1929 Canadian 5 Cent Coin Value Guide

Period
1929
Origin
Canada
Materials
Nickel

The 1929 Canadian 5 Cent coin is a significant piece of numismatic history, representing the early years of Canada's transition from silver to pure nickel coinage. Featuring the regal effigy of King George V, this issue is highly sought after by collectors for its classic maple leaf reverse and its place within the post-WWI economic shift.

What affects the value of 1929 Canadian 5 Cent Coin?

  • Surface preservation is key; coins with original mint luster and minimal contact marks command the full $30 value or higher.
  • The level of detail remaining on the King's crown and the veins of the maple leaves significantly impacts the grading and price.
  • Presence of environmental damage, such as heavy pitting or dark oxidation common to nickel, can reduce the value below the $25 range.
  • The strike quality, specifically the sharpness of the rim and the clarity of the date, determines its appeal to high-end Canadian type set collectors.

How to Identify 1929 Canadian 5 Cent Coin?

  • Verify the obverse features the crowned bust of King George V facing left, inscribed with 'GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP:'.
  • Check the reverse for the denomination '5 CENTS' flanked by two maple leaves with 'CANADA' and the date '1929' below.
  • Confirm the material is nickel, which replaced the smaller silver 'fishscale' coins previously minted before 1922.
  • Look for the designer initials 'BM' (Bertram Mackennal) located at the base of the King's shoulder.

History of 1929 Canadian 5 Cent Coin

Canadian coinage under King George V saw a transition in its 5-cent denomination. Initially, the 5-cent coin was silver. However, due to rising silver prices during World War I, the composition was changed to nickel in 1922. The 1929 issue is part of this nickel series, featuring the effigy of King George V on the obverse and a maple leaf design on the reverse.

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