2003 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide: Three Portraits, Two Compositions
Find out what your 2003 Canadian nickel is worth. Three portraits (Crowned, Uncrowned, Youthful Silver), two compositions (plated steel vs sterling silver), four finishes, and the rare WP Winnipeg variety — complete CAD price guide as of February 2026.
Most 2003 Canadian nickels found in change are worth exactly $0.05 (face value). However, the 2003 issue is uniquely complex: it comes in three distinct portrait types, two metal compositions, and four finishes — meaning the same date can range from pocket change to $300+ in certified top grade.
- Circulated (Crowned or Uncrowned P): Face value — $0.05
- BU (MS60–63):$0.25–$0.75 (Crowned) / $0.25–$0.50 (Uncrowned)
- Gem (MS65):$4.00–$8.00 depending on portrait
- Rare WP Variety (PL, raw):$3.00–$8.00 — never issued for circulation
- Silver Proof ("1953–2003" Youthful portrait):$18.00–$25.00 typical; $150–$250 at PF70
- Trophy Grade (Crowned MS66/67, certified):$180–$300
Three quick diagnostic questions:
- Found in change? Face value. Plated-steel planchets are durable and billions survive in fine condition — circulated examples carry no premium.
- Shiny or from a set? Check for "WP" under the bust — that indicates the Winnipeg Proof-Like variety ($3–$8 raw). A mirror-like set coin in a cellophane sleeve is a PL; in a leatherette case with matte fields, it is a Specimen.
- Is it silver? Apply a magnet. Circulation strikes, PL, and Specimen coins are magnetic (plated steel). A non-magnetic 2003 nickel with "1953–2003" dual dates is the Sterling Silver Coronation Proof, worth at least its melt value of ~$16.93 CAD.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Value is driven by portrait type, finish, and certified grade. See full value chart →
2003 Canadian 5-cent coin — obverse (Uncrowned Susanna Blunt portrait with 'P' composition mark) and reverse (Beaver design by George Kruger-Gray). The year 2003 produced three distinct obverse types for this single denomination.
The 2003 Canadian 5-cent piece is one of the most historically significant modern issues in the Canadian nickel series. It marks the end of the Dora de Pédery-Hunt Crowned portrait era, the debut of Susanna Blunt's Uncrowned Fourth Portrait, and a special Coronation commemorative Silver Proof honoring the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's 1953 coronation — three distinct obverses produced for a single year and denomination. Circulation strikes feature Multi-Ply Plated Steel composition, while the silver proof issues carry sterling silver planchets, making composition verification a critical first step for any collector.
Note: Random production errors (off-center strikes, plating blisters, clips) exist for 2003 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide, which covers intentional varieties and finished grades only.
2003 Canadian Nickel Composition & Melt Value
Side-by-side weight comparison: the standard plated-steel 2003 nickel (3.95 g) versus the Sterling Silver Proof (5.35 g). A precise scale is the fastest way to confirm a suspect coin's composition. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
A. Circulation Standard: Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS)
By 2003, the Royal Canadian Mint had completed its transition from pure nickel (used until 1981) and cupro-nickel to Multi-Ply Plated Steel for the 5-cent denomination. The steel core is electro-plated with successive layers of nickel, copper, and a final nickel finish, giving the coin its characteristic silver-white appearance.
The "P" Composition Identifier: Every 2003 plated-steel 5-cent coin — Business Strike, Proof-Like, or Specimen — carries the letter P below the Queen's effigy. This is a composition identifier, not a mint mark. It alerts vending machine operators and the public to the coin's electromagnetic signature. The Winnipeg-struck WP variety adds a second letter to the left of the P, creating the distinguishing mark described in the Variants section.
Magnetism: The steel core makes these coins strongly magnetic — they will cling firmly to any standard household magnet. This is the fastest authentication test for the 2003 series.
Melt Value: Negligible. The intrinsic value of the steel and microscopic plating layers is well below the 5-cent face value. No economic incentive exists to melt standard 2003 nickels.
B. Collector Issue: Sterling Silver (.925 Fine)
The Sterling Silver Proof coins included in the 2003 Proof Sets and Double Dollar Sets revert to traditional precious metal coinage. The 7.5% copper alloy provides hardness sufficient for deep-relief mirror strikes.
