The 2003 Canadian 1 Cent is a notable transitional issue in Canadian numismatics, as it was the first year to feature two different obverse designs of Queen Elizabeth II. The standard third portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt was used for part of the mintage, while a new fourth portrait by Susanna Blunt was introduced later in the year. This makes the 2003 penny a key variety coin for collectors.
Obverse (Front) – Two Variants
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Dora de Pédery-Hunt Portrait (Early 2003 Mintage)
- 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").
- This was the final year this portrait was used on Canadian coinage.
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Susanna Blunt Portrait (Late 2003 Mintage – First Appearance)
- Right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, without a crown, showcasing a more natural appearance.
- The inscription "ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA" remains unchanged.
- This became the standard design on all Canadian coins from 2004 onward.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse showcases a maple twig with two leaves, a classic symbol of Canada. The inscriptions include:
- "1 CENT" at the top,
- "CANADA" at the bottom,
- The year 2003 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 (Pédery-Hunt Portrait), KM#438 (Blunt Portrait)
Why Collect the 2003 Canada 1 Cent?
The 2003 Canadian Penny is a significant dual-obverse issue, marking the transition from the Pédery-Hunt to the Blunt portrait. This makes it a must-have for variety collectors and numismatists tracking the evolution of Canadian coinage.
