Canada 1979 Specimen Small Cent - Penny

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• Country: Canada
• Year: 1979
• Denomination: 1 Cent
• Composition: Bronze (98% Copper, 1.75% Zinc, 0.25% Tin)
• Grade: Specimen — from original RCM Specimen set
• Mint Error: N/A

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

This is a 1979 Canadian one-cent piece in Specimen grade — the highest-quality finish produced by the Royal Canadian Mint for collector sets, surpassing both Proof-Like and standard BU strikes in surface quality and visual appeal. Specimen coins are struck on specially prepared, polished planchets using specially treated dies, resulting in exceptional contrast between mirror-like fields and frosted devices.

The reverse features the classic maple twig design by G.E. Kruger-Gray — one of the most beloved small coin designs in Canadian numismatic history, in use since 1937. Struck in bronze, this 1979 cent belongs to the last era of the traditional copper-coloured Canadian penny before the transition to copper-plated steel in later decades, making it a particularly appealing piece for both composition and grade collectors.

Specimen sets from this era were packaged directly by the RCM and sold exclusively to collectors, meaning these coins were never intended for circulation. The result is a cent with extraordinary surface preservation, rich warm copper toning, and pinpoint sharp detail throughout.

Obverse: Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin
Reverse: Maple twig design by G.E. Kruger-Gray
Diameter: 19.05 mm | Weight: 2.8 g | Composition: Bronze (98% Cu, 1.75% Zn, 0.25% Sn)

No wear, no cleaning, no damage. A premium Specimen cent with outstanding eye appeal — a cut above any BU or PL example.

COIN CARE:
Kept in protective holders — Ready for your collection
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