In 1944, 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 chrome-plated steel. This change resulted in a coin with a silvery appearance, 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 1944 Canadian five-cent coin featured a "V" for Victory design on its reverse, symbolizing Canadas support for the Allied forces during the war. The obverse featured a portrait of King George VI. These design elements reflected Canadas national identity and economic history. The use of chrome-plated steel 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.