1947 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide
What is your 1947 Canadian nickel worth? Complete CAD price guide for the Plain, Maple Leaf, and rare Dot varieties by grade — plus Specimen (SP) values, variety diagnostics, and authentication tips. Values as of February 2026.
Most 1947 Canadian nickels (Plain variety, circulated) are worth $0.20–$5.00. The rare Dot variety starts at $15.00 even heavily worn — and a Gem-grade Dot can reach $1,800.00.
- Plain — Circulated (G4–AU50):$0.20–$5.00
- Maple Leaf — Circulated (G4–AU50):$0.20–$6.00
- Dot — Circulated (G4–AU50):$15.00–$135.00
- Plain or Maple Leaf — Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$225.00
- Dot — Gem Uncirculated (MS65):$1,800.00
- Specimen (SP62–SP66):~$175–$600+ depending on variety
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Is it silver? No — the 1947 Canadian nickel is 100% pure nickel with no precious metal content; a strong magnet will stick firmly. Shiny with mirror-like fields? It may be an extremely rare Specimen (SP) strike — see the Specimen table below. Worth getting graded? Only if it is the Dot variety in any grade, or a Plain/Maple Leaf in MS64 or higher. See the full value chart →
The 1947 Canadian 5-cent piece: King George VI obverse (portrait by T.H. Paget) and Beaver reverse (design by G.E. Kruger-Gray), struck in 100% pure nickel with a distinctive 12-sided dodecagonal shape.
The 1947 Canadian 5-cent coin is one of the most variety-rich issues in the King George VI Beaver series (1937–1952), marking the Royal Canadian Mint's definitive post-World War II return to a 100% pure nickel composition. Three distinct Charlton-listed varieties define this year: the standard 1947 Plain, the historically significant 1947 Maple Leaf — a 1948 production striking using 1947 dies, triggered by delays following India's independence — and the elusive 1947 Dot, a die-pitting variety of genuine scarcity. For prices across all years of this denomination, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and wrong-planchet coins exist for 1947 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1947 Canadian Nickel Composition & Melt Value
The metallurgical history of the 1947 nickel is central to understanding both its diagnostics and its condition rarity. Throughout the early 1940s, the Royal Canadian Mint had diverted nickel to the war effort, replacing the standard composition with Tombac (88% copper, 12% zinc) for the 1942–1943 issues and chrome-plated steel for 1944–1945 production. The 1947 nickel marks the stable restoration of the pre-war standard: 100% pure nickel — a composition maintained until 1951 and again from 1955 to 1981. The metal's inherent hardness has a direct bearing on coin survival, coin condition, and authentication.
Magnetic Properties — The Critical Diagnostic
A genuine 1947 Canadian nickel is strongly magnetic. Hold a powerful magnet near the coin: it should be pulled firmly and held fast. This is the single fastest authentication test available for this issue:
- Sticks firmly: Consistent with genuine 100% pure nickel composition — the expected result.
- Does not stick, or sticks only weakly: May indicate a rare wrong-planchet error (for example, a coin struck on a remaining Tombac or steel planchet) or a counterfeit. Either scenario falls outside the scope of this standard guide; consult a specialist.
Magnet test for a 1947 Canadian nickel: the coin's 100% pure nickel composition means it will stick firmly to a strong magnet. A non-magnetic result signals a possible wrong-planchet error or counterfeit — consult a specialist before drawing conclusions.
Weight as a Diagnostic Tool
The standard planchet weight of 4.54 grams is consistent across genuine examples. Significant deviations — below approximately 4.4 g or above 4.7 g — generally indicate severe post-mint damage or a non-standard planchet (which would be a separate error category, out of scope here).
Melt Value
Unlike the silver 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢ denominations of 1947, which contain 80% silver and fluctuate with bullion markets, the 5-cent nickel contains no precious metal whatsoever. The base-metal value of pure nickel is negligible — only a few cents as of 2026. The entire value of a 1947 nickel is therefore 100% numismatic, driven by variety attribution, grade, and collector demand. The Royal Canadian Mint's history of the 5-cent coin provides additional context on the composition transitions across this denomination's history.
