Gail writes: I found a George V 1919 Canadian 5 cent coin. It appears to be made of silver and is very small. It has a crown with the words “5 cents Canada 1919” inside a wreath. On the back of the coin there is a bust of a king with the words “Georgivs V Delgra:Rexetind:IMP:” around the edge of the coin. My question is: does this coin have any value? Is there an interesting story about it or should I just toss it in a drawer and forget it?
Canada’s 5 cent silver coins were first introduced in 1870. The designer was Leonard C. Wyon. The coin was struck on .925 fine silver blanks (sterling) and weighs 1.16 grams and has a diameter of 15.5 mm.
Depending on the date, the obverse features the head of the Queen or King of England and the reverse shows a crown over “5 CENTS” with the date below surrounded by a wreath. The 1919 issue pictures King George V. 7,850,000 pieces were struck. Value range depends on grade (condition): US$ 50 cents – to about $100.