1979 Canadian Five Cent Beaver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908. Government-owned crown corporation renowned for high-quality circulation and numismatic coinage.
Pattern: Beaver Reverse Design by G.E. Kruger-Gray, introduced in 1937, continues as the standard reverse for Canadian nickels.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908. Government-owned crown corporation renowned for high-quality circulation and numismatic coinage.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This is a common misconception; this specific year contains NO silver content. Canadian nickels only contained silver (.800 or .925) prior to 1922.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Thickness: 1.76 mm; Weight: 4.54 grams. Standard circulation size.
Description
A classic example of late 20th-century Canadian circulation currency. The reverse prominently features the national animal of Canada, the beaver, reflecting the country's fur-trading history. Despite its silvery appearance, it is composed of base metals.
Key Features
1979 date stamp, Kruger-Gray 'KG' initials, cupro-nickel composition which is non-magnetic, and the iconic beaver motif.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This is a common misconception; this specific year contains NO silver content. Canadian nickels only contained silver (.800 or .925) prior to 1922.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike circulation finish. Features a relief design of a beaver on a log, flanked by maple leaves. Denticulated (beaded) border with a smooth edge (round shape).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse (not shown) features Queen Elizabeth II. Reverse includes '5 CENTS', 'CANADA', '1979', and the 'K G' designer initials left of the beaver's tail.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck by high-pressure coinage presses from a continuous strip of cupro-nickel planchets.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender currency of Canada; intended for monetary exchange and commerce.
Handle & Grip Details
None; round flat coin designed for tactile recognition and slot machines.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with high precision for mass production. The die engraving provides excellent fine detail in the beaver's fur and the maple leaves.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details are consistent with RCM production; weight and diameter appear correct for the 1979 issue; natural wear patterns for cupro-nickel alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg or Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint. The Winnipeg facility has handled the majority of circulation nickel production since the mid-1970s.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Elizabeth II Reign. Part of the post-Silver era of Canadian base-metal circulation coinage.
Age Estimate
Dated 1979. This coin is exactly from that production year.
Cultural Significance
The Canadian nickel is a staple of North American commerce and the beaver remains one of the most recognizable national symbols in the world.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible contact marks, minor scratches, and surface wear consistent with being in general use. Overall grade: Fine to Very Fine (F/VF).
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.05 CAD). In high-grade Uncirculated (MS-60+) condition, it may retail for $0.50 to $1.00 USD to a collector.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, cleaning is generally discouraged as it ruins numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip if keeping for a collection.
Similar Pieces
1921 Silver 5-Cent (extremely rare/expensive silver version); 1982-present Nickels (transitioned from cupro-nickel to nickel-plated steel).
Interesting Facts
The beaver design was chosen for the 1937 coin redesign to honor Sir Sandford Fleming's 'Three-Pence Beaver', Canada's first postage stamp. Over 174 million nickels were minted in 1979.