1930 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide
1930 Canadian nickel value by grade (G4–MS65), finish (Business Strike & rare Specimen), and die varieties. Current CAD market prices as of February 2026.
Most 1930 Canadian nickels found in circulation are worth $0.50–$30.00 CAD depending on wear. In top certified Gem Uncirculated (MS65), values climb to $1,500–$2,200 CAD — and the exceptionally rare Specimen finish can exceed $10,000 CAD.
- Heavily Worn (G4–VG8):$0.50–$2.50
- Fine to Very Fine (F12–VF20):$3.00–$10.00
- Extra Fine (EF40):$20.00–$30.00
- About Uncirculated (AU50):$55.00–$75.00
- Uncirculated — Mint State (MS60–MS62):$120–$275
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$1,500–$2,200
- Specimen (SP65):$5,000–$7,500
Found in change? Expect a few dollars at best — these coins circulated heavily and most survivors show significant wear. Brilliant satin finish with razor-sharp details and squared rims? You may have a rare Specimen strike worth thousands — see the Identification Guide to confirm. Is it silver? No. The 1930 Canadian nickel is 99.9% pure nickel with a raw metal value of approximately $0.11 CAD. A magnet will strongly attract a genuine example. See the full value chart →
All values in CAD. Data current as of February 2026.
The 1930 Canadian 5-cent piece belongs to the George V Nickel series (1922–1936), struck at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa during the early years of the Great Depression. With a mintage of 3,685,991, it is accessible in circulated grades — but the hard nickel planchets caused rapid die wear and widespread weak strikes, making fully struck, mark-free examples in Mint State genuinely scarce. High-grade set builders classify it as a semi-key date. For the complete denomination price history across all years, see the Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Note: Major mint errors such as wrong-planchet strikes exist for this series but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
The 1930 Canadian 5-cent piece — King George V crowned obverse designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal (left) and the Two Maple Leaves reverse designed by W.H.J. Blakemore (right).
1930 Canadian Nickel Composition & Melt Value
Alloy and Era Context
The 1930 5-cent coin is composed of 99.9% pure nickel — a composition mandated in 1922 when Canada permanently retired its small sterling-silver "fish scale" 5-cent pieces. At the time, Canada supplied the majority of the world's nickel, making this a deliberate assertion of national resource identity. Trace impurities such as manganese or cobalt may be present due to 1930s refining limitations, but the coin is treated as mono-metallic for all numismatic purposes.
For historical context: pre-1922 Canadian 5-cent pieces were struck in sterling or 80% silver; wartime issues (1942–1945) shifted to Tombac brass and chrome-plated steel; and modern issues (1982 onward) use cupro-nickel or multi-ply plated steel. The 1930 coin sits firmly in the Pure Nickel era (1922–1942) — distinctively hard, heavy, and fully ferromagnetic.
Magnetic Properties — The Authentication Test
Pure nickel is ferromagnetic, making the magnet test the fastest and most accessible authentication check for this coin. A genuine 1930 Canadian 5-cent piece will be strongly attracted to a standard magnet.
- Sticks to magnet: Correct alloy — at least 99.9% nickel, consistent with genuine 1930 coinage.
- Does not stick: Likely a counterfeit (lead, tin, and silver alloys are non-magnetic). A non-magnetic 1930-dated coin warrants professional examination.
The magnet test: a genuine 1930 Canadian nickel (99.9% pure nickel) will cling firmly to a standard magnet. A coin that does not react should be examined for authenticity.
Intrinsic Melt Value
With nickel trading at approximately $17,235 USD per metric ton as of February 2026 (Trading Economics — Nickel Commodity Price), the raw metal value of a 1930 nickel works out to approximately $0.11 CAD — calculated as 4.54 g × ~$0.024 CAD/g (at approximately 1.40 CAD/USD). While that is double the coin's face value, it is negligible compared to numismatic value: even a heavily worn Good-4 example commands $0.50–$1.00 at retail. Melting these coins is financially irrational and destroys irreplaceable history. Note that the Currency Act of Canada governs the treatment of domestic legal tender coinage.
