Throughout its history, each of the nickel’s transformations provides a glimpse of a young nation that was seeking to define itself, and a Mint that would quickly come into its own. This Legacy of the Canadian Nickel series is a retrospective look at the history of 5-cent coins minted by the Royal Canadian Mint; it continues with the iconic beaver design that has graced the nickel’s reverse since 1937. Mintage is 8,500 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Finely detailed engraving faithfully recreates the reverse image that was first introduced in 1937, while multiple finishes and selective gold plating bring added definition to G. E. Kruger-Gray’s well-known design. With a chewed log lying by its side (at left), a beaver perches atop a rock-studded mound that rises up from the rippled surface of the water below. Above the beaver, the engraved face value “5 CENTS” is framed on both sides by a maple leaf; Kruger-Gray’s initials are engraved next to the mound while below it is the word “CANADA” and the year “2015”. The coin’s reverse image is trimmed with a repetitive dotted engraving. The obverse features the effigy by Susanna Blunt of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was the reigning monarch at the time of this coin’s first issue.
