2018 Canadian 5-Cent (Nickel) Value Guide
Find out what your 2018 Canadian nickel is worth. Complete grade-by-grade price guide covering Business Strike, Specimen, Base Metal Proof, Silver Proof, Colourised Silver, and Big Coin. All values in CAD, updated February 2026.
Most 2018 Canadian nickels are worth $0.05 (face value). Certified Gem examples (MS65) reach $16.80–$27.10, and a top-grade MS67 commands $113.00. The rare Big Coin (5 oz silver) tops the series at $764.00 (PR69).
- Found in change / circulated (AU50–58):$0.05 face value
- Uncirculated Business Strike (MS60–MS64):$0.25–$0.50
- Gem Business Strike (MS65–MS66):$16.80–$27.10
- Superb Gem Business Strike (MS67+):$113.00
- Specimen (SP) — Burrowing Owl Set:$3.90–$8.00 (Gem); $14.70+ (Superb)
- Base Metal Proof — Captain Cook Set:$7.80–$11.30 (Gem); $14.70+ (Superb)
- Silver Proof — Fine Silver Set:$26.70–$30.70 (Gem); $34.80+ (Superb)
- Colourised Silver Proof — Classic Colour Set:$34.30–$49.40 (Gem); $64.60+ (Superb)
- Big Coin Reverse Proof (5 oz Silver) — PR69:$764.00
Three quick checks: (1) Found in change? Worth face value — $0.05 — unless graded MS65 or better by PCGS or ICCS. (2) Shiny or from a set? Use the magnet test: a magnetic coin is a steel Specimen or Base Metal Proof worth $4–$15; a non-magnetic coin is a silver proof worth $26.70+. (3) Is it silver? Only the Fine Silver Proof Set and Classic Colourised Set versions are 99.99% silver — both are non-magnetic. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 2018 Canadian 5-cent coin carries the enduring Beaver reverse by G.E. Kruger-Gray — unchanged since its 1937 debut — paired with Susanna Blunt's uncrowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the Fourth Portrait in use from 2003 to 2022. Unlike the Canada 150 commemorative issues of 2017, the 2018 nickel uses a standard Beaver design for all circulation purposes, meaning grade, finish, and composition are the sole value drivers. The Royal Canadian Mint produced 87,528,000 circulation pieces alongside five distinct collector formats — Specimen, two Proof variants (base metal and silver), a Colourised Silver Proof, and the extraordinary Big Coin — spanning a value range from $0.05 to over $750. For cross-year pricing on this denomination, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Note: Production errors such as off-center strikes, die clashes, and planchet flaws exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
2018 Canadian Nickel Composition & Melt Value
Weight is the fastest secondary test: the steel MPPS 2018 nickel weighs 3.95g; the silver proof version weighs 5.40g — a 1.45g difference detectable on a small postal scale. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Standard Circulation and Base Metal Collector Issues (Multi-Ply Plated Steel)
The standard 2018 5-cent coin uses the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology. A low-carbon steel core is electroplated first with a copper adhesion layer and then with a nickel outer layer. This three-layer system provides wear resistance and the coin's characteristic silver-grey colour. This MPPS composition applies to all three steel-based finishes: the circulation Business Strike (87,528,000 produced), the Specimen from the Burrowing Owl set, and the Base Metal Proof from the Captain Cook set.
Melt value: Negligible. MPPS coins contain no precious metals. The combined value of their steel, copper, and nickel content is a fraction of the $0.05 face value. Their value is entirely face or numismatic.
Magnet test: MPPS coins are strongly magnetic due to the steel core. This is the single most important diagnostic for the 2018 nickel, instantly separating all three steel-based finishes from the silver collector variants. If your coin does not stick to a magnet, proceed immediately to the silver section below.
Silver Collector Issues (Fine Silver Proof Set and Classic Colourised Coin Set)
The 2018 5-cent coins issued in the Fine Silver Proof Set and the Classic Canadian Colourised Coin Set are struck in 99.99% pure silver, weighing 5.40 grams. Each contains approximately 0.1736 troy ounces of pure silver, providing a built-in floor value tied to the silver spot price. These coins are non-magnetic — the key identifier that separates them from all steel variants. As NCLT products issued at premiums well above their silver melt value, they rarely trade at raw metal value unless damaged.
