1 Cent - Elizabeth II (Feuille d'érable)

The 2019 Canadian one-cent piece, featuring the iconic maple leaf design, represents the final chapter of the denomination's long history. While the Canadian government officially discontinued the distribution of the penny in 2013 to reduce costs, commemorative issues like this were produced in limited quantities for numismatic collectors. The design draws upon the classic maple leaf motif, a symbol deeply ingrained in Canadian identity, serving as a nostalgic nod to the currency that served the nation for over a century.

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, as designed by Susanna Blunt. Blunt, a Canadian artist chosen for this commission in 2003, opted for a modern, regal interpretation of the monarch that eschewed traditional royal regalia. Her work was celebrated for its clean, elegant lines and has remained the standard portrait on Canadian circulation coinage throughout the latter part of the Queen's reign. This specific issue is highly regarded by collectors as a tangible artifact marking the end of an era in Canadian fiscal history.