Melt Value (Silver Proof): Based on a silver spot price of approximately $106.48 CAD per troy ounce (~$3.42 CAD per gram) as of February 2026, the sterling silver 2003 proof nickel carries a melt floor of approximately $16.93 CAD. This represents a hard financial minimum well above face value and far above the plated-steel coins.
Critical Distinction: Only the Proof coins are silver. Proof-Like (PL) and Specimen (SP) coins sold in collector sets are made of the same plated steel as circulation strikes. The magnet test resolves this instantly: a non-magnetic 2003 nickel is confirmed silver; a magnetic one is plated steel regardless of its surface sheen.
Weight as Authentication: A 2003 nickel that appears proof-quality but is magnetic is likely a polished or altered plated-steel coin. If non-magnetic and weighing 5.35 g, it is confirmed sterling silver. If non-magnetic but weighing 3.95 g, further investigation is warranted.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Wiping a proof or Proof-Like 2003 nickel leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details — Cleaned" and loses all numismatic premium. The milky white haze that can develop on plated-steel coins should never be wiped — bring it to a professional conservator if necessary.
2003 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Portrait, Grade & Finish
Visual guide to the four 2003 nickel finishes: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (mirror fields, brilliant devices), Specimen (matte/lined fields, frosted devices), and Sterling Silver Proof (deep black-mirror fields, heavy frost). Correct finish identification is essential before consulting any value table. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2003 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation)
The following values apply to standard plated-steel coins with no mint errors. Grades below MS65 carry minimal premium for this high-mintage modern issue. The "value cliff" begins at MS65 and becomes pronounced at MS66+, where the plating process makes flawless surfaces exceptionally rare.
| Portrait / Type | Circulated | BU (MS60–63) | MS65 | MS66–67 (Certified) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crowned P Dora de Pédery-Hunt — Final Issue | Face Value | $0.25–$0.75 | $5.00–$8.00 | ~$180–$300 | Part of ~61.4 M aggregate mintage. MS66+ is scarce due to early-year planchet rinsing spots. Final year of Third Portrait. |
| Uncrowned P Susanna Blunt — First Year of Issue | Face Value | $0.25–$0.50 | $4.00–$6.00 | — | Part of ~61.4 M aggregate mintage. First year of Fourth Portrait. Mintage split between Crowned/Uncrowned not officially documented. |
The Crowned portrait MS66/67 range of ~$180–$300 CAD reflects certified (PCGS/ICCS) examples only. Raw coins command only a fraction of those prices.
Grade comparison for the 2003 Canadian nickel: circulated (detail loss on high points), BU MS63 (full luster but contact marks), MS65 Gem (few distracting marks), and MS67 Superb Gem (virtually flawless surfaces). The jump from MS65 to MS66 is the critical value cliff for plated-steel coins. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
ℹ️ The MS64 Plateau
Most uncirculated 2003 nickels saved from rolls grade at MS64. They have full luster but typically show one or two distracting marks or field "chatter." These are generally worth only a few dollars. The jump from MS65 to MS66 requires a virtually flawless plated surface — difficult because the steel-plating process can leave microscopic rinsing residues or bubbles that grading services penalize heavily. PCGS/ICCS MS66+ examples are statistically uncommon for this date.
2003 Canadian Nickel — Crowned Portrait Collector Finishes (PL & SP)
The Crowned portrait also appears in two collector finishes from official RCM sets. These are plated-steel coins — apply the magnet test to confirm. Value figures represent typical individual coin prices; "Full Set" reflects what a sealed, intact set containing this coin trades for.
| Finish | Raw BU | Full Set Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | $1.00–$2.00 | $15.00 | Mirror fields, brilliant devices. From cellophane/pliofilm set. Strongly magnetic. PVC risk in original packaging — see warning below. |
| Specimen (SP) | $2.00–$3.50 | $20.00 | Matte/lined fields with squared-rim sharpness. From leatherette prestige set. Strongly magnetic. Distinct finish premium over PL. |
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk
Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm (cellophane) packaging may develop green PVC residue over time. If you see green slime on a 2003 PL nickel, the coin requires professional conservation with pure acetone — not nail polish remover, which contains harmful additives. PVC-damaged coins revert to face or melt value regardless of the underlying grade.
