Chemistry/Composition of Canadian Coins
COMPOSITION OF CANADIAN COINS
The following information, available from the Canadian Mint, is invaluable for teachers wishing to make up a lab involving the analysis of currency. Thank you to Gordon Gore for referring me to this web site.
Reference: http://www.mint.ca/en/collectors_corner/circulation
Value | Years | Mass (g) | Composition |
---|---|---|---|
1¢ | 1908-20 1920-41 |
5.67 3.24 |
95.5% Cu, 3.0% Sn, 1.5% Zn 95.5% Cu, 3.0% Sn, 1.5% Zn |
(*) Note that some pennies in 2000-01 had copper-plated steel compositions, as evidenced by a small “P” under the Queen. | |||
5¢ | 1908-19 1920-21 |
1.167 1.167 |
7.5% Cu, 92.5% Ag 20% Cu, 80% Ag |
10¢ | 1908-10 1910-11 |
2.32 2.33 |
7.5% Cu, 92.5% Ag 7.5% Cu, 92.5% Ag |
25¢ | 1908-10 1910-19 |
5.81 5.93 |
7.5% Cu, 92.5% Ag 7.5% Cu, 92.5% Ag |
$1 | 1987- | 7 | 91.5% Ni electroplated with 8.5% bronze plating |
$2 | 1996- | 7.3 | outer ring = 99% Ni Inner core = 92% Cu, 2% Ni, 6% Al |