1979-1989 - Elizabeth II - Small Bust Dime
In Canada, a dime is a coin worth ten cents. It is the smallest (in physical size) of the currently issued Canadian coins. 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 a distinct metal composition: from 1968 to 1999 it was composed entirely of nickel, and since 2000 it has had a high steel content.
Currently the dime has, as with all Canadian coins, a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen on the obverse. The reverse contains a representation of the Bluenose, a famous Canadian schooner. The artist, Emmanuel Hahn, used three ships including the Bluenose as his models, so the ship design is actually a composite. The coin is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint at its facility in Winnipeg.
The word "dime" comes from the French word "dîme", meaning "tithe" or "tenth part", from the Latin decima [pars].
REF
Pride and skill–the 10-cent coin
Source: mint.ca
Artist Emanuel Hahn developed his design for the 10-cent coin from photos of the famous Bluenose schooner. It is meant to symbolize both the magnitude of the fishing industry in Canada and the maritime skills of Canadians. The Bluenose was not only a racing schooner, but also one of the great fishing vessels that helped build the reputation of the Grand Banks fishery. The design was first issued in 1937.
Reverse Design:
Years: 1937 - 1966, 1968 - present
The Bluenose Emanuel Hahn's design depicts the Bluenose under sail.
Years: 1968 - 1977
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 2.07
Diameter (mm): 18.034
Thickness (mm): 1.16
Years: 1978
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 2.07
Diameter (mm): 18.03
Thickness (mm): 1.19
Mintage:
1969 - 55,833,929
1970 - 5,249,296
1971 - 41,106,968
1972 - 60,169,387
1973 - 167,715,435
1974 - 210,566,565
1975 - 207,680,000
1976 - 94,724,000
1977 - 128,056,000
1978 - 170,366,431
REF
10 Cents - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait
Source: en.numista.com
KM# 77
Features
Country Canada
Years 1969-1989
Value 10 Cents
Metal Nickel
Weight 2.07 g
Diameter 18.034 mm
Thickness 1.19 mm
Engravers Arnold Machin (obverse)
Emanuel Hahn (reverse)
Shape Round
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Edge Reeded
REF
Canada 1981 Canadian Ten Cents ( C10C )
