Canadian 10-Cent Circulation Coin (Dime), Elizabeth II P-Mark Version
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). The RCM is a crown corporation of Canada, renowned for its high-quality circulation coinage and advanced metallurgical plating technologies.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Design (Bluenose Schooner on reverse, Elizabeth II on obverse). The 'P' mark indicates a plated steel composition.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). The RCM is a crown corporation of Canada, renowned for its high-quality circulation coinage and advanced metallurgical plating technologies.
Material
Multi-ply plated steel. While visually similar to silver, this item is composed of a steel core with layers of copper and nickel plating. It contains no bullion silver (.925 or .999).
Dimensions
Diameter: 18.03 mm; Thickness: 1.22 mm; Standard Weight: 1.75 grams. This is notably lighter than vintage Canadian silver dimes which weighed 2.33 grams.
Description
A standard Canadian ten-cent piece, commonly known as a dime. This piece serves as the smallest denomination of physical currency in Canada. The obverse depicts the right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II, appearing without a crown as per the Blunt design. Despite its silvery luster, it is a utilitarian object of trade rather than a decorative silver collectible.
Key Features
The 'P' composition mark below the effigy; the 'D.G. Regina' Latin title; the distinctive reeded edge; magnetic properties due to the steel core.
Material & Composition
Multi-ply plated steel. While visually similar to silver, this item is composed of a steel core with layers of copper and nickel plating. It contains no bullion silver (.925 or .999).
Finish & Decoration
Machine-struck circulation finish. Features the Fourth Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse includes the 'D.G. Regina' inscription (By the Grace of God, Queen) and the Royal Cypher 'EIIR'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small 'P' mark under the portrait, indicating the composition is plated steel (introduced around 2001). It lacks the silver purity hallmarks (like 925 or a Lion Passant) found on genuine silver items.
Construction Details
High-speed die-struck on a multi-ply plated steel blank. This is a mass-produced industrial product rather than a handcrafted boutique silver item.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent fraudulent clipping of the metal, a carry-over feature from the era of precious metal coinage.
Handle & Grip Details
None; small circular coin form intended for handheld exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
Modern industrial minting craftsmanship. The dies are digitally sculpted and mechanically pressed with extreme precision, resulting in perfectly uniform edges and crisp typography.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'P' mark is the primary indicator that this is not silver. Additionally, a magnet test would show high attraction, proving the core is steel and not precious metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada; manufactured at the Royal Canadian Mint facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which handles all Canadian circulation coins.
Era & Period
Modern Era (specifically 2001-2022 period). It represents the late Elizabethan era of Canadian currency within the context of 21st-century fiat coinage.
Age Estimate
Circa 2001–2022. The Susanna Blunt portrait and the 'P' composition mark confirm it was minted within this twenty-year window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of modern currency from 'intrinsic value' (silver) to 'representative value' (plated base metals). It carries the image of the longest-reigning British and Canadian monarch.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Circulated. Shows evidence of surface 'bag marks', light scratches, and handling consistent with everyday use in commerce. Maintain modest luster but lacks the mirror-finish of a 'Proof' coin.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.10 CAD. For a collector, it holds no significant premium above its face value due to the high mintage numbers which often exceed hundreds of millions annually.
Care & Maintenance
As a common circulation coin, no special care is required. Avoiding acidic cleaners will maintain the nickel plating. For collectors, storage in a non-PVC flip or album is standard.
Similar Pieces
1967 80% Silver Canadian Dimes (valuable for melt); 2000-present Nickel-plated steel dimes; US Roosevelt Dimes (copper-nickel clad).
Interesting Facts
The Canadian dime has featured the famous racing schooner 'Bluenose' on its reverse since 1937. While Canadian dimes were 80% silver until 1967 (and some in 1968), pieces minted after that are nickel or plated steel.