2003 Canadian Nickel — Uncrowned WP Proof-Like (Winnipeg Variety)
The WP variety is the standout collectible of the 2003 5-cent series. It features the new Susanna Blunt Uncrowned portrait and was struck exclusively at the Winnipeg Mint for inclusion in the official Uncirculated Set — it was never issued for general circulation. Breaking the sealed set is the only way to obtain this coin as a single, making the raw supply of individually-held examples limited relative to collector demand.
| Variety | Raw (MS60–65) | Top Grade (MS67, Certified) | Full Set Value | Approx. Set Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncrowned WP — Proof-Like Charlton Ch# 491 | $3.00–$8.00 | ~$200–$400 | $15.00–$25.00 | ~56,000 sets | Winnipeg Uncirculated Set exclusive. "WP" visible below bust to the left of the P. Magnetic (plated steel). First-year Blunt portrait. Registry Set key. |
Top-grade MS-67 WP examples of ~$200–$400 CAD reflect certified coins. These markets are thin: a single competitive bidding situation between Registry Set collectors can drive prices significantly above or below typical ranges. See NumisBids Canadian Numismatic Company January 2024 sale records for recent realized prices.
2003 Canadian Nickel — Sterling Silver Proof (Youthful Coronation Portrait)
The Sterling Silver Proof is an entirely separate coin — different metal, different obverse design, different production method. It is Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) and was never intended for commerce. Its obverse resurrects a youthful likeness of Queen Elizabeth II as she appeared in 1953, flanked by the dates 1953 and 2003 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the coronation. It is non-magnetic and weighs 5.35 g.
| Portrait | Finish | Typical (PR65–69) | PR70 (Certified) | Melt Floor | Approx. Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youthful "Coronation" Based on Mary Gillick portrait Charlton Ch# 182a Dates: 1953–2003 | Sterling Silver Proof | $18.00–$25.00 | ~$150–$250 | ~$16.93 CAD | ~62,007 | Non-magnetic. 92.5% Ag. Deep mirror fields, heavy frosted devices. One-year-only obverse. Premium over melt anchored by unique portrait type. |
Silver melt floor based on spot price of approximately $106.48 CAD/troy oz (~$3.42 CAD/g) as of February 2026, per SilverPrice.org Canada data. Verify current spot before any transaction. For complete denomination pricing across all years, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2003 Canadian Nickel Varieties
The 2003 Sterling Silver Proof "Youthful Coronation" 5-cent coin. Note the dual dates "1953" and "2003" flanking the youthful portrait — the fastest visual identifier of the silver issue. This coin is non-magnetic and weighs 5.35 g. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
A. Trophy-Level Varieties (Certified, High-Population Coins)
The following represent the highest-value 2003 nickel realizations. These prices apply exclusively to certified coins in top-tier holders (PCGS, ICCS, or NGC). Raw examples command only a fraction of these prices even in comparable condition.
| Variety | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade Required | Typical Certified Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 P (Crowned) — Business Strike | Population scarcity. Early-year plated-steel planchets prone to rinsing spots. Achieving MS66 or MS67 without surface impairment is statistically uncommon. | MS-66 or MS-67 (ICCS/PCGS) | ~$180–$300 CAD | ICCS Trends / Auction data |
| 2003 WP (Uncrowned) — Proof-Like | Registry Set key. Charlton-listed variety with restricted supply (Winnipeg set exclusive, ~56,000 sets). First-year Blunt portrait makes it doubly desirable. | MS-67 (PCGS/ICCS) | ~$200–$400 CAD | Comparative market data; NumisBids 2024 auction records |
| 2003 Silver Proof — PF70 | Perfection premium. PF69 is common; a grade of 70 indicates zero imperfections under 5× magnification — rare even for proof coinage. | PR-70 Ultra Cameo (PCGS/NGC) | ~$150–$250 CAD | Auction records; PCGS Auction Archives (2003 Coronation set reference) |
Important caveat: Trophy-level markets for modern Canadian coinage are thin. A single competitive bid between two Registry Set collectors can push a typical $200 coin to $500+ overnight. Conversely, without competitive bidding, the same coin may sit unsold. Treat high-end realized prices as potential, not guaranteed, outcomes.
