What year was the first Canadian penny made? The history of the Canadian penny dates back to 1858, when the Royal Mint of Canada began producing the coin. This coin, known as the “Large Penny,” was the first official currency used in Canada and played a significant role in the country’s monetary system.
The Large Penny was initially minted in the United Kingdom, as Canada was still a British colony at the time. It featured a bust of Queen Victoria on one side and the denomination “One Cent” on the other. The coin was made of 95% copper and 5% tin, which gave it a distinctive reddish color.
In 1858, the Royal Mint of Canada was established in Ottawa, and the production of the Large Penny was transferred to this new facility. The coin continued to be produced until 1901, when it was replaced by the “Small Penny,” also known as the “One Cent.” The Small Penny was smaller in size and weight, and it featured a new design with a beaver on one side and the denomination “One Cent” on the other.
The beaver, as the national symbol of Canada, was chosen to represent the country’s natural resources and economic strength. The Small Penny was produced in various designs throughout its production run, including different beaver poses and facial expressions. It was also made of copper, but with a lower tin content, which made it more durable.
In 1982, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced the “Canadian penny,” which was the third iteration of the penny in Canada. This coin featured a maple leaf on one side and the denomination “One Cent” on the other. The Canadian penny was made of a unique metal composition that included copper, zinc, and nickel, which gave it a distinctive color and texture.
However, in 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint announced that it would no longer produce the penny due to the high cost of production. The coin was deemed too expensive to produce, given its low value. As a result, the penny was phased out of circulation, and the Royal Canadian Mint now produces other denominations of currency, such as the nickel, dime, quarter, and loonie.
In conclusion, the first Canadian penny was made in 1858, and it has since undergone several changes in design and composition. The penny has played a significant role in Canada’s monetary history and has been a symbol of the country’s economic and cultural identity. Although the penny is no longer in circulation, its legacy continues to be celebrated in Canada’s history.