1930 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1930 nickel's value curve is sharply bifurcated. In circulated grades (G4–EF40), it is a modestly priced type coin accessible to entry-level collectors. Once you cross into About Uncirculated and Mint State territory, prices escalate rapidly — driven by extreme condition scarcity from weak die strikes and heavy bag damage on the hard nickel planchets. Two distinct finishes are documented: the standard Business Strike struck for circulation, and the rare Specimen (SP) strike produced in extremely limited quantities for dignitaries and collectors.
1930 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation)
Mintage: 3,685,991 | Facility: Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa (no mint mark)
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS62 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George V / Two Maple Leaves | $0.50–$1.00 | $1.50–$2.50 | $3.00–$5.00 | $6.00–$10.00 | $20.00–$30.00 | $55.00–$75.00 | $120–$160 | $200–$275 | $350–$450 | $700–$900 | $1,500–$2,200 |
Sources: Charlton Standard Catalogue (2024), Coins and Canada (2025), TCNC Prominence XII Sale (April 2025), Geoffrey Bell Auctions. All values CAD.
⚠️ The Value Cliff — Grade Matters Enormously
Note the dramatic price jump from AU50 (~$55–$75) to MS60 (~$120–$160), and then to MS64 (~$700–$900). The difference between a coin with any wear and one with none is hundreds of dollars. A coin that looks "almost" uncirculated to the naked eye but shows grey friction spots under a loupe is worth dramatically less than a certified MS example. Never assume a shiny coin is Gem without professional grading.
ℹ️ Strike Quality — The "George V Struggle"
The Royal Canadian Mint's presses were calibrated for softer silver planchets, not hard 99.9% nickel. Striking this composition often produced weak impressions of the crown band pearls. Most 1930 business strikes show only 4–6 indistinct pearls instead of the ideal 8. At MS63 and above, strike quality becomes as important as marks: examples with all 8 crown pearls distinct and rounded command a significant premium over weak-strike coins at the same technical grade. If your Mint State coin shows fewer than 8 clear pearls, expect the lower end of the grade's value range.
Grade comparison — G4 (worn flat with crown silhouetted), AU50 (strong luster with trace high-point wear), and MS65 Gem (blazing white nickel luster, all 8 crown pearls sharp). (Illustration — not photos of actual coins.)
1930 Canadian Nickel — Specimen (SP) Strike
Estimated survivors: Fewer than 100 total (possibly as few as 12–15 pairs). These were not mass-produced for public sale but were reserved for dignitaries, museum collections, and select numismatists of the era. Mintage was not recorded as a separate batch in official annual reports. The Specimen finish was confirmed in auction archives including the Norweb Collection sale (Stack's Bowers, 1996) and the Charlton Standard Catalogue.
| Finish | SP62 | SP64 | SP65 | SP67+ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (Satin / Semi-Matte) | $800–$1,200 | $2,500–$3,500 | $5,000–$7,500 | $10,000+ | Squared wire-edge rims; satin/matte fields; no flow lines; razor-sharp crown pearl and beard detail. Carefully handled from production. |
Sources: Heritage Auctions ANA Signature Sale 3075 (2019, via NumisBids); Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Toronto Coin Expo Spring 2024. All values CAD.
See the Identification Guide for a detailed comparison of Specimen versus Business Strike diagnostics.
All values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide covering all years, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1930 Canadian Nickel Varieties
A) Trophy-Level Examples
The highest values for the 1930 nickel are driven by two factors that rarely coexist on a business strike: full strike quality and pristine preservation. The table below documents the upper tier of the market.
