The 2008 Canadian 1 Cent is part of the final years of the Canadian penny, as the Royal Canadian Mint prepared to phase out the denomination. This coin continues the fourth portrait series of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt and features the RCM (Royal Canadian Mint) logo below the Queen’s bust, which was first introduced in 2006. Like other recent issues, this penny is made from copper-plated steel, making it magnetic.
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 RCM logo (a small maple leaf with a circular design) appears below the Queen’s bust.
- The portrait was designed by Susanna Blunt, with engraving by Susan Taylor.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse showcases a maple twig with two leaves, a signature Canadian symbol. The inscriptions include:
- "1 CENT" at the top,
- "CANADA" at the bottom,
- The year 2008 positioned to the left of the maple twig,
- The engraver’s initials K·G· (George Kruger Gray) to the right.
Specifications
- Composition: Copper-Plated Steel (94% Steel, 4.5% Copper Plating, 1.5% Nickel)
- Weight: 2.35 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Thickness: 1.45 mm**
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Plain
- Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (Winnipeg)
- KM#490a
Why Collect the 2008 Canada 1 Cent?
The 2008 Canadian Penny is part of the final years of Canadian cent production, making it historically significant. Its RCM logo, magnetic steel composition, and role in the lead-up to the discontinuation of the cent in 2012 make it an interesting and collectible piece.
