Numismatic

1918 Canada Silver 5 Cents George V AU

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In 1918, Canada was minting its five-cent pieces in sterling silver rather than the nickel alloy we are familiar with today. This diminutive coin, containing 0.0336 troy ounces of actual silver, represents a fascinating era of Canadian currency before the nation transitioned to base metals for its minor denominations. With a purity of 92.5 percent silver, this piece is cataloged as KM-22 and survives in an impressive Almost Uncirculated condition. The obverse of the coin features the left-facing crowned bust of King George V. Surrounding the royal portrait are the Latin inscriptions of his titles, including REX ET IND:IMP. and DEI GRA:, signifying his reign as King and Emperor of India. This royal depiction offers a window into the global reach of the British Empire during the early twentieth century. On the reverse, the design showcases a detailed crown positioned directly above the denomination and the 1918 date. This central motif is elegantly framed by a delicate wreath that curves around the lower half of the coin, with the word CANADA clearly inscribed. Out of a total mintage of 6,052,298 pieces struck, finding an example that retains such crisp details is a delightful discovery for anyone curious about classic Canadian coinage.