2013 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide
Find out what your 2013 Canadian nickel is worth in CAD. Complete price guide covering business strikes (MS-64 through MS-67), Specimen sets (Blue-winged Teal and rare Black Bear Cubs), the 99.99% Silver Proof, and the truth about the Far 2 variety myth.
Most 2013 Canadian nickels found in pocket change are worth exactly $0.05 (face value). Certified gem examples reach $16.00 – $73.50+ depending on grade. The 99.99% Silver Proof trades for $26.70 – $45.00 as a single coin.
- Circulated (VG – AU):$0.05 (face value — applies to 99% of examples)
- Uncirculated (MS-60 – MS-63):$0.25 – $0.75
- Choice / Gem (MS-64 – MS-65):$2.00 – $18.00
- Superb Gem / Top Pop (MS-66 – MS-67+):$25.00 – $73.50+
- Specimen (SP-67, single coin):~$15.00 | Intact in original set: $35.00 – $75.00+
- Silver Proof (PR-67 – PR-69 Deep Cameo):$26.70 – $45.00
Found in change? Worth $0.05 unless flawless under magnification. Coin has lined or matte fields? It is a Specimen from a collector set — run the magnet test first. Non-magnetic? You have the 99.99% Silver Proof worth $26.70 – $45.00. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2013 Canadian 5-cent coin marks a definitive turning point in Canadian monetary history. On February 4, 2013, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) ceased distributing the one-cent coin to financial institutions, making the nickel the lowest-denomination coin in active Canadian circulation for the first time. This increased the nickel's velocity of use and, for collectors, made pristine gem-grade examples harder to find as years passed. The 2013 issue is struck from multi-ply plated steel (MPPS) and carries Susanna Blunt's Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and G.E. Kruger-Gray's iconic 1937 beaver design on the reverse. For values across all Canadian nickel issues, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
2013 Canadian Nickel Composition & Metal Properties
Circulation & Specimen Composition: Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS)
The 2013 circulation and Specimen nickels are struck from a multi-ply plated steel (MPPS) core. The coin's base is low-carbon steel (94.5%), coated with alternating layers of copper (3.5%) and finished with a nickel plating (2%) that gives the coin its familiar silvery appearance. This layered construction creates a specific electromagnetic signature (EMS) that modern vending machines and coin counters use to authenticate the denomination.
For collectors, MPPS presents distinct grading challenges. The steel core is susceptible to corrosion if the plating is breached by even a microscopic scratch or bag mark. The hardness of the steel also requires higher striking pressure, which can result in "weak strikes" — flatness on the high points of the beaver's fur or the Queen's hair — and a characteristic "orange peel" surface texture on the fields that grading services may penalize. Finding a flawless example where every strand of fur on the beaver and every detail on the portrait is sharply defined is the central challenge of high-grade 2013 nickel collecting.
Silver Proof Composition: 99.99% Pure Silver
The 2013 Fine Silver Proof version — released exclusively in the 2013 Fine Silver Proof Set (100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition) — is struck from an entirely different composition: 99.99% pure silver, weighing 5.40 grams versus 3.95 grams for the steel coin. The diameter remains 21.20 mm. No melt value calculation is provided in available pricing references for this coin; its value is driven by collector demand and set integrity rather than silver spot price alone.
Magnet Test: The Critical First Step
Because the 2013 nickel exists in two completely different metal compositions, the magnet test is the single most important diagnostic for any collector assessing a 2013 example:
- Sticks strongly to a magnet: Steel coin — either a circulation strike, gift set BU example, or Specimen. Value depends entirely on grade and finish. Proceed to the finish inspection described in the Identification section.
- Does not stick to a magnet:Silver Proof — struck in 99.99% pure silver. Value: $26.70 – $45.00 as a single certified coin per available market data. Protect immediately; pure silver is soft and scratches easily.
The weight difference (3.95 g for steel versus 5.40 g for silver) can be confirmed on a precise digital scale as a secondary check.
2013 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 2013 Canadian nickel's value is determined almost entirely by finish and condition. A circulated example is worth face value regardless of date. A certified MS-67 is a genuine condition rarity. The three finish types are covered in separate tables below. All values in CAD as of February 2026, sourced from Coins and Canada and Calgary Coin.
