2009 Canadian 10-Cent Bluenose Dime (Multi-Ply Plated Steel)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, world-renowned for its innovative minting technologies and high-purity precious metal coins.
Pattern: Bluenose Schooner Reverse (designed by Emanuel Hahn in 1937), Queen Elizabeth II Obverse (not pictured). Part of the standard annual circulation issue.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, world-renowned for its innovative minting technologies and high-purity precious metal coins.
Material
Multi-ply plated steel (94.75% steel, 2% copper, 3.25% nickel plating). This item contains no actual silver content, despite the silvery tarnish and appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 18.03 mm; Thickness: 1.22 mm; Standard Weight: 1.75 grams. This is the smallest denomination and physical coin currently in Canadian circulation.
Description
A standard 2009 Canadian dime featuring the 'Bluenose', a legendary Nova Scotian racing and fishing schooner. The coin displays heavy environmental toning with iridescent purples and golds commonly seen when nickel-plated steel reacts to external pollutants or moisture. While it mimics the look of oxidized silver, it is a base metal circulation coin.
Key Features
Bluenose schooner design; '2009' date; 10-cent denomination; distinctive colorful 'rainbow' toning resulting from environmental exposure rather than silver content.
Material & Composition
Multi-ply plated steel (94.75% steel, 2% copper, 3.25% nickel plating). This item contains no actual silver content, despite the silvery tarnish and appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with mechanical tarnish. Features the iconic Bluenose fishing schooner under full sail, stylized lettering "CANADA", the date "2009", and denomination "10 CENTS". Decorative beading lines the inner rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'P' composition mark (indicating plated steel) or the Royal Canadian Mint logo (stylized 'M') would typically be located under the Queen's effigy on the obverse side (not shown).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure dies on multi-ply plated steel planchets. This process involves electroplating layers of nickel and copper over a steel core for durability and corrosion resistance.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) for tactile identification and to prevent clipping/shaving. Designed as a fractional unit of currency (1/10th of a Canadian Dollar).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a flat numismatic item intended for hand-to-hand currency exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial minting. Details show sharp relief on the sails and rigging, consistent with the RCM's high manufacturing standards for mass-produced currency.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font metrics for the year 2009; standard RCM die-striking characteristics; magnetic properties (steel core would be highly magnetic, professional test).
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa or Winnipeg, Canada. Manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint, which produces all of Canada's circulation and collector coins.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-2000). Reflects the contemporary period of Canadian currency where base metals replaced silver alloys for circulation pieces.
Age Estimate
Dated 2009. Approximately 15 years old as of current dating.
Cultural Significance
The dime is a staple of Canadian identity, celebrating the country's maritime heritage. It is the only Canadian circulation coin to have retained its primary reverse design (the schooner) almost uninterrupted since 1937.
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated to Circulated. Significant surface tarnish and 'bag marks' (tiny contact scratches). The toning, while attractive to some collectors, is a result of surface oxidation of the nickel layer. Grade: Very Good (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face Value ($0.10 CAD). In this circulated condition, it carries no significant numismatic premium. Specialized 'toned' coin collectors might pay a slight premium ($0.50 - $1.00) for the unique colors.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if intended for a collection, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation. If used as currency, no special care is required.
Similar Pieces
1967 Centennial Dime (features a mackerel fish); 1968 Silver Dime (genuine .500 silver, non-magnetic); Pre-1967 Silver Dimes (.800 silver); 2001 Year of Volunteers commemorative dime.
Interesting Facts
The Bluenose was an actual ship that won the International Fishermen's Trophy for 17 consecutive years. Canada ceased using silver (80%) in dimes in 1968, switching first to nickel and then to plated steel in 2000.