Diagnostic Controls & Presets Canadian Key Date
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Over 99.98% of the entire 1921 production run was melted down in the Ottawa Mint crucibles.
Standard Canadian 800 fine silver alloy used before transitioning to the pure nickel 21.2mm 5-cent piece in 1922.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Exceptional Gem preservation with iridescent toning, preserved directly by a mint visitor before melt orders took effect.
Lightly circulated example saved from an Ontario bank vault, sharp obverse cross and pearls.
Common 1920 coin with tooling marks around the last digit and disrupted field flow lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1921 Canadian 5-cent silver piece known as the 'Prince of Canadian Coins'?
In 1921, the Canadian government decided to discontinue the tiny 15.5mm silver five-cent coin and replace it with a larger, more convenient 21.2mm nickel coin in 1922. Nearly all 3 million 1921 silver five-cent coins that had been minted were ordered melted down. Only roughly 400 to 450 specimens survived, making it the most revered regular-issue Canadian coin.
How did approximately 400 coins survive the royal mint melting order?
Specimens that escaped melting were sold to visitors at the Ottawa Mint in late 1921 in special specimen sets, held by mint employees as keepsakes, or distributed in tiny quantities through local banks before official recall orders were enforced.
What is the weight and physical dimensions of a genuine 1921 5-cent silver coin?
A genuine 1921 silver five-cent coin weighs exactly 1.1664 grams (18 grains), has a diameter of 15.5 mm, a reeded edge, and is composed of 80% silver and 20% copper.
How can you detect an altered 1920 5-cent coin passed as a 1921?
Unscrupulous counterfeiters often take a common 1920 silver five-cent coin and tool or solder the zero into a one. Under 40x magnification, altered coins exhibit tool marks, solder seams, or mismatched font styles on the final '1', as well as disrupted radial flow lines in the field surrounding the date.
Is the 1921 5-cent piece made of silver or nickel?
The rare 1921 key date is made of 80% silver (15.5mm). The Royal Canadian Mint did not start issuing the nickel 5-cent piece (which is larger, thicker, and magnetic) until 1922.
How much is a 1921 Canadian silver five-cent coin worth?
In low circulated condition (G-4 to VG-8), genuine specimens fetch between $4,000 and $7,000 USD. Choice About Uncirculated coins range between $25,000 and $35,000, while Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) coins regularly exceed $100,000 USD at premier auctions.
Should you clean an old 1921 Canadian 5-cent coin?
Never clean or wipe a 1921 silver coin. Chemical dipping or abrasive polishing permanently ruins the delicate cartwheel luster and micro-abrasions, instantly reducing the coin's auction value by 50% to 75%.