2003 – 5 Cents Canada – Old Effigy

The 2003 Canadian 5 cents coin with the old effigy features the obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a circular diamond crown adorned with roses, shamrocks, and thistles, designed by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The coin’s reverse showcases the classic Canadian beaver sitting on a wood log, above the inscription “CANADA” and flanked by maple leaves, a design by G.E. Kruger-Gray first introduced in 1937. The coin is composed of copper-plated steel (94.5% steel, 3.5% copper, 2% nickel), weighs 3.95 grams, and has a diameter of 21.1 mm. The old effigy variety for 2003 was minted in a circulation quantity of approximately 31.4 million with a plain edge and medal alignment. The coin is magnetic due to its steel content.