1913 Canadian 5-Cent Silver Coin ("Fish Scale") Value Guide
What is your 1913 Canadian silver 5-cent "Fish Scale" worth? Complete CAD price guide from G4 to MS67 and Specimen (SP). Includes melt value, grading tips, variety guide, and authentication checklist.
Most 1913 Canadian silver 5-cent coins (the "Fish Scale") are worth $5.00 CAD in heavily circulated grades — essentially their silver melt floor of approximately $3.45–$3.70 CAD. In certified Gem condition the value rises to $550, and a rare MS-67 example realized approximately $2,700 CAD at auction.
- Circulated (G4–VG8):$5.00 (silver melt floor)
- Fine to Very Fine (F12–VF20):$6.00–$10.00
- Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF40–AU50):$25.00–$55.00
- Mint State (MS60–MS63):$110–$180
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$550
- Superb Gem (MS67): ~$2,700 (2025 auction record)
- Specimen (SP63):$650+
- Specimen (SP65):$1,200+
Is it silver? Yes — apply a magnet. The 1913 5-cent is 92.5% silver and will not attract a magnet; if it sticks, it is a later nickel-alloy coin or a counterfeit. Is it from a special set? A coin with razor-sharp strike details, a squared "wire" rim, and mirror or matte fields may be a rare Specimen — see the identification section. Does it have a silver premium? Yes — every example carries a silver melt floor of approximately $3.45–$3.70 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. All values in CAD. See full value chart →
The 1913 Canadian 5-cent piece is one of the most historically evocative coins in the Canadian 5-cent series — a tiny sterling silver coin nicknamed the "Fish Scale" for its diminutive 15.5 mm diameter. Struck at the Royal Mint in Ottawa under the reign of King George V, it was produced during one of Canada's most stable coinage eras, situated between the "Godless" coinage controversy of 1911 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
Unlike the 10-cent denomination of the same year — which underwent a significant maple leaf size redesign — the 1913 5-cent maintained a single, consistent reverse design throughout production. This simplicity focuses all collector interest squarely on preservation state. Circulated examples are plentiful and tethered to silver spot prices; Gem Mint State examples are genuine condition rarities that command exponential premiums. For those who may have inherited one or found it in an old collection, this guide covers everything needed to value it accurately.
Note: Mint errors such as off-center strikes exist for 1913 Canadian 5-cent coins but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1913 Canadian 5-Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1913 5-cent belongs to the Sterling Standard era of Canadian coinage. While the United States had transitioned to copper-nickel for its 5-cent denomination in 1866, Canada maintained the British tradition of striking small-denomination coins in high-purity silver until economic pressures forced the discontinuation of the silver "Fish Scale" in 1921. The alloy used was Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver (Ag) and 7.5% copper (Cu). The copper addition was a metallurgical necessity — pure silver is too soft for circulation — though even with this hardening agent, the coin's surfaces wore relatively quickly given its tiny planchet. For official historical specifications, the Royal Canadian Mint's 5-cent history page provides additional context.
Melt Value (February 2026)
As of February 2026, silver spot prices in Canada have been trading in the range of $3.20–$3.43 CAD per gram, as tracked by sources such as Canada Gold's live silver price feed. The melt value of a 1913 5-cent is calculated as follows:
- Formula: (Coin Weight × Purity) × Spot Price
- Calculation: (1.167 g × 0.925) × $3.20 CAD/g
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 1.079 grams (0.0347 troy oz)
- Melt Value Range: approximately $3.45–$3.70 CAD
This melt value functions as a hard economic price floor. In grades of G4 to VG8, the numismatic value of approximately $5.00 has nearly converged with silver intrinsic value, meaning collector demand adds only a modest premium. Any example grading F12 or higher possesses a numismatic premium that increasingly decouples from the silver spot price. Melt value moves daily with global commodities markets; the figure cited here reflects February 2026 conditions only.
⚠️ The Magnet Test — Authentication First Step
Sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) is non-magnetic. Place a strong neodymium magnet against the coin — it should not attract or stick. If the coin is magnetic, it is either a later Canadian nickel-alloy 5-cent piece (struck 1922–1981 in various nickel compositions) or a modern counterfeit. This single test takes under five seconds and eliminates most fakes and mis-identified coins immediately.