1947 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Grade & Variety
The 1947 nickel is a textbook study in condition rarity. Circulated Plain and Maple Leaf examples are abundant and inexpensive; pure nickel's hardness made pristine survivors statistically scarce. The Dot variety commands a massive premium at every grade. Values below are in CAD as of February 2026, synthesized from the NGC World Coin Price Guide, the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, and realized prices from Heritage Auctions (NumisBids), Geoffrey Bell Auctions, and Calgary Coin.
1947 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation)
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1947 nickel destroys its original cartwheel lustre and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" (damaged) by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC and loses all numismatic premium regardless of its underlying detail or variety attribution.
| Variety | Mintage | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 Plain No marks after date | 7,603,724 | $0.20 | $0.30 | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $30.00 | $225.00 |
| 1947 Maple Leaf Leaf symbol after '7' | 9,595,124 | $0.20 | $0.30 | $0.50 | $1.30 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $14.00 | $25.00 | $225.00 |
| 1947 Dot Raised dot behind '7' | — | $15.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 | $135.00 | $225.00 | $450.00 | $1,800.00 |
Dot mintage is included within the Plain or Maple Leaf figure; the exact breakdown is unknown. All values in CAD. The "Value Cliff" for the Plain variety — jumping from MS63 ($30) to MS65 ($225) — reflects how rarely a 1947 nickel survives with clean fields and a sharp strike. The hardness of pure nickel destroyed dies quickly (producing mushy details on many coins) and caused coins to mark each other severely in mint bags. Finding a Gem example with both strong strike quality and pristine surfaces is statistically rare. See the Numista catalog entry for the King George VI 5-cent for additional technical specifications.
Grade comparison for a 1947 Canadian nickel: a circulated example (left, approx. VF20) showing wear on the King's hair and beaver's fur versus a Gem Uncirculated example (right, approx. MS65) with full cartwheel lustre and sharp relief detail. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin.)
1947 Canadian Nickel — Specimen (SP) Finishes
During the King George VI era, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a very limited number of Specimen strikes, typically distributed in cardboard holders or formal presentation cases — not the pliofilm sets that became common from the 1960s onward. These coins are visually distinct from business strikes: the strike is noticeably sharper, the rim is squared off rather than rounded, and the relief often appears matte or semi-matte against smoother, sometimes mirror-like fields. The market for King George VI Specimens is thin but competitive among specialists. Values below are in CAD as of February 2026, based on sporadic auction appearances recorded by The Canadian Numismatic Company January 2024 New Year's Sale (NumisBids) and Geoffrey Bell Auctions.
| Finish & Variety | SP62 | SP64 | SP66 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 Plain (SP) | ~$175 | $350 | $600+ | SP62 value based on auction record of ~$130 USD (~$175 CAD). A pristine SP66 or SP67 would likely trigger competitive bidding, potentially exceeding this estimate. |
| 1947 Maple Leaf (SP) | — | $225 | — | Extremely rare. Limited auction data; SP64 value derived from a single Geoffrey Bell Auction record. |
Values in CAD represent market estimates as of February 2026. For prices across the full King George VI nickel series and all years of this denomination, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1947 Canadian Nickel Varieties
Three Charlton-listed varieties define the 1947 5-cent series. Two — the Plain and Maple Leaf — are widely collected and broadly affordable. The third, the Dot, is a genuine rarity that can transform a coin worth pennies in the junk bin into a significant numismatic asset. Identifying which variety you hold is the single most important step in establishing value.