Three finishes of the 2013 Canadian nickel side by side: Business Strike (cartwheel luster, standard fields), Specimen (fine lined/matte field texture, frosted devices), and Silver Proof (deep mirror fields, heavy device frosting, non-magnetic). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2013 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation & Gift Sets)
The 78,120,000 circulation nickels and the brilliant uncirculated examples found in thematic gift sets (O Canada, Baby, Birthday, Wedding sets) share the same MPPS composition and standard Kruger-Gray beaver design. Gift set coins often achieve higher certified grades because they have never contacted other coins, eliminating the bag marks and roll friction that limit circulation examples. This makes sealed gift sets the most practical source of grading candidates targeting MS-66 and above.
| Grade | Description | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (VG – AU) | Worn to lightly worn | $0.05 | 99% of examples found in change or jars |
| MS-60 – MS-63 | Uncirculated, bag marks visible | $0.25 – $0.75 | Common in bank rolls; some contact marks acceptable at this tier |
| MS-64 | Choice Uncirculated | $2.00 – $6.30 | Clean fields; plating blisters cap many coins at this level |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | $16.00 – $18.00 | Minimal marks; full strike; blister-free Queen's cheek required |
| MS-66 | Superb Gem | $25.00 – $35.00 | Virtually flawless surfaces; condition rarity |
| MS-67 | Top Population | $73.50+ | Extremely rare due to MPPS manufacturing limitations; primarily a registry target |
The leap from MS-64 to MS-65 is the most dramatic value cliff in this table. MPPS coins frequently stall at MS-64 because plating blisters on the Queen's cheek and an "orange peel" texture in the fields reduce technical grades before contact marks even become the issue. An MS-67 on a steel coin is a genuine rarity, not a common high-grade example.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coin
Cleaning strips the original plating luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned 2013 nickel receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from any grading service and loses all numismatic premium, regardless of its underlying strike quality or surface detail. Do not polish, dip, or rub a coin you intend to submit for grading.
Condition comparison for the 2013 Canadian nickel: MS-63 (bag marks visible on beaver and fields), MS-65 (clean fields, full fur definition, blister-free cheek), and MS-67 top population (virtually perfect plating with complete strike sharpness). The value cliff between MS-64 and MS-65 is the most significant in this coin's grade spectrum. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2013 Canadian Nickel — Specimen (SP) Finish
The Specimen finish is a signature RCM production style featuring frosted, sharply defined devices against a lined or matte field. This is visually distinct from both the cartwheel luster of a business strike and the deep mirror of a proof. Specimen coins are struck twice at reduced speeds for enhanced definition and are sold exclusively in collector sets — they never enter circulation. Two distinct Specimen varieties exist for 2013, defined entirely by the set they originated from. Learn more about how to identify Specimen coins versus other finishes at Colonial Acres — Understanding Canadian Coin Finishes.
| Finish / Source Set | Mintage (Sets) | Grade | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen — Blue-winged Teal Set (75th Anniv. Ducks Unlimited) | 50,000 | SP-66 | ~$2.00 | Common in high grades; many sets remain intact |
| Specimen — Blue-winged Teal Set (75th Anniv. Ducks Unlimited) | 50,000 | SP-67 | ~$15.00 | Available; single coin value well below intact set value |
| Intact Specimen Set — Blue-winged Teal | 50,000 | — | $35.00 – $50.00 | Better realized value when set is unbroken with original packaging |
| Intact Specimen Set — Black Bear Cubs (Special Edition) | 17,500 | — | $50.00 – $75.00+ | Scarcest 2013 nickel issue. Nearly 3× rarer than Teal set; provenance premium requires intact original packaging |
A critical valuation note: once removed from their respective packaging, the nickel coins inside the Blue-winged Teal and Black Bear Cubs sets are visually identical. The mintage premium of the Black Bear Cubs set exists only while the coin is in its original packaging or is certified by a third-party grading service with set provenance noted. Breaking the rarer set to sell the nickel individually destroys the premium that makes it collectible.
ℹ️ Specimen Set Contamination
With substantial quantities of both Specimen sets produced, many have been broken open over the years. A "shiny" 2013 nickel with matte or lined fields found loose is almost certainly a Specimen coin, not a rare high-grade business strike. Confirm with the finish inspection described in the Identification section before attributing any loose example.