Magnet test for the 1913 Canadian silver 5-cent: the coin must show zero magnetic attraction. A sticking or deflecting coin signals a later nickel-alloy piece or counterfeit. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1913 Canadian 5-Cent Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1913 Canadian 5-cent was produced in two distinct finish categories: Business Strikes intended for circulation and rare Specimen Strikes produced for official or presentation purposes. Each finish has its own value scale. Problem-free coins command the prices below; examples that have been cleaned, bent, holed, or heavily scratched trade at substantial discounts — often 50% or more. The NGC Coin Explorer price guide for KM 22 (1912–1919) provides an additional reference baseline for high-grade values. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
1913 Canadian 5-Cent — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Type | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Circulation (King George V / Crossed Maple Boughs) | $5.00 | $5.00 | $6.00 | $10.00 | $25.00 | $55.00 | $110.00 | $180.00 | $550.00 | MS66–MS67 command significant additional premium. MS67 auction comp: ~$2,700 CAD (2025). Strike weakness common at crown and reverse center; see notes below. |
Grade progression for the 1913 Canadian silver 5-cent: from heavily worn G4 (left) through VF20, AU50, and Gem MS65 (right). Note the increasing sharpness of rim detail and King George V's crown as grade improves. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Detailed Grade Analysis
G4 (Good): The outline of King George V is visible but internal details — ear, crown interior — are fully merged. Date is readable but rims may touch lettering. Value equals silver content.
VG8 (Very Good): Major design elements are clear; the crown band shows no detail but the rim is full and distinct from the fields. The most common grade encountered in junk-silver lots.
F12 (Fine): The inscription DEI GRA is sharp. The King's hair shows separation from the face, though the ear is flat. Maple leaves on reverse show outline definition but lack internal veins.
VF20 (Very Fine): The "collector" grade. The King's ear must show distinct separation from the hair. The vertical lines in the crown band are visible but worn. Reverse maple leaf veins are becoming visible.
EF40 (Extremely Fine): Traces of original mint lustre must remain around the lettering. Wear is confined to the highest points: tip of the eyebrow, top of the ear, and the ribbon bow on the reverse.
AU50 (About Uncirculated): At least 50% of original lustre survives. Wear is microscopic — a slight rub on the cheekbone and ear only. If the coin is fully grey with no lustre visible in the protected areas around DEI GRA, it cannot grade AU regardless of apparent sharpness.
MS60–MS63 (Mint State): No wear is evident. Full cartwheel lustre is present. An MS60 may carry numerous bag marks from coin-on-coin contact; an MS63 will show relatively clean fields with good eye appeal.
MS65 (Gem): Superior eye appeal, sharp strike, fields free of distracting marks. The jump from MS63 ($180) to MS65 ($550) reflects the extreme difficulty of finding a pristine tiny silver coin that escaped 110 years of mishandling.
ℹ️ Strike Weakness — Not the Same as Wear
It is common for 1913 5-cent coins to exhibit weakness at the center of the reverse (the numeral "5") or the center of the obverse crown. This reflects insufficient die pressure during striking — not post-mint circulation wear. Expert graders distinguish between the two by checking whether lustre remains intact in the weak area (strike weakness) or is broken (wear). A weak-strike MS65 is still an MS65; a coin falsely upgraded because of this confusion is a costly mistake.
Close-up comparison of a weakly struck 1913 5-cent center (left) versus a fully struck example (right). Lustre is intact in the weak area — this is a die-pressure issue, not wear. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1913 Canadian 5-Cent — Specimen (SP)
Specimen coins from the 1913 era were struck individually for official or presentation purposes and were not issued to the general public in the volumes associated with later collector sets (such as the 1937 or 1967 series). The population of certified 1913 Specimens is extremely limited. Values are highly volatile, dependent on individual eye appeal and cameo contrast, and any single auction realization can reset the market baseline for years. The figures below are based on auction comparables.
| Finish | SP60–62 | SP63 | SP65 | SP67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Specimen (SP) | $300+ | $650+ | $1,200+ | $2,000+ | Extremely low population. Cameo contrast (frosted devices vs mirror fields) commands the highest premiums. Values are speculative and based on auction comparables. Certification by ICCS or PCGS is mandatory to realize full value. |
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1913 Canadian 5-Cent Varieties
The 1913 Canadian 5-cent does not have a landscape of die varieties comparable to, for example, the 1913 10-cent denomination (which has the famous Broad Leaves vs. Small Leaves split). For the 5-cent, value differentiation is driven almost entirely by preservation state, strike quality, and — for the rarest examples — specimen-strike status or exceptional original toning. The Heritage Auctions archive is a key resource for tracking realized prices on top-end examples.
