This large format five ounce fine silver tribute penny coin marks the tenth anniversary of the last one cent coins issued for circulation in Canada in 2012. The coin features reverse selective gold plating and an updated high relief multifaceted maple leaf design that refracts light and sparkles as it moves. Mintage is limited to just 1500 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The one cent denomination has a long history in Canada, starting with the pre-confederation Province of Canada issues of 1858 and 1859. These first coins and others that followed until 1920 used a large size similar to our current loon dollar, perhaps reflecting the fact that one cent had a much higher purchasing power at that time. The first small cents were introduced in 1920, and the familiar Maple Leaf design by G. E. Kruger Gray was first introduced in 1937. This design remained a staple throughout the reigns of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth until the denomination was officially discontinued on May 4th , 2012.
Ten years after the end of the one cent denomination, this unique tribute design has been modernized with a look that builds on tradition while showcasing the Royal Canadian Mint’s ability to create exceptional innovative low mintage collector pieces.
The 2022 10th Anniversary Tribute Cent design features a more contemporary representation of the classic (1937-2012) one-cent circulation coin. Gold plating fills the field, while the engraved relief consists of a multifaceted, geometric rendering of the iconic maple leaves and twig. The reverse also includes the face value “1 CENT”, the year “2022” and the word “CANADA”. The obverse features a “P” composition mark indicating the gold plating, and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.