1968 – 25 Cents Quarter Canada (Nickel)

The 1968 Canadian 25-cent quarter, also known as a quarter dollar or “caribou,” is notable for being minted in two different metals: 50% silver and 50% copper, as well as pure nickel. The coin weighs 5.83 grams and has a diameter of 23.88 mm with a reeded edge. Its obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara, designed by Arnold Machin, with the inscription “ELIZABETH II D – G – REGINA.” The reverse displays the iconic caribou head, a design by Emanuel Hahn, with the inscriptions “CANADA,” “25 CENTS,” and the year “1968.” The silver version does not stick to a magnet and carries intrinsic value due to its metal content, while the nickel version is magnetic and was produced in higher quantities as a transition away from silver coinage. About 71.4 million silver and 88.7 million nickel 1968 quarters were minted, making it a significant year for Canadian quarters as it marked the shift from silver to nickel alloys in circulation coins.