The Canadian 2012 Five Cent coin continued to feature the iconic beaver design, with its production still relying on nickel as a key material. In 2012, the Canadian economy was in a period of recovery, and the cost of minting coins, including the 2012 Five Cent coin, remained a concern due to rising metal prices.
The 2012 Five Cent coin came amid discussions about the potential elimination of low-value coins in Canada. The debate focused on the high minting costs of coins like the 2012 Five Cent coin, which were worth less than the materials used to produce them. This led to further conversations about coinage efficiency and possible currency reforms.