1968 Canadian Nickel Value Guide

The 1968 Canadian Nickel is a significant piece for numismatists as it represents one of the final years the Royal Canadian Mint used pure nickel for the five-cent denomination. This coin features the iconic beaver reverse design by G.E. Kruger-Gray and the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, making it a staple of late 1960s Canadian currency.

What Is 1968 Canadian Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1968 Canadian Nickel is $1 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original mint luster significantly increases the value toward the $2.00 mark.
• Surface wear and scratches from circulation typically keep the value closer to the $0.50 floor.
• The precision of the strike, particularly on the fine details of the beaver's fur and the Queen's hair, affects collector demand.
• Environmental damage or heavy toning can decrease the market value below standard collector rates.

How to Identify 1968 Canadian Nickel?

• Verify the obverse features the Arnold Machin effigy of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara, used between 1965 and 1989.
• Check the reverse for the classic beaver design perched on a log with the '1968' date clearly struck.
• Confirm the material is 100% nickel, which provides a distinct magnetic property and weight compared to later plated steel versions.
• Look for the 'D.G. REGINA' inscription surrounding the Queen's portrait on the obverse side.

History of 1968 Canadian Nickel

The Canadian nickel has a rich history, with the beaver design first appearing in 1937. The 1968 nickel is notable for being one of the last years the coin was made of pure nickel before Canada transitioned to a different composition due to rising metal costs. This particular coin shows the second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin, which was used on Canadian coinage from 1965 to 1989.