2013 Canadian Nickel — Fine Silver Proof (Arctic Expedition Set)
The prestige version of the 2013 nickel is struck in 99.99% pure silver with a deep cameo proof finish — deep mirror fields contrasting against heavily frosted devices. It was issued exclusively in the 2013 Fine Silver Proof Set commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, with a total set mintage of 25,000.
| Format | Mintage (Sets) | Grade / Condition | Value (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Proof — Single Coin | 25,000 | PR-67 – PR-69 Deep Cameo | $26.70 – $45.00 | Non-magnetic; 5.40 g; 99.99% silver; watch for milk spots |
| Intact Arctic Expedition Fine Silver Proof Set | 25,000 | — | $160.00 – $230.00 | Includes gold-plated silver dollar; full set trades well above sum of its individual parts |
⚠️ Milk Spots on Silver Proof Coins
The 2013 Silver Proof can develop "milk spots" — white, cloudy residue caused by detergent remaining on the planchet before striking. A coin affected by milk spots rarely grades above PR-66 or PR-67, regardless of strike sharpness. Inspect any raw (ungraded) Silver Proof carefully under a single-source light before purchasing.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2013 Canadian Nickel Varieties
The 2013 Canadian nickel has no recognized die varieties. Value is driven entirely by finish, composition, mintage, and certified grade. The three legitimate collectible variants are all intentional RCM production decisions — not anomalies or errors. Additionally, one prominent market myth must be addressed directly.
⚠️ The Far 2 Variety: A Market Warning
"Far 2" and "Near 2" are real, valuable varieties — but they belong to the 1932 Canadian nickel, not 2013. Online keyword confusion drives persistent search results linking these terms to 2013. There is no recognized Far 2 variety for the 2013 Canadian nickel in the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, the Coins and Canada database, or any major grading service census. Do not pay a variety premium for any 2013 nickel marketed as "Far 2" without a legitimate third-party certification confirming the attribution — as of the date of this guide, no such certification exists.
Trophy-Level Variants: Ranked by Scarcity
The two 2013 Specimen sets: the Blue-winged Teal (75th Anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada, 50,000 mintage) on the left, and the scarcer Black Bear Cubs Special Edition (17,500 mintage) on the right. Once removed from packaging, the nickel coins inside are visually identical — original packaging and provenance determine the premium.
- Special Edition Specimen Set — Black Bear Cubs (17,500 set mintage)
This is the scarcest official 2013 nickel issue. The 2013 Special Edition Black Bear Cubs Specimen Set was strictly limited to 17,500 units — nearly three times rarer than the standard Blue-winged Teal Specimen set, and over 4,000 times rarer than the 78,120,000 circulation strike. The nickel inside carries a Specimen finish identical to that in the Teal set once removed from packaging, meaning the premium attaches exclusively to the coin's provenance. Intact sets trade for $50.00 – $75.00+.
- Fine Silver Proof — Arctic Expedition Set (25,000 set mintage)
The only precious-metal 2013 nickel, struck in 99.99% pure silver with a deep cameo proof finish. Its non-magnetic property distinguishes it immediately from all steel variants without any additional inspection. Issued in the 2013 Fine Silver Proof Set (100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition). Single certified examples grade PR-67 to PR-69 Deep Cameo and trade for $26.70 – $45.00. Intact sets trade for $160.00 – $230.00.
- Specimen Set — Blue-winged Teal (50,000 set mintage)
The standard 2013 Specimen issue, released in the 75th Anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada Specimen Set. Intact sets trade for $35.00 – $50.00. Single certified coins at SP-67 trade for approximately $15.00.
- Condition Rarity: Certified MS-67 Business Strike
For roll hunters and set builders, the top-grade circulation strike is the ultimate "findable" challenge. The MPPS manufacturing process — prone to plating blisters, orange peel field texture, and weak strikes — makes a flawless certified MS-67 a genuine condition rarity despite a mintage of 78,120,000. Market values reach $73.50+ for certified examples. Attaining MS-68 on any steel coin is considered exceptional; populations at this level are effectively non-existent or single-digit for modern Canadian nickels.
2013 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly which version of the 2013 Canadian nickel you have before assessing value.
The 2013 Canadian 5-cent coin: Susanna Blunt's Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse (inscribed ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA), and G.E. Kruger-Gray's beaver-on-log reverse design (first introduced in 1937), with designer initials "KG" near the log. No mint marks appear on either face of the 2013 issue.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II facing right, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt (Fourth Portrait, used 2003–2022). She wears no crown — only a pearl necklace and earrings. The inscription reads ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA. If you see a crowned or tiara-wearing effigy, you have a different year.
- Reverse Check: A beaver sits on a log in a rocky stream. Inscription: CANADA arcs above; 5 CENTS and 2013 appear below the central motif. The designer's initials KG (George Edward Kruger-Gray) appear near the log at lower right.
- Date Check: The date 2013 appears below the beaver. This is a single-year issue — no dual dates.
- Edge Check: The edge is plain (smooth). There is no reeding on the 2013 nickel.
- Marks Check: There are no mint marks on the 2013 circulation nickel. The RCM logo does not appear on the obverse field. This is standard for Canadian circulation coinage of this era — the absence of a mark is not a defect.
