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  CANADIAN ONE CENTS

Calgary Coin offers an extensive selection of Canadian coins including large and small cents for sale on the internet and in my store here in Calgary. I usually have most dates available in a variety of grades and prices for collectors at all levels, usually priced at a discount from the Canadian Coin News trend sheet price guide.

I normally do not provide images my coins as I have thousands of coins, sometimes multiples of the same coin. Imaging even a tiny percent of them would be impossible and putting that many images on my web pages would make them difficult to download, plus for inexpensive coins the value to the time to create the images would far exceed the value of the coins. I grade conservatively, describing any significant defects, including minor ones many dealers would not mention. If you ever receive a coin from me that you are not satisfied with, please feel free to return it for a full refund.

For those unfamiliar with the grade (quality) descriptions preceding each price, they are discussed on my Canadian Coin Introduction Page.

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Prices are in Canadian Dollars

SHORTCUTS TO SECTIONS

Victoria Large, 1858-1901
Edward VII Large, 1902-1910
George V Large, 1911-1920
George V Small, 1920-1936
George VI, 1937-1952
Elizabeth, 1953-1989
Elizabeth, 1990-2012

LARGE CENTS

Most people,including myself, commonly refer to these coins as pennies. They are actually 1 cent coins, using the American denomination of a cent and were intended to be equivalent to a British 1/2 penny.

QUEEN VICTORIA
1837 to 1901

Young Head
1858 to 1859

victoria 1858 cent young head
image of young head, 1858 and 1859 type only

The young head Victorian coins struck in 1858 and 1859 are pre-Confederation coins for the British Colonial Province of Canada. These first two dates struck to a standard of 100 coins per pound of bronze rather than the British 1/2 pence standard of 80 coins to the pound of bronze. This made the coins unpopular and at first poorly accepted by a public used to the British Standards.

The designs were by Leonard C. Wyon with the composition of the coins being 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc weighing 4.54 grams at 25.4 mm (1 inch) diameter, with medal alignment. Although very rare, a few 1859's exist with coinage alignment due to a 180 degree die rotation error. There are also a few struck on incorrect brass blanks.

1858 CENT

The 1858 large cent is the rarest date of Canadian large cents although some varieties of other dates are rarer.

  1. 1858 ................................... VF-30  $200.00
  2. 1858 ............................... ICG VF-30  $200.00

1859 CENT

There are several varieties in how the 9 appears on 1859 cents. The most common is a simple narrow 9 with all the digits at the same level, and a sub-variety where the 9 slightly lower than the other digits. Some remaining 1858 dies were modified to 1859 by punching a 9 over the final 9 with the 8 still partly visible, resulting in the 9/8 variety. Other 1859 dies have odd bits of extra medal around the 9 and are known as the double punch varieties and which are discussed in the Charlton standard catalogue of Canadian Coin, but for most it is not clear if they are true double punches or die deterioration varieties. One that is a clear double punch is #5 where the top of one 9 is clear inside the top of the main 9 (a difficult to find variety).

  1. 1859 narrow .................... scratch VF-20     SOLD
     
  2. 1859 narrow, low 9 ...................... F-12     SOLD
     
  3. 1859 WIDE 9/8, medal ................ VG-8/G-4     SOLD
     
  4. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #1 ............... ICCS F-15  $375.00
  5. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #1 ................... VF-30  $500.00
  6. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #1 .............. ICCS XF-40  $625.00
     
  7. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #1 .........................
    .NGC 4444784-002 XF details, surface hairlines  $375.00
  8. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #1 ..... PCGS 20745227 AU-53 $1100.00
     
  9. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #2 .............. ICCS VF-20  $150.00
     
  10. 1859 DOUBLE PUNCH #5 ... soft holder CCCS VG-8  $250.00

Mature Head
1876 to 1901

victoria cent 1894 old head variety
image of mature head 1876 to 1901 type only

Canada became a country in 1867 but the large number of 1858 and 1859 cents in use satisfied the coinage requirements of early Canada for 17 years. The first Dominion of Canada cents were issued in 1876 at the same 80 to a pound standard of the British 1/2 penny, making them acceptable to the general population.

The designs are still by Leonard C. Wyon. The alloy remains 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc. The diameter remains 25.4 mm (1 inch) but the weight increases to 5.67 grams. The die alignment is coinage alignment, unlike all other denomination that were medal alignment.

Until 1907 all Canadian coins were struck in England at either the Royal Mint in London without a mint mark, or the Heaton mint at Birmingham with an H mint mark. The Heaton mint H is found below the date but above the ring of beads on all dates other than 1898 and 1900 when it is below the outer leaves nearly touching the rim.

They all look alike at a glance but there four slightly different portraits of Queen Victoria are found on large cents, known as obverse 1, 2, 3 and 4. In 1876 and 1881 only obverse 1 was used. From 1882 to 1886 both obverse 1 and 2 were used. In 1887 and 1888 only obverse 2 was used. In 1890 all have obverse 3. In 1891 both obverse 2 and 3 were used. In 1892 obverse's 2, 3 and 4 were all used. From 1893 to 1901 only obverse 4 was used. A complete illustrated discussion of these obverse types can be found in any recent edition of the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins.

1876 H CENT

I find it interesting that these 1876 H coins, struck at Heaton mint, use the same obverse 1 design as the London mint coins in following years. In other denominations the Heaton mint dies are different than London mint dies, so it seems likely these 1 cent dies were cut at London for use at Heaton.

  1. 1876 H ........................ old clean VG-8   $ 4.00
  2. 1876 H .................................. VG-8   $ 5.00
  3. 1876 H ...................... bright area F-12   $ 5.00
  4. 1876 H .................................. F-15   $ 6.50
  5. 1876 H ................................. VF-20   $ 7.50
  6. 1876 H ................................. AU-50   $28.00

The 1876 issue was fairly large and satisfied Canada's need for 1 cents for several years, resulting in no 1 cent coins struck from 1877 through 1880.

1881 CENT

There are a few small varieties for 1881, including obverse 1 and 1a, double punching of various letters, and some N's missing part of their serifs. For the most part I do not bother to sort these out.

  1. 1881 H ................................... G-4   $ 4.25
  2. 1881 H .......................... scratch F-15   $ 7.25
  3. 1881 H ......................... scratch AU-50   $28.00

1882 CENT

This is the first year with two different portrait varieties, obverse 1 and 2 which I do sort out. There are minor varieties of obverse 1/2 or 2/1 as well as some double punched lettering, but I make no attempt to sort those out. Obverse 1 and 2 are fairly easy to sort out, as Victoria's chin on obverse 1 has a smooth line at the bottom, which on Obverse 2 there is a small dimple on the bottom line of her chin.

  1. 1882 H obverse 1 .................... ICCS G-6   $ 6.00
  2. 1882 H obverse 1 ........................ F-12   $ 8.00
  3. 1882 H obverse 1 .................. ICCS AU-50   $40.00
     
  4. 1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ VG-8   $ 5.00
  5. 1882 H Obverse 2 .............. corrosion F-12   $ 3.00
  6. 1882 H Obverse 2 ................. scuffs F-12   $ 4.00
  7. 1882 H Obverse 2 ........................ F-15   $ 6.50
  8. 1882 H Obverse 2 .......... ICCS cleaned VF-20   $ 5.00

No 1 cent coins were issued in 1883.

1884 CENT

Both Obverse 1 and 2 occur in 1884, but obverse 1 much scarcer than obverse 2 and I suspect they were just using up a left over obverse die originally mean for use in 1882 and which most likely had already used on some 1882 coins. This need research because if it is the case 1884 obverse 1's should have been struck with a slightly worn obverse die.

  1. 1884 Obverse 1 .......... ICCS Obverse 1 VF-20     SOLD
     
  2. 1884 Obverse 2 .................. scratch VG-8   $ 4.00
  3. 1884 Obverse 2 .............. light marks VG-8   $ 5.00
  4. 1884 Obverse 2 .................. cleaned F-12   $ 4.00
  5. 1884 Obverse 2 .......................... F-15   $ 7.00
  6. 1884 Obverse 2 ................. cleaned VF-20   $ 5.00

No 1 cent coins were issued in 1885.

1886 CENT

Both obverse's 1 and 2 occur in 1886 but obverse 1 is scarcer than 2 but not as scarce as for 1884. This is the last year in which obverse 1 was used.

  1. 1886 Obverse 1 .................... ICCS VF-30   $42.50
     
  2. 1886 Obverse 2 ......................... VF-30   $21.00
  3. 1886 Obverse 2 . sl subdued red ICCS red MS-64  $800.00

1887 CENT

Only obverse 2 occurs in 1887.

  1. 1887 ................................... VF-30   $13.50
  2. 1887 .................... ICCS double 88 AU-50   $80.00

1888 CENT

All 1888 cents are obverse 2. Some 1888 cents are found with doubling on part of the date, with either one or two of the 8's doubled with those with the middle 8 doubled listed by Hans Zoell as RT9e. I generally do not sort out those varieties.

  1. 1888 ..................................... G-6   $ 4.50
  2. 1888 .................................... VG-8   $ 5.00
  3. 1888 .................................... F-12   $ 5.50
  4. 1888 ................................... VF-20   $ 6.50

No Canadian 1 cent or 50 cent coins were minted in 1889, and the 5, 10 and 25 cents are all scarce. There was an economic contraction in Canada during 1889 and the first part of 1890, likely reducing the demand for new coins.

1890 CENT

All 1890 are obverse 3. Some examples have a doubled (re punched) 8.

