2012 Farewell to the Penny 5 Oz and 1/2 Oz Silver 1 Cent Coins

Two new silver one cent coins have been issued by the Royal Canadian Mint to commemorate the important place the penny holds in the history of the country.

The 2012 Farewell to the Penny 5 Ounce Silver 1 Cent Coin and the 2012 Farewell to the Penny 1/2 Ounce Silver 1 Cent Coin are both struck from 99.99% pure silver and are available now for ordering.

Both silver coins are released along with other numismatic products, including gold coins, to mark the penny’s elimination. It was announced earlier this year that production of the penny would end as a cost saving measure that would result in a savings of $11 million a year.

However, the elimination of a coin that has been a part of the country’s history since confederation is not to pass without its importance celebrated:

"After helping satisfy the needs of Canada’s trade and commerce since Confederation, the Canadian penny is retiring with honor and distinction thanks in part to the launch of beautiful gold and silver collector products commemorating this historic coin," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.

"The maple leaf design of the penny became a Canadian icon 75 years ago and we are proud to celebrate it on new collector products which are as unforgettable as the coin which inspired them."

A $20 Farewell to the Penny Commemorative Coin was also issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in August of this year as part of its popular "Exchange $20 for $20" program.

Farewell to the Penny Silver Coin Designs and Specifications

Reverses of the Farewell to the Penny Silver 1 Cent Coins feature G.E. Kruger-Gray’s iconic maple leaf design. It first appeared on the penny in 1937, making 2012 the 75th anniversary of the design. It was featured on the lowest denomination coin of the country annually since 1937 with the exception of 1967 when a commemorative Centennial of Canadian Confederation coin was issued.

Kruger-Gray’s design includes two upright maple leaves with a larger leaf on the right overlapping a smaller one on the left. Both leaves are depicted protruding from the same small branch.

The 1/2 ounce silver coin and its larger 5 ounce counterpart each have a legal tender face value of one cent. That face value is indicated on their reverses with the inscription of "ONE CENT," which is joined by the inscriptions of "2012," "CANADA" and the artist’s initials.

Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II adorns the obverse of each strike. Obverse inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II" and "D G REGINA."

Maximum mintage of the five ounce .9999 fine silver coin is listed at just 1,500. In contrast, up to 30,000 of the one-half ounce pieces will be issued.

 

Each encapsulated coin ships with a numbered certificate of authenticity and a maroon clamshell case with an illustrated shipping box.

Additional information on the silver coins may be obtained by visiting the product pages of the Royal Canadian Mint’s website available at www.mint.ca.