Canadian One Cent Coins

LARGE CENTS

QUEEN VICTORIA
1837 to 1901

Young Head
1858 to 1859

image of young head, 1858 and 159 type only

The young head Victorian coins, struck in 1858 and 1859 prior to Confederation, are British Colonial issues under the Province of Canada. The denomination of a cent is equal to the British 1/2 penny, but the government had them struck to the weight standard of 100 coins to the pound rather than the the British standard of 80 coins to the pound of bronze. This made the coins unpopular and poorly accepted by the public. This type was designed by Leonard C. Wyon and was struck from an alloy containing 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc. The standard weight was 4.54 grams with a diameter of 25.4 mm (1 inch). Unlike the silver coins of this series, the large cents were struck with medal alignment, except for a very rare variety of the 1859 which had a 180 degree die rotation causing it to have coinage alignment (we have never seen one, but they do exist).

1858 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1858 .................................... F-12     SOLD




1859 saw many small varieties in the 1 cent coins. The most common variety is the standard Narrow 9, of which there is a sub variety known as the Low 9. Several left over 1858 dies were re-punched to change the date from 1858 to 1859 without first erasing the second 8, sometimes resulted in part of the 8 still visible below the 9, and are known as a 9 over 8 (or 9/8) varieties. Other varieties are known as "double punch varieties" probably are a type of 9/8 but with no trace of the old 8 visible, but have slightly oddly shaped 9's. To understand the differences between the many 1859 varieties, it is best to consult the pictures of them in the Charlton standard catalogue of Canadian Coins.

1859 narrow ............................ VF-30     SOLD

1859 narrow low ........................ VF-30     SOLD




1859/8 wide 9, medal ..................... G-6   $29.50
1859/8 wide 9, medal ................... VG-10   $49.50
1859/8 wide 9, medal .................... F-12   $62.50
1859/8 wide 9, medal ................... VF-30  $115.00




1859 double punch #2 ................... VG-10   $80.00
1859 double punch #2 .... some corrosion VF-30   $90.00






Mature Head
1876 to 1901



image of mature head 1876 to 1901 type only

Canada was confederated as a country in 1867, but there was at first no need for 1 cent pieces, as the government still had large stocks of un-issued 1858 and 1859 Province of Canada cents on hand. The first cent struck under the Dominion of Canada was in 1876, at which time the weight standard was raised to 80 coins to the pound of bronze to bring them in line with the British 1/2 penny, and make the coins more acceptable to the public. Prior to 1908, there was no mint in Canada, and all of Canada's coins were struck in England. Those coins that do not have a mint mark were struck at the Royal Mint at London. Those with the "H" mint mark were struck at the Heaton Mint at Birmingham. With the exceptions of 1898 and 1900 the "H" mint mark when present will be found immediately below the date. In 1898 and 1900 the "H" mint issues have the mint mark at the very bottom of the reverse, centered under the date but below the outer leaves. This type was designed by Leonard C. Wyon and was struck from an alloy containing 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc. The standard weight was 5.67 grams with a diameter of 25.4 mm (1 inch). The large cents continue to be medal alignment. Although they all look the same, there are actually four very slightly different portraits of Queen Victoria on the Canadian large cents, known as Obverses 1, 2, 3 and 4. From 1876 to 1881 only obverse 1 was used. From 1882 to 1886 both obverses 1 and 2 were used. In 1887 and 1888 only obverse 2 was used. In 1890 only obverse 3 was used. In 1891 both obverse 2 and 3 were used. In 1892 obverse 2, 3 and 4 were all used. Than from 1893 to 1901 only obverse 4 was used. For a complete discussion of how to tell the different obverse apart, you will need a copy of the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, but it has to be a relatively new edition to have this information in it.




1876 H .................................. VG-8   $ 3.75
1876 H ................................. VG-10   $ 3.75
1876 H .................................. F-12     SOLD
1876 H .................................. F-15   $ 4.75
1876 H ........................... rough VF-20   $ 3.25
1876 H ................................. VF-20   $ 5.50
1876 H ................................. VF-30   $ 7.50
1876 H ....................  minor marks XF-40   $ 8.00
1876 H .................. slightly rough XF-40   $ 9.00
1876 H ................................. XF-40   $11.00
1876 H ................................. XF-45   $17.50
1876 H ................................. AU-50   $28.50
1876 H .......... red & brown, trace red MS-63  $142.50




1881 H ................................... G-4   $ 3.00
1881 H .................................. VG-8   $ 5.75
1881 H .................................. F-12   $ 7.50
1881 H .................................. F-15   $10.00
1881 H ................................. VF-20   $15.00
1881 H ..................... minor marks VF-30   $ 9.00
1881 H ......................... cleaned VF-30   $12.00
1881 H .......... light scratch on cheek VF-30   $12.50
1881 H ................................. VF-30   $18.00
1881 H ................................. XF-40   $23.00




1882 H Obverse 1 ....... light scratches VG-10     SOLD
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... VG-10   $ 6.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ........................ F-12   $ 7.50
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... VF-20   $12.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ............... cleaned VF-30   $ 8.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... VF-30   $15.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... XF-45   $26.50
1882 H Obverse 1 ................. brown MS-60      SOLD