  1. 1890 H .................................. F-15   $16.00
  2. 1890 H ................................. VF-20   $20.00
  3. 1890 H ...................... ICCS brown MS-60  $130.00

1891 CENT

In 1891 there are three major varieties OF large cents, each of which can be found with either obverse 2 or 3a:

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

Depending on the reference you are using, the letters designating the variety can be reversed. For example, SD LL for Small Date with Large Leaves might also be designated as LL SD for Large Leaves with Small Date.

  1. 1891 LDLL obverse 2 . ................ damaged   $ 4.00
  2. 1891 LDLL obverse 2 ..................... VG-8   $ 9.00
  3. 1891 LDLL obverse 2 .................... VF-20   $20.00
  4. 1891 LDLL obverse 2 .................... VF-30   $30.00
  5. 1891 LDLL obverse 2 ............... ICCS XF-40   $40.00
     
  6. 1891 LDLL obverse 3a ............. damaged G-6   $36.00
     
  7. 1891 SDLL obverse 2 ............... ICCS VF-30     SOLD
     
  8. 1891 SDLL obverse 3a ................ mark G-6   $60.00
  9. 1891 SDLL obverse 3a ............... ICCS F-12  $115.00
     
  10. 1891 SDSL obverse 2 . ICCS red and brown MS-64     SOLD
     
  11. 1891 SDSL obverse 3a ................... VF-30  $137.50

1892 CENT

This is the only year with three difference obverse types, listed in the references as obverse's 2, 3 and 4. Many people have trouble telling these obverse's a part.

The first problem is the references list obverse 3 which was not used in 1892, rather they used 3a which has long uprights serifs on the center of the E's, the only obverse like that. This will be clear in all grades. In my opinion this should have been called obverse 5 but as all references call it 3 so I list them that way.

If you have eliminated obverse 3, obverse 4 has a fairly heavy jowl line coming down from the mouth bending back along the jaw, while the ribbon end on the shoulder is fairly pronounced. As these are not clear on worn specimens you also look at the dimple under Victoria's chin which is just barely present so her jaw line looks smoother, closer to an obverse 1. Obverse 2 has a minor jowl line only coming 1/2 way down from the mouth, does not bend back along the jaw and the ribbon end is weaker nearly blending into the shoulder. On worn specimens one should look at the jaw line which on obverse 2 has a fairly distinct dimple in the base.

  1. 1892 obverse 2 .......................... VG-8   $20.00
  2. 1892 obverse 2 .......................... F-12   $32.00
     
  3. 1892 obverse 3a .................. brown MS-63     SOLD
     
  4. 1892 obverse 4 ...... ICCS red and brown MS-62  $120.00

From 1893 to 1901 only obverse 4 was used, so I will not mention any obverse types for these dates.

1893 CENT

  1. 1893 ................................ VG-8/G-4   $ 4.50
  2. 1893 ....................... weak reverse VG-8   $ 4.00
  3. 1893 .................................... VG-8   $ 5.00
  4. 1893 ................. scratches, cleaned F-15   $ 4.00
  5. 1893 .............................. ICCS XF-40   $12.50
  6. 1893 ....................... light clean XF-45   $13.00
  7. 1893 ........................ dark areas AU-50   $36.00
  8. 1893 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $42.50

1894 CENT

There is a scarce variety in 1894 cent where the 4 is thicker than most examples. Some references call it large and others a thick 4 but there is no significant size difference so thick 4 describes it better. In my experience the thick for is scarcer, possibly by 50 to 1.

  1. 1894 .................................... VG-8   $16.00
  2. 1894 ............................ damaged F-12   $ 8.00
  3. 1894 ..................... slightly rough F-12   $11.50
  4. 1894 . very old holder .. PCGS 3319680 MS-63RB  $135.00
     
  5. 1894 thick 4 ............... old cleaning VG-8   $20.00
  6. 1894 thick 4 ............................ F-12   $36.00

1895 CENT

  1. 1895 ..................................... G-6   $ 6.00
  2. 1895 .................................... VG-8   $ 7.25
  3. 1895 .............................. ICCS VF-30   $20.00
  4. 1895 .............................. red MS-63  $275.00

1896 CENT

There are two varieties in 1896 with most of the coin a very evenly spaced date but on a few examples the 6 is farther from the 9 resulting in what is known as the FAR 6 variety. The easiest way to tell the difference is that on the regular variety the 6 is centered below the NT of CENTS, but on the Far 6 variety the right edge of the 6 is below the left edge of the T.

  1. 1896 .................................... F-12   $ 5.50
  2. 1896 ............D...................... VF-20   $ 7.25
  3. 1896 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63  $140.00
     
  4. 1896 FAR 6 .................. rough spot VF-20   $30.00
  5. 1896 FAR 6 ........................ ICCS VF-20   $50.00

Normally coins wear equally on both sides but starting around 1897 and continuing for about 10 years, some large cents were struck with a concave reverse die resulting in a convex reverse which wears more quickly than the obverse. Such coins can be Fine or VF on the portrait but yet on the reverse the CE of CENTS is very weak or even worn through. There is no standard way to grade such coins so will split grade them, listing the obverse grade first and the reverse as G-4 or G-6 depending on how worn it is, and will price them accordingly.

1897 CENT

  1. 1897 .................................... F-12   $ 5.50
  2. 1897 ................................... VF-20   $ 7.25
  3. 1897 .............................. ICCS AU-50   $27.50
  4. 1897 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $45.00

While not listed in the CCN trend sheet or the standard listings in the Charlton catalogue, the position of the H on the 1898 H 1 cent comes in two major varieties of a low and high H. On the high H the top left of the H will touch or slightly over lay the left above. On the low H the H will not touch the leaf at all. On looking at a group of 20 of these right now, there was a roughly even split between the two types so there is no difference in rarity or price and as this is a relatively unimportant variety I will not note this variety in my listings, but if you are specific about which you want when ordering, I will try to sort it out for you.

1898 CENT

  1. 1898 H ........................ old clean VG-8   $ 5.00
  2. 1898 H .................................. F-12   $12.00
  3. 1898 H ................................. VF-30   $21.00

1899 CENT

  1. 1899 .................................... F-12   $ 5.50
  2. 1899 .................................... F-15   $ 6.50
  3. 1899 ................................... VF-20   $ 7.25
  4. 1899 ........................... cleaned VF-30   $ 6.50
  5. 1899 ................................... VF-30   $ 9.00
  6. 1899 ................................... XF-40   $11.00
  7. 1899 .............................. ICCS AU-50   $25.00
  8. 1899 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $36.00
  9. 1899 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $50.00
  10. 1899 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $72.50

1900 CENT

  1. 1900 .............. reverse slightly weak VG-8   $ 7.25
  2. 1900 ............................... F-12/VG-8   $11.00
  3. 1900 ................................... VF-20   $20.00
  4. 1900 ................................... VF-30   $28.00
  5. 1900 .............................. ICCS VF-30   $28.00
  6. 1900 .......................... rim bump XF-40   $28.00
  7. 1900 ................................... XF-45   $55.00
  8. 1900 ................................... AU-50   $72.50
  9. 1900 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60  $140.00

1900 H CENT

The 1900 H cent sometimes causes confusion because the H small and while centered below the date it is between the bottom leaf and the rim denticles and can be difficult to see. People are often looking for it above the ring of beads as it is on the 1907 H, so do not see it.

  1. 1900 H ................................. VF-20   $ 6.50
  2. 1900 H ............................ ICCS AU-55   $30.00

1901 CENT

The average quality in which we see 1900 1 cents is nicer than for earlier dates, reflected in a lower prices for higher grade examples. This was the last year for Queen Victoria resulted in people putting these 1 cents to save as the Edward VII designs were introduced. To this day people still do this when a type is phased out, expecting them to one day become rare which actually causing them to be the most common and least valuable in the series. We see this with the 1920 large cent, 1936 small cent, 1952 George V cent, and the 2012 final issue of the 1 cent.

  1. 1901 ................................ VG-8/G-4   $ 4.25
  2. 1901 .................... small rim nicks VG-8   $ 4.00
  3. 1901 .................................... VG-8   $ 5.00
  4. 1901 ............................... VG-10/G-4   $ 4.25
  5. 1901 ............................... F-12/VG-8   $ 5.00
  6. 1901 .................................... F-12   $ 5.00
  7. 1901 ................................ F-15/G-4   $ 5.00
  8. 1901 .....................................F-15   $ 6.00
  9. 1901 ....................... light clean VF-20   $ 4.00
  10. 1901 ................................... VF-20   $ 6.50
  11. 1901 ....................... light marks VF-30   $ 5.50
  12. 1901 ........................ rim damage XF-40   $ 5.00
  13. 1901 ........................... cleaned XF-40   $ 5.50
  14. 1901 ........................ minor mark XF-40   $ 8.00
  15. 1901 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
  16. 1901 ................................... XF-45   $14.50
  17. 1901 ....................... light areas AU-50   $ 5.00
  18. 1901 ................... lightly cleaned AU-55   $16.00
  19. 1901 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-62   $65.00
  20. 1901 ..................... red and brown MS-65  $275.00
  21. 1901 ................... ICCS Landon Red MS-65  $595.00

EDWARD VII
1902 to 1910

Canada 1910 cent
image of Edward VII 1902 to 1910, type only

Prior to 1908, Canadian coin without a mint mark was struck at the Royal Mint in London England and the 1907 cents With an H mint mark (centered below the date, above the ring of beads) were struck at the Heaton mint at Birmingham England. Starting in 1908 all Canadian cents were struck at the Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa.

This Obverse type was designed by G. W. DeSalles, with the reverse the same 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).

While the alloy remains the same, something is different starting about 1904 as it is common to see coins with streaks of differential tone, and sometimes streaks of lustre or scattered spots of lustre, which are not normal on earlier dates. These suggest the alloys might not have been well mixed so that there are areas of higher and lower tin and zinc contents across one coin, which cause different types of toning. It is also common to see examples between 1903 to 1909 which tone a much lighter brown than is normal on other dates, but is not due to cleaning.

