Canada, 1 Cent, 2001 – Elizabeth II (Third Portrait), AU

The 2001 Canadian 1 Cent is part of the modern copper-plated zinc series, which began in 1997 as a cost-saving measure. It retains the iconic maple twig reverse and features Queen Elizabeth II's third portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. This coin is a continuation of the standard Canadian penny design before its eventual discontinuation in 2012.

Obverse (Front)

The obverse features:

• A right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, at age 64, wearing a royal diadem, necklace, and earrings.
• The inscription "ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA" (Latin for "Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God").
• The portrait was designed by Dora de Pédery-Hunt, the first Canadian artist to create an effigy of the Queen.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse showcases a maple twig with two leaves, a classic Canadian emblem. The inscriptions include:

• "1 CENT" at the top,
• "CANADA" at the bottom,
• The year 2001 positioned to the left of the maple twig,
• The engraver’s initials K·G· (George Kruger Gray) to the right.

Specifications

• Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (98.4% Zinc, 1.6% Copper Plating)
• Weight: 2.25 grams
• Diameter: 19.05 mm
• Thickness: 1.45 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (Ottawa & Winnipeg)
• KM#289

Why Collect the 2001 Canada 1 Cent?

The 2001 Canadian Penny is part of the early copper-plated zinc series, making it a notable piece in Canada’s coinage history. As one of the final years before Canada transitioned to a new obverse design in 2003, it remains a must-have for numismatists and coin collectors.