1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ VG-8   $ 3.25
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VG-10     SOLD
1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ F-12   $ 4.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ........... dig in crown F-15   $ 3.25
1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ F-15   $ 4.75
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VF-20   $ 5.75
1882 H Obverse 2 ....... light scratches VF-30   $ 5.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VF-30   $ 7.50
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... XF-40   $11.50
1882 H Obverse 2 ....... light scratches XF-45   $12.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... AU-55   $34.00




1884 Obverse 2 .......................... VG-8   $ 4.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VG-10   $ 4.50
1884 Obverse 2 ....... light dig on cheek F-12   $ 3.25
1884 Obverse 2 .......................... F-12   $ 5.00
1884 Obverse 2 .......................... F-15   $ 5.75
1884 Obverse 2 ............ minor marks, VF-20   $ 6.50
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-20   $ 8.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-30   $10.00
1884 Obverse 2 ............. discoloured XF-40   $ 7.50
1884 Obverse 2 .............. rough area XF-40   $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 .......... small rim nick XF-40   $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 .... couple small scratch,XF-40   $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 .... striking flaw on rim XF-40   $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 ............. minor marks XF-40   $10.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... XF-40   $14.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... XF-45   $18.00




1886 Obverse 1 .......................... F-12   $24.00

1886 Obverse 2 ........................... G-6   $ 4.00
1886 Obverse 2 .......................... F-12   $10.00
1886 Obverse 2 .......................... F-15   $11.50
1886 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-20   $16.00
1886 Obverse 2 ................. cleaned VF-30     SOLD
1886 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-30   $20.00
1886 Obverse 2 ...... rough, light marks XF-40   $15.50
1886 Obverse 2 ......................... XF-40   $29.00
1886 Obverse 2 .......... small rim nick XF-45   $31.50
1886 Obverse 2 ..... discoloured reverse XF-45   $20.00
1886 Obverse 2 ................... brown AU-50   $55.00




1887 ................................... VF-20   $10.00
1887 ................................... VF-30   $12.50
1887 ............................ pocked XF-45   $ 9.00




1888 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.75
1888 ..................... light cleaning F-12   $ 4.00
1888 .................................... F-12   $ 5.75
1888 .................................... F-15   $ 6.25
1888 ................................... VF-20   $ 7.50
1888 ................................... VF-30   $ 8.00
1888 ............................. XF-40/VF-20   $ 8.00
1888 .................... slightly rough XF-40   $ 7.25
1888 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
1888 ................................... AU-58   $31.50
1888 ......................... trace red MS-62   $75.00




1890 H .................................. VG-8   $ 8.50
1890 H ................................. VG-10   $11.00
1890 H .................................. F-12   $15.00
1890 H .................................. F-15   $18.00
1890 H .................... old cleaning VF-20   $15.00
1890 H ................................. VF-20   $24.00
1890 H ................................. VF-30   $28.50
1890 H ................................. XF-40     SOLD




In 1891 there are three major varieties in the large cents:    

1) Large date with large leaves - LDLL    
2) Small date with large leaves - SDLL    
3) Small date with small leaves - SDSL    

1891 LDLL obverse 2 ............ rim nick F-15   $ 7.00
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ......... minor marks F-15   $11.50
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ...... dent on cheek VF-30   $12.00
1891 LDLL obverse 2 .................... VF-30   $26.50
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ........ minor marks XF-40   $26.50
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ..... dig on reverse XF-40   $26.50

1891 LDLL obverse 3 ........ obverse dig VG-10   $ 3.50
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VG-10   $ 9.50
1891 LDLL obverse 3 ..................... F-15   $15.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 . minor rim nick,dig VF-20   $11.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VF-20   $21.50
1891 LDLL obverse 3 ..... slightly rough VF-30   $20.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .... light scratches VF-30   $28.50
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VF-30   $28.50
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .............. brown AU-58  $125.00




1891 SDSL obverse 3 .................... VF-30     SOLD




1892 obverse 3 .......................... VG-8   $ 7.50
1892 obverse 3 ......................... VF-20   $16.00
1892 obverse 3 .............. dig at lip VF-30   $10.00
1892 obverse 3 ......................... VF-30   $17.50
1892 obverse 3 .... mnr marks, old clean XF-45   $15.00
1892 obverse 3 .... rim bump, sl scratch XF-45   $15.00
1892 obverse 3 ......................... XF-45   $30.00
1892 obverse 3 ................... brown AU-50   $48.50

1892 obverse 4 .......................... F-15   $13.50
1892 obverse 4 ......................... VF-20   $16.00
1892 obverse 4.............. light marks VF-30   $14.50
1892 obverse 4.......................... VF-30   $17.50
1892 obverse 4 .... minor marks, cleaned XF-40   $15.00
1892 obverse 4 ......................... XF-40   $20.00
1892 obverse 4 ......................... XF-45   $32.00
1892 obverse 4 ........ scratch on cheek AU-50   $32.00
1892 obverse 4 ......... light scratches AU-50   $39.50




1893 ................................... VF-30   $ 9.00
1893 ................................... XF-40   $12.00
1893 ....................... minor marks XF-45   $ 8.00
1893 .................. tiny dig on neck XF-45   $10.00
1893 ................................... XF-45   $17.50
1893 ....................... light marks AU-50   $20.00
1893 ............................. brown AU-50   $28.50
1893 ............................. brown MS-60     SOLD