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Requirement | Documented Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 Specimen — SP69 (Finest Known) | Specimen strikes are already fewer than 100 survivors. An SP69 represents virtual perfection in both strike and preservation — likely from a museum-quality collection untouched for nearly a century. | PCGS or NGC SP67+ | $14,000 USD (~$19,000 CAD) | Heritage Auctions ANA Signature Sale 3075 (2019) |
| 1930 MS65 Business Strike | Condition rarity. Business strikes were ejected into bins and transported in canvas bags. A mark-free Gem survivor is statistically improbable — estimated as 1-in-10,000 at this level. | PCGS / ICCS MS65 or MS66 | $1,116 USD (MS65) | Heritage Auctions |
| "8 Pearls" Full-Strike Gem | Strike rarity. Most 1930 nickels show only 4–6 indistinct crown pearls due to die fatigue. A confirmed full-8-pearl strike at MS64+ is a rarity-within-a-rarity commanding a premium beyond the standard grade value. | MS64+ with full-strike confirmation | $1,250+ CAD | TCNC Auction |
B) Findable Die Varieties
The following varieties are listed in specialty references and can be identified with a 5×–10× magnifying glass. They are repeatable, consistent die states — not random production accidents — and each adds a documented premium to the base value of an equivalent-grade coin.
| Variety | Reference | How to Identify | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-engraved Date | Charlton / Trends / CCCS | Under 5×–10× magnification, examine the digits of "1930" — especially the "9" and "3." A secondary shadow outline or shelf effect on any numeral indicates the die was re-punched. The second punch was not perfectly aligned with the first, leaving a faint doubling. Raised outlines only — incuse lines are scratches, not varieties. | 2×–3× base value at equivalent grade |
| Die Crack Through "ORGIVS" | Haxby / Zoell | Examine the obverse legend GEORGIVS V DEI GRA REX under magnification. A raised metal line running through the letters "ORGIVS" is the diagnostic. Remember: raised lines = die crack (from die, present on all coins from that die); incuse lines = post-mint damage (unique to that coin). | $10–$20 premium in VF/EF grades |
| Rotated Die | Mint variety | Place the coin obverse-up and rotate until King George V's portrait reads upright. In standard Medal Alignment (↑↑), the reverse maple leaves should also read upright. Any significant rotation of the reverse axis from this standard is a rotated die. A 90° or 180° rotation commands the greatest premium. | $50–$100+ depending on degree of rotation |
The Re-engraved Date variety: under 10× magnification, a faint secondary shadow outline is visible on one or more digits of "1930," caused by a slightly misaligned re-punch of the date die. The "9" and "3" are the most common diagnostic digits. This variety commands approximately 2×–3× the base value at equivalent grades. (Illustration — diagnostic concept only; not a photo of your coin.)
The "ORGIVS" die crack: a raised metal line runs through the letters "ORGIVS" in the obverse legend GEORGIVS V DEI GRA REX. Raised lines indicate a die crack that was present in the die itself — every coin struck from that die carries the same mark. This variety is documented in the Haxby and Zoell references and adds a $10–$20 premium in VF/EF grades. (Illustration — diagnostic concept only.)
1930 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly what you have — and whether your coin warrants professional certification.
Step 1 — Magnet Test (Composition Verification)
Hold a standard magnet near the coin. A genuine 1930 Canadian 5-cent coin is composed of 99.9% pure nickel and will be strongly attracted to the magnet.
- Sticks immediately: Correct alloy — proceed to the design check.
- Does not react: Likely a counterfeit made of lead, tin, or a silver alloy (none of which are ferromagnetic). Seek professional examination.
Step 2 — Design Check
- Obverse: King George V, facing left, wearing a crown. Legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA REX. Designed by Sir E.B. MacKennal. If the portrait shows King George VI (uncrowned) or Queen Elizabeth II, you have a later date. If the portrait is Queen Victoria, you have a coin from a much earlier era.
- Reverse: Two maple leaves flanking 5 CENTS. CANADA arched above. 1930 at the bottom. Designed by W.H.J. Blakemore. Important: the Beaver reverse design did not appear until 1937. If you see a beaver, re-check the date.
- Edge: Plain (smooth, no reeding). This distinguishes the nickel from the reeded dime and quarter by touch.
Step 3 — Finish Identification (The Critical $5,000 Question)
Distinguishing a business strike from a Specimen strike is the most financially consequential identification step for the 1930 issue. The two finishes require different approaches at auction and grading services.
