches. Deep toning consistent with aged brass/copper alloy.
Value Estimate
$0.50 to $2.00 CAD in heavily circulated condition. Uncirculated (MS) examples can reach $25-$50. Rare varieties (like the 1942 tombac with a 12-sided edge) carry a premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Use PVC-free archival flips or capsules for storage. Handle by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing further oxidation/tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1942 Nickel-composition 5-cent (rare, early year), 1943 Tombac 'Victory' Nickel (features Morse code), 1944 Chrome-plated Steel 5-cent.
Interesting Facts
Nickel was so critical for armor plating and aircraft engines during WWII that the Mint stopped using it for coins entirely by 1944, switching to chrome-plated steel.