A. Trophy-Level Examples
The following represent the most valuable documented categories for the 1913 5-cent:
| Category | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Requirement | Documented Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superb Gem Business Strike (MS67) | Top of population. Flawless surfaces on a tiny coin surviving 110+ years are statistically improbable. Driven by Registry Set competition. | PCGS or NGC MS67 | ~$2,700 CAD (~$2,000 USD) | Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3082 (2025) |
| Specimen Strike (SP65+) | Struck individually for official or presentation purposes. Not issued for circulation. Estimated population likely under 20 known examples. | PCGS / ICCS SP65+ | $1,200+ to ~$2,100 CAD | Heritage World Coin Auctions Monthly 271934 (Aug 2019) |
| Original Cabinet Toning (MS65+) | Rich blue, purple, and golden toning integrated into the coin's surface commands a premium over blast-white dipped examples. | MS65+ with original color | ~$780 CAD (vs. $550 base) | Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3031 |
Original cabinet toning (left) vs. a chemically dipped "blast white" 1913 silver 5-cent (right). Natural toning — blues, purples, gold — is integrated into the metal surface and commands a premium. Dipped coins show flat, lifeless fields with no cartwheel lustre. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Minor Varieties Worth Checking
| Variety | How to Identify | Why It Exists | Typical Premium | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotated Die | Hold coin upright with King facing up. Flip over horizontally. If the reverse is rotated more than 15° from expected medal alignment, it is a rotated die. | Quality control lapse during die setup at Ottawa. | $20–$50 added to grade value | George Manz Coins — Canadian Silver 5 Cents |
| Die Clash | A ghostly outline of the King's portrait visible on the reverse fields (or maple bough outline on the obverse), caused by the two dies striking each other without a planchet between them. | Die accident; dies were reused after the clash. | $10–$20 added to grade value | General numismatic reference |
The "Broad Leaves" Myth — A Critical Clarification
⚠️ "1913 Broad Leaves 5 Cents" Does Not Exist
If you encounter a listing for a "1913 Broad Leaves 5 Cents" or "1913 Small Leaves 5 Cents," it is almost certainly a mis-identified or mis-described coin. The Broad Leaves / Small Leaves design change in 1913 applies exclusively to the 10-cent (dime) denomination — the maple leaf size on the reverse was reduced on the dime that year. The 5-cent denomination's crossed maple bough design remained completely static from 1912 through 1913. Do not pay a variety premium for a distinction that does not exist on this denomination.
1913 Canadian 5-Cent Identification Guide
Use this systematic checklist to confirm the identity, authenticity, and finish of your 1913 Canadian 5-cent. For additional attribution and specification cross-references, consult the Numista catalogue entry for Canada KM 22 and the Calgary Coin 5-cent reference page.
1913 Canadian 5-cent: obverse with King George V crowned effigy (facing left) and reverse with Crossed Maple Boughs and crown above "5 CENTS." Note the tiny 15.5 mm diameter — smaller than a modern Canadian dime.
30-Second Authentication Checklist
Magnet Test (Do This First): Place a strong magnet against the coin. A genuine 1913 5-cent — composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — will show zero magnetic attraction. If the coin sticks or deflects the magnet, it is either a later post-1921 nickel-alloy 5-cent or a counterfeit. This is the fastest way to rule out fakes.
Size & Weight Verification: The coin should measure approximately 15.5 mm in diameter — significantly smaller than a modern Canadian dime (18.03 mm) and noticeably lighter in the hand. The standard weight is 1.167 grams. A precision digital scale is a key authentication tool; a weight of 1.5 grams or more is suspect. A variance of ±0.05 g is acceptable for coins with wear.
Monarch Confirmation (Obverse): The portrait shows King George V facing left, wearing a crown (the Crowned Effigy by Sir E.B. MacKennal). The legend reads: GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India).