Business Strike vs. Specimen finish comparison. The Business Strike (left) shows a cartwheel luster with rounded rim and radial flow lines. The Specimen (right) shows flat satin/matte fields, no flow lines, and a distinctively sharp squared wire-edge rim. The Specimen also exhibits razor-crisp crown pearl and beard detail not found on business strikes. (Illustration — not photos of actual coins.)
| Feature | Business Strike | Specimen (SP) |
|---|---|---|
| Luster | Cartwheel — a spinning band of light when rotated under a lamp | Flat satin or semi-matte — no cartwheel effect |
| Fields | Microscopic radial flow lines from center to rim | Flat, uniform, no flow lines |
| Rims | Slightly rounded or softened | Sharp "wire edge" — squared where rim meets field at a near right angle |
| Strike Detail | Often 4–6 crown pearls; beard can be soft | Razor-sharp beard, shoulder fold, all 8 crown pearls individually distinct |
| Surface Marks | Random bag marks common | Pristine or near-pristine; carefully handled from production |
Step 4 — The Pearl Test (Grade Quick-Check)
The band of King George V's crown is the primary grading focal point for this coin. Examine it under a 5×–10× loupe:
The Pearl Test — Left: a worn or weak-strike example with merged, indistinct pearl clusters (VF grade range, value ~$6–$10). Right: a fully struck MS example with all 8 pearls distinct, rounded, and individually separated from the jewel settings (value $55–$2,200+ depending on marks and luster). (Illustration — not photos of actual coins.)
- Crown band worn flat, no pearls visible: VG or lower — Value approximately $1–$5.
- Pearls visible but merging or flattened on top: VF to EF — Value approximately $6–$30.
- All 8 pearls distinct, rounded, and individually separated: AU to Gem MS — Value $55 to $2,200+.
Step 5 — No Mint Marks
The 1930 5-cent coin carries no mint mark. Ottawa was Canada's sole domestic coinage producer at the time; the absence of a mint mark is standard and expected. There is no "W" (Winnipeg) variant for 1930. No documented distinguishing marks, privy marks, or anniversary marks exist for this issue.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coin
Cleaning strips original luster and leaves hairline scratches visible under 5× magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC and loses 50–70% of its numismatic value regardless of the underlying detail quality. Never polish, dip, or wipe a coin you believe may be uncirculated.
1930 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 1930 Canadian nickel worth?
Value depends entirely on condition. Heavily worn examples (G4–VG8) are worth $0.50–$2.50 CAD. Fine to Very Fine ranges from $3.00–$10.00. About Uncirculated examples fetch $55–$75, and Gem Uncirculated (MS65) commands $1,500–$2,200 CAD. The rare Specimen finish (SP65) can reach $5,000–$7,500 CAD. See the full value chart for all grades. All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026.
Is a 1930 Canadian nickel rare?
In circulated grades, no — 3,685,991 were minted and large numbers have survived. However, it is classified as a semi-key date within the George V Nickel series in high Mint State grades. The combination of weak strikes from exhausted dies and immediate bag damage means that Gem-quality examples (MS64 and above) are disproportionately scarce relative to the mintage figure. The Specimen finish, with an estimated surviving population of fewer than 100 pieces, is a genuine rarity at any grade.
What makes a 1930 Canadian nickel valuable?
Three factors drive value above the base level: (1) Grade — Mint State coins command exponentially more than circulated examples, with dramatic price jumps at the AU/MS boundary and again at MS64+; (2) Strike quality — examples with all 8 crown band pearls fully rounded and distinct command a premium over weak-strike coins at the same technical grade; (3) Finish — a genuine Specimen (SP) strike is worth far more than even the finest business strike at an equivalent numeric grade. The Re-engraved Date die variety also adds a 2×–3× premium at equivalent grades.
Is my 1930 Canadian nickel made of silver?
No. The 1930 Canadian 5-cent piece is composed of 99.9% pure nickel. Canada ended silver 5-cent production permanently in 1921. The fastest confirmation: hold a magnet near the coin — a genuine 1930 nickel is strongly ferromagnetic and will cling to the magnet immediately. Silver is not magnetic, so a non-magnetic 1930-dated coin warrants careful examination for authenticity.
