Canadian Elizabeth II 10-Cent Coin (Dime)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Established in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality circulation and bullion coinage, serving both Canada and international clients.
Pattern: Standard Canadian Circulation Coinage - Elizabeth II Obverse
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Established in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality circulation and bullion coinage, serving both Canada and international clients.
Material
Nickel-plated steel (post-1999). Note: While appearing silver in color, Canadian dimes from this era contain no actual silver. Pre-1967 versions were 80% silver; 1968 versions were a mix of 50% silver and pure nickel.
Dimensions
Diameter: 18.03 mm; Weight: 1.75 grams; Thickness: 1.22 mm. This is the smallest of current Canadian circulation coins.
Description
This is a standard Canadian 10-cent circulation coin, commonly known as a dime. It features the mature portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. While its brilliant white luster mimics the appearance of silver, its magnetic properties and light weight identify it as modern non-precious metal coinage.
Key Features
Reeded edge, Susanna Blunt portrait of Elizabeth II, nickel-plated steel luster, and 18mm diameter.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated steel (post-1999). Note: While appearing silver in color, Canadian dimes from this era contain no actual silver. Pre-1967 versions were 80% silver; 1968 versions were a mix of 50% silver and pure nickel.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the Latin inscription 'ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA' (Dei Gratia Regina - By the Grace of God, Queen). The reverse typically features the Bluenose schooner.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; instead, it features the Royal Canadian Mint's P (Plating) mark or the RCM logo under the Queen's effigy, indicating the composition and mint of origin.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-minted. Produced via high-speed coin presses from multi-ply plated steel strips. The edges are serrated (reeded).
Functional Features
Reeded edge for tactile identification and to deter counterfeiting/clipping. Legal tender for 10 Canadian cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial precision minting. Excellent symmetry in the die strike and crisp lettering, typical of modern Royal Canadian Mint standards for high-volume circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Susanna Blunt portrait, standard Canadian dime font/lettering, and the presence of the reeded edge. Authenticity can be easily verified with a magnet; this coin will be strongly magnetic.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Canada (Primary circulation mint) or Ottawa, Canada. Manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint using advanced plating technology.
Era & Period
Modern Era (20th-21st Century). The effigy shown is the 2003 'Susanna Blunt' portrait, characterized by the Queen shown without a crown.
Age Estimate
Post-2003 based on the Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Cultural Significance
A staple of Canadian commerce and a symbol of the Commonwealth connection, representing the monarch as the head of state on daily currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. The surface shows light scratches and signs of handling (bag marks). There is no significant oxidation, given the protective nickel plating.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.10 CAD. For collectors, unless it is a rare error or in 'Mint State' (MS) condition, it holds primarily its currency value.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized silver care required. If cleaning is desired, warm soapy water is sufficient. Avoid abrasive silver polishes which can strip the thin nickel plating.
Similar Pieces
United States Roosevelt Dime (similar size/reeding), pre-1968 Canadian Silver Dimes (identical design but made of .800 silver; non-magnetic), and various Canadian commemorative 10-cent pieces.
Interesting Facts
The dime is the only Canadian coin that has remained the same size (relative to US coinage) for over a century. The Bluenose schooner on the reverse (not pictured) was a famous racing and fishing vessel from Nova Scotia.