Queen Elizabeth II Canadian Five-Cent Coin (1990-2002 portrait)
Circulation Coin · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Established 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality strikes and metal purity standards.
Pattern: Dora de Pédery-Hunt Obverse Portrait
Type
Circulation Coin
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Established 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality strikes and metal purity standards.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This specific item contains no silver despite its 'silver-colored' appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2 mm; Thickness: 1.76 mm; Weight: 4.6 grams.
Description
A standard Canadian five-cent piece featuring the obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This design was notable for being the first portrait of a reigning monarch designed by a Canadian citizen. The reverse (not visible) typically features the iconic beaver on a log.
Key Features
Dora de Pédery-Hunt portrait; crowned head; cupro-nickel composition; 21.2mm diameter.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Note: This specific item contains no silver despite its 'silver-colored' appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated to lightly circulated luster; features a beaded border (denticles) and the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II wearing jewelry.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse inscription: 'ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA'. No mint mark (standard for Ottawa strikes of this era).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coinage dies on a pre-cut metal planchet (blank).
Functional Features
Smooth (plain) edge, distinct from the reeded edges of Canadian dimes and quarters used for tactile identification.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial minting; sharp detail in the crown and hair indicating well-maintained dies at the RCM.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font spacing for RCM dies; specific beaded border alignment; proper relief height for the 1990-2002 series.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada (Ottawa or Winnipeg facility of the Royal Canadian Mint).
Era & Period
Modern Era; specifically the early 1990s through early 2000s Canadian coinage period.
Age Estimate
Issued between 1990 and 2002 based on the specific 'Diademed' portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental element of Canadian currency; represents the transition of Canadian numismatic art to local designers.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good circulation wear. Noticeable surface scratching and contact marks consistent with daily commerce. No signs of major corrosion.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.05 CAD). High-grade uncirculated examples may reach $1-$3 CAD, but circulated specimens hold no premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish; preserve in a non-PVC coin flip to avoid 'green slime' (plasticizer damage). Only handle by the edges to avoid oils from fingerprints.
Similar Pieces
1953-1964 Young Head Five-Cents; 1965-1989 Tiara Five-Cents; 2003-present Old Head Five-Cents.
Interesting Facts
The portrait on this coin was the first to show the Queen with a crown on Canadian coinage since the 1953 coronation series, and the first ever designed by a Canadian artist for the mint.