1902 CENT

  1. 1902 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  2. 1902 .................................... F-12   $ 4.50
  3. 1902 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.75
  4. 1902 ................................... XF-40   $ 7.25
  5. 1902 .............................. ICCS AU-50   $12.00

1903 CENT

  1. 1903 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  2. 1903 .......................... old clean F-12   $ 3.00
  3. 1903 ...................... trace cleaned F-12   $ 3.50
  4. 1903 .................................... F-12   $ 4.50
  5. 1903 .................................... F-15   $ 5.00
  6. 1903 ....................... minor spots VF-20   $ 4.00
  7. 1903 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.50
  8. 1903 ................................... VF-30   $ 6.00
  9. 1903 ................................... XF-40   $ 7.25
  10. 1903 ................................... XF-45   $10.50
  11. 1903 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-64  $120.00

1904 CENT

  1. 1904 .................................... VG-8   $ 4.50
  2. 1904 ............................... F-12/VG-8   $ 5.00
  3. 1904 ............................... mark F-12   $ 4.50
  4. 1904 .................................... F-12   $ 5.00
  5. 1904 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.50
  6. 1904 ................................... XF-40   $10.00
  7. 1904 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $30.00
  8. 1904 ......................... trace red MS-63   $88.50

1905 CENT

With a mintage of about 2 million 1905 is the scarcest of the Edward VII large cent, although none of them can be considered rare.

  1. 1905 .................................... F-15   $ 7.25
  2. 1905 ................................... XF-45   $18.00
  3. 1905 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $48.00
  4. 1905 ......................... trace red MS-62   $65.00
  5. 1905 .................... ICCS trace red MS-62   $65.00

1906 CENT

  1. 1906 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  2. 1906 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.00
  3. 1906 ................... minor edge nicks F-12   $ 3.00
  4. 1906 ............. edge nick, bright area F-12   $ 3.00
  5. 1906 ............................ mottled F-12   $ 3.50
  6. 1906 .................................... F-12   $ 4.50
  7. 1906 .................................... F-15   $ 5.00
  8. 1906 ....................... light marks VF-20   $ 4.00
  9. 1906 ......................... scratches VF-20   $ 4.00
  10. 1906 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.00
  11. 1906 ................................... AU-50   $16.00
  12. 1906 ............... red and brown spots MS-62   $52.50

1907 CENT

  1. 1907 ..................................... G-6   $ 3.25
  2. 1907 .......................... rim bumps VG-8   $ 3.00
  3. 1907 .................................... VG-8   $ 4.00
  4. 1907 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.50
  5. 1907 .................................... F-15   $ 5.00
  6. 1907 ...................... old cleaning VF-30   $ 5.00
  7. 1907 ................................... VF-30   $ 7.25

1907 H CENT

The H on a 1907 H is centered below the date, just above the inner ring a beads, unlike some earlier dates where it is lower between the leaves and the outer ring of beads. The exact position and size of the H varieties slightly between coins, and on some coins can be very small. This is the last Canadian coin struck at the Heaton mint.

  1. 1907 H ............................. rough G-6   $ 8.00
  2. 1907 H ................................... G-6   $10.50
  3. 1907 H .................. light scratches VG-8   $10.00
  4. 1907 H ........................... rubbed VG-8   $11.50
  5. 1907 H .................................. VG-8   $13.75
  6. 1907 H ................................. VG-10   $17.00
  7. 1907 H .................... light scratch F-12   $16.00
  8. 1907 H ....................... light rubs F-12   $16.00
  9. 1907 H ................................. VF-20   $28.00
  10. 1907 H ............................ ICCS VF-30   $40.00
  11. 1907 H ............................ ICCS XF-40   $48.00
  12. 1907 H ....................... trace red AU-55  $120.00

The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs and alloy specification remain the same, there appears to be some type of change in the metallurgy. When they tone they are often a paler brown than earlier coins, and if cleaned have are more yellow-brown color. Often there are streaks of brighter yellow that do not tone as much as the rest of the coin, which if light does not affect things but when more dramatic I personally find somewhat unattractive (I will describe it when dramatic). I don't know enough about the alloys to say what changed, but I suspect there is an increase in the zinc content in some specimens (that could cause the more yellow color and different toning) and poorer quality mixing of the alloys than was done in England would explain the streaks.

1908 CENT

  1. 1908 ..................................... G-6   $ 3.50
  2. 1908 ........................ trace rough VG-8   $ 3.00
  3. 1908 .................................... VG-8   $ 5.00
  4. 1908 .............................. mark VG-10   $ 4.50
  5. 1908 .................................... F-12   $ 5.00
  6. 1908 .................................... F-15   $ 5.50
  7. 1908 .................. cleaned rim nick VF-20   $ 5.00
  8. 1908 ................................... VF-20   $ 6.00
  9. 1908 ................................... VF-30   $ 8.00
  10. 1908 ....................... minor spots XF-40   $ 8.00
  11. 1908 ................................... XF-45   $16.00
  12. 1908 .............................. ICCS XF-45   $16.00
  13. 1908 ......................... trace red MS-60   $40.00

1909 CENT

  1. 1909 ..................................... G-6   $ 2.75
  2. 1909 ......................... peck marks VG-8   $ 3.00
  3. 1909 ............................ cleaned VG-8   $ 2.00
  4. 1909 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  5. 1909 ................................... VG-10   $ 3.75
  6. 1909 .................................... F-12   $ 4.00
  7. 1909 .............................. mark VF-20   $ 4.50
  8. 1909 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.00
  9. 1909 ............................. marks XF-40   $ 5.00
  10. 1908 ................................... AU-50   $14.00
  11. 1909 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $60.00
  12. 1909 .......................... ICCS red MS-63   $90.00
  13. 1909 .......................... ICCS red MS-64  $200.00

1910 CENT

  1. 1910 ..................................... G-6   $ 2.75
  2. 1910 ............................ cleaned VG-8   $ 2.00
  3. 1910 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  4. 1910 ................................... VG-10   $ 3.75
  5. 1910 .................................... F-12   $ 4.00
  6. 1910 .................................... F-15   $ 4.25
  7. 1910 ................................... XF-40   $ 5.50

GEORGE V
1911 to 1936

Canada 1911 cent
image of George V, 1911 Godless, type only


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 of 25.4 mm (1 inch). All were struck at the Royal Canadian mint in Ottawa.

1911 CENT

George V coins were introduced in 1911 without "DEI GRATIA", Latin for "God's Grace", in the obverse inscription. Known as the "GODLESS COINS" there was a public out rage or in 1912 "DEI GRATIA" returns to Canadian coins making the 1911's a one year type coin.

  1. 1911 Godless ............................ F-15   $ 2.50
  2. 1911 Godless ........................... VF-20   $ 3.00
  3. 1911 Godless ........................... VF-30   $ 4.00
  4. 1911 Godless ............... small marks XF-40   $ 4.00
  5. 1911 Godless ........................... XF-40   $ 5.00
  6. 1911 Godless ........................... XF-45   $ 8.00

Canada 1916 cent
image of George V, 1912 to 1920, type only

1912 CENT

  1. 1912 .................................... F-15   $ 3.00
  2. 1912 ................................... VF-30   $ 4.50
  3. 1912 ............................ spotty XF-40   $ 4.00
  4. 1912 .................... small rim nick XF-40   $ 5.00
  5. 1912 ................................... XF-45   $10.00
  6. 1912 .......................... ICCS red MS-65  $425.00

1913 CENT

  1. 1913 .................................... F-12   $ 2.25
  2. 1913 ................................... VF-30   $ 4.50
  3. 1913 ......... light clean and scratches XF-40   $ 4.00
  4. 1913 ................................... XF-40   $ 5.50
  5. 1913 .............................. ICCS XF-45   $10.00
  6. 1913 ................................... AU-50   $16.00
  7. 1913 ............................ streak AU-55   $24.00
  8. 1913 ................................... AU-55   $24.00
  9. 1913 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $24.00
  10. 1913 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $32.00
  11. 1913 .................... ICCS trace red MS-60   $36.00
  12. 1913 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $48.00
  13. 1913 ............................... red MS-63   $90.00
  14. 1913 .......................... ICCS red MS-64  $150.00

1914 CENT

With a mintage of about 3.4 million the 1914 is the scarcest date of George V large cents, although only by a little and only commands a premium in the higher grades. The 1911 in has a higher mintage but due to being a one year type is in higher demand than the 1914.

