1971 – 1 Cent Canada

The Canadian 1 cent coin from 1971 is a small bronze piece minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, weighing 3.24 grams and measuring 19.05 mm in diameter, with a plain edge and a composition of 98% copper, 0.5% tin, and 1.5% zinc. On its obverse, it features the crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Arnold Machin, with the legend “ELIZABETH II D – G – REGINA”. The reverse, designed by G.E. Kruger-Gray, displays two maple leaves on a single twig, along with the inscriptions “1 CENT,” “1971,” and “CANADA,” representing the nation’s natural beauty and resilience. Over 298 million coins were minted for circulation, intended to support Canada’s newly decimalized currency system and everyday commerce, making them common and generally valued at face value in circulated condition, though pristine, uncirculated examples can fetch a higher price among collectors.