1964 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide
Find out what your 1964 Canadian nickel is worth. Complete price guide by grade and finish — Business Strike, Proof-Like, and rare Specimen — plus the Extra Water Line, Spitting Queen, and Rotated Die varieties. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Most 1964 Canadian nickels found in circulation are worth $0.05–$0.20 CAD (near face value). In Gem Uncirculated condition, values climb to $80.00 (MS65) or $375.00 (MS66) — driven entirely by how rarely pure nickel planchets survive the minting process without bag damage.
- Circulated (G4–AU50):$0.05–$0.20
- Uncirculated (MS60–MS64):$1.25–$12.00
- Gem (MS65):$80.00
- Superb Gem (MS66):$375.00
- Proof-Like (PL63–PL67):$1.00–$35.00 (Heavy Cameo adds +50% to +100%)
- Specimen (SP65–SP67):$200–$400 — VIP presentation pieces only; professional authentication required
- Extra Water Line variety: From $25 (VF20) to $550+ (MS64) to ~$2,620 (MS65 guide value)
- Rotated Die variety:$1,000+ for nice circulated examples
Is it silver? No. The 1964 Canadian nickel is 99.9% pure nickel with no silver content — it will snap firmly to a magnet. Its melt value is approximately $0.10–$0.11 CAD, economically negligible. Is it shiny / mirror-like? A mirror-field coin almost certainly originates from one of the 1,653,162 official RCM Proof-Like sets — worth $1.00–$35.00 depending on grade and cameo contrast. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1964 Canadian 5-cent piece holds a distinctive place in the Canadian Nickel series as a simultaneous "last" and "first": it is the final nickel to bear Mary Gillick's Young Head (Laureate Bust) portrait of Queen Elizabeth II — used since 1953 — and the first round-planchet nickel since 1941, as the RCM retired the 12-sided dodecagonal shape that had defined the denomination from 1942 through 1963. This one-year combination of the Gillick portrait on a round planchet makes the 1964 a keystone type coin. Struck at the Ottawa mint in a 78-million-unit run amid the mid-1960s coin-demand crisis, the 1964 nickel is physically common in lower grades but genuinely scarce in Gem condition due to its pure-nickel composition causing severe bag damage during mint production and transport.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes, clip errors, and wrong-planchet strikings exist for the 1964 nickel but are outside the scope of this standard variety and value guide.
The 1964 Canadian nickel (right) returned to a perfectly round planchet after more than two decades of 12-sided (dodecagonal) design. Confirming your coin is round is the critical first step in identifying a genuine 1964 issue. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1964 Canadian Nickel Composition & Melt Value
The 1964 Canadian 5-cent piece is struck from 99.9% pure nickel — one of the highest-purity nickel compositions used in any major circulation coinage of the 20th century, and entirely distinct from the 75/25 cupronickel alloy of the contemporary American Jefferson nickel. Understanding this metallurgical profile is essential to both authenticating and grading the coin.
Magnetic Properties — The Primary Authentication Tool
Because the coin is composed of pure nickel, it is strongly ferromagnetic. A genuine 1964 Canadian nickel will snap to a magnet with unmistakable force. This is the fastest and most reliable authentication test available without instruments: any coin labelled "1964 Canadian 5¢" that shows no magnetic reaction whatsoever is either a counterfeit or struck on a foreign planchet (a rare error type outside the scope of this guide). Weak or ambiguous attraction should be investigated further.
Hardness and Its Impact on Grade Rarity
Nickel's high tensile strength makes it notoriously difficult to strike and extraordinarily resistant to wear — but it also means that when freshly minted coins collide in transport bags, they gouge and scratch each other rather than producing soft dents. This "bag chatter" results in the heavy contact marks seen across most 1964 nickels in the MS60–MS64 range, and it is the primary reason that clean Gem survivors (MS65+) are genuinely rare despite an 78-million-unit mintage. The hardness is the single largest driver of the dramatic price cliff between MS64 ($12.00) and MS65 ($80.00).
