5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (June Birthstone)

The 2016 five-dollar coin featuring the June birthstone is part of the Royal Canadian Mint's ongoing Birthstone series. These coins were produced as part of a commemorative numismatic collection designed to appeal to gift-givers and collectors interested in personalizing their holdings. The series features the profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, a standard design for Canadian legal tender, while the reverse incorporates a genuine Swarovski crystal intended to represent the June birthstone, typically a pearl or alexandrite.

The artistic direction for this series focuses on understated elegance, utilizing a frosted relief against a brilliant background to highlight the central stone. The Royal Canadian Mint has long utilized these themes to bridge the gap between traditional currency and commemorative jewelry, targeting a broader audience beyond seasoned numismatists. Upon its release, the coin was well-received by those seeking high-quality, themed keepsakes, serving as a staple offering within the mint's extensive portfolio of precious metal gift items.