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5 Stories Every Canadian Should Know: The History Behind the 5-cent Coin

  • Mar 06, 2022
  • Learn
  • 4 minutes read

It is hard to spot, yet nickel is part of our everyday life. We see it without noticing; we hold it and rely on it without even knowing. From batteries and buildings to healthcare and hardware, nickel is one of the world’s most versatile and essential elements. Hundreds of thousands of products that we use daily are made of nickel, and coins are no exception!

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Canadian 5-cent circualtion coins since 1937

It is hard to spot, yet nickel is part of our everyday life. We see it without noticing; we hold it and rely on it without even knowing. From batteries and buildings to healthcare and hardware, nickel is one of the world’s most versatile and essential elements. Hundreds of thousands of products that we use daily are made of nickel, and coins are no exception!

Royal Canadian Mint Senior Engraver, Thomas Shingles
1942 Canadian 5-cent coins: one made of tombac and one made of nickel
1951 striking ceremony for the new 5-cent circulation coin to mark the 200th anniversary of the discovery and naming of the element, nickel
100th anniversary of Confederation (1967)

The 1967 five-cent circulation coin design by Canadian artist Alex Colville to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Confederation and features a hopping rabbit. 

60th anniversary of Victory Nickel (2005)

The 2005 five-cent circulation coin honours the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and features the coin’s original design by Thomas Shingles.

150th anniversary of Confederation (2017)

The 2017 five-cent circulation coin, Living Traditions by Gerald Gloade is part of the 2017 My Canada, My Inspiration coin contest that celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

The Dime and its Colourful History

It might be small, but the history behind Canada’s 10-cent circulation coin featuring the beloved Bluenose is colourful. Sail back in time to discover the stories our dime has shared through its designs.