1859 Canadian 1 Cent — CCCS VG-8 | Narrow 9, Repunched 9 #5 | Queen Victoria | Pre-Confederation Large Cent

1859 Canadian One Cent — CCCS Certified VG-8 | Very Good | Narrow 9, Repunched 9 #5 | Queen Victoria | Pre-Confederation Large Cent

A historically significant and variety-rich example of the 1859 Canadian Large Cent, independently certified by the Canadian Coin Certification Service (CCCS) and graded VG-8 (Very Good) with the important variety comments Narrow 9, Repunched 9 #5. The coin displays even, moderate wear consistent with the grade, with the major design elements clearly visible and the variety characteristics identifiable. A problem-free example of one of the most variety-collected dates in the entire Canadian large cent series.

Certification Details

• Country: Canada
• Year: 1859
• Denomination: 1 Cent
• Grade: VG-8 (Very Good)
• Comments: Narrow 9, Repunched 9 #5
• ID Number: 100108 0045751
• Certifying Body: CCCS (Canadian Coin Certification Service)

Coin Specifications

• Composition: 95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc
• Diameter: 25.4 mm
• Weight: 4.54 g
• Edge: Plain
• Obverse Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon (Queen Victoria “Young Head” effigy)
• Reverse Designer: L.C. Wyon (Maple wreath design)
• Mint: Royal Mint, London

The Varieties: Narrow 9 & Repunched 9 #5

The 1859 Canadian large cent is one of the most extensively studied and variety-collected dates in Canadian numismatics, with numerous die varieties documented by specialists. This example carries two CCCS-noted variety comments that significantly enhance its collector appeal:

• Narrow 9: The “9” in the date 1859 is of the narrow style, with a distinctly thinner loop and tail compared to the Wide 9 variety. The Narrow 9 and Wide 9 are the primary date variety distinction for the 1859 cent and are actively collected as separate coins by specialists.
• Repunched 9 #5: The final “9” in the date shows evidence of repunching — the digit was punched into the die more than once, with the secondary impression slightly misaligned, leaving a visible doubling or shadow of the digit. The “#5” designation identifies this as the fifth catalogued repunching variety on the Narrow 9 die, a specific and documented variety within the 1859 cent series.

Both varieties are noted directly on the CCCS certification label, providing independent documentation and making this a highly specialized piece for the advanced collector.

Design & Historical Significance

The obverse features the right-facing “Young Head” portrait of Queen Victoria by Leonard Charles Wyon, inscribed VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA. The reverse displays the denomination ONE CENT within a bold maple leaf wreath, with CANADA above and the date 1859 below.

The 1859 Canadian large cent holds a unique place in Canadian history as one of the first coins struck specifically for the Province of Canada, predating Confederation by eight years. It was struck at the Royal Mint in London in enormous numbers — over nine million pieces — yet the sheer variety of dies used has made it a paradise for variety collectors. The 1859 cent remains one of the most actively studied dates in Canadian numismatics, with specialist references cataloguing dozens of distinct die varieties.

Why This Coin Belongs in Your Collection

Imagine holding a copper cent struck in London in 1859 — eight years before Canada became a nation — that carries not one but two documented die varieties on a single CCCS-certified example. The Narrow 9, Repunched 9 #5 is a specific and catalogued variety within one of the most collected dates in Canadian numismatics. Whether you specialize in 1859 cent varieties, collect pre-Confederation Canadian coinage, or simply appreciate the depth of numismatic history packed into a single coin, this CCCS VG-8 example is a compelling and hard-to-duplicate acquisition.

Encapsulated in an original CCCS sealed holder. Tampering with the holder invalidates the certification opinion. Have holder replaced if seals are not intact.

The CCCS-certified coin shown is the exact coin you will receive. Guaranteed authentic.