Reverse Design Confirmation: The reverse shows two maple boughs crossed at the bottom and tied with a ribbon, with the denomination 5 CENTS centered and a crown at the very top above the denomination. The design is attributed to W.H.J. Blakemore / L.C. Wyon.
Date Check: Confirm 1913 is clearly visible at the bottom of the reverse. The date should be crisp; if it is worn flat, the coin grades G4 or lower.
Edge Check: The edge is reeded (finely milled with parallel ridges all around). A plain edge would indicate a wrong or altered coin.
Mint Mark: There is no mint mark on the 1913 Canadian 5-cent. All were struck at the Royal Mint, Ottawa. No mint mark is the correct and expected state — do not confuse absence of a mark with a missing mark.
Finish Identification — Business Strike vs. Specimen: This is the most consequential step for value.
- Business Strike (Normal): In Mint State, the fields will display cartwheel lustre — a sweeping radial shimmer that rotates as you tilt the coin under light. The junction between the rim and the field is rounded and sloped. Flow lines (microscopic radial striations) may be visible in the fields.
- Specimen (SP): The strike is exceptionally sharp in all areas, including the center. The rim meets the field at a sharp 90-degree angle (the "wire rim"). The fields may have a deep mirror-like surface or a flat, even matte finish. The contrast between frosted devices and the field surface is often noticeably stronger than on a business strike. If you suspect a Specimen, certification by ICCS or PCGS is essential to confirm and realize full market value.
Business Strike vs. Specimen finish comparison for a 1913-era Canadian silver 5-cent. Left: business strike with rounded rim junction and cartwheel lustre. Right: Specimen with sharp "wire" rim at 90°, mirror fields, and frosted devices. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The King's Ear — Critical Grading Indicator
Grading the George V 5-cent series is complicated by the low relief of the MacKennal portrait. The King's ear is the single most important wear indicator:
- VF20 threshold: The ear must show distinct separation from the surrounding hair. If the ear blends into the hair, the coin grades F12 or lower.
- EF40 threshold: The inner folds of the ear should be visible, with only the very tip showing a subtle grey rub or loss of lustre.
- AU50 threshold: Original mint lustre ("bloom") must remain visible in the protected recesses around the lettering such as DEI GRA. A fully grey coin with no lustre cannot grade AU, regardless of apparent sharpness of detail.
Close-up of King George V's ear at three grade thresholds on the 1913 Canadian 5-cent. Left: F12 (ear merges into hair). Center: VF20 (ear distinctly separated). Right: EF40 (inner ear folds visible, lustre present at tip). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coin
Many 1913 silver 5-cent pieces have been "dipped" in chemical solutions to remove tarnish. If a coin appears blast white but the fields look flat and lifeless — with no cartwheel shimmer as you tilt it — it has almost certainly been over-dipped. This is classified as damage: grading services assign a "Details" designation and the coin loses all numismatic premium above melt value. Similarly, any evidence of hairline scratches in the fields from wiping or polishing will result in a "Details" grade. Never attempt to improve a coin's appearance through cleaning of any kind.
1913 Canadian 5-Cent Value FAQs
What is a 1913 Canadian 5-cent coin worth?
In typical circulated grades (G4–VG8), a 1913 Canadian 5-cent is worth approximately $5.00 CAD — largely reflecting its silver melt value of $3.45–$3.70 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. Value rises meaningfully in the mid-circulated grades (VF20: $10.00; EF40: $25.00; AU50: $55.00) and increases sharply in Mint State, reaching $550 at MS65 and approximately $2,700 CAD for the rare MS67 auction record. Specimen examples start at $300+ and reach $2,000+ at SP67.
Is the 1913 Canadian 5-cent coin rare?
By mintage alone, it is not a key date — over 5.5 million were struck. However, high-grade survivors are genuine condition rarities. The coin's tiny planchet, soft sterling silver alloy, and 110+ years of potential mishandling mean that examples in Gem Mint State (MS65 and above) are disproportionately scarce relative to the original mintage. For Specimen strikes, the surviving population is estimated at under 20 known examples, making those effectively rare by any definition.
Is my 1913 Canadian 5-cent silver?
