Canadian nickels are 100% nickel up to 2000-ish, then the 'P' showed up. 'P' is not for Philly, It's for PLATED. 95% steel 5% zink (makes it easier on the dies) with chrome/Nickel plate. Did the same for the 1 cent and it was a transition from 2000 to 2009 (Cu plated 95Steel/5zinc). Many varieties exist. Canada is the largest producer of Nickel (hence the commemorative reverse on the 1951 5 cent coin). 1969 to 2000 Dimes, Nicks, 25 cent and half are all 100% Nickel.
This will probobly happen here in the states soon. Germany used steel/zinc for the 1, 2, 5, and 10 Phennig pieces (with copper and Brass faceings) for along time. {divide a quarter into 100 parts, you're gonna wnat some cheap minor denominations...LOL}
I keep all of my Canuks before 2000 and sort the ones after.
Canada has some fun coins. Check my posts!!
HH
Trench