Melt Value
As of February 2026, the global spot price for nickel is approximately $7.70 USD per pound (approx. $10.70 CAD), per KITCO's base metals price feed. With a coin weight of 4.54 grams — approximately 1% of a pound — the per-coin melt value calculates to roughly $0.10–$0.11 CAD, or approximately double face value. While this technically creates a modest bullion floor, the margin is insufficient to drive meaningful premiums: refining costs are high, and melting Canadian coinage is subject to legal restrictions under the Currency Act of Canada. For all practical purposes, the value of a 1964 nickel is derived entirely from its numismatic grade, finish, and variety status — not its metal content.
1964 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1964 nickel exists in three distinct finish categories, each valued on its own independent scale. Business Strikes (circulation coins) dominate by quantity; Proof-Like coins from official RCM sets offer a collectible surface quality; and the extremely rare Specimen issues are restricted to presentation use. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Three distinct finishes exist for the 1964 Canadian nickel: Business Strike (cartwheel luster, contact marks), Proof-Like (mirror fields, frosted devices), and Specimen (hyper-sharp relief, squared wire-edge rim). Identifying the correct finish before assessing grade is the essential first step. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1964 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation)
Standard circulation coins struck for commerce. Mintage: 78,075,068. No mint mark present.
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 | MS66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Standard — Round Planchet, Gillick Young Head, Beaver Reverse | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.20 | $1.25 | $2.80 | $12.00 | $80.00 | $375.00 |
Sources: Coins and Canada — 5¢ 1953–1964 Price Guide; NGC Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM57; recent auction trends.
⚠️ The Value Cliff: MS64 to MS65
The jump from MS64 ($12.00) to MS65 ($80.00) is not a smooth progression — it is a cliff. At MS65, the coin's focal areas (the Queen's cheek and the Beaver's flank) must be essentially free of distracting contact marks. The pure-nickel composition means that bag damage is severe and pervasive; the population of genuinely clean MS65 examples is far smaller than the 78-million mintage implies. An MS66 at $375.00 represents a true Condition Census rarity. An NGC-graded MS66 example was noted as the solo top-of-census coin at the time of its sale — see the PCGS Auction Archives for the 1964 Canada 5 Cents MS-66. Eye appeal also matters: collectors pay premiums for "Blast White" (untoned) coins or examples with attractive golden toning. Coins with carbon spots, dark patina, or a flat gray appearance are heavily discounted even if technically high-grade.
Grade comparison: a circulated 1964 Canadian nickel (left, EF40) showing slight wear on the Queen's cheek and Beaver's back versus a Gem Uncirculated example (right, MS65) with clean focal areas and full cartwheel luster. The value difference between these two coins is over $79 CAD. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1964 Canadian Nickel — Proof-Like (PL)
Proof-Like coins were struck for the official RCM Mint Sets, packaged in flat cellophane (pliofilm) strips. Mintage: 1,653,162 sets. PL coins display mirror-like fields and typically frosted devices. The critical value driver within PL grades is cameo contrast: Heavy Cameo (HCAM) or Ultra Cameo (UCAM) examples command a premium of +50% to +100% over standard PL prices at PL65 and above.
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Original pliofilm packaging contains PVC plasticizers that can migrate onto coin surfaces over decades, leaving a green, waxy residue. If you find a 1964 Mint Set in its original cellophane packaging and see green slime on any coin, professional conservation using pure acetone is required — do not use nail polish remover or household solvents. PVC-damaged coins revert to face or melt value regardless of their underlying grade.
| Finish | PL63 | PL64 | PL65 | PL66 | PL67 | Heavy Cameo Premium (PL65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) — from official RCM Mint Set | $1.00 | $2.00 | $5.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 | +50% to +100% above standard PL price at PL65+ |
Sources: Coins and Canada; Calgary Coin Gallery — Canadian 5-Cent Reference.
1964 Canadian Nickel — Specimen (SP / VIP Presentation)
True 1964 Specimen coins are not commercially available products. Unlike later years where Specimen sets were catalogued items sold in leatherette cases, the 1964 SP designation is reserved for presentation pieces distributed to dignitaries and RCM officials. Mintage is undocumented, estimated in the low hundreds. Key visual characteristics: a sharply squared-off "wire edge" rim, perfectly flat mirror fields, and exceptionally deep, sharp device relief. Most coins encountered in raw holders and claimed to be Specimen are actually high-quality PL coins — professional authentication by ICCS or PCGS is mandatory before any SP attribution is made or trusted.
| Finish | SP65 | SP66 | SP67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) — VIP Presentation Only | $200.00 | $300.00 | $400.00 | Estimated values based on rare auction appearances. Authentication mandatory. |
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1964 Canadian Nickel Varieties
Three catalogued non-error varieties define the advanced collector market for the 1964 nickel. In ascending order of base value: the Spitting Queen (die clash — novelty find), the Extra Water Line (XWL — the defining variety of the year), and the Rotated Die (major alignment rarity). All three can theoretically be discovered by searching rolls or unsearched sets, though the Rotated Die requires exceptional luck.