Yes. The 1913 5-cent is composed of Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). The easiest way to confirm this is the magnet test: the coin must show zero magnetic attraction. Unlike later Canadian 5-cent pieces struck in pure nickel (1922–1981) or plated steel (post-1999), the 1913 "Fish Scale" contains no magnetic metals whatsoever. Every genuine 1913 5-cent carries a minimum silver melt value of approximately $3.45–$3.70 CAD at current spot.
What is a "Fish Scale" coin?
"Fish Scale" is the affectionate nickname given to all Canadian sterling silver 5-cent pieces struck between 1858 and 1921. The name refers to the coin's tiny 15.5 mm diameter and modest thickness, which made it resemble a small fish scale. Despite being the official 5-cent denomination, the Fish Scale is physically much smaller than the modern Canadian nickel — which is why so many were lost or discarded, contributing to their relative scarcity in high grades today.
What makes a 1913 Canadian 5-cent valuable?
Three factors drive value: (1) Grade/Preservation — the biggest lever; the jump from MS63 ($180) to MS65 ($550) to MS67 (~$2,700) is exponential. (2) Finish — a Specimen strike is worth 10–20× more than a business strike at the same numerical grade. (3) Eye Appeal — original cabinet toning in blues, purples, or gold can add a significant premium (~$780 realized for a toned MS65+ vs. $550 for a non-toned base example). A coin that has been cleaned, dipped, or polished loses all these premiums regardless of its underlying sharpness.
How do I identify a Specimen (SP) vs. a Business Strike?
Specimens have three hallmarks: (1) an exceptionally sharp, full strike in all areas including the center of the crown and reverse numeral; (2) a wire rim — the rim meets the field at a sharp 90-degree angle rather than the rounded junction seen on business strikes; and (3) fields that are either deeply mirrored or uniformly matte, with noticeably stronger contrast between frosted devices and the background. Business strikes in high Mint State may look superficially similar, but the wire rim and full-center strike are nearly impossible to fake. If you suspect you have a Specimen, professional certification by ICCS or PCGS is essential before the coin can realize its full market value.
Should I get my 1913 Canadian 5-cent graded?
Grading is economically justified only when the coin's potential certified value clearly exceeds the combined cost of submission, shipping, and wait time. For the 1913 5-cent, certification makes financial sense at approximately EF40 and above, and is essentially mandatory for any Mint State example (MS60+) or suspected Specimen. For circulated G4–VF20 coins whose value is at or near silver melt, the cost of grading ($30–$80+ per coin) would not be recovered. ICCS (Toronto) is the standard for Canadian commercial grading; PCGS and NGC are preferred for high-grade (MS65+) or Specimen coins targeting the broader North American market and Registry Set competition.
Does the 1913 5-cent have the Broad Leaves variety?
No. The Broad Leaves / Small Leaves distinction in 1913 applies exclusively to the 10-cent (dime) denomination, which underwent a maple leaf size reduction that year. The 5-cent denomination's crossed maple bough design was not changed in 1913 and has no equivalent variety. If you see a listing for a "1913 Broad Leaves 5 Cents," it is either a mis-identified 10-cent coin or a seller error. Do not pay a variety premium for a distinction that does not exist on this denomination.
Methodology & Sources
Values presented in this guide reflect typical retail market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian dollars (CAD). Pricing was compiled from and cross-referenced against the following primary sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (current edition) — primary Canadian pricing and variety reference
- Numista — Canada 5 Cents KM 22 (George V) — mintage figures, specifications, and design confirmation
- NGC Coin Explorer — Canada 5 Cents KM 22 (1912–1919) — grade-by-grade market values and auction data
- Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3082 (NumisBids) — MS67 auction comparable (2025)
- Heritage World Coin Auctions Monthly 271934 (NumisBids, Aug 2019) — Specimen auction comparables
- Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3031 (NumisBids) — toned MS65+ auction realization
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Toronto Coin Expo Fall Sale 2025 — Canadian market realizations
- George Manz Coins — Canadian Silver 5 Cents — rotated die variety reference
- Canada Gold — Live Silver Prices — silver spot price range for melt value calculation
- Royal Canadian Mint — 5-Cent History — official historical context
All prices are market estimates and not guaranteed transaction values. Melt value cited is based on February 6, 2026 silver spot price range and will fluctuate with daily commodities markets. Individual coin values may vary based on eye appeal, originality of surfaces, and certification service. This guide covers standard and non-error varieties only; mint errors are outside its scope.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.