Canadian Snapshot: The Big Nickel – Sudbury’s Monument to Mining Heritage
If you’re ever road-tripping through Ontario, Sudbury’s Big Nickel is an absolute must-see. We travelled here during our cross US and Canada trip in 2023. Initially we didn’t really know what to expect but towering at a massive 30 feet wide and weighing in at 13,000 kilograms, this giant stainless steel replica of a Canadian five-cent coin is not just a quirky landmark – it’s a monument to Sudbury’s mining heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit that built it.
Back in 1964, former firefighter Ted Szilva and artist Bruno Cavallo teamed up to create this iconic piece, which pays tribute to Sudbury’s nickel miners. Szilva’s vision was bold – a massive, functional coin monument that would shine a spotlight on the city’s mining industry. Despite some initial resistance from city officials, Szilva wasn’t deterred. In fact, he took his project just outside the city limits, purchasing land and starting construction on the Big Nickel.
Constructed in Cavallo’s workshop during the winter of 1963 and spring of 1964, the Big Nickel was meticulously designed to mirror the 1951 five-cent piece. It featured the portrait of King George VI and the iconic nickel refinery on the reverse side. Made with steel plates and a wooden core, it was built to withstand Sudbury’s harsh weather and become a recognizable symbol of the city.
The monument became the centerpiece of a larger attraction – the Canadian Centennial Numismatic Park. Szilva’s plans were grand, with a model mine, coin collections, and even a miniature railroad. Though some elements like the model mine and the train were eventually dismantled, the Big Nickel stands tall today as an enduring symbol of Sudbury’s mining history.
It’s not just a big coin – it’s a snapshot of Sudbury’s past, reflecting the hard work and dedication that helped shape the city.