A. Trophy-Level: Highest Documented Values
| Variety & Grade | Why It Commands a Premium | Documented Value (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 DotMS65+ | Die-pitting rarity in Gem condition — the very die deterioration that created the dot often produced mushy, soft strikes, making a sharp and lustrous Dot in MS65 a near-paradox. Registry Set collectors compete aggressively for top-population examples. | ~$850–$2,500 | Geoffrey Bell Auctions (2023) |
| 1947 DotMS64 | Near-Gem examples attract collectors priced out of the MS65 market. Fierce specialist competition for certified examples in ICCS or PCGS holders. | ~$650–$800 | NumisBids realized prices |
| 1947 Maple LeafMS66 | Extreme condition rarity despite the highest mintage of the three varieties (9,595,124). Pure nickel bag marks statistically prevent most survivors from reaching MS66; only a handful are known to exist at this grade. | ~$2,600 (asking, 2024) | eBay dealer listing, 2024 |
| 1947 Plain Specimen SP65+ | Extremely low production quantity (estimated in the hundreds). Historical presentation pieces distinct from all circulation strikes. Requires professional certification to realize full value. | ~$400–$600+ | CCN Trends / Auction records |
Three-way comparison of the 1947 Canadian nickel date area at 10× magnification: Plain (no marks after the 7), Maple Leaf (small leaf symbol after the 7), and Dot (small raised dot to the lower-right of the 7). A 10× loupe is required to confirm the variety in hand. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin.)
B. Findable Varieties: The Key Diagnostic Split Points
Unlike some Canadian series, the 1947 5-cent nickel does not have widely recognized numeral-style variants (such as Curved 7 vs. Straight 7). The definitive split points are the marks — or absence of marks — immediately following the digit 7 in the date. Examine using a 10× loupe under good direct light.
| Variety | Charlton | Diagnostic (10× Loupe) | Rarity Context | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 Plain | Listed | No marks of any kind to the right of the '7'. Clean field between the date digit and the rim bead. | Common — 7,603,724 minted. Standard collector value; premium appears only at MS63 and above. | Base value. Benchmark for all other 1947 premiums. |
| 1947 Maple Leaf | Listed | Small maple leaf symbol punched after the date. Has distinct lobes and a stem (visible when not heavily worn). Positioned slightly higher and further from the 7 than the Dot. | Highest mintage (9,595,124) but functions as a required "type" coin for basic collections, sustaining mild demand even in lower grades. | Low to moderate premium over Plain in circulated grades; prices converge with Plain at MS65. |
| 1947 Dot | Listed | Small, round, raised bump to the lower-right of the '7', located midway up the height of the numeral or slightly lower. Positioned closer to the 7 than the Maple Leaf. The dot is raised metal — a bump, NOT a hole or depression. | Scarce — mintage included within Plain or Maple Leaf totals; exact count unknown. Survival rate significantly lower than either standard variety. | High. Worth 75× to 150×+ a Plain example at equivalent grade. Even G4 starts at $15. |
⚠️ Fake Dot Warning — Read Before Buying
Because even a heavily worn Dot ($15+) is worth dramatically more than a Plain ($0.20), unscrupulous sellers occasionally punch a false dot into a Plain 1947 nickel. A genuine dot results from die pitting — it appears as a small, round, raised lump that looks organically integral to the coin's surface, with smooth edges. A punched fake typically shows a sharp, crater-like depression around the mark, disturbed or flattened metal on the opposite face of the coin, or an appearance that looks mechanically applied rather than struck. For any Dot example priced above $50, always insist on ICCS, PCGS, or NGC certification before purchase.
Close-up of a genuine 1947 Dot variety at high magnification: the small raised dot sits to the lower-right of the '7', the result of die pitting. It is round, raised (a bump, not a hole), and organically integrated into the coin's surface — not sharp-edged or crater-like. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin.)
Note: Some sources describe "Three Dots" diagnostics for this issue. While certain die states may exhibit additional pitting in other locations, the primary Charlton-listed variety is defined by a single prominent dot behind the date. Microscopic specks elsewhere on the coin do not constitute the recognized Dot variety.
1947 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value chart above. Start at Step 1 and work through each step in order.
30-Second Identification Checklist
Monarch Check: The obverse must show King George VI facing left, with the legend GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA REX. The portrait was designed by T.H. Paget. If you see a Queen Elizabeth II portrait, the coin is from a post-1952 era and is a different series entirely.
Reverse Check: Confirm the Beaver on a rock mound design by G.E. Kruger-Gray, with FIVE CENTS and CANADA in the legend and the date below.
Shape Check: The coin must be 12-sided (dodecagonal). Run your finger along the edge and feel the 12 flat sections and distinct corner angles — it must not be perfectly round. The dodecagonal shape was introduced in 1942 to allow blind persons and those in blackout conditions to distinguish the nickel from the round 1-cent piece by touch alone.
Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Hold a strong magnet to the coin.
- Sticks firmly → Authentic 100% pure nickel. This is the expected result for a genuine 1947 nickel.
- Does not stick, or sticks weakly: The coin may be a rare wrong-planchet error (for example, struck on a leftover Tombac or steel planchet) — consult a specialist. Wrong-planchet strikes are valuable errors outside the scope of this guide.
No Mint Marks: All 1947 Canadian nickels were struck exclusively at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. There are no mint marks on any variety — no "W," no "O," no letter or symbol of any kind. Any mark present is post-mint alteration or damage.
Variety Check — The Critical Step (10× Loupe Required): Examine the field immediately to the right of the digit '7' in the date under magnification and good direct light.
- Empty field, no marks:1947 Plain
- Small leaf with distinct lobes and a stem:1947 Maple Leaf (technically struck in calendar year 1948)
- Small round raised bump, lower-right of the 7, closer to the numeral than a Maple Leaf would be:1947 Dot (scarce variety — verify against the Fake Dot warning in the Varieties section before assuming you have it)
Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (MS): Cartwheel lustre radiates from the centre when tilted under a single light source. Fields (flat areas) will show the characteristic contact marks and small scratches from other coins in mint bags — this is normal. The 12-sided corners are typically the first areas to show wear and loss of lustre.
- Specimen (SP): Noticeably sharper strike — the detail in the King's ear and the individual hairs in the Beaver's fur will appear crisper than any business strike. The relief often appears slightly matte or frosted against fields that are smoother and more reflective. The rim is characteristically squared off rather than the rounded profile of a business strike. Specimen strikes from this era are extremely rare and should be professionally certified before any transaction.
Finish comparison for a 1947 Canadian nickel: Business Strike (left) with cartwheel lustre and typical bag marks on the fields, versus a Specimen (right) with a squared-off rim, frosted portrait relief contrasting smoother fields, and sharper detail throughout. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin.)
ℹ️ Grading Services: ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is widely regarded as the gold standard for Canadian coins within the domestic market, applying conservative technical grading that is universally accepted by Canadian dealers and auction houses. Most Dot variety coins sold in Canada appear in ICCS holders. PCGS and NGC are major US-based services that are equally respected internationally and often command the highest realized prices due to Registry Set competition at the MS66/MS67 level — collectors competing to own the finest certified example of a given coin drive exponential premiums for top-population pieces. For the 1947 Dot in any grade, certification by one of these three services is strongly recommended before any significant purchase or sale.
Genuine versus fake Dot comparison: a genuine 1947 Dot (left) shows a small raised bump with smooth, organic edges caused by die pitting; a punched fake (right) displays sharp, crater-like edges and disturbed metal around the mark. Always buy Dot varieties in certified ICCS, PCGS, or NGC holders. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin.)
1947 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 1947 Canadian nickel worth?
It depends on which of the three Charlton-listed varieties you have and its condition. A circulated Plain or Maple Leaf is worth $0.20–$6.00; in Gem Uncirculated MS65, both reach $225.00. The rare Dot variety starts at $15.00 even in the lowest collectible grade and reaches $1,800.00 in MS65. Extremely rare Specimen (SP) strikes range from approximately ~$175–$600+ depending on variety and grade. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
How do I know if I have the valuable Dot variety?
Use a 10× loupe and examine the area immediately to the right of the digit '7' in the date. A genuine Dot is a small, round, raised bump — not a hole — located to the lower-right of the 7, positioned midway up the height of the numeral or slightly lower. It sits closer to the 7 than a Maple Leaf would. Because the Dot results from die pitting, it appears as raised metal that is organically integral to the coin's surface with smooth edges. If the mark has sharp, crater-like edges or there is disturbance on the opposite face of the coin, it is likely a punched fake. For any coin valued above $50, buy only certified (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) examples.
Is my 1947 Canadian nickel silver?
No. The 1947 Canadian 5-cent piece is 100% pure nickel with no silver, gold, or other precious metal content. A strong magnet will stick firmly to a genuine example, confirming the composition. The silver coins of 1947 are the 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢ denominations, which contain 80% silver. The 5-cent nickel has no bullion value whatsoever — its worth is entirely numismatic, driven by variety and grade.