Big Coin Series (5 oz Silver with Rose Gold Plating)
The Big Coin variant uses a 157.6-gram planchet of 99.99% pure silver with selective rose gold plating, containing approximately 5.06 troy ounces of silver. Its numismatic premium substantially exceeds the intrinsic metal value. With a mintage of only 1,500 pieces, it is the scarcest 2018 nickel in any format.
2018 Canadian Nickel Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The grade cliff is steep for the 2018 circulation nickel: MS63–64 ($0.25–$0.50) versus MS65 Gem ($16.80+) versus MS67 Superb ($113.00). A single contact mark on the beaver's flank or the Queen's cheek separates these tiers. (Illustration — grade differences are exaggerated for educational clarity; not photos of actual coins)
2018 Canadian Nickel — Business Strike (Circulation)
These are coins struck at high speed in Winnipeg for everyday commerce. Steel planchets scratch immediately upon contact with other coins in mint bags, creating the steep value cliff at MS65. The difference between an MS64 and an MS65 is often a single scratch on the beaver's flank or the Queen's cheek — invisible to the naked eye but decisive under 5x magnification at a grading service.
| Type | Circ (AU50–58) | BU (MS60–64) | Gem BU (MS65–66) | Superb (MS67+) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Beaver (Circulation) | $0.05 (face) | $0.25–$0.50 | $16.80–$27.10 | $113.00 | 87,528,000 |
| "First Strikes" — Winnipeg Wrap Roll (sealed packaging required) | — | $5.00–$10.00per sealed roll | — | — | 5,000 rolls |
ℹ️ "First Strike" Value Depends Entirely on Sealed Packaging
The "First Strikes" premium applies only to coins in their original sealed 2018 Special Wrap Roll (RCM). There is no mint mark, "W" mark, or other physical identifier on the coin itself — once the roll is opened, the coins are physically indistinguishable from ordinary circulation business strikes. Dealers will treat a loose coin from an opened roll as a standard circulation nickel worth $0.05.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 2018 Nickel
Wiping or polishing a 2018 nickel creates hairlines instantly visible under magnification, dropping the grade from MS65 (Gem, ~$16+) to "Uncirculated Details" (face value). The nickel-plated steel surface is particularly susceptible to micro-abrasion. Do not clean, wipe, or dip.
2018 Canadian Nickel — Specimen (SP) — Burrowing Owl Set
Specimen coins from the 2018 Burrowing Owl Specimen Set (RCM) feature a distinctive lined (striated) background field with frosted relief — a completely different visual character from the cartwheel luster of a circulation strike. Struck twice at slower speeds for sharper detail. These are magnetic (steel MPPS). With a set mintage of 30,000, they are accessible collector items that often trade for under $10 in typical grades.
| Finish | Gem (SP65–66) | Superb (SP67+) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) — Burrowing Owl Set | $3.90–$8.00 | $14.70+ | 30,000 sets |
2018 Canadian Nickel — Base Metal Proof (PF) — Captain Cook Set
The most frequently misidentified 2018 nickel. The Special Edition Silver Dollar Proof Set — Captain Cook (RCM) contains a 5-cent coin struck with a deep-mirror Proof finish — but in base metal steel, not silver. Only the dollar coin in that set is silver; the nickel, dime, and quarter are MPPS steel with a Proof finish. This coin is magnetic and weighs 3.95g. With only 15,000 sets produced, it is actually scarcer than the standard Silver Proof, yet commands a lower price due to its lack of precious metal. It represents a sleeper variety for finish-set collectors.
| Finish | Gem (PF65–66) | Superb (PF67+) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Metal Proof (PF) — Captain Cook Set | $7.80–$11.30 | $14.70+ | 15,000 sets |
2018 Canadian Nickel — Silver Proof (PF) — Fine Silver Set
Struck in 99.99% pure silver (5.40g) with deep mirror fields and heavily frosted devices. These coins are non-magnetic and carry a silver spot price floor. Values reflect both the bullion content and the numismatic premium for high-quality certified examples.
| Finish | Gem (PF65–66) | Superb (PF67+) | Mintage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Proof (PF) — Fine Silver Set | $26.70–$30.70 | $34.80+ | ~15,000 sets |
2018 Canadian Nickel — Colourised Silver Proof (PF) — Classic Colour Set
From the 2018 Classic Canadian Colourised Coin Set — the lowest mintage among all standard-format 2018 nickel collector issues. The selective colour application on the 99.99% silver planchet commands a meaningful premium over the standard Silver Proof, driven by lower mintage and broad appeal to thematic collectors. Also non-magnetic.
