1 Cent - Edward VII

The 1902 Canadian one-cent piece marked a significant transition in numismatic history, as it was the first year of issue to feature the effigy of King Edward VII following the death of Queen Victoria. Produced by the Royal Mint in London for use in the Dominion of Canada, this coin replaced the long-standing Victorian design, signaling a new era for the British Empire and its colonies. The obverse depicts the King in profile, a design that reflects the formal and traditional aesthetic of British coinage during the early twentieth century.

The coin features a reverse design showcasing two maple leaves bound with a ribbon, a motif that had been established in earlier Canadian coinage to represent the nation's identity. The design is credited to G.W. De Saulles, who served as the engraver at the Royal Mint at the time. While the transition to the new monarch was a matter of administrative necessity, the 1902 issue is frequently sought by collectors as a foundational piece for Edwardian-era sets, representing a distinct shift in the royal iconography present in Canadian circulation.