A. Trophy-Level: Highest Documented Values
| Variety | Why It Commands a Premium | Documented Value / Record | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Water Line (XWL) — MS65 | Combines the popularity of the most sought-after 1964 variety with the extreme condition rarity of a clean Gem example | ~$2,620 CAD (guide value) | Coins and Canada |
| Rotated Die (↑↓) — EF40 | Major die alignment rarity; full 180° rotations are scarce in modern Canadian numismatics | ~$1,860 CAD (estimated) | Coins and Canada |
| Standard — MS67 | Condition Census rarity; only a handful of examples have survived without bag marks to this level | $504 USD (~$700 CAD) | Stack's Bowers (2020) |
| Specimen (VIP) — SP65–SP67 | Presentation-only issue; not sold to the public; estimated low-hundreds mintage | ~$400–$600 CAD (estimated) | Estimated based on rare auction appearances |
Note: while the guide value for an XWL in MS65 reaches approximately $2,620 CAD, actual transactions are infrequent and realized only when determined registry-set collectors compete at auction. An XWL in MS63/64 is a more attainable target, with values in the $100–$500 range.
B. Findable Varieties — Cherry-Picker Opportunities
1. The Extra Water Line (XWL) — The Defining Variety
The Extra Water Line is the must-have variety for serious collectors of the 1964 nickel and one of the best possible circulation finds in Canadian numismatics — a coin worth five cents at face can return $25 or more even in worn condition.
Diagnostic: Examine the reverse under 5–10× magnification, focusing on the water lines directly to the left of the beaver. On a standard 1964 nickel, these lines are uniform and consistently engraved. On the XWL variety, a distinct, heavy raised line appears above the uppermost normal water line — it typically appears jagged or bolder than the engraved lines beneath it. Research by John Regitko and Bill Cross — as documented in the Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian 5-Cent Major Varieties reference — suggests this mark may be a "tool slip" (a gouge caused by an engraver retouching the die) rather than a simple die crack. Every coin struck by that damaged die carries the mark.
Extra Water Line (XWL) diagnostic: examine the water area to the left of the beaver on the reverse. The XWL shows a thick, jagged raised line sitting above the normal evenly-spaced wave lines. Standard coins show only uniform engraved lines. Use 5–10× magnification. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
| Grade | Standard 1964 Value | Extra Water Line (XWL) Value | Approximate Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| VF20 | $0.10 | $25.00 | ~250× |
| EF40 | $0.10 | $30.00 | ~300× |
| AU50 | $0.20 | $35.00 | ~175× |
| MS60 | $1.25 | $45.00 | ~36× |
| MS64 | $12.00 | $550.00+ | ~45× |
Sources: Coins and Canada; Calgary Coin Gallery.
2. The Spitting Queen (Whistling Queen) — Die Clash Novelty
Diagnostic: Examine the obverse, focusing on the area around the Queen's mouth. A raised die-clash mark protrudes horizontally from her lips, giving the visual impression that the monarch is spitting or whistling.
Cause: A die clash occurred when the obverse and reverse dies collided without a planchet between them. The force of the collision impressed elements of the reverse design — specifically a line from the beaver's back or the log — into the face of the obverse die. Coins subsequently struck by this damaged die carry the ghost line at the Queen's mouth.
"Spitting Queen" die clash: a raised horizontal line protrudes from Queen Elizabeth II's mouth on the 1964 nickel obverse, caused by the reverse die clashing against the obverse die without an intervening planchet. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Market Impact: This is a popular novelty variety with a dedicated following. It is less prestigious than the XWL but more accessible. Typical premium in Mint State grades: $5–$15 CAD. Often found in dealer bargain bins but can be profitably resold once properly identified.