What is the difference between the Plain, Maple Leaf, and Dot varieties?
All three look nearly identical at a glance — the differences are in the date area. The Plain (7,603,724 minted) has no marks after the '7' and is the standard 1947 production coin. The Maple Leaf (9,595,124 minted) has a small maple leaf symbol punched after the date and is technically a 1948 production coin struck using 1947 dies — it was produced because new master tools from the Royal Mint in London were delayed following India's independence, which required removal of the imperial title IND: IMP: from the obverse legend. The Dot (unknown mintage, significantly scarcer) has a small round raised bump to the lower-right of the '7', caused by pitting in a working die. A 10× loupe and direct light are required to make this distinction reliably.
What makes the 1947 Dot variety so rare and valuable?
The Dot results from die pitting — corrosion or physical damage to a working die creates a small cavity in the die face, which in turn strikes a raised bump onto every coin produced by that die. Dies exhibiting this kind of deterioration are typically nearing the end of their service life, meaning fewer coins were struck before the die was retired. This creates a paradox for high-grade collectors: a deteriorated die often produces softer, mushier strikes, so finding a Dot with both a sharp strike and clean fields is statistically very rare. The combination of lower production volume and poor average strike quality results in very few high-grade survivors — making a Gem Dot one of the premier condition rarities in the King George VI 5-cent series.
Could my coin be a Specimen (SP) strike? How do I identify one?
Specimen strikes from the King George VI era are extremely rare — produced in very limited quantities for dignitaries and collectors and distributed in cardboard holders or formal presentation cases. Key visual diagnostics to look for: (1) the rim is noticeably squared off rather than rounded; (2) the King's portrait and Beaver detail are sharper and crisper than any business strike you will encounter; (3) the relief may appear matte or frosted against fields that are smoother or slightly mirror-like; (4) there are no bag marks — the coin was never in a mint bag with other coins. If your coin shows these characteristics, consult an ICCS, PCGS, or NGC specialist for authentication before taking any other action. Do not clean or handle the surfaces.
Should I have my 1947 Canadian nickel professionally graded?
Grading makes economic sense when the coin's estimated value meaningfully exceeds the cost of certification (typically $30–$80+ per coin depending on service and tier). The clearest cases for certification: the Dot variety at any grade (both for authentication against fake dots and to realize full market value), and a Plain or Maple Leaf in MS64 or higher (where grading adds a substantial premium and resolves the "BU vs. MS65" ambiguity). For circulated Plain or Maple Leaf examples worth under $10, grading costs exceed the coin's value and are not justified. Within Canada, ICCS is the preferred service and its grades are universally accepted domestically; PCGS and NGC are equally respected and often command the highest realized prices at the top-grade level through Registry Set competition.
My coin is listed online as 'BU' — does that mean it's worth $225?
No. "BU" (Brilliant Uncirculated) is an informal term that covers a broad range, typically from MS60 to approximately MS64. Most raw, ungraded coins described as "BU" on the secondary market are MS60–MS62, worth approximately $12–$14 for the Plain and Maple Leaf varieties. The MS65 value of $225 requires exceptional eye appeal, a sharp strike, clean fields, and strong cartwheel lustre — all rare in a coin struck on hard pure nickel planchets that rapidly wore down dies and caused heavy bag-mark contact between coins. Do not pay MS65 prices for ungraded "BU" coins unless you are an expert grader or have an expert confirm the grade.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are synthesized from the following primary numismatic authorities: the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety listings and baseline pricing); Calgary Coin and the Saskatoon Coin Club variety reference (variety diagnostics and dealer commentary); the NGC World Coin Price Guide and Numista (specifications and market reference); and realized prices from Heritage Auctions (NumisBids), The Canadian Numismatic Company January 2024 New Year's Sale (NumisBids), and Geoffrey Bell Auctions. All values are in CAD as of February 2026. Coin markets fluctuate — consult current price guides and recent auction results before buying or selling significant examples. This guide covers standard business strikes, Specimen finishes, and Charlton-listed die varieties only; 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.