1967 Canadian Centennial 1 Cent Coin

This is a 1967 Canadian one-cent coin, specifically minted to commemorate the Centennial of Canadian Confederation. The reverse of the coin features a rock dove in flight, a special design created by renowned artist Alex Colville, which replaced the standard maple leaf for this single year of production. The coin is composed of 98% copper, 0.5% tin, and 1.5% zinc, giving it a distinct reddish-brown bronze appearance. It has a diameter of 19.05 mm and a weight of approximately 3.24 grams. The text on the reverse side reads '1 CENT' at the top and 'CANADA 1867-1967' along the bottom edge, framed by a beaded border. The obverse (not visible but standard for this issue) would feature the Arnold Machin portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II. Regarding condition, this particular specimen shows signs of moderate circulation, including surface wear on the high points of the dove's wings and body. There is a noticeable brown patina consistent with copper oxidation over five decades. Minor rim nicks and superficial scratches are visible in the fields. Despite the wear, the design remains clear and the commemorative dates are fully legible, placing it in a fine to very fine circulated grade. These coins are popular among collectors as part of the complete seven-coin centennial set featuring various Canadian wildlife.

I have examined the provided details and visual description of the 1967 Canadian Centennial 'Rock Dove' 1 Cent coin. Based on my assessment, the coin exhibits characteristics consistent with a specimen that has seen moderate circulation, placing it in the 'Fine' to 'Very Fine' (F-VF) grade range. The presence of a brown patina, surface wear on the dove's plumage, and minor rim nicks are typical for copper-composition coins of this era that were used in daily commerce. From a market perspective, the 1967 cent is highly common, with a mintage of over 345 million units. While the Alex Colville design is a favorite among collectors, the high survival rate of circulated examples keeps the market value nominal. Comparables for circulated specimens generally trade at a small premium over face value, primarily as filler for casual collections. Significant value in this series is reserved strictly for 'Specimen' strikes or business strikes in 'Mint State' (MS-65 or higher) possessing original red luster. Authentication via digital images alone is limited; while the design elements appear consistent with the Royal Canadian Mint's 1967 production, I cannot verify the exact weight, metallic composition, or the presence of microscopic alterations. A full professional authentication would require an in-person physical inspection, high-resolution macro-photography to detect potential cleaning, and precise weighing to 1/100th of a gram. For a coin of this specific market value, third-party grading (e.g., ICCS or PCGS) is generally not cost-effective unless the item exhibits exceptional uncirculated qualities not present here.