  1. 1914 .................................... VG-8   $ 2.00
  2. 1914 ................................... VG-10   $ 2.25
  3. 1914 .................................... F-12   $ 2.50
  4. 1914 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.50
  5. 1914 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.00
  6. 1914 ....................... trace rough XF-40   $ 3.00
  7. 1914 ................................... XF-40   $ 5.50
  8. 1914 ................................... XF-45   $11.50
  9. 1914 ................................... AU-50   $20.00
  10. 1914 ..................... red and brown MS-64  $105.00

1915 CENT

  1. 1915 ................................... VG-10   $ 2.00
  2. 1915 .................................... F-12   $ 2.25
  3. 1915 .................................... F-15   $ 2.75
  4. 1915 .............................. spot VF-20   $ 2.50
  5. 1915 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.00
  6. 1915 ........................... cleaned AU-55   $16.00
  7. 1915 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $32.00
  8. 1915 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $77.50

1916 CENT

  1. 1916 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.00
  2. 1916 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.00
  3. 1916 ................................... XF-40   $ 4.00
  4. 1916 ................................... AU-50   $10.00
  5. 1916 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $15.00
  6. 1916 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $20.00
  7. 1916 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-62   $32.00
  8. 1916 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $40.00
  9. 1916 ............................... red MS-63   $70.00

1917 CENT

  1. 1917 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.00
  2. 1917 ........................... streaky AU-50   $ 8.00
  3. 1917 ................................... MS-60   $16.00

1918 CENT

  1. 1918 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.00
  2. 1918 .............................. mark VF-30   $ 2.00
  3. 1918 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.00
  4. 1918 ................................... XF-40   $ 4.00
  5. 1918 ................................... XF-45   $ 5.50
  6. 1918 .................. spots, trace red AU-50   $ 6.00
  7. 1918 ......................... trace red AU-50   $ 8.00
  8. 1918 ................................... AU-55   $12.00
  9. 1918 ......................... trace red AU-55   $14.00
  10. 1918 ......................... trace red MS-62   $20.00
  11. 1918 .................... ICCS trace red MS-62   $20.00
  12. 1918 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-63   $38.00
  13. 1918 ........ red and brown, uneven tone MS-64   $65.00

1919 CENT

  1. 1919 ................................... VF-20   $ 2.00
  2. 1919 ................................... VF-30   $ 3.00
  3. 1919 ................................... XF-45   $ 5.50
  4. 1919 ............... 2 minor green spots AU-55   $ 8.00
  5. 1919 ........................ ICCS brown MS-60   $16.00
  6. 1919 ................ red and brown, red MS-63   $48.00

1920 LARGE CENT

  1. 1920 (large) ........................... VF-20   $ 2.00
  2. 1920 (large) ........................... VF-30   $ 3.00

1920 was both the last year in which they struck large cents, and the first year in which small cents were struck. A considerable number of the 1920 large cents were melted for striking of 1920 small cents, but both large and small cents remain relatively common.

1998 LARGE CENT

To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary special sets were struck with the sizes, sterling silver alloy (other than the 1 cent), and reverse designs of the 1908 coins, and and obverse showing Queen Elizabeth's portrait and date as "1908 - 1998". The early sets have an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved unpopular and were discontinued so now the scarcer of the two finishes. The later sets are mirror-proofs. The mint wanted to advertise these as all silver so the 1 cents are struck on copper plated silver, I believe the first coins ever struck that way. The designer forgot one cents should have "Canada" be below the Queen's portrait resulting in the antiqued matte-proof cents being the only Canadian coin without "CANADA" anywhere on them, but this was corrected on the mirror-proof examples.

  1. LARGE CENT, 1908-1998 ... antiqued matte PROOF   $25.00
  2. LARGE CENT, 1908-1998 ........... mirror PROOF     SOLD

2011 LARGE CENT

To commemorate the 100th anniversary off the 1911 silver dollar special sets replicating all the denominations of 1911 coins were struck in 2011 coins using the George V portrait and obverse inscription. On the 1 cent the reverse is similar to the 1911 1 cent but the inscription reads 1 CENT CANADA 1911-2011. The alloy of these one cents is pure copper struck to a bright proof finish, at 5.67 grams, 25.4 mm diameter and 1.6 mm thick. Just under 6000 sets were made, so these are relatively scarce coins.

  1. LARGE CENT, 1911-2011 .................. PROOF     SOLD

SMALL CENTS

GEORGE V

canada 1936 1 cent
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 a totally new by Fred Lewis. The alloy also changed slightly to 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 SMALL CENT

  1. 1920 (small cent) ...................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1920 (small cent) ...................... XF-40   $ 3.00
  3. 1920 (small cent) ...................... AU-55   $12.00
  4. 1920 (small cent) ....... ICCS trace red MS-62   $20.00
  5. 1920 (small cent) ... ICCS red and brown MS-62   $27.00
  6. 1920 (small cent) ............ trace red MS-63   $28.00
  7. 1920 (small cent) ........ red and brown MS-63   $32.00
  8. 1920 (small cent) ............. ICCS red MS-63   $48.00
  9. 1920 (small cent) ... ICCS red and brown MS-64   $80.00

1921 CENT

  1. 1921 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.00
  2. 1921 ..................... light scratch XF-45   $ 5.50
  3. 1921 ....... ICCS lustrous red and brown MS-64  $675.00

1922 CENT

With a mintage of about 1,2400,000 this is the third lowest mintage of small cents.

  1. 1922 .................................... VG-8   $25.00
  2. 1922 ................................... VG-10   $24.00
  3. 1922 .............................. ICCS VG-10   $24.00
  4. 1922 ........................... rim nick F-12   $17.00
  5. 1922 .................................... F-12   $27.00
  6. 1922 ............................... ICCS F-12   $27.00
  7. 1922 .................................... F-15   $30.00
  8. 1922 ........................... cleaned VF-20   $24.00
  9. 1922 ................................... VF-20   $34.00
  10. 1922 .............................. ICCS VF-20   $34.00
  11. 1922 ..................... light scratch VF-30   $32.00
  12. 1922 .............................. ICCS VF-30   $42.00

1923 CENT

With a mintage of just over 1 million, this is the second lowest mintage small cent, but the difference between it and 1925 is only about 2%

  1. 1923 ............................ scratch VG-8   $27.00
  2. 1923 .................................... VG-8   $36.00
  3. 1923 .............................. rough F-12   $20.00
  4. 1923 .................................... F-12   $40.00
  5. 1923 ............................... ICCS F-12   $40.00
  6. 1923 ............................ scratch F-15   $32.00
  7. 1923 .............................. marks F-15   $32.00
  8. 1923 .......................... off color F-15   $32.00
  9. 1923 .................................... F-15   $45.00
  10. 1923 ............................... ICCS F-15   $45.00
  11. 1923 ................................... VF-20   $48.00
  12. 1923 .............................. ICCS VF-20   $48.00
  13. 1923 ................................... VF-30   $55.00
  14. 1923 .............................. ICCS VF-30   $55.00
  15. 1923 .............................. ICCS XF-40   $65.00

1924 CENT

  1. 1924 ............................ cleaned VG-8   $ 5.00
  2. 1924 .................................... VG-8   $ 9.00
  3. 1924 ........................ trace rough F-12   $ 6.50
  4. 1924 .............................. marks F-12   $ 8.00
  5. 1924 .................................... F-12   $11.50
  6. 1924 ................... minor edge nicks F-15   $ 8.00
  7. 1924 .................................... F-15   $13.00
  8. 1924 ............................... ICCS F-15   $13.00
  9. 1924 ................................... VF-20   $15.00
  10. 1924 ................................... VF-30   $20.00

1925 CENT

With a mintage of just barely over 1 million, this is the lowest mintage date small cent, beating the 1923 by less than 20,000 coins.

  1. 1925 ..................... ICCS corrosion VG-8   $20.00
  2. 1925 ............................... ICCS VG-8   $28.00
  3. 1925 .............................. marks F-12   $28.00
  4. 1925 .................................... F-12   $32.00
  5. 1925 .............................. marks F-15   $29.00
  6. 1925 .................................... F-15   $36.00
  7. 1925 ................... minor edge nick VF-20   $32.00
  8. 1925 ................................... VF-20   $40.00
  9. 1925 .............................. ICCS VF-20   $40.00
  10. 1925 ................................... VF-30   $46.50

1926 CENT

  1. 1926 .................................... VG-8   $ 6.25
  2. 1926 .................................... F-12   $ 8.00
  3. 1926 .................................... F-15   $10.00
  4. 1926 ................................... VF-30   $15.00
  5. 1926 ................................... XF-40   $20.00

1927 CENT

  1. 1927 ................................... VG-10   $ 2.50
  2. 1927 .................................... F-12   $ 3.00
  3. 1927 .................... light scratches F-15   $ 2.00
  4. 1927 .................................... F-15   $ 4.00
  5. 1927 ...................... reverse rubs VF-20   $ 3.00
  6. 1927 ................................... VF-20   $ 5.00
  7. 1927 ........................... scrapes VF-30   $ 2.00
  8. 1927 ................................... VF-30   $ 6.00

1928 CENT

  1. 1928 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1928 ................................... XF-40   $ 3.00

1929 CENT

There are three major position varieties of the final 9 of 1929, low, middle and high, although every die was probably slightly different and there were many dies with minor differences. All standard references fail to discuss the middle 9 variety resulting in people mistaking middle 9 examples for high 9's. Both middle and low 9's are common so I only list the high 9's separately.



canada 1929 low 9 cent
Low 9 (common)
All four digits align at the top.
The final 9 points below the 2.

canada 1929 middle 9 cent
Medium 9 (common)
Both 9's higher than the 2, aligned at their tops.
The final 9 points along the base of the 2.

canada 1929 high 9 cent
High 9 (scarce)
Top of final 9 is higher than the 192 with
it's bottom pointing at the base of the 2.