- Step 1 — Magnet Test (Critical Composition Check):
- Place a household magnet against the coin.
- Sticks strongly to the magnet: Steel coin (Circulation, Gift Set BU, or Specimen). Proceed to Step 2.
- Does not stick:Silver Proof — 99.99% pure silver, 5.40 g. Value: $26.70 – $45.00 as a single certified coin. Protect immediately — silver is soft and scratches easily.
- Step 2 — Finish Inspection (Magnetic Coins Only):
- Tilt the coin under a single light source at roughly 45°.
- Do the flat background areas (fields) show fine parallel lines or a uniform matte/striated texture? → Specimen (SP) finish. Check whether original packaging is available — the Black Bear Cubs set (17,500 mintage) commands a higher premium than the Blue-winged Teal set (50,000 mintage).
- Do the fields show shifting cartwheel luster (bright bands that rotate with the coin)? → Business Strike (MS). Proceed to Step 3.
- Step 3 — Condition Assessment (Business Strikes Only):
- Use a 5× to 10× loupe.
- Inspect the Queen's cheek for plating blisters (small raised bubbles). Any blisters → value is $0.05.
- Inspect the beaver's fur at highest relief for weak strike (flatness).
- Inspect the fields for scratches, bag marks, or orange peel texture.
- Any contact marks, blisters, or weak strike: Face value to $0.75.
- Blister-free cheek, full fur definition, minimal field marks: Candidate for professional grading. Potential certified value: $20.00 – $73.50+.
The magnet test for the 2013 Canadian nickel: the multi-ply plated steel circulation and Specimen coins are strongly magnetic (left), while the 99.99% Silver Proof is completely non-magnetic (right). This single test identifies the coin's composition in seconds.
Close-up of a plating blister on the 2013 Canadian nickel's obverse — small bubbles caused by gas trapped between the steel core and the plating during manufacture. A blister anywhere on the coin is fatal to a grade of MS-66 or higher. A blister-free Queen's cheek is the first prerequisite for any top-grade candidate. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
ℹ️ ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC for Canadian Nickels
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard and is well recognized by Canadian dealers and auction houses. PCGS and NGC are US-based but do certify Canadian coins and carry significant weight in the international market; PCGS holders are generally preferred for registry set competition. Grading submission fees typically start at $30–$60+ CAD per coin — ensure your coin has a realistic chance of reaching MS-65 or higher before spending on submission. At MS-64, the premium rarely justifies the grading cost.
2013 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 2013 Canadian nickel worth?
Most 2013 Canadian nickels are worth $0.05 — face value. A meaningful premium requires certified gem condition: MS-65 coins trade for $16.00 – $18.00 CAD, while an MS-67 reaches $73.50+. The 99.99% Silver Proof from the Arctic Expedition set trades for $26.70 – $45.00 as a single coin, or $160.00 – $230.00 as the intact set. Specimen coins from collector sets range from ~$2.00 (SP-66) to ~$15.00 (SP-67) individually, with intact sets commanding higher premiums.
Is a 2013 Canadian nickel rare?
In circulated condition, no — 78,120,000 were minted for circulation. However, the 2013 mintage represents a sharp 61.5% decline from 2012 production levels, making roll-quality examples statistically harder to find than in adjacent years. Genuine rarities are the Special Edition Black Bear Cubs Specimen Set (17,500 set mintage) and the Fine Silver Proof set (25,000 set mintage). In terms of condition rarity, a certified MS-67 business strike is a legitimate rarity for any modern MPPS nickel due to the inherent limitations of the plated steel production process.
Is my 2013 Canadian nickel silver?
Only one version of the 2013 nickel is silver: the 99.99% pure silver proof struck for the 2013 Fine Silver Proof Set (100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition). Apply the magnet test — if the coin is non-magnetic, you have the silver proof. If it sticks strongly to a magnet, it is multi-ply plated steel (94.5% Fe, 3.5% Cu, 2% Ni) and contains no precious metal content. The weight difference — 5.40 g for silver versus 3.95 g for steel — can confirm the result on a digital scale.
What is the "Far 2" variety and does it exist for 2013?
No recognized "Far 2" variety exists for the 2013 Canadian nickel. The Far 2 and Near 2 varieties are real and valuable — but they belong to the 1932 Canadian nickel, where the placement of the digit "2" relative to the maple leaf creates a distinct scarce variant. Online keyword confusion causes these attributions to appear alongside 2013 date searches. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the Coins and Canada database list no Far 2 attribution for 2013. Do not pay any premium for a 2013 nickel marketed as a Far 2 variety.