1894 ................................... VG-10   $15.00
1894 .................................... F-12   $17.50
1894 ...................... light scratch F-15   $15.00
1894 .................................... F-15   $22.00
1894 ................................... VF-20   $29.00
1894 ....................... minor marks VF-30   $27.50
1894 ................................... VF-30   $34.00
1894 ................................... XF-40   $44.50
1894 .................. streaky planchet XF-45   $25.00
1894 ....................... minor marks XF-45   $39.50
1894 ................................... XF-45   $58.00
1894 ............................. brown MS-63  $160.00




1895 .................................... F-12   $12.00
1895 .................................... F-15   $13.50
1895 ........... light reverse scratches VF-20   $11.00
1895 ................................... VF-20   $16.00
1895 .................. minor rim damage VF-30   $12.50
1895 ................................... VF-30   $18.50
1895 ...................  slightly rough XF-40   $10.00
1895 ........................... cleaned XF-40   $11.00
1895 .......................  minor digs XF-40   $12.00
1895 ................................... XF-40   $24.00
1895 ................................... XF-45   $33.50
1895 ................................... AU-50   $52.50
1895 .................... minor rim flaw MS-60   $70.00




1896 .................................... VG-8   $ 4.00
1896 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.25
1896 .................................... F-12   $ 4.75
1896 .................................... F-15   $ 5.50
1896 ................................... VF-20   $ 7.00
1896 ...................... old cleaning VF-30   $ 6.00
1896 ................................... VF-30   $ 8.25
1896 ............ reverse slightly rough XF-40   $ 8.00
1896 ................................... XF-40   $10.50
1896 ................................... XF-45   $15.00
1896 ................................... AU-50   $24.00
1896 ................................... AU-55   $33.50
1896 ................................... AU-58   $39.50




1897 .................................... F-12   $ 6.75
1897 ................................... VF-30   $10.00
1897 ................................... XF-45   $17.00
1897 ......................... trace red MS-60   $77.50




1898 H ................................. VG-10   $ 9.00
1898 H ........... corroded and scratches F-12   $ 3.25
1898 H .................................. F-12   $14.00
1898 H .................................. F-15   $16.50
1898 H ....................... scratches VF-20   $12.00
1898 H .................. blotchy colour VF-20   $14.50
1898 H ................................. VF-20   $20.00
1898 H ..................... discoloured VF-30   $14.00
1898 H ........ multiple minor bag marks VF-30   $16.50
1898 H .................. small rim nick VF-30   $18.00
1898 H ................................. VF-30   $23.00
1898 H ................................. XF-40   $27.00
1898 H ............... small dig on neck XF-45   $25.00
1898 H .................. slightly rough XF-45   $14.50
1898 H ........................... brown AU-50   $52.50




1899 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.50
1899 ........................ some marks XF-40   $ 5.75
1899 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
1899 ................................... XF-45   $13.00
1899 ......................... trace red XF-45   $13.75
1899 ............................. brown AU-50   $20.00
1899 ......................... trace red MS-62   $77.50




1900 ................................... VF-20   $24.50
1900 ....................... light marks VF-30   $22.00
1900 ................................... VF-30   $28.50
1900 ....................... light marks XF-40   $28.50
1900 ................................... XF-40   $38.50
1900 ....................... discoloured XF-45   $27.00
1900 ................................... XF-45   $47.50
1900 ............. dark and slight rough AU-50   $40.00
1900 ................................... AU-50   $72.50
1900 ......................... trace red MS-62  $185.00




1900 H .................................. VG-8     SOLD
1900 H ................................. VF-20   $ 6.75
1900 H ................................. VF-30   $ 7.50
1900 H ..................... rough spots XF-40   $ 5.50
1900 H ................................. XF-40   $10.00
1900 H ............... reverse die break XF-45   $ 7.50
1900 H ............ light dig on obverse XF-45   $ 8.00
1900 H ................................. AU-50     SOLD
1900 H ........................... brown MS-60   $46.00
1900 H ................... red and brown MS-62   $64.50




1901 .................................... F-15     SOLD
1901 ................................... VF-30   $ 7.50
1901 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
1901 .................. scratch on cheek XF-45   $ 8.00
1901 ................................... XF-45   $13.50
1901 ............................. rough AU-50   $12.50
1901 ............................. brown AU-50   $20.00
1901 ......................... trace red MS-62   $58.50
1901 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $87.50






EDWARD VII
1902 to 1910



image of Edward VII 1902 to 1910, type only




Prior to 1908, any Canadian coin which was not mintmarked was struck at the Royal Mint in London, England, but starting in 1908 non-mint marked coins were struck in Canada at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The 1907 coins with an "H" mint mark (below the leaves on the reverse, centred under the date) were struck at the Heaton mint in Birmingham, England. This Obverse type was designed by G. W. DeSalles, while the reverse continues the type designed by Leonard C. Wyon used since 1858. These were struck from an alloy containing 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc. The standard weight was 5.67 grams with a diameter of 25.4 mm (1 inch).