  1. 1929 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1929 ................................... XF-40   $ 3.00
  3. 1929 ......................... tiny spot AU-50   $ 6.50
  4. 1929 ................................... AU-55   $14.00
     
  5. 1929 high 9 ............................. F-15   $35.00

1930 CENT

  1. 1930 .................................... VG-8   $ 3.50
  2. 1930 ................................... VG-10   $ 4.00
  3. 1930 .................................... F-12   $ 4.50
  4. 1930 ............................ scratch F-15   $ 3.00
  5. 1930 .................................... F-15   $ 5.00
  6. 1930 ................................... VF-30   $ 8.25

1931 CENT

  1. 1931 .................................... F-12   $ 2.00
  2. 1931 .................................... F-15   $ 2.50
  3. 1931 ........................... mottled VF-20   $ 2.00
  4. 1931 ................................... VF-20   $ 3.00
  5. 1931 ................................... VF-30   $ 5.00
  6. 1931 ................................... XF-40   $ 6.50
  7. 1931 .............................. ICCS AU-55   $28.00

1932 CENT

  1. 1932 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1932 ................................... XF-40   $ 2.50
  3. 1932 ................................... XF-45   $ 5.00
  4. 1932 ................................... AU-50   $ 8.00
  5. 1932 ................ ICCS red and brown MS-62   $27.00
  6. 1932 .......................... ICCS red MS-64  $225.00

1933 CENT

  1. 1933 ................................... AU-50   $ 8.00
  2. 1933 ................................... AU-55   $13.00
  3. 1933 ......................... trace red MS-60   $19.50
  4. 1933 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $27.00

1934 CENT

  1. 1934 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1934 ................................... XF-40   $ 3.00
  3. 1934 ............................. brown MS-63   $30.00
  4. 1934 .......................... ICCS red MS-65  $800.00

1935 CENT

  1. 1935 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1935 ................................... XF-40   $ 3.00
  3. 1935 ................................... AU-50   $ 8.00
  4. 1935 ................................... AU-55   $13.50

1936 CENT

  1. 1936 ................................... VF-30   $ 2.00
  2. 1936 ................................... XF-40   $ 3.00
  3. 1936 ................................... XF-45   $ 5.00
  4. 1936 ................................... AU-55   $13.00
  5. 1936 .................... ICCS trace red MS-60   $16.00

GEORGE VI
1937 to 1952

canada 1937 1 cent
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 during 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 I have high-grade specimens available.

After 1936, there are no rare date Canadian 1 cent coins. While common as dates there are some scarce to rare varieties in 1949 (A to denticle) and in 1954 and 1955 the no shoulder fold type. Average circulated examples of all dates (including common varieties of 1949, 1954 and 1955) are of too little value to warrant listing, although we should have them available in the store in pick bins.

1937 CENT

  1. 1937 .......................... ICCS red MS-65   $60.00

1938 CENT

  1. 1938 ................................... MS-60   $ 3.00

1939 CENT

  1. 1939 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $ 5.00
  2. 1939 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $16.00
  3. 1939 .......................... ICCS red MS-65   $38.50

1940 CENT

  1. 1940 ................................... AU-55   $ 2.25
  2. 1940 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 4.00
  3. 1940 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $ 5.00
  4. 1940 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $ 6.50
  5. 1940 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $20.00
  6. 1940 .......................... ICCS red MS-65   $48.00

1 cents from 1941 to 1948 are all common but for some dates finding better then red MS-64 is difficult and examples in red MS-65 or high are far more expensive an previous or later dates. In some dates, finding them in a full red is difficult in any grade and it appears there was something different in the alloy used during that period that does not retain the red lustre easily. Many of the examples certified as red will be a more subtle red. Some have theorized the mint was using scrap metal copper during the war period, resulting in a higher level of impurities in the alloy.

1941 CENT

  1. 1941 ................................... XF-45   $ 2.00
  2. 1941 ............................. brown MS-62   $12.00
  3. 1941 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $28.00

1942 CENT

  1. 1942 ............................. brown MS-60   $ 6.50
  2. 1942 ......................... trace red MS-62   $13.50
  3. 1942 ............................... red MS-63   $48.00
  4. 1942 .......................... ICCS red MS-63   $48.00
  5. 1942 ..... really red and brown ICCS red MS-63   $56.00

1943 CENT

  1. 1943 ................................... MS-60   $ 4.00
  2. 1943 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $ 5.00
  3. 1943 ............................. brown MS-62   $ 5.00
  4. 1943 ....................... subdued red MS-62   $10.00
  5. 1943 ....................... purple tone MS-62   $10.00
  6. 1943 ..... really red and brown ICCS red MS-63   $14.00
  7. 1943 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $48.00

1944 CENT

  1. 1944 ................................... AU-50   $ 4.00

1945 CENT

  1. 1945 .. minor dark area at edge ICCS red MS-64   $24.00

1946 CENT

  1. 1946 ......................... trace red MS-60     SOLD

1947 CENT

  1. 1947 ......................... trace red MS-62   $ 4.00

India received its independence on August 14, 1947 requiring that IND IMP (India's Emperor) be removed from all British Commonwealth coins dated 1948 or newer. A problem similar to that in 1937 when Edward the VIII abdicated, the new obverse designs for coins all over the British Commonwealth had to be prepared at the Royal Mint in England. Those for Canada were not ready at the beginning of 1948 and coins were needed, so early in 1948 coins were struck dated 1947 so that the IND IMP design could still be used but a small maple leaf was placed after the date indicating minted in 1948.

1947 MAPLE LEAF CENT

Pointed and blunt 7's based on the shape of the point of the 7 next to the maple twig occur on 1947 maple leaf cents. The blunt 7 is slightly scarcer than the pointed 7 but there is not much difference in value up to MS-64 but in MS-65 and higher the blunt 7 is much scarcer and higher priced.

  1. 1947 ML pointed 7 ............ trace red MS-62   $ 4.00
  2. 1947 ML pointed 7 ........ red and brown MS-63   $ 6.50
  3. 1947 ML pointed 7 .... red/red and brown MS-63   $16.00
     
  4. 1947 ML blunt 7 ............... ICCS red MS-64   $52.50
  5. 1947 ML blunt 7 ............... ICCS red MS-65  $320.00

When the new designs arrived in 1948 with IND IMP (India's Emperor) removed, the entire inscription now reads GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA REX (George VI By The Grace of God King) and was used until 1952. Both 1948 and 1949 cents are found with an obverse variety where the final A of GRATIA points either between two denticles (known as either A between or A off denticle), or directly at a denticle (known as A to or A at denticle).

canada 1949 1 cent
IMAGE OF 1948 TO 1952, TYPE ONLY

1948 CENT

In 1948 both the A to and A off denticle varieties are relatively common and of equal value if it points to the large denticles. These varieties refer to how the final A of a GRATIA pointing at or between two denticles.

There is a scarcer variety where the A points to a small denticle but I seldom have one available. The small denticles are about the same length as the wide, but they are thinner so the gap between them is wider. If you look at the I in GRATIA it just barely overlaps two small denticles but on a large denticle it clearly overlaps them going about 1/2 way across each of them.

  1. 1948 A to large denticle ........... red MS-63   $24.00
     
  2. 1948 A OFF DENTICLE ........... ICCS red MS-63     SOLD

1949 CENT

For 1949 the A between denticles (also known as the A off denticles) is common while the A to denticle scarcer. Both types have large denticles.

  1. 1949 A off denticle ...... red and brown MS-62   $ 5.00
  2. 1949 A off denticle ................ red MS-63   $10.00
  3. 1949 A off denticle ........... ICCS red MS-63   $10.00
  4. 1949 A off denticle ................ red MS-64   $16.00
  5. 1949 A off denticle ........... ICCS red MS-64   $16.00
     
  6. 1949 A to denticle ...................... F-15   $10.00
  7. 1949 A to denticle ..................... VF-20   $12.00
  8. 1949 A to denticle ..................... VF-30   $16.00
  9. 1949 A to denticle ..................... XF-40   $20.00

1950 CENT

  1. 1950 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $ 4.00
  2. 1950 .............. soft holder CCCS red MS-63   $10.00

1951 CENT

  1. 1951 ..................... red and brown MS-60   $ 2.50
  2. 1951 .............. very small spots red MS-63   $12.00
  3. 1951 ..................... red and brown MS-64   $20.00
  4. 1951 ....................... subdued red MS-64   $21.00
  5. 1951 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $32.00

1952 CENT

  1. 1952 ............................... red MS-64   $16.00

ELIZABETH II
1953 to date

canada 1959 1 cent
IMAGE OF 1953 TO 1964, TYPE ONLY

1953 saw the introduction of Elizabeth II's portrait designed by Mary Gillick,whose initials appear on the bust truncation. The reverse remains Kruger-Gray's maple leaf design, with his initials in the lower right. The flans remain 19.05 mm, 3.25 grams of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc

1953 NSS CENT

The early 1953 dies had the shoulder too deeply cut into the die, and the metal could not be pushed far enough in to capture the shoulder fold design resulting in the shoulder fold usual not present, although on some well struck examples you may see traces of it. The Queen's shoulder appeared bare which many felt was inappropriate. Known as the No Shoulder Strap (NSS) or No Shoulder Fold (NSF) variety, it is best to confirm this type by the strong serifs at the top and bottom of the I's in II and DEI.

  1. 1953 NSS ........................... red MS-63     SOLD

1953 SS CENT

Later in 1953 the dies were re-designed so the shoulder fold would strike better and be visible on most examples, although not on some weaker strikes and it is a high point of the coin so it might wear off on examples VF or below. Known as the Shoulder Strap (SS) or Shoulder Fold (SF) variety, the serifs at the top and bottom of the I's were made much smaller so those I's nearly appear straight, which is the best way to confirm this type. This is the scarcer of the two types.

  1. 1953 SS ..................... light mark XF-40   $ 3.00
  2. 1953 SS ................................ XF-40   $ 4.00
  3. 1953 SS ................................ XF-45   $ 5.00
  4. 1953 SS ............... minor dark areas AU-50   $ 6.00
  5. 1953 SS ................................ AU-50   $ 6.50

From 1954 to 1964 the obverse shoulder fold design was intended for all examples but some 1954 proof-like sets contain cents struck with a 1953 NSS die resulting a 1954 NSF variety. No 1954 circulation strikes were struck with this variety but some PL sets were broken up and spent so circulated examples have occasionally turned up (I have only ever seen one). In 1955 some circulation strikes were struck from a left over 1953 die, resulting in a 1955 NSS variety that is not found in mint sets. Some have been known to polish off the shoulder fold lines from regular examples, and some regular strikes are weakly struck so the shoulder fold does not show, but in both cases the I's will not be serifed so it is important to check that letter form to confirm these varieties.

1954 CENT

Note that 1954 cents in Proof-like quality will normally have slightly purple-red tone and are considered "red" that way. I am not sure why this tone only happens on this date.

  1. 1954 ..................... red and brown MS-62   $ 3.00
  2. 1954 ............................... red MS-62   $ 4.00
  3. 1954 ..................... red and brown MS-63   $ 5.00
  4. 1954 ............................... red MS-63   $ 8.00
  5. 1954 ..................... red and brown MS-64   $12.00
  6. 1954 ... some light grey spots, ICCS red MS-64   $20.00

1954 CENT NSS

In 1954 one of the dies used on Proof-like coins for the official mint sets was of the NSS variety and can be differentiated by the heavily Serifed I's on the obverse. It appears it may have been as many as 1 in 20 PL sets had these, and like most 1954 PL cents they usually have the purple-red tone. No 1954 NSS cents were issued for circulation via bank rolls and while I have seen a circulated one it was likely from a mint set someone broke up and spent.

  1. 1954 NSS .. slight purple-red as is normal on
    these .................................. PL-66     SOLD

1955 CENT

  1. 1955 ............................... red MS-63   $ 4.00
  2. 1955 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $12.00

1955 CENT NSS

All 1955 circulation strikes were intended to be the shoulder fold variety but a left over 1953 NSF obverse die appears to have been accidentally used, resulting in 1955 NSF examples. These coins always look slightly worn, even in mint condition, resulting from that die been somewhat worn when first used on these. One must look at both sides of a 1955 NSF cent and the grade will be based more on the reverse design which was struck with a fresh die. As with the 1953 and 1954 NSS varieties the heavy serifs on the I's is how you identify these.

  1. 1955 NSS ................................ F-12     SOLD

1956 CENT

  1. 1956 ............................... red MS-63     SOLD

1957 CENT

  1. 1957 ....................... subdued red MS-64   $ 5.50
  2. 1957 .......................... ICCS red MS-64   $ 9.00

1958 CENT

  1. 1958 ............................... red MS-64   $ 8.00
  2. 1958 ......... very slightly subdued red MS-65   $16.00
  3. 1958 ....... toned spots along edge Proof-like   $ 8.00

1959 CENT

  1. 1959 ....................... subdued red MS-64     SOLD

1960 CENT

  1. 1960 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50

1961 CENT

  1. 1961 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1961 ............................. cameo PL-65   $ 5.50

1962 CENT

  1. 1962 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50

1962 DOUBLE DATE CENT

Some 1962 cents have considerable doubling on last three digits of the date with the ghost under date shifted up slightly from the main date. Known as the DOUBLE DATE variety, it is very similar to that seen on some 1962 5 cents, suggesting machine doubling where a problem with the minting press causes the die to bounce or rock during striking creating a slightly double strike with an off-set, where both the 1 and 5 cents with this feature struck on the same press. This variety was listed by Zoell as #D86p.

  1. 1962 doubled 62 ....................... VF-30   $ 5.00


canada 1962 harp variety 1 cent

1962 HARP CENT

Some 1962 dies have vertical lines between the 1 of 1 CENT and the notch in the maple leaf, probably die polish marks. Commonly known as the HARP but when the lines are stronger at the bottom it is also known as the GUITAR variety. While not listed in the standard catalogues Hans Zoell catalogues it as #K86c.

  1. 1962 harp variety ......... finger print MS-63     SOLD


canada 1962 hanging 2 cent

1962 HANGING 2 CENT

A die clash caused the Queen's chin to be transferred to one reverse 1962 cent die, resulting in a faint line curling from the left maple leaf to the top of the 2, known as the "hanging 2" variety.

  1. 1962 hanging 2 ..................... red MS-63   $ 6.00

1963 CENT

  1. 1963 ............................... red MS-65   $13.50

1963 Hanging 3 CENT

A die clash caused an outline of the Queen's chin to transferred to one reverse 1963 cent die, resulting in a faint line curling from the left maple leaf to the top of the 3 and is known as the Hanging 3 variety.

  1. 1963 hanging 3 ........... red and brown MS-62   $ 4.50
  2. 1963 hanging 3 ..................... red MS-62   $ 5.00

1964 CENT

  1. 1964 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1964 ............................... red MS-65   $13.50
  3. 1964 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 5.00

ELIZABETH II

Mature Head Series



canada 1965 1 cent
IMAGE OF 1965 to 1966 and 1968 to 1978, TYPE ONLY

1965 saw an updated more mature portrait of the Queen wearing a tiara, by Arnold Machin. The reverse design by Kruger-Gray was retained unchanged, as was the specifications of 3.24 grams, 19.05 mm, of 98% copper, 0.5% tin and 1.5% zinc.

1965 CENT

There are four varieties of the 1965 cent, based on the size of the beads around the Queen's head, and the shape of the top right of the 5:

TYPE 1: Small beads, pointed 5
TYPE 2: Small beads, blunt 5
TYPE 3: Large beads, blunt 5
TYPE 4: Large beads, pointed 5

Both type 2 and 3 with a blunt 5 are common. It is generally thought that type 4 (pointed 5, large bead) is the scarcest type, but in my experience type 1 (pointed 5, small bead) is actually more difficult to find, although priced far less in the price guides.

Many type 4 examples exhibit doubling of the INA in REGINA and the beads opposite REGINA, which is common and illustrated below. The doubling of the bead makes it look like a small bead over large bead, but it is the lower outline of the bead that defines the bead size, which is confirmed by the A pointing at that lower outline, while on the small bead the A points between two beads (slightly closer to the lower bead). The beads on a T-3 with large bead usually do not exhibit that doubling.



canada 1965 pointed 5
POINTED 5

 canada 1965 blunt 5
BLUNT 5

canada 1965 large bead 5

Large Beads
A points at bead.		 canada 1965 small bead 5
Small bead
A points between beads.
  1. 1965 type 1 ........................ red MS-64   $16.00
     
  2. 1965 type 2 ........................ red MS-64   $16.00
  3. 1965 type 2 ........................ red MS-65   $14.00
     
  4. 1965 type 3 ........................ red MS-64   $ 6.50
  5. 1965 type 3 ........................ red MS-65   $14.50
     
  6. 1965 type 4 ......... spot red and brown AU-55   $16.00
  7. 1965 type 4 ... large spot red and brown MS-62   $20.00
  8. 1965 type 4 .............. red and brown MS-62   $28.00
  9. 1965 type 4 .................. trace red MS-63   $32.00
  10. 1965 type 4 .............. red and brown MS-63   $33.00
  11. 1965 type 4 .................. spots red MS-63   $40.00
  12. 1965 type 4 ................... ICCS red MS-63   $48.00

1966 CENT

  1. 1966 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1966 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.50

1967 CENT

In celebration of Canada's 100th anniversary of Confederation, all coins issued depicting an animal common to Canada, with a dove by Alex Covillie on the 1 cent. These were struck in huge numbers and are very common now, even in grades up to MS-63. Lesser one have very little value.

  1. 1967, Dove ......................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1967, Dove ........................ PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  3. 1967, Dove .......................... SPECIMEN   $ 1.00
  4. 1967, Dove .................... cameo SPECIMEN   $ 1.50

Please note that up to 2011 when I describe a coin to be Proof-like (PL) I mean a coin from a mint set, intestinally struck to a higher quality than normal, but worth less than a MS (Mint State) coin from a bank roll in the same grade. They are fairly easily differentiated by their strike and luster. ICCS and some references call such coins NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE which I feel will cause confusion in beginning collectors. Starting in 2012 the mint stopped making intentionally nicer coins for the standard sets and the coins are all simply MS (mint state) except for specimen and proof examples.

1968 CENT

  1. 1968 ....................... trace spots MS-64   $ 5.00
  2. 1968 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  3. 1968 ............. ICCS red, heavy cameo PL-64   $ 5.00

1969 CENT

  1. 1969 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  3. 1969 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.50
  4. 1969 .................. heavy cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 5.00

1970 CENT

  1. 1970 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  2. 1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  3. 1970 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.50

Beginning in 1971, the mint begins striking three different striking qualities of coins, with a fourth added in 1981 :

Mint state (abbreviated MS) which are coins struck for issue through the banks and have average lustre and surface qualities. In most cases MS coins have little value unless in the highest range of the MS coins, and those are seldom seen. I don't list most dates in MS because they are not of high enough value to justify the time and trouble to list and/or ship them.

Proof-like (abbreviated PL) are standard mint set coins, usually from the pliofilm packaged sets, red double penny sets, and later the blue book set, but in later dates there were a variety of other types of sets they can come from. PL coins have a much higher lustre than MS coins, mostly because they are struck from dies in their newest die state. They also have very minimal marks (the average PL is a PL-64) as they did not go through as many of the mint handling processes as MS coins do, but they are not perfect coins and one should not expect them to be absolutely mark free.

Specimen (abbreviated SP or SPEC) which were in the black leather double dollar sets from 1971 to 1980, and for later dates in various types sets. Like PL coins they are struck from dies in their freshest die state but differ in being double struck to give them a higher lustre and sharper images, and they do not go through any mint handling processes before going into the sets so are nearly mark free. The rims tend and edges tend to be a little sharper although this is not obvious on a casual inspection. When I list a coin as a specimen, it is because I personally took it from a specimen set before listing it here.

Proof (abbreviated PR) coins are very nice coins found mostly issued in the double dollar black leather boxed proof sets starting in 1981, although some specialty coins did come other ways. The coins are clearly differing from the other striking qualities by being double struck from specially prepared dies so they have mirror fields and frosted images (and ultra cameo effect) and are specially handled so they go into the sets in near perfect condition as possible.

