1946 Canada 5 Cents – King George VI Beaver Nickel

The beaver comes home from the war. Through 1943–1945, Canada's five-cent piece carried the wartime “V for Victory” design in tombac brass and chromium-plated steel — 1946 marked the first full year the beloved beaver returned, struck once again in nickel. G.E. Kruger Gray's design of the industrious beaver on its rock, flanked by maple leaves, appears here on the twelve-sided planchet with pleasing natural golden toning from eight decades of careful storage.

Collector Specifications

• Country: Canada
• Year: 1946
• Denomination: 5 Cents
• Composition: 99.9% Nickel
• Weight: 4.54 g
• Diameter: 21.21 mm (12-sided)
• Finish: Circulation strike
• Edge: Plain (dodecagonal)
• Certificate: None — raw coin in 2x2 holder
• Condition: Circulated with light even wear and attractive golden toning — individually photographed; you receive the exact coin shown; not professionally graded
• Mintage: 6,952,684
• Designer: G.E. Kruger Gray (reverse); T.H. Paget (obverse)

Historical Significance

Look closely at the obverse legend: GEORGIVS VI D:G: REX ET IND: IMP: — George VI, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India. 1946 was among the final years that title appeared on Canadian coinage; India's independence in 1947 saw “ET IND IMP” dropped from the dies by 1948, making these late-imperial nickels small artifacts of the end of the British Raj.

Why We Love This One

The beaver's first full year back after the war, with lovely golden toning. A great little piece of history that won't break the bank.

Please note: this item is sold as is, including its packaging. The photos show the exact piece you will receive.