1902 .................................... F-15   $ 3.75
1902 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.50
1902 ................................... XF-40   $ 8.00
1902 .................... ICCS trace red MS-60   $35.00
1902 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $57.50




1903 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1903 ................................... VF-20     SOLD
1903 ................................... VF-30     SOLD
1903 ..................... mark on cheek XF-40   $ 5.00
1903 ................................... XF-40   $ 8.00
1903 ............ reverse slightly rough AU-50   $ 7.50
1903 ................................... AU-50   $12.00
1903 ................................... AU-55   $18.50
1903 ............................. brown MS-60     SOLD
1903 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $52.50
1903 ................. red/red and brown MS-63   $70.00




1904 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1904 .................................... F-12   $ 3.75
1904 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.75
1904 ................................... VF-30   $ 7.00
1904 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1904 ................................... XF-45   $12.50
1904 ................................... AU-50   $18.00
1904 ................................... AU-55   $27.50




1905 ................. small reverse dint F-12     SOLD
1905 .................... light cleaning VF-20     SOLD
1905 ................................... VF-20   $ 8.00
1905 ................................... VF-30   $ 9.50
1905 ................................... XF-40   $12.00
1905 ......................... trace red MS-62   $72.50




1906 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1906 .................................... F-15   $ 3.50
1906 ................................... VF-20     SOLD
1906 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.00
1906 ...... spot of light discolouration XF-40   $ 5.50
1906 ................................... XF-40   $ 7.25
1906 ................................... AU-50     SOLD
1906 ........... trace red/red and brown MS-62   $60.00




1907 ................................... VG-10     SOLD
1907 ....................... old cleaning F-15   $ 3.00
1907 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
1907 ......................... rim bumps XF-45   $ 5.75
1907 ................................... XF-45     SOLD
1907 ............................. brown MS-60   $42.50
1907 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $80.00




1907 H ...................... minor marks VG-8   $ 9.00
1907 H .................................. VG-8   $12.50
1907 H ................................. VG-10   $17.50
1907 H ......... minor rim bumps and digs F-12   $10.00
1907 H .......................... pitting F-12   $10.00
1907 H ............................ rough F-12   $18.00
1907 H ...................... minor marks F-12   $18.00
1907 H .................................. F-12   $24.00
1907 H ............................ rough F-15   $12.00
1907 H .................................. F-15   $29.00
1907 H ................................. VF-20   $37.00
1907 H ................................. VF-30   $45.00
1907 H ................................. XF-40   $61.00
1907 H .................... old cleaning XF-45   $50.00





From 1908 on, Canadian coins were struck at the Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa but in all other respect the designs remain the same.

1908 .................................... F-12     SOLD
1908 .................................... F-15   $ 5.75
1908 ................................... VF-20   $ 7.50
1908 ..................... discoloration XF-40   $ 7.00
1908 ....................... light marks XF-40   $ 7.00
1908 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
1908 ................................... XF-45   $13.00




1909 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1909 ................................... VG-10   $ 2.50
1909 .................................... F-12   $ 3.25
1909 .................................... F-15   $ 3.50
1909 ................................... VF-20   $ 4.00
1909 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.00
1909 ................................... XF-40   $ 6.50
1909 ...................... old cleaning XF-45   $ 4.75
1909 ................................... XF-45   $ 8.50
1909 ................................... AU-50     SOLD
1909 .................... ICCS trace red MS-62   $50.00
1909 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $55.00




1910 .................................... VG-8   $ 2.00
1910 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.25
1910 ................................... VF-30   $ 4.00
1910 ................................... XF-40   $ 5.50
1910 ................................... XF-45   $ 7.75
1910 ............... ICCS lustrous brown MS-62   $39.50






GEORGE V
1911 to 1936



image of George V, 1911 Godless, type only





The Canadian large cent saw a whole new design for the 1911 to 1920 issues under George V. When first introduced in 1911 the coins were struck lacking "DEI GRATIA" (latin for "by God's Grace") in the obverse inscription and became known as the "GODLESS COINS". This caused such an outrage that in 1912 the obverse inscriptions were modified so that "DEI GRATIA" was again included on these coins. This Obverse type was designed by Sir E. B. MacKennal, and the reverse by W. H. J. Blakemore. These were struck from an alloy containing 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc. The standard weight was 5.67 grams with a diameter fo 25.4 mm (1 inch). All were struck at the Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa.

1911 Godless ........................... VF-30   $ 3.00
1911 Godless ........................... XF-40   $ 4.00
1911 Godless ........................... AU-50     SOLD
1911 Godless ............ ICCS trace red MS-62   $35.00





image of George V, 1912 to 1920, type only





1912 ............ reverse slightly rough XF-40     SOLD
1912 ................................... XF-40   $ 4.00
1912 ........................... cleaned AU-55   $ 6.50
1912 ................................... AU-58   $20.00
1912 ......................... trace red MS-62   $36.50
1912 ............... brown/red and brown MS-62   $38.00
1912 ..................... red and brown MS-63     SOLD
1912 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $69.50




1913 .................................... F-15   $ 2.00
1913 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.50
1913 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.25
1913 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1913 ............................. brown MS-60     SOLD
1913 ......................... trace red MS-62   $42.50
1913 ......................... trace red MS-63   $49.50




1914 ................................... VG-10   $ 1.50
1914 .................................... F-15   $ 2.25
1914 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.00
1914 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.50
1914 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1914 ......................... trace red MS-60     SOLD
1914 ........... trace red/red and brown MS-62   $62.50
1914 ............... ICCS lustrous brown MS-62   $59.50
1914 ......................... trace red MS-62     SOLD
1914 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $75.00




1915 .................................... F-15   $ 2.50
1915 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.75
1915 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.25
1915 ......... trace red/ red and brown MS-63   $50.00




1916 ................................... VF-20   $ 1.75
1916 ..................... red and brown MS-62     SOLD
1916 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $55.00




1917 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-62     SOLD




1918 .............. very minor die clash XF-40     SOLD
1918 ................................... XF-45     SOLD
1918 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60     SOLD




1919 ................................... VF-20   $ 1.25
1919 ................................... VF-30   $ 1.75
1919 ................................... XF-40   $ 2.50
1919 ................................... AU-58     SOLD
1919 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $15.00
1919 ........................ ICCS brown MS-62   $21.50




1920 ................................... VF-20   $ 1.25




In 1920, both large and small cents were struck. A considerable number of the 1920 large cents were melted to recover their metal for striking of 1920 small cents, but they are still relatively common coins.