3. The Rotated Die (↑↓) — Major Rarity
Diagnostic: Hold the coin with the Queen's head upright. Flip it over vertically using the top-bottom axis as a hinge.
- Standard (Medal Alignment ↑↑): The Beaver on the reverse is also upright — this is the correct alignment for all Canadian coins.
- Rotated Die (↑↓): The Beaver on the reverse is upside down — a full 180° rotation, also known as Coinage Alignment.
Cause: The reverse die was installed incorrectly or rotated within its holder at some point during the minting run, producing coins with a misaligned reverse.
Market Impact: A full 180° rotation is a major rarity in modern Canadian numismatics and represents the single most valuable variety for the 1964 nickel by base price. A nice circulated example is worth $1,000+ CAD. An EF40 example is estimated at approximately ~$1,860 CAD per the Coins and Canada price guide. If you believe you have found one, do not clean it and seek ICCS or PCGS certification immediately.
ℹ️ Variety Classification Note
The Extra Water Line, Spitting Queen, and Rotated Die are catalogued as non-error die varieties in the numismatic literature for this series, as documented by the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins. Major production accidents (off-center strikes, clip errors, and wrong-planchet strikings) are classified as mint errors and are outside the scope of this guide.
1964 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have — and to flag anything worth a closer look with a loupe.
1964 Canadian 5-cent nickel: obverse (left) showing Mary Gillick's Young Head / Laureate Bust portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a laurel wreath, with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA. Reverse (right) showing G.E. Kruger-Gray's Beaver on Rock design, date 1964 at bottom, and designer's initials K.G. to the right of the log. No mint marks appear on either side.
30-Second Identification Checklist
Portrait Check: The obverse must show the Young Head (Laureate Bust) — Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the back of her head, with draped shoulders. This is Mary Gillick's portrait, used from 1953 through 1964. If the Queen wears a tiara instead of a wreath, you have a 1965 or later coin bearing Arnold Machin's Second Portrait.
Shape Check (Critical for 1964): The coin must be perfectly round. If your coin has 12 flat sides (dodecagonal), recheck the date — it is almost certainly a 1963 or earlier issue. The 1964 is the only round-planchet nickel to carry the Gillick Young Head portrait.
Reverse Check: The reverse shows a Beaver standing on a log-strewn rock mound, designed by G.E. Kruger-Gray. The denomination "5 CENTS" and country name "CANADA" flank the beaver. The date "1964" appears at the bottom. The designer's initials "K.G." appear to the right of the log.
Edge Check: The edge must be plain (smooth) with no reeding. Reeded edges appear on silver denominations of the era (dimes, quarters, half-dollars, dollars). A plain, smooth edge is correct and expected for the 1964 nickel.
Mint Mark Check: There are no mint marks on any 1964 Canadian nickel — neither on Business Strike circulation coins nor on Proof-Like set coins. The "W" Winnipeg mint mark was not introduced until later years. No documented marks appear on the obverse or reverse for this issue.
Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a magnet to the coin. A genuine 1964 Canadian nickel is struck from 99.9% pure nickel and is strongly ferromagnetic — it will snap to the magnet with definite, unmistakable force. If the coin shows no magnetic reaction at all, treat it with serious suspicion: it may be counterfeit or struck on a foreign planchet. Weak or ambiguous attraction warrants further investigation.
Magnet test for the 1964 Canadian nickel: composed of 99.9% pure nickel, a genuine example is strongly ferromagnetic and will snap firmly to a magnet. No magnetic reaction is a significant red flag for authenticity. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Finish Identification — The Critical Step
With 1,653,162 PL sets produced in 1964, many have been broken open over the decades. A "shiny" 1964 nickel found loose in a dealer's bin or family collection is very likely a PL coin, not a rare high-grade Business Strike. Knowing how to distinguish finishes is essential before grading:
- Business Strike: Cartwheel luster — a rainbow shimmer radiates across the fields when the coin is rotated under light. Fields typically show random contact marks (bag marks) from mint-bag handling. No clear mirror reflection in the background.
- Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like fields in which you can clearly see your own reflection. The Queen and Beaver may appear frosted (white/cameo) against the mirrored background. Faint pliofilm striations (very light parallel lines) may be visible from the original cellophane packaging. Fewer bag marks than Business Strikes, but still possible.
