1954 Canadian Nickel Appraisal

1954 Canadian 5 Cent Coin (Nickel)

This item is a 1954 Canadian five-cent coin, commonly known as a nickel. It features a beaver design on the reverse side. The coin is circular, made of a silvery-colored metallic material, likely nickel or a nickel alloy, consistent with Canadian five-cent pieces of that era. The visible obverse design (not fully shown in this image, but identified by context as the Queen Elizabeth II effigy) and the clear '5 CENTS' and 'CANADA 1954' inscriptions on the reverse confirm its identity. The beaver, a prominent national symbol, is depicted centrally, gnawing on a log with water textured below it, indicative of its natural habitat. Two stylized maple leaves flank the '5 CENTS' inscription at the top. The coin exhibits significant wear, particularly on its edges, which appear irregular, misshapen, and somewhat flattened in places, suggesting prolonged circulation or possibly impact damage or alteration. There are also darker areas on the surface, especially around the edges and within some of the recessed details, which could be environmental toning, tarnish, or dirt accumulation. The reeding, which would typically be present on the edge, appears somewhat compromised, likely due to the noted edge wear. Despite the wear, the primary design elements like the beaver and the inscriptions '5 CENTS', 'CANADA', and the year '1954' are clearly legible, though minor details within the animal's fur or the water might be softened. No specific mint marks are discernible from the provided image, as these coins were typically minted in Ottawa. The overall condition suggests that while it retains its collectible value as a historical coin, its numismatic value might be diminished due to the noticeable physical wear and edge damage.