Reverse: Along the rim on top, “CANADA”. In the center, a Northern Cardinal on a tree branch. Along the rim at the bottom, the face value and the year of issue.

Obverse: The 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.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most brilliantly colored songbirds in southeastern Canada, where it is a familiar sight throughout the year. The bright red male stands out against white snow and green trees.