To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary, special sets of coins were struck with the sizes, alloys, and general reverse designs of the 1908 coins, but Queen Elizabeth's portrait and the date shown as "1908 - 2008". The one cent coins are the only large cents struck after 1920. The early sets were struck with an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved un-popular with collectors, but an interesting variety on the once cent because the designer forgot to place the word "Canada" appear below the Queen's portrait, making these the only Canadian coins on which "CANADA" does not appear anywhere. Sets struck later in the year were issued as mirror-proofs, and with "CANADA" added below the Queen's portrait on the one cent coins.




LARGE CENT, 1908-1998 ........ MIRROR PROOF-68     SOLD






SMALL CENTS

GEORGE V


IMAGE OF 1920 TO 1936, TYPE ONLY

In 1920, mostly to reduce the cost of coinage production, the government ceased to issue large cents at the standard of the British half penny, and began striking small cents of the same weight standard as the American cent. The obverse design is slightly different than that on the large cents and is by Sir E.B. MacKennal, whose initials B.M. appear on the truncation of the bust. The reverse design is totally new and by Fred Lewis. The alloy also changed slightly as these contain 95.5% copper, 3% tin and 1.5% zinc. The standard weight is 3.24 grams, with a diameter of 19.05 mm (3/4 inch).

1920 ................................... VF-30     SOLD
1920 ................................... AU-55   $ 9.50

1921 .................................... F-12   $ 1.00
1921 ................................... VF-20     SOLD
1921 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1921 ................................... XF-45   $ 8.00




1922 .................................... VG-8   $16.50
1922 ................................... VG-10   $17.50
1922 ................... light rim damage F-12     SOLD
1922 .................................... F-12   $20.00
1922 .................................... F-15   $24.00
1922 ................................... VF-20   $29.00
1922 ................................... VF-30   $35.00




1923 .................................. FILLER     SOLD
1923 .................................... VG-8   $33.50
1923 ................................... VG-10   $34.50
1923 ........................ light marks F-12     SOLD
1923 .................................... F-12   $36.00
1923 ....................... uneven color F-15   $32.00
1923 .................................... F-15   $39.00
1923 ............... discoloured reverse VF-20   $37.00
1923 ................................... VF-30   $50.00
1923 ..................... light pitting XF-40   $29.00




1924 ................................... VG-10   $ 7.00
1924 .................................... F-12   $ 8.00
1924 .................................... F-15   $ 9.50
1924 ................................... VF-20   $12.00
1924 ................................... VF-30   $14.00
1924 ................................... XF-40   $16.00
1924 ................................... XF-45     SOLD




1925 .................................... VG-8   $28.50
1925 ................................... VG-10   $29.50
1925 .................................... F-12   $32.00
1925 ....................... obverse digs F-15   $24.00
1925 .................................... F-15   $35.00
1925 ................................... VF-20   $39.00
1925 ....................... light marks VF-30   $33.00
1925 ................................... VF-30   $42.50
1925 ................... minor rim bumps XF-40     SOLD
1925 ................................... XF-40   $48.00
1925 ................................... XF-45   $65.00
1925 ....................... light marks AU-50   $71.50
1925 ................................... AU-50  $100.00




1926 .................................... VG-8   $ 4.75
1926 ................................... VG-10   $ 5.50
1926 .................................... F-12   $ 6.50
1926 .................... small rim nicks F-15   $ 5.50
1926 .................................... F-15   $ 7.50
1926 ....................... minor marks VF-20   $ 7.50
1926 ................................... VF-20   $10.00
1926 ............... minor mark on crown VF-30   $ 8.00
1926 ................................... VF-30   $11.50
1926 ................................... XF-40   $16.00




1927 .................................... VG-8   $ 1.50
1927 ................................... VG-10   $ 1.75
1927 .................................... F-12     SOLD
1927 .................................... F-15   $ 3.00
1927 ................................... VF-20   $ 4.00
1927 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.50
1927 ................................... XF-40     SOLD




1928 ................................... VF-20   $ 1.00
1928 ................................... VF-30   $ 1.25
1928 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1928 ................. minor laminations AU-50   $ 4.00
1928 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $18.50




1929 ................................... VF-30   $ 1.25
1929 ................................... XF-40   $ 2.00




1930 .................................... VG-8     SOLD
1930 ................................... VG-10   $ 2.75
1930 ....................... old cleaning F-12   $ 2.25
1930 .................................... F-12   $ 3.50
1930 .................................... F-15   $ 4.00
1930 ................................... VF-20   $ 4.75
1930 ................................... VF-30     SOLD




