Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1937-1952
Composition: 95.5% Copper, 3% Tin, 1.5% Zinc (1937-1942)
98% Copper, .5% Tin, 1.5% Zinc (1942-1952)
Diameter: 19.05 mm
Weight: 3.24 grams
Mintages: 874,773,424
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Maple Leaf Design
Unique Features: Plain
Introduction
The obverse, designed & engraved by T.H. Paget, features the bust of George the VI facing left. At the bottom of Georges neck are the designer’s initials “HP”. On the outer periphery are the words "GEORGIVS VI D:G : REX ET IND : IMP :".
The reverse, designed & engraved by W G. E. Kruger-Gray, features two maple leafs on a single branch. To the right of the maple leaf is the designer’s initials “KG” and to the left of the maple leaf is the year. On the upper outer periphery is the denomination “1 CENT” and on the lower outer periphery is the word “CANADA”.
| Reverse | Obverse |
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Varieties
In 1947 India received its independence, so "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from the King's titles on any British Commonwealth coins dating 1948 or newer.
In Canada a problem arose when early in 1948 the new dies with "IND IMP" removed were late arriving from England, but new coins were needed so a decision was made to issue coins dated 1947, but with a small maple leaf after the date to indicate they were actually minted in 1948. Late in 1948 the new dies arrived from England and coins actually dated 1948 were struck with the new inscription providing with three major varieties for the series:
Variety 1 1937-1947 - Old obverse legend
Variety 2 1947 – Maple leaf …
Variety 3 1948-1952 - New obverse legend
| Legend 1937-1947 | Legend 1948-1952 |
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| 1947 Maple Leaf Variety |
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Note: there are additional minor varieties including a minor composition change in 1942 and die varieties for the series based on letter placement & fonts.