1986 – 5 Cents Canada

The Canadian 1986 5-cent coin, commonly known as the “beaver nickel,” features a beaver sitting on a wood log on its reverse side, symbolizing the industrious and enduring spirit of Canada. This particular coin was designed by artist G.E. Kruger Gray and continued the tradition first established in 1937. The obverse depicts a right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin, where she wears a tiara and the inscription reads “ELIZABETH II D – G – REGINA.” The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing approximately 4.6 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. It has a plain edge and a non-magnetic nature, with a significant mintage of over 156 million pieces. The design is flanked with maple leaves beside the denomination, “5 CENTS,” and the word “CANADA” is inscribed above the beaver. The 1986 coin holds a minimum melt value of around 6 cents CAD in circulation, with higher values for uncirculated or proof conditions.