What is a Specimen (SP) finish, and how do I spot one on a 1930 nickel?
A Specimen finish is a deliberately superior strike produced for dignitaries, museum collections, and select collectors — not intended for circulation. On the 1930 nickel, diagnostics include: (1) flat satin or semi-matte fields with no cartwheel luster; (2) razor-sharp details on the King's beard, shoulder fold, and all 8 crown pearls; (3) a distinctively squared "wire edge" rim where the field meets the rim at a sharp angle, unlike the rounded rim of a business strike. If your coin has satin-flat fields and surgical strike sharpness, consult a professional grader immediately — it may be worth thousands of dollars.
How do I check for the "full strike" (all 8 pearls) premium?
Examine the band of King George V's crown under 5×–10× magnification. The crown band contains pearls arranged in four pairs (8 total). On a weak strike — common for the 1930 issue — the pearls merge into each other or appear flat and indistinct. On a full strike, each of the 8 pearls is individually rounded and clearly separated from the adjacent jewel settings. Full-strike examples at MS64 and above command a significant premium; weak-strike coins at the same technical grade will trade at the lower end of the stated range.
Should I get my 1930 Canadian nickel professionally graded?
The economics favor grading for coins in AU50 or better. In Canada, ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the standard authority — an ICCS-graded coin is highly liquid in the domestic market. PCGS and NGC (US-based) are preferred for high-end trophy coins, Specimen strikes, and potential variety attributions, where Registry Set collectors in the US may pay significant premiums for top-population examples. For circulated coins below EF40, the cost of grading typically exceeds the coin's retail value — raw examples trade routinely in that range without certification.
What is the Re-engraved Date variety, and how do I identify it?
The Re-engraved Date variety occurs when the working die was punched with the date "1930" but the impression was deemed weak or slightly misaligned, prompting the engraver to re-punch it. If the second punch did not perfectly align with the first, a secondary shadow or shelf-effect outline remains visible on the struck coin — most prominently on the "9" or "3." This variety is listed in Charlton, Trends, and CCCS references and commands approximately 2×–3× the base value at equivalent grades. Examine the date under 5×–10× magnification and look for any raised secondary outline beside the primary numeral strokes.
What is the difference between ICCS and PCGS/NGC for Canadian coins?
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard grading authority, known for conservative and consistent grading on Canadian issues. An ICCS holder is highly liquid and trusted at Canadian auction houses and dealer shops. PCGS and NGC are US-based grading services whose holders are trusted globally and may attract premium bids from US Registry Set collectors for the finest-known examples. For high-end 1930 nickels — particularly Specimens or potential MS66+ business strikes — submitting to PCGS or NGC may unlock additional market exposure. Charlton Standard Catalogue values are typically keyed to ICCS grading standards.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect market prices as of February 2026, compiled and cross-referenced from the following primary sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (Vol. 1, Numismatic Issues, 2024–2025 editions) — pricing baselines, Specimen finish confirmation, and Re-engraved Date variety attribution.
- The Canadian Numismatic Company — Prominence XII Sale (April 2025) — realized prices for Mint State and high-grade examples.
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Toronto Coin Expo Spring 2024 — Specimen and collector-grade realized prices.
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions — 1930 Five Cents (lot 50173674) — individual auction realization reference.
- Heritage Auctions ANA Signature Sale 3075 (2019, via NumisBids) — SP69 auction record.
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM 29 (1922–1936) — market benchmarks for the George V series.
- Numista — George V 5 Cents (1922–1936) — specification and series reference.
- Royal Canadian Mint — 5-Cent denomination history — official compositional timeline and technical specifications.
- Trading Economics — Nickel commodity price — nickel spot price basis for melt value calculation (February 2026).
- George Manz Coins auction catalogue — die crack variety documentation ("ORGIVS" crack reference).
All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise noted. Values represent typical retail ranges and may differ from individual auction realizations. The numismatic market is dynamic; verify current prices with a professional dealer or certified grading service (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) before buying or selling.
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.