1858 Canada 1-cent VF-EF (VF30) $

1858 Canada 1-cent VF-EF (VF-30)

Canada began producing its own one-cent coins in 1858 as part of the establishment of a standardized decimal currency system for the Province of Canada. Prior to this, a variety of foreign coins circulated throughout British North America, including British, American, and Spanish issues, creating confusion in trade and accounting. The introduction of the large cent in 1858, struck at the Royal Mint in London, helped implement a decimal currency based on dollars and cents, bringing Canada more in line with the monetary system used by its largest trading partner, the United States. The new cent provided a reliable domestic coinage and marked an important step toward Canada's eventual monetary independence.

Obverse: Laureate head of a young Queen Victoria facing left within a smaller beaded circle, with the legend around in a larger beaded circle.
Reverse: Denomination and date within a smaller beaded circle, with a wreath made of a vine branch and 16 maple leaves around in a larger beaded circle.

Specifications:
Monarch: Victoria
Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon
Composition: Bronze
Weight: 4.54 g
Diameter: 25.4 mm
Edge: Plain
Die Axis: ↑↓
Mint: The Royal Mint, London, United Kingdom
Mintage: 421,000