| Finish | Gem (PF65–66) | Superb (PF67+) | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colourised Silver Proof (PF) — Classic Colour Set | $34.30–$49.40 | $64.60+ | 7,000 sets |
2018 Canadian Nickel — Reverse Proof (RP) — Big Coin (5 oz Silver)
The 2018 Big Coin Series 5-cent piece (RCM) is a 157.6-gram, 99.99% silver coin with selective rose gold plating, struck with a Reverse Proof finish — frosted fields and mirror-like devices, the inverse of a standard Proof. At a mintage of only 1,500 pieces, it is the rarest 2018 nickel by any measure and commands the highest price in the entire series.
| Finish | PR69 | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Proof (RP) — Big Coin 5 oz Silver / Rose Gold | $764.00 | 1,500 |
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026, sourced from Coins and Canada 5-Cent Price Guide. For the complete denomination history, see our Canadian Nickel Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2018 Canadian Nickel Varieties
The 2018 5-cent coin has no documented die varieties — such as Doubled Die Obverses or bead varieties — listed in standard references including the Canadian 5-cent variety catalogue (Saskatoon Coin Club) or the Charlton Standard Catalogue (71st Edition). Instead, "varieties" for this year are defined entirely by finish and composition — identifiable through magnetism, weight, and visual examination of the fields.
A — Trophy-Level Values
The 2018 Big Coin (approx. 65mm, 5 oz silver) beside the standard 21.20mm circulation nickel. The size difference is immediate and unmistakable. At a mintage of 1,500, it is the scarcest 2018 nickel in any format. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade / Requirement | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulation Business Strike | Condition rarity — statistical improbability of a flawless steel coin surviving 87-million-unit high-speed production without contact marks | Certified MS67 (PCGS or ICCS) | $113.00 |
| Big Coin (5 oz Silver, Rose Gold Plating) | 5 oz bullion + ultra-low mintage (1,500) + Reverse Proof finish | PR69 | $764.00 |
| Colourised Silver Proof | Lowest mintage among standard-format collector issues (7,000 sets); silver composition plus colour application | Gem Proof (PF67+) | $64.60+ |
B — Findable Finish and Composition Splits
The following are not die varieties but finish and composition distinctions that create separate collectible categories. They can be found in dealer inventory, broken collector sets, or — in the case of the Base Metal Proof — misattributed in mixed proof bins.
The "Captain Cook Trap": the Base Metal Proof and Silver Proof are visually near-identical — both show deep mirror proof fields. The magnet test is the only reliable quick separator. Sticks = Base Metal Proof ($8–$15). Does not stick = Silver Proof ($26.70+). (Illustration — not photos of actual coins)
| Variant | Origin Set | How to Identify (One Step) | Why It's Distinct | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Metal Proof | Special Edition Proof Set (Captain Cook) | Magnetic + deep mirror Proof fields | Mintage 15,000; Proof finish on steel; often confused with Silver Proof | $7.80–$15.00 |
| Specimen (SP) | Burrowing Owl Specimen Set | Magnetic + lined/striated background field | Distinct brushed-metal lined finish; mintage 30,000 | $3.90–$8.00 |
| Silver Proof | Fine Silver Proof Set | Non-magnetic + deep mirror Proof fields + 5.40g weight | 99.99% silver composition; silver spot price floor | $26.70–$34.80+ |
| Colourised Silver Proof | Classic Canadian Colourised Coin Set | Non-magnetic + selective colour on fields; 5.40g weight | Lowest mintage standard-format issue (7,000); silver + colour | $34.30–$64.60+ |
| "First Strike" (Sealed Roll) | First Strikes Wrap Roll (5,000 rolls) | Value tied to sealed original wrap packaging; no coin-level identifier | Premium applies only to sealed roll unit; individual coins are standard business strikes | $5.00–$10.00 per sealed roll |
2018 Canadian Nickel Identification Guide
The 2018 Canadian 5-cent coin: Susanna Blunt's uncrowned Queen Elizabeth II portrait (obverse, left) and G.E. Kruger-Gray's Beaver design (reverse, right). Both designs were unchanged from the standards established in 2003 and 1937 respectively.
