1967 Canadian Centennial 5-Cent 'Rabbit' Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality numismatic releases and technical precision in coinage.
Pattern: Canadian Centennial Circulation Series, 1967. Designed by world-renowned artist Alex Colville to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary of Confederation.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-quality numismatic releases and technical precision in coinage.
Material
Pure Nickel (99.9%). Note: While this represents 'money' often collected alongside silver, this specific circulation denomination for 1967 was minted in nickel. Only the 10c, 25c, 50c, and $1 coins of this year contain silver (80% silver).
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Weight: 4.54 grams; Thickness: 1.7 mm. Standard 5-cent size for Canadian nickel coinage.
Description
An iconic piece of Canadian numismatics, this 1967 nickel features the minimalist snowshoe hare design by Alex Colville. Part of a six-coin series where every denomination featured a different animal, this piece was intended to symbolize fertility and the vastness of the Canadian wilderness. It is a beloved 'one-year type' coin that remains a favorite for collectors of mid-century design.
Key Features
Snowshoe hare motif; Dual dating (1867-1967); Alex Colville design; Plain edge; High-purity nickel composition.
Material & Composition
Pure Nickel (99.9%). Note: While this represents 'money' often collected alongside silver, this specific circulation denomination for 1967 was minted in nickel. Only the 10c, 25c, 50c, and $1 coins of this year contain silver (80% silver).
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Circulated finish with a relief design. Features a profile of a hopping snowshoe hare on the reverse. The obverse (not shown) features the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The style is 1960s Modernism/Minimalism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '5 CENTS', 'CANADA 1867-1967'. No silver hallmarks are present as this is legal tender coinage; the year and denomination serve as the primary identifiers.
Construction Details
Die-struck/milled coinage. Produced using high-pressure mechanical coin presses at the Ottawa mint. Features a plain (smooth) edge typical of the Canadian nickel.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with a face value of five cents CAD. Designed with a raised rim to protect the internal design from wear during circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-quality steel dies. The crispness of the rabbit's eye and the musculature visible in the leg are indicators of a well-maintained die strike.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for the 1867-1967 date; distinct Colville design lines; magnetic property (pure nickel is highly magnetic, which distinguishes it from modern plated alloys).
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint. Represents the height of Canadian industrial minting in the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-Century Canadian (1967). Specifically minted for the Canadian Centennial celebrations during a period of high nationalistic artistic expression.
Age Estimate
Dated 1967. This piece was manufactured specifically during the 1967 calendar year.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 100th anniversary of Canada. It was a radical departure from traditional heraldry in coinage, opting for a clean, modern aesthetic that defined Canadian identity in the 1960s.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) circulated condition. Visible surface scratches (bag marks) and light handling wear. Some darkening/oxidation typical of nickel handled with bare hands. No major dents or post-mint damage.
Value Estimate
Face value to $1.00 USD for circulated examples. High-grade uncirculated (MS-65+) specimens can fetch $10-$20. It has no bullion (melt) value compared to the silver coins of the same year.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid cleaning or polishing with abrasives as this ruins numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin tube. Handle by the edges to avoid transferring skin oils.
Similar Pieces
1967 10-Cent (Mackerel), 25-Cent (Lynx), 50-Cent (Howling Wolf), and $1 (Canada Goose). Only the Mackerel, Lynx, Wolf, and Goose coins from this set contain 80% silver.
Interesting Facts
The artist Alex Colville chose the rabbit for the nickel because he felt it represented the 'commonality' and survival of the Canadian people. Over 46 million were minted, yet they are increasingly hard to find in pocket change today.