1971 CENT

  1. 1971 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

1972 CENT

  1. 1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

1973 CENT

  1. 1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

1974 CENT

  1. 1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00

1975 CENT

  1. 1975 ........................ mostly red MS-64   $ 4.00
  2. 1975 ............................... red MS-64   $ 6.50
  3. 1975 ................... minor spots red MS-65   $11.50
  4. 1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00

1976 CENT

  1. 1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

1977 CENT

  1. 1977 .......................... spot red MS-64   $ 5.00
  2. 1977 ................................... MS-64   $ 8.00
  3. 1977 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00

1978 CENT

  1. 1978 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  2. 1978 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.50

1979 CENT

  1. 1979 ............................... red MS-64   $ 8.00
  2. 1979 .................... tiny spots red MS-65   $12.00
  3. 1979 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  4. 1979 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.50

1979 Double Date

Some 1979 cents show clear doubling on the date and occasionally other parts of the design. The amount and exact position of the doubling varies from coin to coin consistent with machine doubling were a slightly loose die creates the doubling when it bounces on striking. Examples with extra strong doubling, especially if all four digits are doubled command a premium. While not expensive, these are slight difficult to find.

  1. 1979 double date strong doubling ... R&B AU-55   $ 2.50
  2. 1979 double date strong doubling ... red MS-60   $ 3.00
  3. 1979 double date mnr obv. doubling . red MS-64   $20.00
  4. 1979 double date ....... minor spots red MS-65   $25.00

In 1980 while the design and alloy remain the same but the weight was reduced from 3.24 grams to 2.8 grams, the diameter from 19.05 mm to 19.00 mm, and the thickness from about 1.5 mm to 1.38 mm. Most people did not notice the change and while a 0.44 gram weight reduction does not sound like much, with a mintage of about 1 billion coins per year the raw material savings to the mint was huge. This standard was only used in 1980 and 1981.

1980 CENT

  1. 1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25
  2. 1980 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.75

1981 saw the introduction of proof sets to replace the double dollar specimen sets. The proof coins have frosted images against mirror fields and while specimen strikes continued to be struck, they were in other types of sets. Proof sets proved more popular than specimen sets so proof coins of this period are fairly abundant but both continued to be struck right up to 2012 end of the one cent.

1981 CENT

  1. 1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25

In 1982 the weigh was again reduced, from 2.8 grams to 2.5 grams even tough the diameter increased from 19.00 mm to 19.1 mm. This was achieved by a change from round to 12 sided thus decreasing the amount of metal needed to achieve that diameter. The alloys remained the same but there was a minor design modification to the reverse where the denticle border was replaced by a beaded border.

1982 CENT

  1. 1982 ............................... red MS-64   $ 8.00
  2. 1982 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  3. 1982 ................................... PROOF   $ 2.00

1983 CENT

1983 cents are found in two varieties in the beads around the Queen's head. The far bead variety has slightly smaller beads nearly 1/2 way between the rim and the tip of the Queen's bust. The near bead variety beads are slightly larger and only about 1/3 of the way between the rim and the bust. This can be difficult to determine unless you have the two side by side to compare.

Both varieties are found in MS, Proof-like, Specimen and Proof quality. The CCN trend sheet and the Charlton Standard Catalogue both list the far bead is the more common in all striking qualities. In my experience that is true for MS the near bead is more common in Proof-like, Specimen and Proof quality.

  1. 1983 near bead ......................... PROOF     SOLD
     
  2. 1983 far bead ...................... red MS-64     SOLD

1984 CENT

  1. 1984 ................... minor spots red MS-64   $ 6.00
  2. 1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25
  3. 1984 ................................... PROOF   $ 2.00

1985 CENT

1985 cents are very common with a blunt 5 (straight up and down on the top front of the 5) and is found in all striking qualities. The pointed 5 variety (front top of the 5 angles to the right) is much scarcer and only found circulation (MS) strikes, never in mint sets. I seldom have the pointed 5 available and based on recent sales on eBay the CCN trend listings well below the real market values for this type.

  1. 1985 blunt 5 ...................... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
     
  2. 1985 pointed 5 .............. circulated XF-AU   $ 8.00

1986 CENT

  1. 1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

1987 CENT

  1. 1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  2. 1987 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.50

1988 CENT

  1. 1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00

1989 CENT

  1. 1989 ................................... PROOF     SOLD

ELIZABETH II

Crowned Head Series

canada 2003 1 cent
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 CENT

  1. 1990 ................................... PROOF     SOLD

1991 CENT

  1. 1991 ............................... red MS-64   $ 8.00
  2. 1991 ............................... red MS-65   $16.00
  3. 1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 2.00
  4. 1991 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 2.50
  5. 1991 ................................... PROOF   $ 4.00

1992 CENT

1992 was Canada's 125th anniversary of confederation, and all 1 cents of this year have the date shown as the double date 1867-1992.

  1. 1992, double dated ................. red MS-64   $ 8.00
  2. 1992, double dated ................ PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25
  3. 1992, double dated .................. SPECIMEN   $ 1.50

1993 CENT

  1. 1993 ................................... PROOF     SOLD

1994 CENT

  1. 1994 ................... minor spots red MS-65     SOLD

1995 CENT

  1. 1995 ................................... PROOF     SOLD

Starting with 1996, on 1 cents with the proof-like strikes, the finish is different than in previous years. Instead of the overall high lustre finish over the entire coins, the 1996 cents have a matte finish with high lustre only on the portrait and maple leaves. The result is more like a reverse of the cameo proofs, although the degree of contrast is not consistent and some are slightly more dramatic than others.

1996 CENT

  1. 1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 3.00
  2. 1996 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 3.50
  3. 1996 ................................... PROOF   $ 5.00

1997 saw a major change in the cent coins. The 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 a pure zinc core plated with copper. The coins were made round (rather than 12 sided) and are 19.05 mm with the reduced weight 2.25 grams. From 1997 to 2000 all 1 cent in MS, Proof-like and Specimen strikes were on these new blanks but Proof coins continue on solid bronze flans. I recently examined a 1997 specimen set, and found no clear distinction between the Proof-like and specimen 1 cents as both had the matte backgrounds and higher lustre designs. When I list them as PL or Specimen it is because I personally took them out of the appropriate sets.

1997 CENT

  1. 1997 ................................... MS-65   $20.00
  2. 1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  3. 1997 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.50
  4. 1997 ................................... PROOF   $ 5.00

1998 CENT

In 1998 a W mint mark was placed below the Queen's head on coins minted at Winnipeg, although those were all in proof-like sets. Coins struck at Ottawa, including those in mint sets made at Ottawa in later years, have no mint mark. All circulation (MS), specimen and proof coins were without mint mark. The finish on 1998 proof-like coins returns to high luster finish, while specimen coins retain the slightly matte finish fields with high lustre designs that first appeared in 1996.

  1. 1998 Ottawa ....................... PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00
  2. 1998 Ottawa ............................ PROOF   $ 5.00
     
  3. 1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.00

In 1999, the mint sets were all minted in Ottawa so do not have a mint mark. The proof-like coins all have the high lustre finish while the specimen coins have the vague reverse cameo finish. I have noted that a high percentage of 1999 proof-like cents have a surface with a lot of very small (nearly microscopic) bubbles, probably resulting from problems with the plating process while copper plating the coins with the zinc core. If ordering one of these in Proof-like striking you should expect it to have that feature. The Specimen strikes do not seem to have this problem, nor do the proof strikes while are solid bronze blanks so are not plated.

1999 CENT

  1. 1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25
  2. 1999 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.75
  3. 1999 ................................... PROOF   $ 5.00

1999 P TEST CENT

As a cost saving measure in 1999 the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on plated steel blanks. The one cents look like copper as they were first nickel plated then copper plated prior to striking. All other denomination were nickel plated, then copper plated, then nickel plated again so they looked like nickel coins. A P for plated on steel was placed below the Queen's portrait so they could be differentiated.

First struck only as test tokens for vending machine companies to calibrate their equipment to and the companies were supposed to return them to the mint when done with them. Some came on the market at very high prices, up setting mint officials who struck an additional 20,000 sets to sell to collectors at much lower prices, both making money for the mint and disrupting the market for those vending machine companies.

Packaged like Proof-like sets their exact status is unclear and while I prefer to call them Proof-likes, others including ICCS call them Mint State (or Uncirculated). The mintage of only 20,000 makes them nearly as scarce as 1948 dollars but at a tiny fraction of the price. The vinyl packaging often leaves a light film on them which can be removed with rubbing alcohol.

I recently bought a large group of world coins from a company that has used them to test their equipment to make sure it would not accept them as Canadian coins. The same company used the 1999 P test coins on their equipment to be sure they would be accepted and in the same group I found a number of 1999 P cents that are true test token examples and from different dies that the 1999 P cents in the sets the mint sold. The dies were more carelessly finished with two distinct varieties. One had a number of scratches on the die just to the left of the I in ELIZABETH, resulting in raised lines on the coins. The second type has extra metal around the EL in Elizabeth and the P mark. I had a number of each that were identical in these features showing they were on the dies rather than striking defects. The dies used for the P cents in the mint sets were perfectly cut.

  1. 1999 P from mint set ...................... PL     SOLD
     
  2. 1999 P genuine test token, scrat. die . AU-UNC   $40.00

2000 CENT

Most 2000 coins in all striking qualities have nothing below the Queen's bust. A few very rare examples exist with the P and are accidentally released test coins. Some of the PL and Specimen coins come with the W for Winnipeg below the bust. PL coins have a high lustre even finish. Specimen coins have high lustre images with matte backgrounds.

