In 1942, the Canadian five-cent coin, known as the "nickel," underwent significant changes due to World War II. To conserve nickel for military use, the Royal Canadian Mint switched the coins composition to tombac, an alloy of copper and zinc. This change resulted in a coin with a yellowish hue, distinguishing it from the traditional nickel version. Additionally, the coins shape was altered to a 12-sided dodecagon to prevent confusion with the one-cent coin.
The 1942 Canadian five-cent coin retained the beaver design on its reverse, symbolizing Canadas fur trade heritage. The obverse featured a portrait of King George VI. These design elements reflected Canadas national identity and economic history. The use of tombac in the coins composition was a strategic decision to ensure the availability of nickel for wartime production, highlighting the economic and political priorities of the era.