B. Findable Varieties (Accessible to Average Collectors)
These varieties are uncommon or set-exclusive but can be identified and purchased from dealers or online marketplaces at moderate premiums. They are the coins every 2003 date-set collector must distinguish to complete a proper type set.
| Variety | Charlton Ref | How to Identify | Why It's Rarer | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncrowned WP — Proof-Like | Ch# 491 | Look for WP below the Queen's bust — a letter "W" immediately to the left of the standard "P" composition mark. | Exclusive to the Winnipeg Uncirculated Set. Never placed in general circulation. | $3.00–$8.00 (raw single coin) |
| Silver "Youthful" Coronation | Ch# 182a | Dual dates 1953–2003 flanking portrait + non-magnetic response to magnet + 5.35 g weight. | NCLT (Non-Circulating Legal Tender). Sterling silver. One-year-only portrait honoring 50th coronation anniversary. | $18.00–$25.00 (typical) |
| Crowned Portrait — Specimen (SP) | Ch# Varied | Matte/lined (striated) background fields. Found only in hard plastic case within leatherette or prestige book-style folder. Magnetic. | Distinct SP finish is sharper and rarer than PL. Lower mintage than Business Strikes. | $5.00–$10.00 |
For additional NGC market pricing data on this series, see the NGC Canada 5 Cents KM 491 Price Guide. Calgary Coin also publishes dealer buy/sell spreads at calgarycoin.com modern 5-cent listings.
2003 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
All three 2003 Canadian nickel obverse portraits side by side. LEFT: Crowned (Dora de Pédery-Hunt) — Queen wears diamond diadem. CENTER: Uncrowned (Susanna Blunt) — Queen bare-headed with pearl necklace. RIGHT: Youthful Coronation (inspired by Mary Gillick) — young Queen with laurel wreath, flanked by dates 1953 and 2003. Portrait identification is the essential first step. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The 30-Second Triage Checklist
- Is she wearing a crown? Yes → Crowned (de Pédery-Hunt) portrait, first half of 2003. No crown, mature face → Uncrowned (Blunt) portrait, second half of 2003. No crown, young face with dual dates → Silver Proof Youthful Coronation portrait.
- Look for "WP" below the bust. See both a W and P under the Queen's truncation → Winnipeg PL variety (Ch# 491), never circulated. See only P → Standard plated-steel coin.
- Check for dual dates. Does the coin read "1953–2003"? Yes → Silver Proof commemorative (Ch# 182a).
- Apply the magnet test. Sticks → Plated steel (circulation strike, PL, or SP). Does not stick → Confirmed sterling silver proof.
- Weigh if non-magnetic. 5.35 g + non-magnetic = confirmed sterling silver. 3.95 g + non-magnetic = investigate further (possible foreign planchet or altered coin).
Detailed Portrait Identification
The Crowned Effigy (Dora de Pédery-Hunt — Third Portrait, 1990–2003): Queen Elizabeth II faces right. She wears a diamond diadem (crown), earrings, and necklace. This is the "Old" effigy — the final year of this portrait on Canadian coinage. Relief is generally lower and flatter compared to the Blunt portrait.
The Uncrowned Effigy (Susanna Blunt — Fourth Portrait, 2003–2022): Queen Elizabeth II faces right, bare-headed. She wears a simple pearl necklace and pearl stud earring. The portrait appears more mature and modern. This is the first appearance of this portrait on any Canadian coin — making 2003 the "First Year of Issue" for the Fourth Portrait. A standard "P" composition mark appears below the bust; the Winnipeg variant reads "WP".
The Youthful Effigy (Inspired by Mary Gillick — Coronation Commemorative): A young Queen Elizabeth II as she appeared in 1953 faces right, wearing a laurel wreath in her hair. The dates 1953 and 2003 appear flanking the portrait. This design appears only on the Sterling Silver Proof.