1931 ................................... VG-10     SOLD
1931 .................................... F-12     SOLD
1931 .................................... F-15     SOLD
1931 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.00
1931 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.75
1931 ......................... trace red MS-60   $60.00




1932 ............................. brown MS-60   $16.00
1932 ......................... trace red MS-62     SOLD
1932 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $32.50
1932 ............................. brown MS-63   $27.00
1932 ............................... red MS-63   $70.00




1933 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1933 ................................... XF-45   $ 2.75
1933 ............................. brown MS-60   $16.50
1933 ......................... trace red MS-60   $24.00




1934 ................................... AU-55     SOLD
1934 ............................. brown MS-60   $16.50
1934 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $16.50
1934 ......................... trace red MS-62   $24.00
1934 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $53.50




1935 ................................... XF-40     SOLD
1935 ................................... AU-50     SOLD
1935 ............................. brown MS-60   $16.50
1935 ......................... trace red MS-62   $23.50




1936 ................................... XF-40   $ 1.75
1936 ................................... AU-55     SOLD
1936 ............................. brown MS-60   $16.50
1936 ......................... trace red MS-60   $20.00
1936 ......................... trace red MS-62   $21.50
1936 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $38.50





GEORGE VI
1937 to 1952


IMAGE OF 1937 TO 1947, TYPE ONLY

1937 saw a major change in Canadian coin designs, making them somewhat more artistic, and now each Canadian denomination had its own distinctive reverse designs (earlier coins were all variations on the same design). The obverse (common to all the denominations) was designed by T. H. Paget, whose initials H.P. appear on the truncation of the bust. The reverse Maple leaf design is totally new and by Kruger-Gray, as indicated by the initials K.G. in the lower right field. From 1937 to partway through 1942 these coins were struck from an alloy containing 95.5% copper, 3% tin and 1.5% zinc (the same as the earlier small cents) but part way through 1942 the alloy was changed to 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc. The standard weight is 3.24 grams, with a diameter of 19.05 mm (3/4 inch). All dates from 1937 to 1952 are common in average circulated condition. Because it is not economical for us to list coins under $1.00, some dates will not be listed here unless we have high-grade specimens available. After 1936 there are no rare dates for Canadian 1 cent coins, and examples in average circulation condition are not listed here because the value would not be enough to warrent the time needed to package and list them. The examples we have listed are either of relatively high quality, or rare varieties of that date (or both). For any dates we have not listed, it is because do currently do not have examples in high enough quality to warrent listing.




1938 ................................... AU-55   $ 1.75
1938 ................................... AU-58     SOLD
1938 ............................. brown MS-60   $ 2.50
1938 ......................... trace red MS-60   $ 3.25
1938 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 4.00
1938 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $11.00




1939 ............................. brown MS-60     SOLD
1939 ......................... trace red MS-60   $ 3.00
1939 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 3.50
1939 ..................... red and brown MS-63     SOLD




1940 ................................... AU-55   $ 1.50
1940 ......................... trace red MS-60   $ 3.00
1940 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 3.50
1940 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $ 4.25
1940 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $ 6.00
1940 ............................... red MS-63   $ 7.75




1941 ......................... trace red MS-60     SOLD
1941 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $18.50
1941 ......................... trace red MS-62   $17.50
1941 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $28.50
1941 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $46.50
1941 ............................... red MS-63   $65.00




1942 ............................. brown MS-60     SOLD
1942 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $15.00
1942 ... sl stain at edge, red and brown MS-62   $22.00
1942 ......................... trace red MS-62   $20.00
1942 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $32.00
1942 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $49.50




1943 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $19.00
1943 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $29.00




1944 ............................. brown MS-60   $14.00
1944 ............................. trace MS-60   $20.00
1944 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $25.00
1944 ............................. trace MS-62   $28.00
1944 .......................... ICCS red MS-63  $120.00




1945 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $17.50




1946 .......................... ICCS RED MS-63   $ 8.50




1947 ..................... red and brown MS-62     SOLD





In 1947 India received its independence, so "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from the King's titles on any British Commonweath coins dating 1948 or newer. In Canada a problem arose when early in 1948 the new dies with "IND IMP" removed were late arriving from England, but new coins were needed so a decision was made to issue coins dated 1947, but with a small maple leaf after the date to indicate they were actually minted in 1948. There are now two recognized varieties of the 1947 maple leaf 1 cent coins, which are the pointed 7 and blunt 7, with the pointed 7 being the common one. When first noticed, the blunt 7 examples were thought to be rare, and a few were sold for very high prices, but since then many more have been found, they they are now considered to be only a slightly scarce variety,




1947 ML pt 7 ................. trace red MS-60     SOLD




1947 ML blunt 7 ......................... F-15   $ 1.25
1947 ML blunt 7 ........................ VF-20     SOLD




Late in 1948 the new dies arrived from England and coins actually dated 1948 were struck with the new inscription. All other aspects of the coin remain the same as on the earlier issue. However, there are some minor variations in the 1948 and 1949 coin with respect to the exact placement of the lettering of the obverse inscriptions, where on some specimens the A points between two denticles, and on others it points directly at a denticle.


IMAGE OF 1948 TO 1952, TYPE ONLY



1948 A between denticle ................ XF-40     SOLD




There are two recognized varieties of the 1949 cent due to slightly different positions of the obverse lettering relative to the denticles around the edge. The common variety has the final "A" in "GRATIA" pointing between two denticles and is known as the "A between" or "A off" denticle variety. On the scarcer variety has that same "A" pointing directly at a denticle, and is known the "A to denticle" variety.




