Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Cents 1990-2000, KM# 183, Canada, Elizabeth II
  • 10 Cents 1990-2000, KM# 183, Canada, Elizabeth II, 1990-1992: Rim denticles
  • 10 Cents 1990-2000, KM# 183, Canada, Elizabeth II, 1993-2001: Rim beads
  • 10 Cents 1990-2000, KM# 183, Canada, Elizabeth II, Winnipeg branch of the Royal Canadian Mint
Description

In Canada, a dime is a coin worth ten cents. It has been the physically smallest Canadian coin since 1922, smaller even than the penny despite its higher face value. According to the Royal Canadian Mint, the official national term of the coin is the 10-cent piece, but in practice, the term dime predominates in English-speaking Canada. It is nearly identical in size to the American dime, but unlike its counterpart, the Canadian dime is magnetic due to distinct metal composition.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign of 70 years and seven months, which began on 6 February 1952, was the longest of any British monarch in history.

When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonisation of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories have gained independence and some realms have become republics.

Times of personal significance have included the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Obverse

The crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Dora de Pédery-Hunt

ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA

Reverse

Depicts the Bluenose under sail, a Canadian schooner from Nova Scotia, a celebrated racing ship and a symbol of the province, is surrounded by the facial value and the country name.

The artist used three ships including the Bluenose as his models, so the ship design is actually a composite.

In 1993 the rim denticles were removed and replaced with beads.

Engraver: Emanuel Otto Hahn

CANADA
1990
H
10 CENTS

Edge

10 Cents

3rd portrait
KM# 183 Schön# 165.1
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Characteristics
Material Nickel
Weight 2.07 g
Diameter 18.03 mm
Thickness 1.22 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mints
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Royal Canadian Mint (W)

Related coins

Silver, 2.32 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm

Silver, 2.324 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm
Without DEI GRATIA

Silver, 2.324 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm