1864 Nova Scotia 1 Cent — ICCS MS-62 Trace Red | Queen Victoria | Pre-Confederation

1864 Nova Scotia One Cent — ICCS Certified MS-62 Trace Red | Mint State | Pre-Confederation Provincial Copper

A remarkable and historically significant example of the 1864 Nova Scotia One Cent, independently certified by the International Coin Certification Service (ICCS) and graded MS-62 with the comment Trace Red. This pre-Confederation provincial copper cent retains original mint lustre with traces of the original red copper colour still visible — an exceptional survival for a coin struck over 160 years ago. The “Trace Red” designation confirms that original mint colour is present, elevating this example above the typical brown survivors of this issue.

Certification Details

• Province: Nova Scotia
• Year: 1864
• Denomination: 1 Cent
• Grade: MS-62 (Mint State)
• Comments: Trace Red
• Certification No.: XXF 333
• Certifying Body: ICCS (International Coin Certification Service)

Coin Specifications

• Composition: Bronze (Copper)
• Diameter: 25.4 mm
• Weight: 5.67 g
• Edge: Plain
• Obverse Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon (Queen Victoria “Young Head” effigy)
• Reverse: Imperial Crown within floral wreath, ONE CENT NOVA SCOTIA 1864
• Mint: Royal Mint, London

Design & Historical Significance

The obverse features the graceful right-facing “Young Head” portrait of Queen Victoria by Leonard Charles Wyon, inscribed VICTORIA D.G. BRITT. REG. F.D. The reverse displays the Imperial Crown at centre within a wreath of roses, thistles, and shamrocks — the floral emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland — with ONE CENT above and NOVA SCOTIA 1864 below.

The 1864 Nova Scotia cent holds a unique place in Canadian numismatic history. It was struck at the Royal Mint in London just three years before Confederation — Nova Scotia would join the new Dominion of Canada in 1867, after which its provincial coinage was discontinued. The 1864 issue is the final date of the Nova Scotia cent series, making it the last coin struck for the province as an independent British colony. Mint state examples with any trace of original red are genuinely rare and eagerly sought by collectors of pre-Confederation Canadian coinage.

Why This Coin Belongs in Your Collection

Imagine holding a copper cent struck in London in 1864 for a province that would cease to exist as an independent entity just three years later. This MS-62 Trace Red example has survived over 160 years with its original mint lustre and traces of copper-red colour intact — a testament to careful preservation across generations. Whether you collect pre-Confederation provincial coinage, Victorian copper, or Canadian numismatic history, this ICCS-certified example of the final Nova Scotia cent is an outstanding and irreplaceable piece.

Encapsulated in an original ICCS sealed holder. Tampering with the holder invalidates the certification opinion. Have holder replaced if inner package/seal is not intact.

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