Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/2/2010

Question
I have a 1953 Canadian Nickel where the queen has no shoulder strap and the leaves are near the edge.  I have been told this coin could be worth as much as $1300.  It is in almost uncirculated condtion.

Answer
Hi Chip,
This is an accurate value for this variety and condition that you mention. The problem with the shoulder strap is that it quickly becomes worn, and sometimes is weakly struck. The real way to differentiate the rare from the common variety is to look at the E and I in "DEI". The shoulder fold type will have a fairly straight I that points in between two rim denticles. Also, the E next to it will have a significant space between the tips of the middle and top horizontal dashes (an "open" E). The no shoulder fold variety will have an I with flared tips that is not centered between two rim denticles. Also, the E will have the tips of the top and middle horizontal dashes virtually touching (a "closed" E).
If you can take a clear, close-up picture of the area with "DEI", I can certainly determine which it is.
Thanks for the question! =)