1949 A off denticle .......... trace red MS-62     SOLD
1949 A off denticle ...... red and brown MS-62     SOLD
1949 A off denticle ...... red and brown MS-63     SOLD
1949 A off denticle ................ red MS-63     SOLD
1949 A off denticle ................ red MS-64   $60.00
1949 A off denticle ........... ICCS red MS-64   $62.50




1949 A to a denticle ................... VG-10   $22.50
1949 A to a denticle .................... F-12   $24.00
1949 A to a denticle .................... F-15   $27.50
1949 A to a denticle ................... VF-20   $38.50
1949 A to a denticle ................... VF-30   $45.00
1949 A to a denticle ................... XF-40   $55.00
1949 A to a denticle ................... XF-45     SOLD
1949 A to a denticle ....... light marks AU-50   $60.00




1950 ......................... trace red MS-62     SOLD
1950 ..................... red and brown MS-62     SOLD




1951 ......................... trace red MS-62     SOLD




1952 ................................... AU-55     SOLD
1952 ......................... trace red MS-60   $ 2.25
1952 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $ 2.50
1952 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 2.50
1952 ..................... red and brown MS-62     SOLD
1952 .......................... ICCS MS-64 RED   $50.00





ELIZABETH II
1953 to date


IMAGE OF 1953 TO 1964, TYPE ONLY



1953 saw the introduction of Elizabeth II's portrait based on designs by Mary Gillick, whose initials appear on the truncation of the bust. The reverse remains Kruger-Gray's maple leaf design, with his initials in the right field. The flans remain 19.05 mm, 3.25 grams of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc Most of the coins struck in 1953 appear to show the Queen with a bare shoulder, which was considered to be inappropriate. The die engraver (Thomas Shingles) had cut dies with too much relief and weak shoulder fold lines which were present on the dies but seldom fully struck up on the coins, resulting in what is known as the "no shoulder fold" or "no shoulder strap" (NSS) variety. Later in 1953 new dies were cut with lower relief and a stronger shoulder fold which strikes up on the coins, creating what is known as the "shoulder fold" or "shoulder strap" (SS) variety. Some of the lettering was also modified, so the earlier NSS examples have strongly serifed "I"'s on the obverse, while the later SS variety has much straighter "I"'s. On worn coins, the shape of these "I"'s is an easy way to confirm which type you are looking at. NSS - no shoulder strap SS - shoulder strap




1953 NSS ................. red and brown MS-62   $ 1.25
1953 NSS ................. red and brown MS-63   $ 1.50
1953 NSS ........................... red MS-63   $ 1.75
1953 NSS ...................... ICCS red MS-64   $20.00




1953 SS ................................. F-12     SOLD
1953 SS ................................ VF-20   $ 1.50
1953 SS ................................ VF-30   $ 2.25
1953 SS ................................ XF-40   $ 3.25
1953 SS ................................ AU-50     SOLD
1953 SS .......................... brown MS-60   $12.50
1953 SS ...................... trace red MS-62     SOLD

From 1954 to 1964 the obverse design was intended to remain the SS variety, but some 1954 proof-like sets contain cents accidentally struck with a 1953 NSS die, and a few 1955 circulation strikes cents were also struck with a 1953 NSS obverse die. Both are rare, and fraud artists sometime attept to polish off the SS area, but they cannot add seried "I"'s to the obverse inscription, and so it is important to check that letter form to confirm the variety when purchasing on of these coins.




1954 ..................... red and brown MS-62     SOLD
1954 ................ sl toning ... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




1955 ..................... red and brown MS-60     SOLD




1956 .......................... ICCS RED MS-64   $17.50




1957 .......................... ICCS RED MS-64   $17.50




1958 ................ fingerprinted PROOF-LIKE   $ 2.50




1960 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




1961 ........ light spotting, cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 5.50
1961 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 8.00




1962 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




One of the 1962 dies had some very fine vertical lines running between the bottom of the 1 in the denomination, down into the notch in the maple leaf below. This variety is commonly known as the "HARP" variety. This variety is not listed in the standard price listings of Canadian coins, but is listed in Has Zoell's books on Canadian varieties as #K86b.




1962 harp variety ...................... VF-30     SOLD




1963 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE   $12.00
1964 ..... ICCS heavy cameo red, PROOF-LIKE-64     SOLD




1964 mint error, lamination flaked off .......   $ 8.00


IMAGE OF 1965 to 1966 and 1968 to 1978, TYPE ONLY



In 1965 it was decided to update the Queen's portrait to a slightly more mature look, with the new design by Arnold Machin, showing the Queen with more drapery on her shoulders, and a tiara on her head. The reverse design by Kruger-Gray was retained unchanged. The alloy of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc continued to be used, as did the standard weight of 3.24 grams, and diameter of 19.05 mm. The change in obverse design did not go quite as smoothly as planned, as in 1965 both large and small bead varieties occur. There are also two varieties of how the 5 is drawn in the date, so one actually finds four varieties of 1965 cents. TYPE 1 : Small beads, pointed 5 (slightly scarce) TYPE 2 : Small beads, blunt 5 (common) TYPE 3 : Large beads, blunt 5 (common) TYPE 4 : Large beads, pointed 5 (scarcer)




1965 type 1 ............................ AU-55     SOLD

1965 type 2 ...... ICCS heavy cameo red, PL-64     SOLD




In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a dove design by Alex Covillie used for the one cent. The alloys, weight and size remained unchanged. PLEASE NOTE THAT 1967 1 CENT COINS ARE VERY COMMON AND NORMAL CIRCULATION STRIKES, EVEN IN MINT CONDITION, ARE OF VERY LITTLE VALUE.




