1 Cent - Elizabeth II (Pigeon Biset)

The 2018 Canadian one-cent coin, featuring the 'Pigeon Biset' or rock dove design, was minted in a transitional era for Canadian currency. Following the government's 2012 decision to cease the distribution of the penny due to high production costs and the implementation of cash rounding, commemorative or numismatic versions of the cent continued to be produced for collectors. This specific design celebrates the natural history of Canada, utilizing the rock dove as a symbol of urban wildlife common across the nation's changing landscapes.

The design was part of the Royal Canadian Mint's ongoing efforts to honor Canadian iconography through specialized issues. While the standard circulation penny had been retired, the mint commissioned this series to maintain interest among numismatists. The design reflects a departure from the traditional maple leaf motif, opting instead for a detailed rendering of the bird, which was received by collectors as a thoughtful, albeit nostalgic, nod to the denomination that once served as the backbone of daily Canadian commerce.