5 Cents - Elizabeth II (Our home and native land; silver)

The 2017 'Our Home and Native Land' five-cent coin was released by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of a special commemorative series celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This issue, struck in 99.99% pure silver, featured a reverse design by artist Susanna Blunt, whose effigy of Queen Elizabeth II also appears on the obverse. The collection sought to reflect Canadian identity and history during a landmark sesquicentennial year, emphasizing national pride through traditional numismatic imagery.

The design draws upon long-standing Canadian motifs, specifically the beaver, which has served as a symbol of Canadian industry and the fur trade for centuries. By elevating the standard circulation nickel design into a fine silver format, the Mint aimed to provide collectors with a refined interpretation of a familiar icon. The piece was received as a nostalgic yet sophisticated tribute to the country’s heritage, maintaining a balance between the classic aesthetics of the Canadian nickel and the elevated status of modern commemorative silver coinage.