Back to Articles

The Dime and its Colourful History

  • Nov 04, 2021
  • History
  • 7 MINUTES READ

It might be small, but the history behind Canada’s 10-cent circulation coin featuring the beloved Bluenose is colourful. 

Ever since Emanuel Hanh’s design of a “fishing schooner under full sail” was introduced in 1937, it has delighted Canadians with an eloquent reminder of their rich maritime history, and deep connection to the sea. 

However, the legacy of Bluenose is not the only tale this little coin has told. In fact, through its designs, it shares many unique stories…

image
image

It might be small, but the history behind Canada’s 10-cent circulation coin featuring the beloved Bluenose is colourful. 

Ever since Emanuel Hanh’s design of a “fishing schooner under full sail” was introduced in 1937, it has delighted Canadians with an eloquent reminder of their rich maritime history, and deep connection to the sea. 

However, the legacy of Bluenose is not the only tale this little coin has told. In fact, through its designs, it shares many unique stories…

1870 10-cent coin
1936 10-cent coin
1937 10-cent coin
1948 10-cent coin
1967 10-cent coin
2001 10-cent coin
2017 10-cent coin

Did you know that the 10-cent coin was once larger than the nickel? That’s right. In the early 1900s and before, coins were sized according to their metal value. But in 1922, the composition of the 5-cent coin changed from silver to nickel, and its size increased to make it more manageable.

2021 10-cent coins, Bluenose
Holding on to the legacy of Bluenose

In a sea of animal-themed coin designs, the ship on Canada’s 10-cent piece instantly stands out. Those who don’t know the story of Bluenose may wonder why a two-masted schooner still resonates with us today, but generations of Canadians have carried the image of Bluenose in their pockets, and they also carry the ship’s story in their hearts. They know this treasured and iconic image as a representation of Canada’s maritime history and fishing industry, but in the minds of many Canadians, Bluenose means something more.

Launching a legacy: Bluenose at 100

Imagine the excitement of seeing a newly built Bluenose take to the waters for the very first time! It happened 100 years ago, on March 26, 1921, at Lunenburg, N.S., where a large crowd of onlookers erupted into cheers when Bluenose was officially launched. Test your Launch Day knowledge with these trivia questions!

William J. Roué: The vision behind Bluenose

William James Roué (1879-1970) is the visionary who gave Bluenose the gift of elegance and speed by designing a workhorse that could – and would – outrace all others. His greatest legacy is etched onto the hearts and minds of Canadians, and our 10-cent coin too, where Bluenose sails on as a proud symbol of Canadian ingenuity and craftsmanship.