The 2004 Canadian 1 Cent is part of the fourth portrait series of Queen Elizabeth II, introduced in 2003. This design features a bareheaded effigy of the Queen, breaking away from the traditional crown or tiara. This penny is also notable for its non-magnetic copper-plated zinc composition, which can be identified using a magnet.
Obverse (Front)
The obverse features:
- A right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, at age 77, without a crown, wearing a 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 Susanna Blunt, with engraving by Susan Taylor.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse showcases a maple twig with two leaves, a long-standing symbol of Canada. The inscriptions include:
- "1 CENT" at the top,
- "CANADA" at the bottom,
- The year 2004 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) – Non-Magnetic
- Weight: 2.25 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Thickness: 1.45 mm
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Plain
- Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (Winnipeg & Ottawa, Some Struck in Germany – Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg)
- KM#490
Why Collect the 2004 Canada 1 Cent?
The 2004 Canadian Penny is part of the early years of the fourth portrait series, featuring the first Canadian-designed effigy of Queen Elizabeth II without a crown. Its non-magnetic composition and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors and numismatists tracking the evolution of Canada’s one-cent coin.
