2003 – 10 Cents Dime Canada – New Effigy

The 2003 Canadian 10 cents coin with the new effigy features an uncrowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, designed by Susanna Blunt, representing a youthful portrait introduced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her coronation and subsequently used as the standard portrait. The reverse design continues to showcase the iconic Bluenose schooner, a celebrated racing ship and symbol of Nova Scotia, designed by Emanuel Hahn. The coin is composed of copper-plated steel (92% steel, 5.5% copper, 2.5% nickel), weighs 1.75 grams, has a diameter of 18.03 mm, and features a reeded edge. This new effigy replaced the previous crowned portrait used earlier in 2003 and marked a notable change on Canadian dimes from that year onward, with all new effigy examples featuring the mint mark “P” indicating they were struck for circulation.