Canada's enduring cent design
Small Cent: Maple Leaf Twig
G.E. Kruger-Gray's two-leaf twig defines the standard cent from 1937 through 2012, apart from the 1967 Centennial reverse. The same design identity crossed round bronze, 12-sided bronze, copper-plated zinc, and plated-steel generations.
Scope is limited to the verified type or program level. Issue mintages, prices, varieties, and survival estimates are not inferred from this summary.
Major one cent types
Know the boundary before the date
The standard reverse shows two maple leaves on a twig with the denomination. Date, portrait, planchet colour, shape, magnetic response, and plated surface are useful generation-level evidence. The 1967 rock-dove reverse belongs to the Centennial program and must not be attributed as the standard maple-twig type.
- Primary identifiers — Reverse: Two maple leaves on a twig; K·G initials at right. Obverse: Reigning monarch portrait.
- Authority and dates — Canada; recorded range 1937–1966, 1968–2012.
- Evidence boundary — Unknown specifications remain unknown; unverified varieties, mintages, and prices stay outside the public catalog.
The historical scope of Small Cent: Maple Leaf Twig
Its long chronology should not be mistaken for a single technical type. Round bronze pieces, twelve-sided pieces of 1982–1996, and later round plated issues are separate physical generations. The Government ended production in 2012 and the Mint made its final distribution to financial institutions in February 2013; the denomination remains part of Canadian monetary history even though cash totals are rounded where pennies are unavailable.
The catalog places this record in the One cent branch, records its material scope as bronze, copper-plated zinc, and copper-plated steel generations, and records its finish as circulation. Those fields are supported by the sources listed below; missing issue-level transitions are not filled by inference.
- 1937 · Maple-leaf twig — Kruger-Gray's reverse established the design identity carried to the end.
- 1982 · Dodecagonal form — Twelve sides improved tactile distinction for visually impaired users.
- 1997–2000 · Plated-metal transition — A round zinc-core cent arrived in 1997; steel-based production followed from 2000, with zinc also noted.
- 2012–2013 · Production and distribution end — Minting ended in 2012 and cash rounding began when distribution ceased in 2013.
Design and identification
The standard reverse shows two maple leaves on a twig with the denomination. Date, portrait, planchet colour, shape, magnetic response, and plated surface are useful generation-level evidence. The 1967 rock-dove reverse belongs to the Centennial program and must not be attributed as the standard maple-twig type.
- Small cent · maple-leaf twig · 1937–1966, 1968–1981, 1997–2012 · G.E. Kruger-Gray — Two naturalistic maple leaves share a twig; K·G appears to the right. The same reverse identity continued through later round plated-metal generations.
- Maple-leaf twig · 12-sided form · 1982–1996 · G.E. Kruger-Gray — The familiar twig was retained while the edge became subtly dodecagonal to improve tactile distinction for blind and partially sighted users.
Finish by checking the edge (plain; 12-sided form from 1982–1996), composition (bronze, copper-plated zinc, and copper-plated steel generations), and any recorded dimensions or weight; colour or wear alone is not enough for attribution.
Official annual production
The annual table excludes 1967 here because that year belongs to the separate Centennial rock-dove type. Material and shape changes remain visible in the specification register.
Displayed-row sum: 34,704,842,338 · 75 official annual rows
Three anchors that do not depend on price
- 1937 · First maple-leaf twig — The K·G-signed reverse began the design family that lasted, with interruptions and format changes, through 2012.
- 1982 · First 12-sided cent — The dodecagonal outline is a functional accessibility change, not a separate denomination.
- 1997 and 2000 · Plated cores — Round zinc-core and later steel-based standards can react differently to magnets and environmental damage.
- 2012 · Last production year — The final strike closed production; February 2013 ended distribution, not the cent's legal value.
Specifications within this type
1920–1941 · Round
- Composition
- 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc
- Weight
- 3.24 g
- Diameter
- 19.05 mm
- Thickness
- 1.65 mm
1942–1977 · Round
- Composition
- 98% copper, 0.5% tin, 1.5% zinc
- Weight
- 3.24 g
- Diameter
- 19.05 mm
- Thickness
- 1.65 mm
1978–1979 · Round
- Composition
- 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
- Weight
- 3.24 g
- Diameter
- 19.05 mm
- Thickness
- 1.52 mm
1980–1981 · Round
- Composition
- 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
- Weight
- 2.8 g
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Thickness
- 1.45 mm
1982–1996 · 12-sided
- Composition
- 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
- Weight
- 2.5 g
- Diameter
- 19.1 mm
- Thickness
- 1.45 mm
1997–1999 · Round
- Composition
- 98.4% zinc core with 1.6% copper plating
- Weight
- 2.25 g
- Diameter
- 19.05 mm
- Thickness
- 1.45 mm
2000–2012 · Round
- Composition
- 94% steel, 1.5% nickel, 4.5% copper plating; the Mint notes copper-plated zinc was also used
- Weight
- 2.35 g
- Diameter
- 19.05 mm
- Thickness
- 1.45 mm
Official annual production catalog
The annual table excludes 1967 here because that year belongs to the separate Centennial rock-dove type. Material and shape changes remain visible in the specification register.