  1. 2000 .............................. PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25
  2. 2000 ................................ SPECIMEN   $ 1.75
  3. 2000 ................................... PROOF   $ 5.00
     
  4. 2000 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE   $ 3.00

Beginning in 2001, 1 cent coins come in three alloys. MS, Proof-like and specimens coins are found with a P (for plated) below the Queen's portrait if the flans are copper plated on steel, without the P if the flans are copper plated zinc, except all proof coins are on solid bronze or copper flans (depending on the year) with nothing below the Queen's bust.

2001 CENT

  1. 2001 ................................... PROOF     SOLD
     
  2. 2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

2002 cent

2002 CENT

2002 cents were part of a special issue for the Queen's 50th anniversary, with the date on the obverse below the Queen's portrait written as the double date 1952-2002. I have had many phone calls from people saying they had a 1 cent with no date on it, but they need only turn the coin over and look below the portrait to find one.

  1. 2002 ................................... PROOF   $ 5.00
     
  2. 2002 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE   $ 1.25

2003 was an interesting year for Canadian coins, with a number of varieties including the introduction of a new effigy of the Queen without a crown.

2003 CENT Old Effigy

Coins struck earlier in 2003 have the crowned effigy of the Queen first introduced in 1990 and are found both with a P below the Queen's bust on plated steel or without the P if on plated zinc (MS only) and on solid bronze blanks from proof sets. Those without the P on plated zinc blank generally have a textured surface due to plating problem, which is to be expected but I will mention it if the textures are courser than normal. Most proof-like and all specimen and normal proof sets in 2003 are of this bust type. The mint had a lot of plating problems at this time, and many of the MS coins have a pebbled surfaces caused by the plating process.

There were two special issued in 2003. The first was included in the covers of mint reports with a mintage of less than 8,000 and have a Proof finish but selective gold plating on the Maple Leaves giving them a green appearance. The second was in a special issue proof set for the 50th anniversary of the Queen' coronation and used the young head from the 1953 type, flank by the dates 1953 and 2003.

A few 2003 P old effigy cents were struck on plated zinc blanks, so are non-magnetic. As far as I know, they were only found in mint sets, and are probably the rares of that type of error in this series and are rarely encountered.

  1. 2003 old effigy ........................ PROOF     SOLD
     
  2. 2003 P old effigy ................... SPECIMEN   $ 2.00
     
  3. 2003 P old effigy NON-MAGNETIC .... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
     
  4. 2003 gold leaves from mint report ...... Proof     SOLD

2003 CENT New Effigy

Later in 2003, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her coronation a new Coronation Portrait was introduced depicting a more mature Queen without crown. This became the standard portrait for later years so is known as the New Effigy. These are found on non-magnetic copper plated zinc blanks without the P, on magnetic copper plated steel blanks with the P, both only found in bank rolls with the non-magnetic having only 1/10 the mintage of the magnetic examples and are difficult to find. Both types are listed in the CCN trend sheet in PL but I suspect that is an error. Also, both types are listed at the same prices and that makes no sense to me as I usually have the P types available and nearly never had the non-magnetic examples. Some examples found only in special mints sets are magnetic and have both the W mint mark for Winnipeg and the P.

  1. 2003 non-magnetic new effigy ........... MS-64     SOLD
     
  2. 2003 p new effigy ...................... MS-65     SOLD
     
  3. 2003 WP new effigy ................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

2004 and all later dates use the new effigy portrait. Circulation strike (MS) coins occur on both copper plated steel flans with the P below the Queen's head, and copper plated zinc flans without the P. Proof-like and specimen coins only exist with the P on plated steel blanks. Proof coins are on pure copper or bronze flans without the P. As in previous few years, Proof-like coins have an over all even lustre while specimen examples have high lustre designs with matte backgrounds. Proof strikes with gold plated leaves exist on copper plated zinc flans from mint report covers.

2004 CENT

  1. 2004 ................................... PROOF     SOLD
     
  2. 2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE     SOLD

2005 CENT

2005 circulation strike (MS) coins are found on copper plated steel flans with the P and copper plated zinc flans without the P. Proof coins are on pure copper flans. As with the previous few years, Proof-like coins have an over all even lustre while Specimen strikes have high lustre designs with matte backgrounds. Proof strikes with gold plated leaf also exist on copper plated zinc flans for the mint report covers.

  1. 2005 ............................... red MS-64   $ 5.00
     
  2. 2005 P .............................. SPECIMEN     SOLD

2006 is the year the mint logo first appears Canadian 1 cents. Early 2006 coins still have the P (plated on steel) and non-P (plated on zinc). Later in 2006 and continuing for the following years both types were still made but with a stylized maple leaf mint logo below the portrait and only way to tell them a part is with a magnet. Proof strikes continue to be on non-plated solid copper or bronze blanks with nothing below the bust.

2006 CENT

With all the different P, no-P, and logo dies used in 2006, occasionally flans got mixed up and plated zinc blanks were accidental struck with the P for plated steel blanks, and plated steel blanks were accidental struck without the P. These are not types but rather off metal blank errors and when I list them I will list them as errors.

  1. 2006 no P magnetic error ...... ICCS Red MS-64     SOLD
     
  2. 2006 P magnetic ............... ICCS red MS-66     SOLD
     
  3. 2006 LOGO magnetic ..................... MS-64     SOLD
     
  4. 2006 LOGO NON-MAGNETIC ........ ICCS red MS-66     SOLD

2007 CENT

Starting in 2007 all 1 cents have the Logo below the Queen's portrait which I will not mention. Both Zinc (non-magnetic) and steel (magnetic) core blanks were used for circulation coins and can only be differentiated with a magnet. Non-magnetic examples were only about 1% of the mintage so scarce. Proofs are non-magnetic on solid copper or bronze. Specimen examples are all magnetic. Most proof-like examples are magnetic with a brighter finish but some non-magnetic examples with a matte finish are found in the hard pack mint sets.

  1. 2007 magnetic ..................... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
     
  2. 2007 non-magnetic ...................... PROOF     SOLD

2008 CENT

All 2008 circulation, proof-like and specimen examples are on magnetic steel core blanks. The only non-magnetic examples are the Proofs on solid copper or bronze blanks.

  1. 2008 magnetic .......................... MS-64   $ 5.00
  2. 2008 magnetic .......................... MS-65   $12.00
     
  3. 2008 non-magnetic ...................... PROOF     SOLD

2009 CENT

2009 circulation strike cents occur both magnetic and non-magnetic. Proofs are on non-magnetic on solid copper or bronze blanks. Proof-like and specimen examples are on magnetic steel core blanks.

  1. 2009 magnetic ..................... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
     
  2. 2009 non-magnetic ...................... PROOF     SOLD

2010 CENT

All circulation strike 2010 cents (MS) are non-magnetic on copper plated zinc blanks with most examples showing a minor degree of surface imperfections due problems with the plating process. In the specialty card mint sets there are proof-like strikes that are also non-magnetic, in spite of the Charlton Standard Catalogue not listing that as existing. Proof strikes are also non-magnetic on solid copper or bronze blanks. Proof-like strikes in the standard cellophane sets, and Specimen strikes, are magnetic with steel cores.

  1. 2010 magnetic ..................... PROOF-LIKE     SOLD
     
  2. 2010 non-magnetic .......... trace spots MS-64   $ 2.50
  3. 2010 non-magnetic ...................... MS-64   $ 5.00
  4. 2010 non-magnetic .......... trace spots MS-65   $ 6.50

In 2011 the mint stopped minting intentionally superior coins for Proof-like (standard) mint sets, rather using normal mint state coins that had not gone through all the handling processes. Most cents from these sets grade MS-63 and 64, while MS-65 examples are still scarcer. With no way to differentiate between MS-63 or better coins from sets vs rolls, and MS-64's being common in the sets I cannot justify the higher prices earlier MS-64 bring. Also, because they were the last two years for the 1 cent, a lot of rolls of 2011 and 2012 were put away by people and are common today. One cents of 2011 and 2012 I will price MS-64 at $2.00 and MS-65 @ $12.00. Specimen coins struck with frosted backgrounds and mirror designs I price slightly higher than the MS-64 price at $4.00.

2011 CENT

Both copper plated zinc non-magnetic and copper plated steel magnetic 1 cents were minted in 2011 for circulation and in standard mint sets and once removed from the roll or set cannot be differentiated so I price them the same price. The specimen and proof strikes have distinctive finishes and are scarcer so are priced higher. All Specimen strikes are on copper plated steel magnetic blanks. Proof strikes are on non-magnetic solid copper or bronze blanks.

  1. 2011 magnetic .......................... MS-64     SOLD
     
  2. 2011 non-magnetic ...................... MS-64   $ 5.00
  3. 2011 non-magnetic ...................... MS-65   $12.00

2012 CENT

The characteristics and striking qualities are the same as for 2011, other than the all silver proof sets one finds examples struck from silver with a brown overlay on the leaves. Those in normal proof sets are bronze allow and look like bronze.

  1. 2012 non-magnetic ...................... MS-64     SOLD
     
  2. 2012 magnetic .......................... MS-64     SOLD

Please note that up to 2010 I describe coins as Proof-like (PL) when from a mint set. PL coins are easily differentiated by their superior strike and luster and although nicer than MS coins from bank rolls are generally worth less. ICCS and some references call these coins "NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE" which I feel is confusing. Starting in 2011 the mint stopped making intentionally nicer coins for standard mint sets, instead using MS (mint state) coins which had not gone though some of the normal mint handling procedures that leave marks on MS coins. Specimen and proof sets still use specially struck coins, which have a very different finish.

Prices are in Canadian Dollars

orders shipped to addresses in Canada must add GST (or HST).

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Victoria Large, 1858-1901
Edward VII Large, 1902-1910
George V Large, 1911-1920
George V Small, 1920-1936
George VI, 1937-1952
Elizabeth, 1953-1989
Elizabeth, 1990-2012



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