5 Cents - Elizabeth II (4th portrait; Silver)

The 2012 Canadian five-cent coin featuring the fourth effigy of Queen Elizabeth II was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the standard circulation coinage for that year. This specific portrait, designed by Susanna Blunt, depicts the Queen without a crown, reflecting a more modern and personal representation that has been featured on Canadian currency since 2003. The transition to this design marked a significant departure from the traditional diademed portraits, aligning with the Queen’s preference for a contemporary aesthetic in Commonwealth coinage.

While the standard circulation issue for 2012 was composed of nickel-plated steel, the Royal Canadian Mint also produced limited numismatic versions using sterling silver for collectors. The coin retains the reverse design of the iconic beaver, an emblem of Canadian industry and the fur trade that has graced the five-cent piece since 1937. Upon its release, the issue was well-received by collectors for its sharp strike and historical continuity, serving as a staple component of annual proof and specimen sets issued by the Mint.