1919 Canadian 1 Cent — ICCS MS-65 Red | George V | Gem Uncirculated

1919 Canadian One Cent — ICCS Certified MS-65 Red | Gem Mint State | George V Large Cent

An exceptional gem-quality example of the 1919 Canadian Large Cent, independently certified by the International Coin Certification Service (ICCS) and graded MS-65 Red (Gem Mint State). The coin retains virtually complete original mint red lustre — the highest colour designation for copper coinage — with a sharply struck, well-centred design and only the most minimal, scattered contact marks consistent with the grade. At MS-65 Red, this is a genuinely rare and premium-quality example of the final decade of the Canadian large cent series.

Certification Details

• Country: Canada
• Year: 1919
• Denomination: 1 Cent
• Grade: MS-65 (Gem Mint State)
• Colour: Red
• Certification No.: XVY 803
• Certifying Body: ICCS (International Coin Certification Service)

Coin Specifications

• Composition: 95.5% Copper, 3% Tin, 1.5% Zinc
• Diameter: 25.4 mm
• Weight: 5.67 g
• Edge: Plain
• Obverse Designer: E.B. MacKennal (George V effigy)
• Reverse Designer: W.H.J. Blakemore (Maple wreath design)
• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa

Design & Historical Significance

The obverse features the left-facing portrait of King George V by E.B. MacKennal, inscribed GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP:. The reverse displays the elegant maple wreath design encircling the denomination ONE CENT CANADA 1919. The 1919 large cent is one of the final issues of this beloved series — Canada would discontinue the large cent format in 1920, transitioning to the smaller, lighter cent. This makes 1919 a historically significant date for collectors of Canadian coinage.

Achieving MS-65 Red on a copper coin over a century old is a remarkable feat. Copper is notoriously susceptible to toning and environmental damage, and the vast majority of surviving 1919 cents have long since toned to brown or red-brown. A fully red gem example represents the finest end of the survival spectrum.

Why This Coin Belongs in Your Collection

Imagine holding a 1919 Canadian large cent that looks as fresh and vibrant as the day it left the Ottawa Mint — its warm copper-red surfaces glowing with original lustre, the maple wreath crisp and fully struck. This is the penultimate year of the large cent series, preserved in gem condition with full red colour. Whether you are completing a date set of George V large cents, building a registry-quality collection, or simply seeking the finest available example of a classic Canadian type, this MS-65 Red is an outstanding opportunity.

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.