30-Second Triage Checklist
- Monarch Check: Confirm the obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II with the Susanna Blunt portrait — bare head, no crown, no tiara. This is the Fourth Portrait, used from 2003 to 2022. The obverse legend reads ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA.
- Reverse Check: Confirm the reverse shows the Kruger-Gray Beaver — a beaver standing on a log on a rocky, water-surrounded mound. The date 2018 appears on the reverse.
- Size Check: Standard diameter is 21.20 mm with a plain (smooth) edge. If the coin is approximately 65 mm — about the diameter of a drink coaster — you have a Big Coin (5 oz silver) worth $764+. Any reeded (grooved) edge on a 2018 nickel of any size is a serious red flag; all confirmed 2018 nickels (steel and silver) carry plain edges.
Magnet Test — The Critical Divider:
- Coin sticks (strongly magnetic): It is MPPS steel — could be a Circulation Business Strike, Specimen, or Base Metal Proof. Proceed to Step 5.
- Coin does NOT stick (non-magnetic): It is 99.99% silver — a Silver Proof or Colourised Silver Proof. Minimum value $26.70. If the coin is also very large, it is the Big Coin.
Finish Identification (If Magnetic — Steel):
- Cartwheel luster — light rotates around the coin like spokes on a wheel: Business Strike (Circulation). Value $0.05 unless graded MS65+.
- Lined / striated / brushed-metal background fields:Specimen (SP) from the Burrowing Owl set. Value $3.90–$8.00.
- Deep mirror fields (highly reflective, nearly black under a single light source) with frosty white devices:Base Metal Proof from the Captain Cook set. Value $8.00–$12.00.
- No Documented Coin-Level Marks: The 2018 nickel carries no mint mark, privy mark, or plating indicator on the coin itself, regardless of finish or minting facility. This is standard for Canadian circulation coins of this era. The "First Strikes" premium is tied solely to sealed original packaging.
Field-by-field finish identification for the 2018 Canadian nickel: Business Strike (cartwheel luster, left), Specimen SP (lined/striated background, center), Base Metal Proof (deep mirror fields with frosted devices, right). All three are magnetic steel — finish is the only differentiator. (Illustration — not photos of actual coins)
The magnet test in practice: all MPPS steel 2018 nickels — circulation, Specimen, and Base Metal Proof — are strongly magnetic. The 99.99% silver proof variants do not respond to a magnet. This single test instantly separates a $0.05 coin from a $26+ coin. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Counterfeit Detection Quick Reference
Counterfeiting is economically irrational for steel circulation strikes. Silver variants with significant premium may warrant scrutiny.
| Type | Expected Weight | Magnetic? | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel MPPS (Circulation, Specimen, Base Metal Proof) | 3.95g | Yes — strongly | Plain |
| 99.99% Silver Proof / Colourised Proof | 5.40g | No | Plain |
| Big Coin (5 oz Silver) | 157.6g | No | Plain |
⚠️ Milk Spots and Carbon Spots
Modern plated steel coins are susceptible to milk spots (white residue from the plating process) and carbon spots. These are grading killers — do not attempt to clean or remove them. Wiping a coin to remove a milk spot creates hairlines that instantly convert a Gem coin into a Details-grade piece worth face value.
2018 Canadian Nickel Value FAQs
What is a 2018 Canadian nickel worth?
The vast majority of 2018 Canadian nickels found in circulation or rolls are worth $0.05 (face value). Uncirculated examples (MS60–64) trade for $0.25–$0.50. The value jumps sharply at Gem grade: MS65–66 coins are worth $16.80–$27.10, and a certified MS67 commands $113.00. Silver proof versions from collector sets start at $26.70–$30.70 for Gem grades. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 2018 Canadian nickel rare?
The circulation business strike — with 87,528,000 produced — is not rare. Rarity for this issue comes from three sources: condition (certified MS67 examples are statistically uncommon given steel's susceptibility to bag marks), product exclusivity (the Big Coin was limited to 1,500 pieces; the Colourised Silver set to 7,000), and composition (Silver Proof versions require purchasing from specific collector sets and cannot be found in circulation).
How do I know if my 2018 Canadian nickel is silver or steel?
