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The Canada 2020 5-Cent Bronze Victory Nickel is a beautifully crafted commemorative coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint to honor the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. This striking piece pays homage to Canada’s original Victory nickel, a historic coin that symbolized national unity and resilience during a time of global conflict. By reissuing the iconic “V” design in 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint provides collectors with a tangible connection to a defining chapter in Canada’s history while showcasing modern minting excellence in a limited-edition bronze format.
Originally introduced in 1943, the Victory nickel was a wartime adaptation of the standard five-cent piece, designed to rally public morale and promote the Allied war effort. The coin famously featured a large “V” symbol on the reverse, standing for both “Victory” and the Roman numeral five, along with a Morse code message around the rim spelling out “We Win When We Work Willingly.” Designed by Thomas Shingles, the Chief Engraver of the Royal Canadian Mint at the time, the Victory nickel became an iconic patriotic symbol, reminding Canadians daily of their collective resolve and the importance of their contributions, both on the battlefield and on the home front.
The obverse of the 2020 Bronze Victory Nickel features the effigy of King George VI, as originally seen on wartime coinage, designed by British sculptor T.H. Paget. This historic portrait shows the King facing left, crowned and robed, accompanied by the Latin inscriptions “GEORGIVS VI D:G: REX ET IND:IMP,” which translates to “George VI, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India.” By using the period-appropriate royal effigy, the Royal Canadian Mint reinforces the historical authenticity and commemorative nature of this anniversary issue, offering collectors a faithful tribute to the original Victory nickel design.
The reverse of the coin proudly revives Thomas Shingles’ iconic 1943 design, featuring the bold central “V” flanked by two maple leaves, representing both victory and Canada’s national symbol. Encircling the rim is the Morse code message, which remains a fascinating detail and a reminder of wartime ingenuity and subtlety. Below the “V” sits the denomination “5 CENTS” and the year “2020,” along with the inscription “CANADA.” The combination of historic design elements and modern minting precision results in a coin that is both visually appealing and historically significant, resonating strongly with collectors of military and patriotic themes.
This special edition of the Victory nickel was struck in bronze, setting it apart from the original wartime coins, which were primarily produced in tombac (a copper-zinc alloy) or chrome-plated steel. The bronze composition gives the 2020 issue a rich, warm hue that enhances its visual appeal and symbolic resonance. The coin has a diameter of 21.3 mm, consistent with the standard five-cent size, and was produced in a high-quality specimen finish, showcasing lightly frosted design elements against brilliant, reflective fields. This finish provides superior detail and clarity, allowing the Morse code message and fine design features to stand out beautifully.
The Royal Canadian Mint limited the mintage of the 2020 5-Cent Bronze Victory Nickel to just 10,000 pieces, ensuring its exclusivity and increasing its desirability among collectors. Each coin was packaged in a premium presentation folder, which includes historical background information and context for the design, making it an ideal keepsake for military history enthusiasts, Canadian patriots, or anyone wishing to honor the sacrifices and triumphs of the World War II generation. As with all modern collector issues from the Royal Canadian Mint, the coin comes with an official certificate of authenticity that verifies its specifications, limited mintage, and production details.
Condition plays an essential role in the long-term collectible value of the 2020 Bronze Victory Nickel. Coins preserved in their original mint packaging, free from handling, fingerprints, or environmental exposure, retain their full specimen finish and sharp detail. While the bronze composition is visually striking, it is also susceptible to tarnishing if improperly stored, so collectors are encouraged to keep the coin in its original protective display or a secure environment. Certified specimens, graded by services such as NGC or PCGS, can achieve additional premiums on the secondary market, especially if they earn top-tier grades like SP69 or SP70.
The symbolic significance of this coin extends far beyond its material value. It serves as a tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and determination of the Canadian men and women who contributed to the Allied victory in World War II, whether in uniform or on the home front. By reviving the Victory nickel design for its 75th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint provides modern audiences with a reminder of Canada’s wartime legacy and the enduring values of perseverance, unity, and shared purpose that defined the era. For collectors, the coin represents a meaningful connection to history and a beautifully crafted addition to military-themed or patriotic collections.
In summary, the Canada 2020 5-Cent Bronze Victory Nickel is a masterful blend of historical reverence and numismatic craftsmanship. With its limited mintage, specimen-quality finish, faithful reproduction of the iconic wartime design, and rich bronze composition, the coin stands as both a collectible treasure and a powerful tribute to Canada’s contributions during the Second World War. Whether kept as a personal keepsake, added to a specialized collection, or given as a thoughtful commemorative gift, this coin offers enduring value, beauty, and historical significance that will be appreciated for generations to come.