Close-up of the "WP" mint mark location on the 2003 Winnipeg Proof-Like nickel — found directly below the Queen's bust truncation, to the left of the standard "P" composition mark. The standard coin shows only "P". (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Finish Identification (The Critical Step)
- Business Strike (Circulation): Cartwheel luster — a rotating spoke of light when tilted under a lamp. Fields are bright but not mirror-like. May show small scratches or bag marks from contact with other coins.
- Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like background fields that reflect text clearly. Found sealed in pliable cellophane (pliofilm) within an official RCM Uncirculated Set. Brilliant (non-frosted) devices. Strongly magnetic.
- Specimen (SP): Matte or striated (lined) background fields — the texture is the tell. Found in a hard plastic case inside a leatherette or book-style prestige folder. Frosted devices against the matte fields. Strongly magnetic. Sharper squared rim than PL or business strikes.
- Sterling Silver Proof (PR): Deep black-mirror fields reflecting like polished glass. Heavily frosted (white) raised devices creating strong cameo contrast. Housed in a hard plastic capsule inside a clam-shell box. Non-magnetic.
The definitive magnet test for 2003 Canadian nickels: LEFT — plated-steel business strike (or PL/SP coin) clings firmly to the magnet. RIGHT — Sterling Silver Proof sits beside the magnet without attraction. This single test separates the $0.05 coin from the $16.93+ silver coin. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Marks Reference for 2003
- P — Plated-steel composition identifier. Present on all standard plated-steel 2003 nickels (Crowned and Uncrowned). Located below the Queen's bust truncation.
- WP — Winnipeg Uncirculated Set mark. W to the left of P, below the Uncrowned Blunt bust. Never appears on circulation coins.
- No mark — Sterling Silver Proof. No composition letter appears on the Youthful Coronation portrait coin.
ℹ️ ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC for 2003 Nickels
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic Canadian standard — dealers in Canada largely trade on ICCS grades, and their soft-flip holders are common for mid-range coins. PCGS hard slabs are preferred for high-value registry competition and offer superior secondary-market liquidity in the US market. A PCGS MS67 will typically outsell an equivalently graded ICCS coin due to international buyer recognition. For the 2003 WP variety and any Crowned MS66+ example, professional certification from either service is strongly recommended before selling at trophy-level prices.
2003 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 2003 Canadian nickel worth?
It depends on which of the three portrait types you have and its condition. A standard circulated Crowned or Uncrowned plated-steel coin is worth face value ($0.05). BU examples reach $0.25–$0.75. MS65 certified coins trade for $4.00–$8.00. The Winnipeg WP Proof-Like variety sells for $3.00–$8.00 raw. The Sterling Silver Proof starts at ~$16.93 CAD melt and typically trades for $18.00–$25.00.
Is the 2003 Canadian nickel magnetic?
Most 2003 nickels — Business Strikes, Proof-Like, and Specimen coins — are strongly magnetic because they are made of Multi-Ply Plated Steel with a steel core. The Sterling Silver Proof (the "1953–2003" Youthful Coronation coin) is non-magnetic because silver is diamagnetic. The magnet test is the fastest and most reliable non-destructive tool for distinguishing the two compositions.
What is the "WP" mark on my 2003 nickel?
The WP mark indicates the coin was struck at the Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg facility and included exclusively in the 2003 Winnipeg Uncirculated Set — it was never issued for general circulation. The W appears to the left of the standard P composition identifier, directly below the Uncrowned Susanna Blunt portrait. Approximately 56,000 sets were produced. A single WP coin in raw condition sells for $3.00–$8.00; in top certified grade (MS67), it can reach ~$200–$400 CAD.
Is my 2003 Canadian nickel silver?
Only if it has the dual dates "1953–2003" flanking the portrait and is non-magnetic. That coin is the Sterling Silver Proof containing 92.5% silver, with a melt value of approximately $16.93 CAD at February 2026 silver prices. All other 2003 nickels — Business Strikes, Proof-Like, and Specimen coins — are Multi-Ply Plated Steel and contain negligible precious metal value. The standard "P" mark alone (without the 1953–2003 dates) does not indicate silver; it is a plated-steel composition identifier.
What makes a 2003 Canadian nickel valuable?
