Got some old nickels stashed in a drawer or piggy bank? You might be holding onto a treasure! Certain rare Canadian nickels, like the 1921 Five Cent coin—called the “Holy Grail of Nickels”—are worth thousands because they’re so hard to find. With talk of nickels being phased out, collectors are snapping these up. This article explains which nickels are valuable, how much they’re worth, and how to sell them, all in simple Canadian English.
The 1921 Nickel: A Rare Gem
The 1921 Five Cent coin is a legend among collectors, often called the “Prince of Canadian Coins.” Only a few hundred were made before most were melted down when Canada switched to bigger nickel coins in 1922. Today, fewer than 100 are believed to exist. A worn 1921 nickel can sell for $5,000, while a pristine one fetched $115,000 in 2010 and even $160,000 in 2012. Look for a small, silver coin (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), 15.5mm wide, with King George V’s face and “5 CENTS” between maple leaves.
More Nickels That Can Pay Big
Other nickels can also make you money. The 1926 Far 6 nickel, where the “6” is farther from the maple leaf, is worth $100 to $5,000 depending on its shape. The 1947 Dot nickel has a tiny dot near the date, tied to a minting error after India’s independence, and can bring $500 to $2,500. The 1936 Dotless nickel, missing a dot below the date, goes for $1,000 to $10,000. The 1965 Large Beads nickel, with 138 big beads around the edge, can hit $500 to $3,000 if it’s in great condition. These coins are special due to low production or unique mistakes.
| Coin | Value Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 Five Cent | $5,000–$160,000 | Silver, King George V, super rare |
| 1926 Far 6 | $100–$5,000 | “6” far from maple leaf |
| 1947 Dot | $500–$2,500 | Dot near date |
| 1936 Dotless | $1,000–$10,000 | No dot below date |
| 1965 Large Beads | $500–$3,000 | 138 large beads around rim |
How to Find and Protect Your Coins
Check your loose change, old coin rolls, or family keepsakes for dates like 1921, 1926, 1936, 1947, or 1965. Use a magnifying glass to spot details like the 1947 Dot or 1926 Far 6. Handle coins gently to avoid scratches and store them in plastic holders to keep them safe. The better the condition, the more they’re worth—coins graded by pros like PCGS or NGC sell for more. For example, a 1921 nickel in mint condition is worth way more than a beat-up one. Never clean your coins, as it can ruin their value.
Where to Sell Your Nickels
Ready to cash in? Try eBay, local coin shops, or big auction houses like Heritage Auctions. Getting your coin graded by PCGS or NGC makes it more trustworthy and valuable. Coin shops are quick, but auctions could get you more for rare ones like the 1921. Stick with trusted dealers to avoid scams, and shop around for the best price. On eBay, use clear photos and describe the coin’s condition to attract collectors.
Why 2025 Is the Year to Hunt
With nickel coins possibly being phased out due to high costs, these rare nickels are worth more every day. Collectors love coins with stories, like the 1947 Dot tied to India’s independence or the 1921’s unique “fish scale” look. Dig through your change, ask relatives for old coins, or hit up coin shows. Knowing what to look for and how to sell could turn your spare change into a big win in 2025.