What makes a 2013 Canadian nickel valuable?
Three factors drive value. (1) Certified grade: the cliff from MS-64 (up to $6.30) to MS-65 ($16.00 – $18.00) is dramatic, and MS-67 reaches $73.50+. (2) Finish and composition: the Silver Proof (99.99% Ag, non-magnetic) and Specimen finishes were produced in strictly limited quantities for collectors and carry premiums well above face value. (3) Provenance and set integrity: the Black Bear Cubs Specimen Set (17,500 mintage) commands a premium only when the coin remains attributable to its rarer set — either through intact original packaging or third-party certification with set provenance noted.
How do I tell if my 2013 nickel is a Specimen or a regular circulation coin?
Tilt the coin under a single light source at roughly 45° and look at the flat background (field). A Specimen coin has a distinctive lined or striated matte texture — fine parallel lines running uniformly across the field — combined with frosted, sharply defined devices. A business strike shows cartwheel luster: shifting bright bands that rotate as you turn the coin. A Specimen will always be magnetic (steel-based), and because it was sold in a sealed collector set, it will typically be in higher condition than a coin pulled from pocket change.
What is the difference between a Specimen finish and a Silver Proof finish?
Both are intentional collector finishes, but they differ in composition, visual character, and production. Specimen (SP): steel composition (strongly magnetic), lined or matte fields, frosted devices, struck twice at reduced speed, weight 3.95 g. Silver Proof (PR/PF): 99.99% pure silver (non-magnetic), deep mirror fields that appear black against heavily frosted white devices, heavier at 5.40 g, highest design fidelity. The contrast on a Silver Proof is considerably more dramatic than on a Specimen — the mirror-vs-frost effect on the proof approaches black-and-white in appearance under direct light.
What is a plating blister and why does it prevent a high grade?
A plating blister is a small raised bubble caused by gas trapped between the steel core and the copper or nickel plating during the minting process. On the 2013 nickel, blisters most commonly appear on the Queen's cheek or on the flat fields near the beaver. They are a manufacturing flaw, not damage from handling, but grading services treat them as surface impairments. Any blister effectively limits a coin's grade to MS-65 or below — a blister-free coin is a hard prerequisite for achieving MS-66 or higher.
Should I get my 2013 Canadian nickel graded?
Grading makes economic sense only if your coin has a realistic chance of reaching MS-65 or higher. At MS-64 (up to $6.30), the premium rarely justifies grading fees that typically start at $30–$60+ CAD per coin at ICCS, PCGS, or NGC. A coin targeting MS-66 ($25.00 – $35.00) is marginal; MS-67 ($73.50+) makes a clear case. For Specimen and Silver Proof coins, grading adds authentication and provenance value — particularly if you intend to sell a coin from one of the rarer collector sets independently of its original packaging.
How should I store my 2013 Canadian nickel to preserve its grade?
The steel core of MPPS coins is vulnerable to corrosion if the nickel plating is breached even microscopically. Store in a dry, low-humidity environment with desiccants. Use non-PVC Mylar flips or hard plastic capsules — PVC holders release acidic compounds over time that can etch and discolor the nickel plating. Never touch the obverse or reverse with bare fingers; skin oils will permanently etch the plating. Handle only by the edges. For Silver Proof coins, the same rules apply — pure silver is soft, and exposure to sulfur compounds causes irreversible toning that cannot be reversed without conservation treatment.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical CAD market prices as of February 2026 and are drawn from the following references. Prices represent collector market trading ranges — not retail list prices or melt value — and may fluctuate with market conditions and individual coin quality.
- Coins and Canada — 5 Cents 2003–2023 Price Guide (primary source for circulation and Specimen grade values)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 5-Cent Modern Issues (pricing and variety reference)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 5 Cents KM-491 (2003–2012) (grade context for adjacent series years)
- Royal Canadian Mint — 5-Cent Circulation History (official mintage data)
- Colonial Acres — Understanding Canadian Coin Finishes (Specimen and Proof finish definitions)
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 5-Cent Major Varieties (variety attribution reference; confirms no Far 2 variety for 2013)
- Wikipedia — Nickel (Canadian coin) (historical context and compositional background)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety attribution standard; no Far 2 listed for 2013)
Values are not guarantees of sale price. Raw (ungraded) coins should be evaluated by a qualified numismatist or submitted to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before significant transactions. This guide does not provide specific grading population census data, as the source references did not include census tables for the 2013 nickel; population references reflect qualitative descriptions from the source material only.
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.