1999 – 1 Cent Canada

The 1999 Canadian 1 cent coin features on its obverse the bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a circular diamond crown adorned with roses, shamrocks, and thistles, designed by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The reverse depicts two maple leaves on the same twig, a classic Canadian symbol, designed by G. E. Kruger-Gray. This coin was notable because 1999 marked the beginning of tests to produce pennies using copper-plated zinc instead of solid copper to reduce production costs, employing a patented multi-layer plating technology to maintain the copper color. The coin has a weight of 2.25 grams, diameter of 19.05 mm, plain edges, and a medal alignment orientation. The mintage was over 1 billion coins, making it a widely circulated coin, with several varieties including a “Double 999” error that is of particular interest to collectors.