Reverse At the top is a crown – a symbol of the British monarchy. Along the left and right edges of the coin are crossed maple branches, tied together with a ribbon forming a bow. In the center is a three-line inscription in English: '5 CENTS 1899'.
Obverse In the center is the left-facing profile of Queen Victoria. Along the upper edge from left to right is the Latin inscription 'VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA.', which translates as 'Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen.' Along the lower edge is the country name in English – 'CANADA'. The coin's rim features decorative raised denticles.