| Year | Design context | Technical context | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 10,090,231 |
| 1938 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 18,365,608 |
| 1939 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 21,600,319 |
| 1940 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 85,740,532 |
| 1941 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 56,336,011 |
| 1942 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 76,113,708 |
| 1943 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 89,111,969 |
| 1944 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 44,131,216 |
| 1945 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 77,268,591 |
| 1946 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 56,662,071 |
| 1947 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 74,949,349 |
| 1948 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 25,767,779 |
| 1949 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 33,128,933 |
| 1950 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 60,444,992 |
| 1951 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 80,430,379 |
| 1952 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 67,631,736 |
| 1953 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 67,806,016 |
| 1954 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 22,181,760 |
| 1955 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 56,403,193 |
| 1956 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 78,685,535 |
| 1957 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 100,601,792 |
| 1958 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 59,385,679 |
| 1959 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 83,615,343 |
| 1960 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 75,772,775 |
| 1961 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 139,598,404 |
| 1962 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 227,244,069 |
| 1963 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 279,076,334 |
| 1964 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 484,655,322 |
| 1965 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 304,441,082 |
| 1966 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 183,644,388 |
| 1968 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 329,695,772 |
| 1969 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 335,240,929 |
| 1970 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 344,145,010 |
| 1971 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 298,228,936 |
| 1972 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 451,304,591 |
| 1973 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 457,058,489 |
| 1974 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 692,058,489 |
| 1975 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 642,618,000 |
| 1976 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 701,122,890 |
| 1977 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 453,050,666 |
| 1978 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 911,170,647 |
| 1979 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 3.24 g | 753,942,953 |
| 1980 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19 mm · 2.8 g | 911,800,000 |
| 1981 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19 mm · 2.8 g | 1,209,468,500 |
| 1982 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 876,036,898 |
| 1983 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 975,510,000 |
| 1984 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 838,225,000 |
| 1985 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 771,772,500 |
| 1986 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 788,285,000 |
| 1987 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 774,549,000 |
| 1988 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 482,676,752 |
| 1989 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 1,066,628,200 |
| 1990 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 218,035,000 |
| 1991 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 831,001,000 |
| 1992 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 673,512,000 |
| 1993 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 808,585,000 |
| 1994 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 639,516,000 |
| 1995 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 624,983,000 |
| 1996 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.1 mm · 2.5 g | 445,746,000 |
| 1997 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.25 g | 549,868,000 |
| 1998 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.25 g | 999,578,000 |
| 1999 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.25 g | 1,089,625,000 |
| 2000 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 902,506,000 |
| 2001 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 928,434,000 |
| 2002 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 830,040,000 |
| 2003 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 748,123,000 |
| 2004 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 842,486,000 |
| 2005 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 767,425,000 |
| 2006 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 1,261,883,000 |
| 2007 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 846,420,000 |
| 2008 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 787,625,000 |
| 2009 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 455,680,000 |
| 2010 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 486,200,000 |
| 2011 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 662,750,000 |
| 2012 | Maple-leaf-twig small cent | 19.05 mm · 2.35 g | 199,347,000 |
Collecting paths and checklist
A sound collection begins with the major design and composition generations, not an unchecked list of online varieties. This catalog withholds variety names, rarity labels, and prices until diagnostics and sources are reconciled. Cleaned surfaces, plating disturbance, and environmental colour can imitate more interesting differences.
- One-coin type study — Choose one representative that clearly shows the principal obverse and reverse, then learn the type boundary.
- Design and technical generations — Add a generation only when sources confirm a change in composition, shape, size, edge, or principal design.
- Source-backed date study — Expand into dates or varieties only after issue identity, specifications, and production evidence are verified field by field.
Collector checklist
- Do not clean the coin; cleaning changes surfaces and can obscure evidence.
- Compare date, portrait, design, edge, weight, diameter, and metal response together.
- Have consequential or high-value attributions reviewed by an appropriate specialist or certification service.
- Catalog information is research context, not an appraisal, offer, or investment guarantee.
Two source conflicts remain visible
The Royal Canadian Mint technical table gives 25.4 mm for 1908–1920 large cents, while the Bank of Canada Museum narrative says the pre-1920 coin shrank from 24.4 mm. This page uses 25.4 mm in the specification table because it is the Mint's explicit technical value and does not silently merge the discrepancy. The Mint denomination page and 2012 report spell the 1911–1920 contributor “Blackmore”; the Royal Mint Museum and another Mint product record identify the resident engraver as W.H.J. Blakemore, the spelling used here.
Sources
- 1 centRoyal Canadian Mint
One-cent reverse designs, designers, technical generations, annual mintages from 1908 through 2012, and the end of production in 2012.
- Whatever happened to the penny? A history of our one-cent coinBank of Canada Museum
The 1858 introduction, Ottawa production, 1920 size change, 1936 dot coins, design transitions, metal changes, final 2012 strike, withdrawal, and rounded historical production total.
- Australian pattern florinRoyal Mint Museum
W.H.J. Blakemore's name spelling and role as a resident engraver at the Royal Mint.
- One cent coins of CanadaWikimedia Commons
High-resolution, license-documented visual references for the 1858, 1920, 1937, and 1967 reverse identities used to ground the project-owned editorial hero composite.
- Government of Canada and Royal Canadian Mint bid farewell to the Canadian pennyGovernment of Canada
Penny phase-out chronology and final distribution in February 2013.
- A History of the Canadian DollarBank of Canada
Decimal adoption, 1858 coinage, 1870 Dominion coinage, provincial issues, Newfoundland, and mint history.