The 1921 five-cent piece — the last silver issue before Canada switched to a larger nickel coin — is nicknamed the “Prince of Canadian Coins.” About 2.5 million were struck (2,582,495 recorded), but after legislation authorized the nickel five-cent piece, over 3 million older silver five-cent coins were melted, including nearly the entire 1921 mintage. Canadian Coin News estimates roughly 400 survivors; other published estimates are lower — Heritage Auctions, for example, puts the number known today near 100.
Key facts
- Struck in .800 silver; the last silver issue of the small “fishscale” 5-cent series (1858–1921), before the switch to pure nickel in 1922.
- Known as the “Prince of Canadian Coins” (the 1921 50-cent is the “King”).
- The finest known example, graded MS67 by PCGS and offered from the Canadiana Collection as Lot #20069 in Heritage’s January 2010 New York International Numismatic Convention sale (Sale #3008), realized US$115,000.
- Struck at the Royal Mint’s Ottawa branch.
- Authentication notes: one of the most counterfeited Canadian coins; 15.5 mm diameter, 1.17 g weight, and correct fishscale detail are first checks; genuine examples are .800 silver (non-magnetic). Buy graded.
Market check
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