Reverse At the top is a crown – the symbol of British rulers. To the left, bottom, and right along the rim are crossed maple branches, tied together with a ribbon forming a bow. In the central part is a three-line inscription five cents 1901 in English - '5 cents 1901'. The edge of the coin features decorative elements in the form of dentils.
Obverse In the central part of the coin is struck the left-facing profile of Queen Victoria of England. Along the arc of the coin's edge from left to right runs the text 'VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA.', which translates from Latin as 'Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen'. Below it is the country name Canada in English - 'CANADA'.