Three factors drive value: (1) Portrait type — the Crowned portrait in top grade is becoming harder to find; the WP Uncrowned is set-exclusive. (2) Finish — Proof-Like and Specimen coins carry premiums over Business Strikes; Sterling Silver Proofs carry an additional precious-metal premium. (3) Certified grade — for plated-steel coins, the value cliff at MS65 and above is steep. Achieving MS66+ without surface impairment from the plating process is statistically uncommon, making top-pop examples genuinely scarce. Fingerprints, cleaning, and improper handling destroy value permanently.
How do I tell the Crowned from the Uncrowned portrait?
Look at the Queen's head. The Crowned portrait (by Dora de Pédery-Hunt) shows Queen Elizabeth II wearing a diamond diadem (crown), earrings, and necklace — this was the standard portrait from 1990 through mid-2003. The Uncrowned portrait (by Susanna Blunt) shows the Queen bare-headed with a simple pearl necklace and pearl stud earring — a more modern, unadorned appearance introduced mid-2003. Both wear the standard "P" composition mark below the bust; only the Winnipeg Uncrowned carries "WP".
What is the "1953–2003" nickel I found?
That is the 2003 Sterling Silver Proof issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's 1953 coronation. Its obverse features a youthful likeness of the Queen as she appeared at her coronation, inspired by the original Mary Gillick design. It is Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) — meaning it was never intended for commercial use. If someone spent it by mistake, you found a silver coin worth at least ~$16.93 CAD in melt value and typically $18.00–$25.00 as a collector item. Confirm with the magnet test: it will not be attracted to a magnet.
Should I get my 2003 Canadian nickel graded?
Only if the coin is genuinely exceptional. ICCS grading fees typically start around $20–$30+ CAD per coin; PCGS fees are similar or higher. For the MS65 range ($4–$8), grading costs exceed the coin's numismatic value. Grading only becomes economically justified if you have a strong candidate for MS66+ ($180–$300) Crowned, a WP coin you believe grades MS67, or a Silver Proof you want to submit for PF70. When in doubt, consult a trusted dealer before spending on certification.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL) and Specimen (SP) finishes?
Both are plated-steel collector coins, never circulated, but they have distinct visual signatures. Proof-Like (PL) coins have mirror-like background fields and brilliant (non-frosted) devices — they come sealed in pliable cellophane within an RCM Uncirculated Set. Specimen (SP) coins have a matte or striated (lined) background texture with frosted devices — they come in hard plastic capsules within leatherette or book-style prestige sets. The SP typically carries a higher premium than the PL for the same date, and its squared-rim sharpness distinguishes it from a business strike even at a glance. Neither PL nor SP should be confused with Business Strikes: a "shiny" 2003 nickel found loose is almost certainly a PL removed from a set, not a rare high-grade business strike.
What are the key reference sources for 2003 Canadian nickel valuation?
The primary reference for variety attribution is the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, which assigns Ch# 491 to the WP variety and Ch# 182a to the Youthful Silver Proof. Pricing data is tracked by NGC's World Coin Price Guide, auction archives at NumisBids, and dealer price lists such as Calgary Coin's modern 5-cent reference. Coin specifications are confirmed via Numista (plated-steel issues) and Numista (silver issues).
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Data is synthesized from the following prioritized sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — variety attribution and Ch# references (Ch# 491 for WP; Ch# 182a for Youthful Silver)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM 491 — grade-level pricing benchmarks
- NumisBids — Canadian Numismatic Company January 2024 New Year's Sale — realized auction records for WP and trophy-grade examples
- PCGS Auction Archives — 2003 Canada Coronation Silver PF70 — proof-grade market reference
- Calgary Coin — Modern Canadian 5-Cent Listings — dealer buy/sell pricing context
- Numista — 5 Cents Elizabeth II (4th Portrait, Magnetic) and Numista — 5 Cents Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait, Silver) — specification confirmation
- SilverPrice.org Canada — silver spot price for melt value calculation (February 2026)
- Royal Canadian Mint (mint.ca) — official composition confirmation for 2003 Coronation Jubilee specifications
Disclaimer: Coin markets fluctuate. Values stated represent typical market conditions as of February 2026 and are not guarantees of sale price. Trophy-level realizations depend on competitive bidding conditions and registry competition at the time of sale. Always verify current prices with a qualified dealer or recent auction records 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.