Everything you want to know about the nickel
The last column I wrote about the penny; this week, the nickel.
The first nickel under the reign of Queen Victoria was in 1870. These were very small and get easily confused with a dime. The small nickels were actually made of .925 silver. Most of these nickels range in price (in the poorest condition) from $5 to $50, with the exception of the years 1875-1884, which can bring from $100 to more than $1,000 depending on condition.
In 1890 the price drops on these coins. In G grade it ranges from $2 to $200 with the exception of a 1921. The book value of this coin in VG condition is over $5,000, going as high as $15,000 if certified and in AU condition.
In 1922 the nickels got larger, to the size as we know it today, and actually were made of nickel. The price for these start, in VG condition, for about 15 cents and stay that way to 1952. There are a few key dates in this range. The 1925 can go for upwards of $70, 1926 Far ($100 or more), 1944 Tombac $90, 1947 dot ($25) and 1951 high relief ($350). In 1953 and 1954 there are many varieties and some of them could be worth a few hundred dollars but it is too hard to explain differences here.
From 1955 to today’s date the average nickels are worth only face value. Depending on condition, some could be worth a slight premium but not much. The 1965 with large beads could fetch $200 or more. In 1999 the Royal Canadian Mint changed the composition of the nickel to 95 per cent steel, three per cent copper, and only two per cent nickel. These coins have been marked with “p” and in 2006 thay changed to the RCM logo. Watch for the new 2017 nickels with a new design for this year now in circulation.
All the above prices are only approximate in average condition, but it gives a range of what coins you should be watching for and their approximate cost.
We can only encourage people who have an interest in coins or maybe have a collection of their own, who need to fill holes to come to the Medicine Hat Coin and Stamp Club meetings which are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Victory Lutheran Church (main doors) at 7:30 p.m. Our membership is $12 per year and gives all kinds of benefits from supplies to mint products at reduced rates, but most important will answer any questions about any coins you may have.
The club is set up to inform people the value of coins so they do not get ripped of by travelling sales people. If you would like to come as a guest to one meeting, and see what it would be like at no cost please just stop by. We encourage the young people to get involved and it would be a good way that they could start their own collection or investment, and have fun with it also.
Collector’s Corner is contributed by the Medicine Hat Coin & Stamp Club. For questions or comments about coin or stamp collection email medhatcsc@live.com
The Medicine Hat Coin and Stamp Club meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Victory Lutheran Church (main doors) at 7:30 p.m.