1967, Dove ........................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
1967, Dove ........... heavy cameo SPECIMEN-65   $26.00




1967, Dove ...... error semi-brockage ... circ   $25.00




1968 saw a return to the standard Maple leaf reverse design that had been in use since 1937.




1968 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 4.75




1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 0.75




1980 saw a change in the 1 cent coins that went largely unnoticed by the public. The designs remained the same, as did the alloy, but the weight was reduced from 3.24 grams to only 2.8 grams. This was accomplished by a slight reduction in the diameter from 19.05 mm to 19.00 mm, and more importantly a reduction in the thickness from about 1.5 mm to 1.38 mm. The difference sounds minor but with a mintage of about 1 billion coins per year, the monetary savings in producing these coins was huge.




1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 0.75




1982 saw another, more major, change in the 1 cent coins, which also went largely unnoticed by the public. The designs again remained the same, as did the alloy of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc, but the weight further reduced from 2.8 grams to only 2.5 grams. The size was actually increased from 19.00 mm to 19.1 mm, but the weight reduction was accomplished by making the coin 12 sided, which was like cutting a small amount of metal away at 12 points around the edge. Another minor change occurred in that on the reverse the dentical border was replaced by a beaded border.




1982 ................................... PROOF     SOLD




The 1985 cent has two varieties in how the 5 in the date is drawn. On the very common blunt 5 variety, the 5's top is straight up and down at the front. On the much scarcer pointed 5 variety, that part of the 5 angles up to the right.




1985 pointed  5 ........................ XF-40     SOLD




1986 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 2.00





ELIZABETH II

Crowned Head Series


IMAGE OF 1990 to 1991, 1993 to 2001, and 2003, TYPE ONLY



In 1990 it was again decided to update the Queen's portrait to a more mature style, and a design by Dora de Pedery-Hunt was chosen which showed the Queen wearing a crown. This issue caused a great deal of concern when it first appeared because the crown is a King's crown rather than a Queen's crown, and people thought it was an error and would be recalled. However, the particular crown was designed for George IV around 1830 and has been worn by every King and Queen (including both Victoria and Elizabeth) since then because it is fairly light weight. Since it is the crown Queen Elizabeth wears, it is the correct crown for the coins. The reverse maple leaf design by Kruger-Gray remains, as does the alloy of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc, with 12 sides at 19.1 mm, 2.5 grams.




1990 ................................... PROOF   $ 4.00




1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




1992 saw Canada's 125th anniversary as a country, and most coins that year were double dated, with "1867 - 1992" instead of just 1992. All else remained the same, and in 1993 the regular single dating continued.




1992, double dated .................. SPECIMEN     SOLD




1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
1993 ................................... PROOF     SOLD




1996 ................................... PROOF     SOLD




1997 saw a major change in the Cent coins. The basic designs remained the same with the mature crowned bust of the Queen by Dora de Pedery-Hunt, and reverse maple leaf design by Kruger-Gray, but the alloy was changed to pure zinc plated with copper (from 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc). The coins again become round (rather than 12 sided) and are 19.1 mm, but the weight again dropped to 2.25 grams.




1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
1997 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 2.50




In 1998, the Canadian Mint experimented with mint-marked coins in the mint sets, placing a small "W" in front of the Queen's head on those struck at Winnipeg (the ones without the "W" were struck at Ottawa). The experiment was abandoned part way through the year, and examples with the "W" are much scarcer than those without.




1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




1999 ................................ SPECIMEN     SOLD




In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1 through 50 cent coins struck on plated steel blanks, with 1 cent blanks copper plated, and the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent planks first copper and then nickel plated. No plated coins were made for circulation that year, but all denominations were struck for use as test tokens, which vending machine companies could use to calibrating their machines to accept these new coins. Because they look just like regular coins, a small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicate there "plated". The vending machine companies were supposed to return the tokens to the mint, but some did not and examples began appearing on the market at very high prices. The mint decided to get in on the act and made up about 20,000 sets which they sold directly to collectors for a fraction of what the coins had been selling at. Because the sets looked like Proof-like sets, we call these coins Proof-likes although there exact status is not certain. The 1999 P 1 cent below is from one of these sets.




1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE   $20.00




In 2000 the first circulation strike "P" coins were minted, but only on 5 cent coins were coins were officially released for circulation (both plated "P" and solid nickel without the "P" 5 cent pieces were minted in 2000). A few 2000 dated "P" 10, 25 and 50 cent coins were struck, and while they were never officially released for circulation, some have turned up having been accidentally released. 2001 saw the official issues of other denominations begin to appear.




2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD







For 2002 a special commemorative issue was struck for the Queen's 50th anniversary. The design is very similar to those used previously, but the date has been removed from the reverse and placed as a double "1952-2002" date below the Queen's portrait. They exist with with, and without, the P for plated below the portrait. In 2003 they returned to the regular single dated coinage.




2002 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD




2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD