Canadian One Cent Coins

LARGE CENTS

QUEEN VICTORIA
1837 to 1901

Young Head
1858 to 1859

image of young head, 1858 and 1859 type only

The young head Victorian coins, struck in 1858 and 1859 prior to Confederation, are British Colonial coins issued under the Province of Canada. While nearly everyone, including myself, commonly refers to them as pennies, the proper denomination is a "cent" equal to the American cent, and is actually equal to the British 1/2 penny (so a penny is 2 cents). When first issued the government had them struck to a standard of 100 coins to the pound of bronze 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, these 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, and am not certain any actually exist).

1858 ............................... holed G-6    $ 7.50
1858 ............................. holed VG-10    $13.50
1858 .................................... F-15   $105.00
1858 ................................... VF-30   $155.00




1859 cents have many small varieties in how the 9 in the date is shown. The most common are 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 so that sometimes part of the 8 still visible, creating what are known as a 9 over 8 (or 9/8) varieties. Other varieties are known as "double punch" varieties but are probably 9/8 but with no trace of the earlier 8 visible, but resulting an oddly shaped 9's. To understand the differences between the many 1859 varieties, it is best to consult the illustrations in the Charlton standard catalogue of Canadian Coins.

1859 narrow .............................. G-6    $ 2.75
1859 narrow ............................. F-12    $ 4.75




1859/8 wide 9, medal ................... VF-30   $110.00
1859/8 wide 9, medal .............. ICCS XF-45   $185.00




1859 double punch #2 ................... XF-40   $229.00
1859 double punch #2 ................... XF-45   $295.00






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 Obverse's 1, 2, 3 and 4. From 1876 to 1881 only obverse 1 was used. From 1882 to 1886 both obverse's 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-10    $ 4.50
1876 H ................................. VF-30    $ 9.00
1876 H .................. slightly rough XF-40    $ 9.00
1876 H ................................. XF-40    $13.00




1881 H obverse 1 ....................... VG-10    $ 7.50
1881 H obverse 1 ....................... VF-20    $12.00
1881 H obverse 1 ....................... VF-30    $15.00




1881 H obverse 1a ...................... VF-20    $24.00
1881 H obverse 1a .......... minor marks VF-30    $17.50
1881 H obverse 1a ... sl harshly cleaned VF-30    $ 8.00
1881 H obverse 1a .............. cleaned VF-30    $20.00
1881 H obverse 1a ...................... VF-30    $31.50




1882 H Obverse 1 ........................ F-12    $ 7.50
1882 H Obverse 1 ........................ F-15    $ 9.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... VF-30    $15.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ....................... XF-40    $19.00
1882 H Obverse 1 ....... hint of lustre, XF-45    $31.50

1882 H Obverse 1a .......... old cleaning VG-8    $ 8.00
1882 H Obverse 1a ....................... F-15    $17.50
1882 H Obverse 1a ...................... VF-30    $24.00

1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ VG-8    $ 4.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VG-10    $ 4.50
1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ F-12    $ 5.75
1882 H Obverse 2 ........... dig in crown F-15    $ 4.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ F-15    $ 5.75
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VF-20    $ 6.75
1882 H Obverse 2 ....... light scratches VF-30    $ 5.00
1882 H Obverse 2 ....................... VF-30    $ 8.00
1882 H Obverse 2 .............. hint red AU-50    $28.50




1884 Obverse 1 ..................... ICCS F-15   $215.00

1884 Obverse 2 ........................... G-4    $ 2.50
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VG-10    $ 5.00
1884 Obverse 2 .......................... F-12    $ 5.25
1884 Obverse 2 .......................... F-15    $ 6.50
1884 Obverse 2 ............. minor marks VF-20    $ 6.50
1884 Obverse 2 ...... minor mark on neck VF-20    $ 6.50
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-20    $ 8.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-30    $ 8.75
1884 Obverse 2 ............. discoloured XF-40    $ 7.50
1884 Obverse 2 .............. rough area XF-40    $10.00
1884 Obverse 2 .......... small rim nick XF-40    $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 .. couple small scratches XF-40    $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 .... striking flaw on rim XF-40    $ 9.00
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... XF-40    $14.50
1884 Obverse 2 ......................... XF-45    $19.50




1886 Obverse 1 ........................... G-6    $11.00
1886 Obverse 1 ......................... VG-10    $19.50

1886 Obverse 1a ................... holed F-15    $ 3.50

1886 Obverse 2 ........................... G-4    $ 3.50
1886 Obverse 2 .......................... F-15    $11.50
1886 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-20    $15.00
1886 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-30    $20.00
1886 Obverse 2 .......... obverse pocked XF-45    $20.00
1886 Obverse 2 .......... hint of lustre AU-58   $100.00




1887 ..................................... G-6    $ 3.00
1887 ................................... VF-20    $ 9.00
1887 ................................... XF-40    $18.50




1888 ..................................... G-6    $ 2.50
1888 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.25
1888 ................................... VG-10    $ 3.50
1888 .................................... F-12    $ 4.00
1888 .................................... F-15    $ 4.50
1888 ................................... VF-20    $ 5.75
1888 ................................... VF-30    $ 7.00
1888 ............................. XF-40/VF-20    $ 7.25
1888 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1888 ................................... XF-45    $13.00
1888 ............ light scratch on cheek AU-50    $15.00
1888 ................................... AU-50    $20.00
1888 ................................... AU-55    $31.50




1890 H .................................. VG-8    $ 8.00
1890 H ................... marks on neck VG-10    $ 6.50
1890 H ........................... baggy VG-10    $ 6.50
1890 H ................................. VG-10    $ 9.75
1890 H .................................. F-12    $12.00
1890 H .................................. F-15    $15.00
1890 H ................................. VF-20    $20.00
1890 H ................................. VF-30    $25.00
1890 H ................................. XF-45    $50.00




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 ............... rough VG-8    $ 5.00
1891 LDLL obverse 2 .................... VG-10    $ 9.50
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ............ rim nick F-15    $ 7.00
1891 LDLL obverse 2 ..................... F-15    $15.00
1891 LDLL obverse 2 .................... VF-30    $27.50

1891 LDLL obverse 3 ...................... G-6    $ 7.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VG-10    $11.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .... minor rim damage F-12    $ 9.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VF-20    $24.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 ..... slightly rough VF-30    $19.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 .................... VF-30    $32.00
1891 LDLL obverse 3 ........ minor marks XF-40    $20.00




1891 SDLL obverse 2 ................ ICCS F-12   $125.00
1891 SDLL obverse 2 ............... ICCS XF-40   $280.00

1891 SDLL obverse 3 .................... XF-40   $275.00




1891 SDSL obverse 3 ..... slightly rough XF-45   $140.00




1892 obverse 2 ......................... VF-20    $55.00

1892 obverse 3 ......................... VF-20    $15.00
1892 obverse 3 ......................... VF-30    $17.50
1892 obverse 3 .............. some marks XF-40    $18.00
1892 obverse 3 ......................... XF-40    $24.00
1892 obverse 3 .... rim bump, sl scratch XF-45    $15.00
1892 obverse 3 ......................... AU-50    $50.00

1892 obverse 4 ......................... VF-20    $15.00
1892 obverse 4.......................... VF-30    $17.50
1892 obverse 4 .... minor marks, cleaned XF-40    $15.00
1892 obverse 4 ......................... XF-40    $23.00




1893 ................................... VF-20    $ 7.50
1893 ................................... VF-30    $ 9.00
1893 ................................... XF-40    $12.00
1893 .................. tiny dig on neck XF-45    $10.00
1893 ................................... XF-45    $16.00
1893 ................................... AU-50    $25.00




1894 ................................... VG-10    $15.00
1894 ............................ cleaned F-12    $ 7.00
1894 .................................... F-12    $18.00
1894 ...................... light scratch F-15    $15.00
1894 .................................... F-15    $20.00
1894 ................................... VF-20    $24.00
1894 ................................... VF-30    $32.00
1894 ................................... XF-40    $39.50
1894 ....................... minor marks XF-45    $39.50
1894 ................................... XF-45    $50.00
1894 ................................... AU-50    $65.00




1894 LARGE 4 .......... streaky planchet XF-45    $40.00




1895 .................................... F-12    $10.00
1895 .................................... F-15    $12.00
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    $15.00
1895 ...................... old cleaning XF-40    $14.50
1895 ............ light scratch on cheek XF-40    $13.50
1895 ................................... XF-40    $24.00
1895 ................................... XF-45    $32.50
1895 .................... minor rim flaw MS-60    $69.00




1896 ................................... VG-10    $ 4.50
1896 .................................... F-12    $ 5.00
1896 .................................... F-15    $ 5.75
1896 ................................... VF-20    $ 7.50
1896 ................................... VF-30    $ 8.50
1896 ............ reverse slightly rough XF-40    $ 7.50
1896 ................................... XF-40    $12.50
1896 ................................... XF-45    $17.00




1897 .................................... F-12    $ 5.00
1897 .................................... F-15    $ 6.00
1897 ................................... XF-45    $17.50
1897 ......................... trace red MS-60    $77.50




1898 H ................................. VG-10    $ 8.75
1898 H .................................. F-12    $11.50
1898 H ................... slightly rough F-15    $10.00
1898 H .................................. F-15    $13.50
1898 H ....................... scratches VF-20    $11.00
1898 H ........................... baggy VF-20    $15.00
1898 H .................. blotchy colour VF-20    $15.00
1898 H .................... old cleaning VF-20    $12.00
1898 H ......... dark and slightly rough VF-20    $ 9.00
1898 H ................................. VF-20    $18.00
1898 H ..................... discoloured VF-30    $13.00
1898 H ........ multiple minor bag marks VF-30    $17.50
1898 H .................. small rim nick VF-30    $18.00
1898 H ................................. VF-30    $20.00
1898 H ................................. XF-40    $28.50
1898 H .................. slightly rough XF-45    $14.50
1898 H ............... red/red and brown MS-62   $275.00




1899 ................................... VF-30    $ 8.00
1899 ................................... XF-40    $12.00
1899 ................... light scratches XF-45    $ 8.00
1899 ................................... XF-45    $15.00
1899 ................ some reverse marks AU-50    $17.50
1899 ............................. brown AU-50    $24.00
1899 ......................... trace red MS-62    $77.50
1899 ......................... trace red MS-64   $155.00




1900 ................................... VF-20    $20.00
1900 ................................... VF-30    $25.00
1900 ....................... light marks XF-40    $28.50
1900 ................................... XF-40    $37.50
1900 ....................... discoloured XF-45    $27.00
1900 ................................... XF-45    $49.00
1900 ............. dark and slight rough AU-50    $45.00
1900 ................................... AU-50    $69.00




1900 H .................................. F-12    $ 4.25
1900 H ................................. VF-20    $ 6.00
1900 H ................................. VF-30    $ 7.25
1900 H ..................... rough spots XF-40    $ 5.75
1900 H ................................. XF-45    $13.00
1900 H ........................ hint red AU-50    $25.00




1901 .................................... F-12    $ 4.00
1901 ................................... VF-20    $ 7.00
1901 ................................... VF-30    $ 6.50
1901 .................... slightly rough XF-40    $ 5.75
1901 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1901 ................................... XF-45    $13.00
1901 ............................. rough AU-50    $13.00
1901 ................................... AU-50    $20.00
1901 ......... rev. flan flaw, trace red MS-62    $20.00






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-12    $ 3.00
1902 ................................... VF-30    $ 5.25
1902 ................................... XF-40    $ 7.50
1902 .............. gouge in 2, lustrous XF-45    $ 6.50
1902 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.50
1902 .......... trace red, mnr hairlines MS-62    $30.00




1903 ............... minor mark on cheek XF-40    $ 5.00
1903 ................................... XF-40    $ 7.50
1903 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.25
1903 ................ stained along edge AU-50    $10.00
1903 ................................... AU-50    $13.50
1903 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $52.50




1904 .................................... F-15    $ 4.50
1904 ................................... VF-20    $ 5.75
1904 ................................... VF-30    $ 6.50
1904 ................................... XF-40    $10.00
1904 ............... light obverse marks XF-45    $ 8.50
1904 ................................... XF-45    $13.00
1904 ................................... AU-55    $29.50
1904 ............................. brown MS-62    $48.00
1904 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $105.00




1905 ................................... VG-10    $ 5.00
1905 .................................... F-15    $ 6.50
1905 ................................... VF-20    $ 8.00
1905 ................................... VF-30    $ 9.75
1905 ............... marks and rim nicks XF-40    $ 6.50
1905 ....................... dig on face XF-45    $ 6.50
1905 ................. obverse scratches XF-45    $ 7.00
1905 ................................... XF-45    $15.75
1905 ...................... trace lustre AU-55    $35.00
1905 ............................. brown MS-62    $72.50




1906 .................................... F-12    $ 3.00
1906 ................................... XF-40    $ 7.75
1906 ................ small dig on cheek XF-45    $ 6.00




1907 .................................... VG-8    $ 2.50
1907 ................................... VF-20    $ 4.75
1907 ......... streaks of discolouration VF-30    $ 5.75
1907 ................................... VF-30    $ 6.75
1907 ................................... XF-40    $ 9.00
1907 ................................... XF-45    $12.50
1907 .......................... lustrous XF-45    $14.50
1907 ................................... AU-50    $18.50




1907 H .................................. VG-8    $12.50
1907 H .. obv. scratches, small rim bumps F-12    $10.00
1907 H .......................... pitting F-12    $10.00
1907 H ...................... minor marks F-12    $15.00
1907 H .................................. F-12    $19.00
1907 H ............................ rough F-15    $11.00
1907 H .................................. F-15    $22.00
1907 H ..... dark, sl rough, minor marks VF-20    $19.00
1907 H .................... old cleaning VF-20    $19.00
1907 H ................................. VF-20    $29.00
1907 H ................. reverse scratch VF-30    $23.00
1907 H ................................. VF-30    $35.00
1907 H ........ pitting and old cleaning XF-40    $23.50
1907 H ................................. XF-40    $48.50
1907 H .................... old cleaning XF-45    $48.00
1907 H ................................. XF-45    $65.00

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 .................................... VG-8    $ 3.50
1908 .................................... F-12    $ 4.00
1908 ................................... VF-20    $ 6.00
1908 ................................... VF-30    $ 7.50
1908 ................................... XF-40    $11.00
1908 ................................... XF-45    $13.50
1908 ............................. brown AU-50    $20.00
1908 ................................... AU-55    $27.50
1908 ................................... AU-58    $32.50




1909 .................................... VG-8    $ 2.50
1909 ................................... VG-10    $ 2.75
1909 .................................... F-15    $ 3.25
1909 ................................... VF-20    $ 3.75
1909 ................................... VF-30    $ 5.00
1909 ................................... XF-40    $ 6.50
1909 ................................... XF-45    $ 9.00




1910 ................................... VG-10    $ 2.00
1910 ................................... XF-45    $ 8.25






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 ............................ F-12    $ 1.75
1911 Godless ............................ F-15    $ 2.00
1911 Godless ........................... VF-20    $ 3.00
1911 Godless ........................... VF-30    $ 3.25
1911 Godless ........................... XF-45    $ 7.00
1911 Godless ............. red and brown MS-62    $46.50





image of George V, 1912 to 1920, type only





1912 .................................... F-15    $ 2.00
1912 ................................... VF-20    $ 2.50
1912 ................................... XF-40    $ 4.25
1912 ................................... XF-45    $ 7.00
1912 ......................... trace red MS-62    $35.00
1912 ........... trace red/red and brown MS-62    $40.00




1913 .................................... F-15    $ 2.00
1913 ................................... VF-20    $ 2.50
1913 ................................... VF-30    $ 3.25
1913 ................................... XF-40    $ 5.00
1913 ................................... XF-45    $ 7.50
1912 ............................. brown MS-60    $32.00
1913 ......................... trace red MS-62    $40.00




1914 .................................... VG-8    $ 1.25
1914 ................................... VG-10    $ 1.50
1914 .................................... F-15    $ 2.25
1914 ................................... VF-20    $ 3.00
1914 ................................... VF-30    $ 3.75
1914 ................................... XF-40    $ 6.00
1914 .......................... some red AU-55    $23.50
1914 ......................... trace red AU-58    $29.00
1914 ........... trace red/red and brown MS-62    $55.00
1914 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $69.00
1914 ..................... red and brown MS-64   $110.00




1915 ................................... VF-20    $ 2.50
1915 ................................... VF-30    $ 3.25
1915 ................................... XF-40    $ 4.25
1915 ................................... XF-45    $ 7.50
1915 ......................... trace red AU-55    $18.00
1915 ........... trace red/red and brown AU-58    $23.50
1915 .......... trace red/ red and brown MS-63    $59.00




1916 ................................... VF-30    $ 2.00
1916 ................................... XF-45    $ 5.00
1916 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $37.50




1917 ................................... XF-40    $ 2.50
1917 ................................... XF-45    $ 3.50




1918 ................................... VF-30    $ 1.75
1918 ................................... AU-50    $ 6.00
1918 ......................... trace red MS-62    $22.00




1919 ................................... VF-30    $ 1.75
1919 ................................... XF-45    $ 3.50
1919 ................................... AU-50    $ 6.00
1919 ..................... red and brown AU-58    $12.00
1919 ......................... trace red MS-62    $22.00
1919 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $29.50




1920 ................................... VF-20    $ 1.25
1920 ................................... VF-30    $ 1.75
1920 ................................... XF-40    $ 2.50
1920 ................................... XF-45    $ 4.00
1920 ................................... AU-50    $ 7.50




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 ............ MATTE PROOF    $16.50
LARGE CENT, 1908-1998 ........ MIRROR PROOF-68    $32.50






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-20      SOLD
1920 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1920 ....... revere cleaned, obverse red MS-64    $80.00

1921 .................................... F-12    $ 1.00
1921 .................................... F-15    $ 1.25
1921 ................................... VF-30    $ 3.00
1921 ................................... XF-40    $ 5.50
1921 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $125.00




1922 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1922 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1922 .............................. rough F-12      SOLD
1922 .................................... F-12    $18.00
1922 ...................... tiny rim nick F-15      SOLD
1922 .................................... F-15    $20.00
1922 ................................... VF-20    $27.00
1922 ................................... AU-50    $99.50
1922 ................................... AU-55      SOLD




1923 ........................ light marks VG-8      SOLD
1923 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1923 ................................... VG-10    $30.00
1923 .................................... F-12    $33.00
1923 ................... marks on obverse F-15    $27.50
1923 .................................... F-15    $36.00
1923 ..................... mark on crown VF-20    $31.00
1923 ................................... VF-20    $41.50
1923 ................................... VF-30    $49.50
1923 ..................... light pitting XF-40    $29.00
1923 ................................... XF-45    $87.50
1923 .......... heavy bagmark behind ear AU-50    $65.00




1924 .................................... VG-8      SOLD
1924 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1924 .................................... F-15    $ 9.50
1924 ................................... VF-20    $12.00
1924 ................... small rim nicks VF-30      SOLD
1924 ............................. brown MS-60   $130.00
1924 ......................... trace red MS-60      SOLD




1925 .................................... VG-8    $23.00
1925 .................................... F-12    $25.00
1925 ................ minor obverse marks F-15      SOLD
1925 .................................... F-15    $29.00
1925 ................................... VF-20    $32.00
1925 ................................... VF-30    $40.00
1925 ................................... XF-45    $65.00
1925 ....................... light marks AU-50    $71.50
1925 ................................... AU-50      SOLD




1926 .................................... VG-8    $ 4.00
1926 ................................... VG-10    $ 4.25
1926 .................................... F-12      SOLD
1926 .................... small rim nicks F-15      SOLD
1926 .................................... F-15    $ 6.00
1926 ....................... minor marks VF-20    $ 6.50
1926 ................................... VF-20    $ 8.00
1926 ................. small reverse dig VF-30    $ 6.00
1926 ............... minor mark on crown VF-30    $ 8.00
1926 ................................... VF-30    $11.00
1926 ................................... XF-40    $16.00




1927 .................................... VG-8    $ 1.25
1927 ................................... VG-10    $ 1.50
1927 .................................... F-12    $ 1.75
1927 .................................... F-15      SOLD
1927 ................................... VF-20    $ 3.25
1927 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $100.00




1928 ................................... VF-20    $ 1.00




1929 ................................... VF-20    $ 1.00
1929 ................................... VF-30    $ 1.25
1929 ............................. brown MS-60      SOLD




1930 ................................... VG-10      SOLD
1930 .................................... F-15    $ 3.75
1930 .................... minor spotting VF-20    $ 3.25
1930 ................................... VF-20    $ 5.00
1930 ............................. brown MS-60    $62.50
1930 .......................... hint red MS-63    $75.00




1931 ................................... VG-10    $ 1.00
1931 .................................... F-12    $ 1.50
1931 .................................... F-15    $ 1.75
1931 ......................... trace red MS-62    $67.50




1932 ................................... AU-50    $ 5.00
1932 ............................. brown MS-60    $16.00
1932 ............................. brown MS-63    $27.00
1932 ......................... trace red MS-63    $30.00




1934 ................................... VF-30      SOLD
1934 ................................... XF-40    $ 1.75
1934 ................................... XF-45    $ 2.50
1934 ......................... trace red MS-62    $25.00
1934 ..................... red and brown MS-63    $53.50




1935 ................................... XF-40    $ 1.75
1935 ................................... AU-50    $ 5.00
1935 ............................. brown MS-60    $16.50
1935 .......................... hint red MS-62      SOLD
1935 ......................... trace red MS-62    $23.50




1936 ................................... XF-40    $ 1.75
1936 ................................... AU-50    $ 5.00
1936 ............................. brown MS-60    $16.50
1936 ......................... trace red MS-60    $20.00
1936 ......................... trace red MS-62    $22.50
1936 .............. slightly subdued red MS-63    $50.00
1936 ......... Pittman sale ... ICCS red MS-63      SOLD
1936 ........................ mostly red MS-64    $85.00





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.




1937 ................................... XF-40    $ 1.00
1937 ................................... AU-58    $ 2.25
1937 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $ 4.00




1938 ................................... AU-50      SOLD
1938 ................................... AU-55      SOLD
1938 ................................... AU-58      SOLD
1938 ............................. brown MS-60      SOLD
1938 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $ 4.00
1938 ..................... red and brown MS-63    $10.00




1939 ................................... AU-58    $ 2.00
1939 ............................. brown MS-60      SOLD
1939 ..................... red and brown MS-63    $ 5.50
1939 ............... red / red and brown MS-63      SOLD
1939 ............................... red MS-63    $ 8.00




1941 ................................... AU-50    $ 2.00
1941 ..................... red and brown MS-63    $44.50
1941 ............................... red MS-63    $65.00




1942 ... sl stain at edge, red and brown MS-62    $22.00




1943 ................................... AU-50    $ 1.25
1943 ...................... glossy brown MS-60    $ 5.00




1944 ............................. brown MS-60      SOLD
1944 .......................... ICCS red MS-63   $115.00




1945 ................................... AU-55    $ 1.25
1945 .......................... hint red MS-62    $ 6.00
1945 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-62      SOLD




1947 .......................... ICCS red MS-63    $10.00
1947 .......................... ICCS red MS-64    $21.00
1947 .......................... ICCS red MS-65    $62.50





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 pointed 7 ............ trace red AU-58      SOLD
1947 ML pointed 7 ............. ICCS RED MS-64      SOLD




1947 ML blunt 7 ......................... F-15      SOLD
1947 ML blunt 7 ........................ VF-20      SOLD
1947 ML blunt 7 ........................ XF-40      SOLD
1947 ML blunt 7 ........................ XF-45      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 coins remain the same as on the earlier issue. A minor variation appears on both the 1948 and 1949 1 cent coins where on the obverse the final A of "GRATIA" points between two of the denticles (know as either an A between or A off denticle), and on others it points directly to a denticle.


IMAGE OF 1948 TO 1952, TYPE ONLY



1948 A off denticle .......... trace red MS-62      SOLD




1948 A to denticle ..................... AU-50      SOLD
1948 A to denticle ........... trace red AU-58      SOLD
1948 A to denticle ................. red MS-63      SOLD




1949 A off denticle ................ red MS-64    $25.00




1949 A to denticle ..................... VG-10      SOLD
1949 A to denticle ...................... F-12    $16.00
1949 A to denticle ...................... F-15    $19.00
1949 A to denticle ................. ICCS F-15    $20.00
1949 A to denticle ..................... VF-20    $24.00
1949 A to denticle ..................... VF-30    $28.00
1949 A to denticle ..................... XF-40    $33.00
1949 A to denticle .. attractive dk blue MS-60    $99.50




1950 ............................. brown MS-60    $ 1.75
1950 ......................... trace red MS-62    $ 2.50
1950 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $ 3.25
1950 .......................... ICCS red MS-64      SOLD




1951 ............................. brown MS-60    $ 1.75
1951 .......................... hint red MS-60    $ 2.00
1951 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $ 3.25
1951 ............................... red MS-63    $15.00




1952 ............................. brown MS-60    $ 1.50
1952 ......................... trace red MS-60    $ 1.75
1952 ......................... trace red MS-62    $ 2.50
1952 ..................... red and brown MS-62    $ 3.25
1952 ............................... red MS-63    $ 8.00
1952 .......................... ICCS MS-64 RED      SOLD





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 .................... mostly red MS-62      SOLD
1953 NSS ........................... red MS-63      SOLD
1953 NSS ...................... ICCS red MS-64      SOLD




1953 SS ................................. F-12    $ 1.25
1953 SS ................................ VF-20    $ 1.75
1953 SS ................................ VF-30    $ 2.25
1953 SS ................................ XF-40    $ 3.25
1953 SS ................................ AU-50    $ 6.75
1953 SS ................................ AU-55      SOLD
1953 SS .......................... brown MS-60    $12.50
1953 SS ....................... hint red MS-60    $14.50
1953 SS  ................. red and brown MS-62      SOLD
1953 SS  ................. red and brown MS-63      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 attempt to polish off the SS area, but they cannot add serifed "I"'s to the obverse inscription, and so it is important to check that letter form to confirm the variety on these.




1954 ......................... trace red MS-62      SOLD
1954 ..................... red and brown MS-62      SOLD
1954 .................. subdued red PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




1955 ..................... red and brown MS-60      SOLD
1955 ..................... red and brown MS-62      SOLD
1955 ............................... red MS-63    $ 3.25




1955 NSS ................................ F-15      SOLD




1956 ............................... red MS-63    $ 2.50




1957 ................... ICCS Red, Cameo PL-66    $60.00




1961 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.00




1962 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.00




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 Hans Zoell's books on Canadian varieties as #K86c.




1962 harp variety ........ red and brown MS-62      SOLD
1962 harp variety .................. red MS-63    $12.50




1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $12.50


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 ...................... brown MS-60      SOLD

1965 type 4 .................. trace red MS-62      SOLD
1965 type 4 .............. red and brown MS-63      SOLD
1965 type 4 ..................  ICCS red MS-63    $52.50




1966 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




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 ........... heavy cameo SPECIMEN-65      SOLD




The error coin below is called a semi-brockage because part of another of another coins was present in the dies when they closed, so the brockage area only covers part of the coin.




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




One of the 1967 dies developed some faint doubling of the "CANADA 1867-1967" along the bottom of the reverse, and is listed Hans Zoell's books on Canadian varieties as #D91N. We refer to these as "doubled date" even though the word CANADA is also doubled.




1967 doubled date ...................... XF-40      SOLD




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




1968 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE       SOLD




1969 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50
1969 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE    $14.50




1971 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 6.50




1973 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE    $ 5.00




1975 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 3.25




In 1979 one of the dies, through what is probably hub doubling, developed a doubling of the last three digits in the date. There may have been two dies involved because some specimens show the doubling much more strongly than others.




1979 double date .................. R & B MS-60    $ 2.25
1979 double date .................... red MS-60    $ 2.50
1979 double date .................... red MS-63    $ 4.00




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 ................................ SPECIMEN    $ 2.50

1980 .. partial brockage error (25%) ...... XF    $62.50




1981 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1982 saw another significant change in the 1 cent coins in that while the alloy remained the same (98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc), the weight was further reduced from 2.8 grams to only 2.5 grams. The size actually increased from 19.00 mm to 19.1 mm, but the weight reduction was accomplished by making the coin 12 sided by cutting a small amount of metal off at 12 points around the edge. There was also a very minor design change on the reverse where the dentical border was replaced by a beaded border.




1982 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1984 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




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 .................... red MS-63      SOLD
1985 pointed  5 ............... ICCS red MS-64      SOLD




1986 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1987 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1988 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00




1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00
1989 ................................... PROOF    $ 4.00





ELIZABETH II

Crowned Head Series


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



1990 saw and update the Queen's portrait to a more mature style wearing a crown, designed by Dora de Pedery-Hunt. This issue caused some concern when many people noticed the Queen was wearing a King's crown rather than a Queen's crown, and people thought it was an error that would be recalled. That crown was designed for George IV around 1830 to be a comfortable light weight crown, and has been worn by every King and Queen (including Elizabeth) since then, and is the correct crown for the design of these coins. Kruger-Gray's maple leaf design remains on the reverse, as does the alloy of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc, with 12 sides at 19.1 mm and 2.5 grams.




1990 ................................... PROOF      SOLD




1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75




1992 was Canada's 125th anniversary of confederation, so most 1992 coins were double dated, with "1867 - 1992". All else remained the same, and in 1993 the single dating resumed.




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




1993 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




1994 ................................... PROOF    $ 3.50




1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.00




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 ................................ 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.




1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.75




In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The blanks were first nickel plated, then copper plated, with the 1 cent coins struck on the copper plating, but the 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent were given a second nickel plating before being struck. A small letter "P" was placed below the Queen's head to indicated the coins were on plated blanks. No "P" coins were issued for circulation in 1999, but sets of them were made as test tokens for calibrating vending machines to accept them. The vending machine companies were required to return test tokens after they are done with them, but some of the tokens appeared on the market at very high prices (over $100 each). The mint decided to get in on the action and made about 20,000 sets of 1999 "P" coins to sell directly to collectors at just over $100 per set of 5 coins. The packaging was similar to Proof-like sets, so 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      SOLD




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.




2000 .............................. PROOF-LIKE    $ 1.25

2000 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE      SOLD




2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE    $ 8.00







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    $ 0.75
2002 P .............................. SPECIMEN    $ 4.00




2008 MINT ERROR on 10 cent flan .......... UNC   $195.00