1959 Canadian One Cent Coin

This is a 1959 Canadian penny, featuring the classic reverse design of two maple leaves on a single twig. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin is composed of 98% copper, 0.5% tin, and 1.5% zinc. It has a standard diameter of 19.05 mm and a weight of approximately 3.24 grams. The reverse face clearly displays the denomination '1 CENT', the year '1959', and the word 'CANADA', accompanied by the small 'KG' initials to the right of the maple leaf sprig, signifying designer George Kruger Gray. The color exhibits a natural brown patina (often graded as BN), indicating that it has circulated and lost its original mint red luster. Regarding condition, the coin shows visible wear on the high points of the maple leaves and the rim, which is consistent with moderate circulation. Small nicks and minor surface scratches are present across the field, but the lettering remains legible and the rim is mostly intact without major flat spots or deep gouges. The quality of the strike appears average for the period. While not a rare date, this mid-century specimen represents the Queen Elizabeth II young head era (laureate portrait, though not visible in this reverse shot) and serves as a well-preserved piece of Canadian numismatic history.

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