Apply a magnet. Steel MPPS coins are strongly magnetic — this covers all circulation business strikes, Specimens, and Base Metal Proofs. Silver coins (99.99%) are non-magnetic. As a secondary confirmation, the silver proof weighs 5.40 grams versus 3.95 grams for steel variants — a 1.45g difference detectable on a small postal or kitchen scale. A coin that is non-magnetic and weighs 5.40g is a 99.99% silver proof worth $26.70+.
What makes a 2018 Canadian nickel valuable?
Three factors drive value: (1) Grade — the bag-mark cliff at MS65 is steep; certified Gem examples reach $16.80–$27.10 and MS67 reaches $113.00, while everything below MS65 is worth under a dollar. (2) Finish and set origin — Specimen, Base Metal Proof, Silver Proof, and Colourised Silver Proof coins carry premiums simply by virtue of controlled-mintage collector set production. (3) Composition and mintage scarcity — the Big Coin (1,500 mintage, 5.06 oz silver) tops the series at $764.00 for PR69.
What is the "Base Metal Proof" and how is it different from the Silver Proof?
The Base Metal Proof comes from the Captain Cook Special Edition Silver Dollar Proof Set. Only the silver dollar in that set is silver; the 5-cent coin is struck in MPPS steel with a deep-mirror Proof finish. It is magnetic and weighs 3.95g. The Silver Proof from the Fine Silver Proof Set is non-magnetic, weighs 5.40g, and is 99.99% pure silver. Both look nearly identical — the magnet test and weight measurement are the only reliable separators. Despite having a lower mintage (15,000 sets vs. the Silver Proof's approximately 15,000), the Base Metal Proof trades at a lower price due to its lack of precious metal content, making it a sleeper variety for finish-set collectors.
What is the difference between a Specimen (SP) and a Proof (PF)?
Both are collector finishes produced with more care than business strikes, but they look and feel different. Specimen (SP) coins feature a lined or striated background — like brushed metal with distinct parallel lines — with frosted (matte) devices. The 2018 Specimen comes from the Burrowing Owl set. Proof (PF) coins feature deep mirror fields — highly reflective, appearing almost black under a single-point light source — with heavily frosted white devices producing a high-contrast cameo effect. The 2018 Base Metal Proof (Captain Cook set) and Silver Proof are PF-finish coins. Both Specimen and Proof coins are struck with greater die preparation and at slower speeds than business strikes, but a Specimen's lined field is immediately distinguishable from a Proof's mirror field under any light.
Should I get my 2018 Canadian nickel graded?
Grading makes economic sense only at the right value cliff. For a circulation 2018 nickel: submission fees (PCGS or ICCS) plus shipping typically cost $30–$50+ per coin, so you need confidence the coin can achieve MS65 or higher to approach break-even. MS65 at $16.80–$27.10 is marginal; MS67 at $113.00 makes grading clearly worthwhile if the coin qualifies. For Silver Proof and Big Coin variants, certified holders add liquidity, authenticate composition, and protect the coin — grading is more easily justified. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic Canadian standard widely accepted by Canadian dealers; PCGS holders are preferred for registry-set competition at the MS67+ level where US-market demand drives the highest prices.
What is a "First Strike" 2018 Canadian nickel, and does it have a special mark on the coin?
A "First Strike" 2018 nickel is a standard MPPS business strike from the Winnipeg mint, packaged in a special official wrap roll as part of the 2018 Special Wrap Roll Collection (RCM), limited to 5,000 rolls. There is no mint mark, "W" mark, or any other physical identifier on the coin itself. The premium is entirely tied to the sealed, official packaging. Once opened, the coins are physically indistinguishable from any other 2018 circulation nickel. The sealed roll trades for $5.00–$10.00; individual coins from opened rolls are worth face value.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect typical retail asking prices as of February 2026, sourced primarily from the Coins and Canada 5-Cent Price Guide (2003–2023) and corroborated against secondary market data. Mintage figures are drawn from the Royal Canadian Mint official 5-cent page and RCM collector product archives, including the Burrowing Owl Specimen Set, the Captain Cook Proof Set, and the Big Coin Series (RCM). Variety classifications reference the Saskatoon Coin Club Canadian 5-cent variety catalogue and the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, 71st Edition. All values are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Market prices fluctuate with silver spot prices for silver issues and with collector demand for high-grade business strikes. This guide covers standard non-error issues 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.