2001 – 5 Cents Canada – P

The 2001 “P” Canadian 5 cents coin, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, features a smaller size and different composition compared to the traditional cupro-nickel version. It is made of copper-plated steel (94.5% steel, 3.5% copper, 2% nickel plating), weighs 3.95 grams, and measures 21.1 mm in diameter with a smooth edge. This coin’s obverse design bears the bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a circular diamond crown decorated with roses, shamrocks, and thistles, created by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The reverse showcases a beaver sitting on a log, designed by G. E. Kruger-Gray. The “P” mint mark indicates the use of plated steel planchets and these coins are magnetic. The 2001 “P” version had a very high circulation mintage of 136,656,000 coins, making it common in Canada. The inscriptions include “ELIZABETH II D – G – REGINA” on the obverse and “5 CENTS CANADA 2001” on the reverse.