Reverse: Along the rim on top, “Canada”. In the center, a portrait of Queen Victoria as she appeared on the Canadian 1-, 25- and 50-cent coins issued between 1870 and 1901. On the left, the year of issue, and on the right, the face value. Along the rim at the bottom, “Victoria”.

Obverse: In the center, a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Along the rim, the inscriptions "Elizabeth II" on the left, and "D•G•Regina" on the right. At the bottom, the Royal Canadian Mint mark.

This series begins with the longest reigning monarch; the woman who was the inspiration behind the Victorian Era of rapid industrialization and imperialism. Queen Victoria, who came to the throne at the age of 18, was the reigning monarch at the time of the Canadian Confederation in 1867. Although coins with Queen Victoria's effigy were issued for the Province of Canada in 1858 and 1859, this crowned portrait appeared on the 1-, 25- and 50-cent coins that were issued between 1870 and 1901.