1951 Canada 5 Cents – King George VI Beaver Nickel (Uncirculated)

A brilliant survivor from the last years of King George VI's coinage. This 1951 five-cent piece carries G.E. Kruger Gray's beloved beaver-on-a-rock design on the distinctive twelve-sided planchet introduced in 1942, with striking mint lustre across its surfaces. 1951 is best remembered for the special nickel-refinery commemorative five-cent piece — which makes the regular beaver issue like this one, especially in higher grades, the version collectors often find missing from their sets.

Collector Specifications

• Country: Canada
• Year: 1951
• 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: Appears uncirculated with full mint brilliance — individually photographed; you receive the exact coin shown; not professionally graded
• Mintage: 4,313,410 (beaver design)
• Designer: G.E. Kruger Gray (reverse); T.H. Paget (obverse)

Historical Significance

The obverse legend tells its own story: GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA REX — shortened in 1948 after India's independence removed “Emperor of India” from the royal titles. Struck the year before the King's death, this nickel closes out an era: within two years, a young Elizabeth II would appear on Canada's coins.

Why We Love This One

Everyone remembers the 1951 commemorative, so a regular beaver with this much shine is the one people are missing. Small coin, lots of lustre.

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