- Specimen (SP): The coin appears "hyper-real." The rim is sharply squared off (a "wire edge"). The fields are perfectly flat mirrors. The device relief is deeply and sharply struck throughout. This finish is exceptionally rare for 1964 — virtually every coin encountered raw in a dealer flip claiming to be SP is actually a high-quality PL. Professional ICCS or PCGS authentication is mandatory.
ℹ️ PL Set Contamination
With over 1.6 million PL sets produced in 1964, a large number have been broken open. A "shiny" 1964 nickel found loose — whether in a dealer's stock or a family collection — is very likely a PL coin. Dealers commonly discount raw "Uncirculated" 1964 nickels for this reason. Only professional grading (ICCS or PCGS) can reliably confirm whether a coin is a Business Strike or a PL issue.
Variety Check (Loupe Required — 5–10× Magnification)
Rotated Die flip test: hold the coin Queen-side up, then flip it vertically. Standard medal alignment (↑↑) shows the Beaver also upright (left). A Rotated Die (↑↓) shows the Beaver upside down (right) — a major rarity worth $1,000+ CAD for a nice circulated example. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
- Extra Water Line (XWL) Check: Examine the water lines to the left of the beaver on the reverse. Target: a thick, jagged, raised line sitting above the topmost normal wave line. If present, the coin is worth a minimum of $25 CAD in circulated grades — set it aside immediately.
- Spitting Queen Check: Examine the Queen's mouth. Target: a raised horizontal line projecting from her lips. If present, novelty premium of approximately $5–$15 CAD.
- Rotation Check: Hold the coin Queen-side up and flip it vertically. Standard result: Beaver is upright. Rotated result: Beaver is upside down. A confirmed 180° rotation is worth $1,000+ CAD — seek professional grading immediately without cleaning or handling the coin further.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning destroys a coin's original surface and luster. "Dipping" (chemical cleaning) leaves a nickel coin looking flat and gray rather than lustrous, as the coin lacks the natural tarnish resistance that makes dipping detectable on silver. "Whizzing" (using a wire brush to simulate luster) creates fine parallel hairlines visible under magnification. Both treatments result in a "Details — Cleaned" grade from all major services, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the coin's underlying quality. The bag marks on an original, uncleaned MS63 coin are far less damaging to value than any cleaning attempt.
1964 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 1964 Canadian nickel worth?
A circulated 1964 Canadian nickel is worth between $0.05 and $0.20 CAD — essentially face value. In Mint State, values range from $1.25 (MS60) to $80.00 (MS65) and $375.00 (MS66). Proof-Like examples range from $1.00 (PL63) to $35.00 (PL67), with Heavy Cameo examples adding +50% to +100% at PL65+. Notable varieties substantially increase values: the Extra Water Line starts at $25 in circulated grades, and the Rotated Die is worth $1,000+ for a nice circulated example. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 1964 Canadian nickel rare?
In circulated and low Mint State grades, the 1964 nickel is very common — 78,075,068 were struck, and millions survive. However, Gem examples (MS65 and above) are genuinely condition-rare. The pure nickel composition causes severe bag gouging that prevents most coins from achieving clean focal areas. An MS66 is a true Condition Census rarity, with only a tiny fraction of the original mintage ever achieving this level. The Extra Water Line and Rotated Die varieties are independently rare and command premiums reflecting their scarcity.
What makes a 1964 Canadian nickel more valuable?
Four factors drive premium value: (1) Grade — the cliff between MS64 ($12.00) and MS65 ($80.00) reflects how rarely pure nickel planchets survive without bag damage; (2) Finish — Specimen coins are worth $200+ and essentially unobtainable without professional authentication; (3) Cameo Contrast on PL coins — Heavy Cameo or Ultra Cameo adds +50% to +100% over standard PL pricing at PL65+; and (4) Variety — the Extra Water Line in MS64 is worth $550+, and the Rotated Die in EF40 is estimated at approximately $1,860 CAD. Eye appeal also matters: "Blast White" examples or coins with attractive golden toning trade at a premium over dark, spotted, or gray counterparts.
Is my 1964 Canadian nickel silver?
