What Are Canadian Coins Composed Of?

One-Cent Pieces

• Canadian one-cent pieces have been minted from 94 percent steel, 1.5 percent nickel and 4.5 percent copper plating or copper plated zinc since the year 2000. Before that, they were minted primarily out of copper and zinc.

Five-Cent Pieces

• Since 2000, Canadian five-cent pieces have been composed of 94.5 percent steel, 3.5 percent copper and 2 percent nickel plating. Five-cent pieces from before 1922 have a significant amount of silver in them. Five-cent pieces minted during and after 1922 are made out of various combinations of nickel, copper and steel.

10-Cent Pieces

• Canadian 10-cent pieces minted after 2000 are 92 percent steel, 5.5 percent copper and 2.5 percent nickel. Coins minted during 1967 and before contain between 80 and 92.5 percent silver. All other Canadian five-cent pieces were minted with 99.9 percent nickel.

25-Cent Piece

• 25-cent pieces minted after 2000 contain 94 percent steel, 3.8 percent copper and 2.2 percent nickel plating. Canadian 25-cent pieces were minted primarily out of silver until 1967. Coins minted in 1968 are 50 percent silver and 50 percent copper. Other 25-cent pieces are 99.9 percent nickel.

50-Cent Pieces

• Starting in 2002, Canadian 50-Cent pieces have been minted with 93.15 percent steel, 4.75 percent copper and 2.1 percent nickel plating. Fifty-cent pieces from 1967 and before were minted primarily out of silver. All other Canadian 50-cent coins are 99 percent nickel.

One-Dollar Coin

• Since 1987, the Canadian one-dollar coin has been minted from 91.5 percent nickel and 8.5 percent bronze plating. Dollar coins minted from 1968 to 1986 are 99 percent nickel. Older coins were made primarily out of silver.

Two-Dollar Coin

• Canadian two-dollar coins were first introduced in 1996. They have an outer ring composed of 99.9 percent nickel and an inner core that is 92 percent copper, 6 percent aluminum and 2 percent nickel. As of 2011, the composition of these coins has not changed over time.

Collector's Coins

• The Royal Canadian Mint produces several special coins for collectors minted out of silver and gold. Among these coins is a coin composed of 99.999 percent pure gold. For a full list of Canadian silver and gold collectors' coins, visit the Royal Canadian Mint's website.