Question on Canadian Pennies

[kalpinro]

Why are people keeping Canadian Pennies and what years are I am looking for?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

HH

 

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[Immy]

Up until recently I've only collected one coin from each year just to complete a set, but I just started saving any Canadians I find since for the last three years their government has been quietly gathering all pre-2001 coins and melting them while switching to new alloys.

Pennies don't really have any rare years unless you go back to the 1920's. One variety to look for though is the 1985 that has both a pointed and blunt version of the top of the "5".

Some things to look for:

- the 2002 has a dual date (1952-2002) to commemorate the 50th year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, plus the dates are on the obverse instead of the reverse

- the 1992 has a dual date (1867-1992) for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation

- the 1967 has a dove reverse instead of the traditional beaver to commemorate the 100th anni.

- 1953-present feature Queen Elizabeth II, 1937-1952 feature King George VI, 1920-1936 feature King George V

- all pre-1920 pennies are roughly quarter-sized so Canadian small cents have only been around for 86 years versus the USA's 150 years

 

[Showtime]

The Canadian Penny up until 1996 was still 98% copper, so some people collect them for their copper value. Personally I just hang on to them becuase we don't see that many here in the Central East Coast states, and once I do get enough to do something with who knows what I might have.

 

[kalpinro]

Thanks for the info. I found a 1950 the other day. Nice looking coin. I guess I will keep it.