No. The 1964 Canadian 5-cent piece contains no silver whatsoever — it is 99.9% pure nickel. The quick test is the magnet: a genuine 1964 nickel is strongly magnetic. Canadian silver coins of the same era (dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars) are NOT magnetic. The melt value of a 1964 nickel is approximately $0.10–$0.11 CAD based on the nickel spot price — double face value but economically negligible for numismatic purposes.
Should I get my 1964 Canadian nickel graded?
Professional grading is economically justified when: (1) the coin appears to grade MS65 or above (value $80+); (2) it is a confirmed variety (XWL, Rotated Die); or (3) it is claimed to be a Specimen (SP). The cost of ICCS or PCGS grading typically exceeds the value of a standard MS64 coin ($12.00), making grading uneconomical for common grades. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service), based in Toronto, is the primary authority for Canadian variety attribution — particularly for the Extra Water Line — and is preferred by Canadian specialists. PCGS grading is preferred for high-grade registry-set competition (MS66/MS67) due to broader US market liquidity. For Specimen attribution, professional certification by either service is effectively mandatory — raw SP claims are viewed with deep skepticism.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Proof-Like 1964 nickel?
A Business Strike is a standard circulation coin struck at high speed on an ordinary planchet, showing cartwheel luster (a radiating shimmer under angled light) and typically carrying contact marks from transport in mint bags. A Proof-Like (PL) coin was struck from specially prepared dies on hand-selected planchets for inclusion in official RCM Mint Sets. PL fields are mirror-like — you can see your reflection clearly — and devices may be frosted (cameo). With over 1.6 million PL sets produced in 1964, many have been broken open and their coins circulate as loose "Uncirculated" examples in the secondary market, making finish identification an important first step before grading.
What is the Extra Water Line (XWL) variety, and how do I spot it?
The Extra Water Line is a die variety in which a heavy raised line appears above the normal water lines to the left of the beaver on the reverse. Researchers John Regitko and Bill Cross suggest it may originate from a tool slip — a gouge created when the die was being retouched — rather than a simple die crack. To find it, use a 5–10× loupe and examine the left side of the water area on the reverse. If you see a jagged, raised line sitting above the regular wave lines, you may have an XWL. Even in circulated VF condition, an XWL is worth $25 CAD. In MS64, the value exceeds $550 CAD.
How do I test for the Rotated Die variety?
Hold the coin with the Queen's portrait upright, then flip it over vertically — using the top-bottom axis as a hinge (not a horizontal spin). On a standard Canadian coin (Medal Alignment ↑↑), the Beaver will also be upright when you flip it. On a Rotated Die coin (↑↓), the Beaver will be upside down — rotated 180° relative to the Queen. This is a major rarity, and a nice circulated example is worth $1,000+ CAD. If you find one, do not clean it and seek ICCS or PCGS certification immediately.
What is the "Spitting Queen" variety?
The "Spitting Queen" (also called the Whistling Queen) is a die clash variety showing a raised horizontal line projecting from Queen Elizabeth II's mouth on the obverse. It was caused when the obverse and reverse dies collided without a planchet between them, impressing a ghost element of the reverse design into the obverse die face. It is a popular novelty variety with a dedicated collector following, though less prestigious than the XWL. Value in Mint State grades is approximately $5–$15 CAD.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail market prices in Canadian dollars as of February 2026, synthesized from the following primary sources:
- Coins and Canada — 5 Cents 1953–1964 Price Guide (primary retail pricing and variety values)
- NGC Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM57 (secondary market valuation)
- PCGS Auction Archives — 1964 Canada 5 Cents MS-66 (Solo Top of Census) (high-grade auction record)
- Calgary Coin Gallery — Canadian 5-Cent Reference (variety commentary and grading standards)
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 5-Cent Major Varieties (XWL and variety attribution; Regitko/Cross research)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 5 Cents (historical specifications and minting history)
- KITCO — Nickel Spot Price (base metal pricing as of February 2026)
- Numista — Canada 5 Cents (Elizabeth II, 1st portrait, round) (technical specifications)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety attribution and historical mintage data)
- Stack's Bowers auction archive (MS67 record, 2020)
Prices represent typical retail asking prices for problem-free (uncleaned, undamaged) coins. Individual transactions may vary. This guide covers standard and non-error variety values only — mint error coins are out of scope. Market conditions change; consult a current price guide or professional numismatist before making significant buying or selling decisions.
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.