1996 Canadian 5-Cent 'Beaver' Nickel
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, recognized globally for its high-quality circulation and bullion coinage.
Pattern: Standard Canadian Beaver Circulation Series; reverse design by G.E. Kruger-Gray, introduced in 1937.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, recognized globally for its high-quality circulation and bullion coinage.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This is an industrial alloy with no actual silver content, despite its silver-colored appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2 mm; Thickness: 1.76 mm; Weight: 4.6 grams. This is the standard size for the Canadian nickel.
Description
A standard 1996 Canadian five-cent piece featuring the iconic beaver design. While its luster mimics sterling silver, it is a base-metal coin widely used in daily commerce. The reverse shows a North American beaver perched on a rock amidst water, representing Canada's history in the fur trade.
Key Features
Distinctive 'Beaver' reverse design, date '1996', and the absence of a 'P' or 'RCM' mark below the Queen's effigy (characteristic of the era's composition).
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This is an industrial alloy with no actual silver content, despite its silver-colored appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a satin-matte metallic sheen. Features a beaver on a log in water (reverse) and the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II (obverse). Decorative denticles border the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Inscriptions include '5 CENTS', 'CANADA', '1996', and the artist's initials 'KG' tucked near the beaver's tail.
Construction Details
Machine-made; die-struck from planchets in a high-speed high-pressure coin press at the Winnipeg branch of the Mint.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for use within Canada; smooth edge (non-reeded) for tactile identification by the visually impaired.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; flat coin surface intended for manual handling and mechanical vending machine acceptance.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-casting for mass production. Elements like the fur of the beaver and the maple leaves are rendered with high relief despite the industrial nature of the manufacture.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details are sharp; weight and diameter are consistent with RCM specifications; high-quality strike typical of the mid-90s Canadian production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Produced at the Royal Canadian Mint's high-volume circulation facility.
Era & Period
Modern/Late 20th Century Canadian Numismatics. This specific year falls within the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (Dora de Pédery-Hunt effigy period).
Age Estimate
Dated 1996. Visible wear is consistent with approximately 28 years of circulation.
Cultural Significance
The beaver is a national symbol of Canada, representing industry and the country's early economic foundations. The coin is a staple of Canadian identity and everyday life.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (circulated). Shows visible surface scratching, moderate bag marks, and light edge wear from transactional use. Typical tarnish/patina for a nickel-based alloy.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.05 CAD). In its current circulated condition, it has no significant numismatic premium and is worth its nominal value at a bank.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized cleaning required for low-value circulation coins. Generally, numismatists advise against polishing coins as it destroys collector value; store in a dry environment to prevent 'zinc rot' or corrosion.
Similar Pieces
1996 Silver Proof Nickel (looks identical but is .925 silver with a mirror finish), 1951 Commemorative Nickel (different design), or pre-1922 Canadian nickels (which were much smaller and made of silver).
Interesting Facts
The beaver has appeared on the Canadian nickel almost every year since 1937. In 1996, nearly 36.7 million of these coins were minted.