1999 Canadian Penny: Value, History, And Identification

What is a 1999 Canadian penny? It is a one-cent coin that was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1999. The coin is made of plated steel and features a maple leaf on the obverse and a caribou on the reverse.

The 1999 Canadian penny is the last penny that was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. In 2013, the Canadian government announced that it would be phasing out the penny due to its low value and high production costs. The last pennies were produced in 2012 and they are no longer in circulation.

Despite being phased out, the 1999 Canadian penny remains a popular collector's item. This is because it is the last penny that was produced and because it is made of plated steel, which gives it a unique appearance.

The 1999 Canadian penny is a reminder of Canada's rich history of coinage. It is a valuable collector's item and a piece of Canadian history.

1999 Canadian Penny

The 1999 Canadian penny is a one-cent coin that was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1999. It is the last penny that was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, and it is made of plated steel. The coin features a maple leaf on the obverse and a caribou on the reverse.

• Composition: Plated steel
• Dimensions: 19.05 mm in diameter, 1.52 mm thick
• Weight: 2.35 g
• Obverse: Maple leaf
• Reverse: Caribou
• Designer: Arnold Machin

The 1999 Canadian penny is a popular collector's item. This is because it is the last penny that was produced and because it is made of plated steel, which gives it a unique appearance. The coin is also a reminder of Canada's rich history of coinage.

Composition

The 1999 Canadian penny is composed of plated steel, which is a type of steel that has been coated with a thin layer of another metal, usually zinc. This coating helps to protect the steel from corrosion and gives the coin a distinctive appearance.

• Corrosion resistance: The zinc coating on the plated steel helps to protect the coin from corrosion, which is a process that can cause the metal to rust. This makes the 1999 Canadian penny more durable than pennies made from other materials, such as copper.
• Magnetic properties: Plated steel is magnetic, which means that it can be attracted to magnets. This is a unique property for pennies, as most other pennies are made from non-magnetic materials.
• Cost-effective: Plated steel is a relatively inexpensive material, which helped to keep the production costs of the 1999 Canadian penny low.

The use of plated steel in the 1999 Canadian penny was a significant change from previous pennies, which were made from copper. This change was made in order to reduce the production costs of the coin and to improve its durability.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the 1999 Canadian penny are 19.05 mm in diameter and 1.52 mm thick. These dimensions are important because they ensure that the coin is compatible with other Canadian coins and vending machines.

The diameter of the 1999 Canadian penny is slightly smaller than the diameter of the previous Canadian penny, which was 19.08 mm. This change was made in order to reduce the production costs of the coin.

The thickness of the 1999 Canadian penny is the same as the thickness of the previous Canadian penny. This ensures that the coin is still able to be used in vending machines.

The dimensions of the 1999 Canadian penny are an important part of the coin's design. They ensure that the coin is compatible with other Canadian coins and vending machines.

Weight

The weight of the 1999 Canadian penny is 2.35 g. This is an important specification because it ensures that the coin meets the weight standards for Canadian coinage. The weight of the coin also affects its other physical properties, such as its thickness and diameter.

The weight of the 1999 Canadian penny is also important for practical reasons. For example, the weight of the coin affects how much it costs to produce. The Royal Canadian Mint must carefully consider the weight of the coin in order to balance the cost of production with the need to produce a coin that meets the required specifications.

The weight of the 1999 Canadian penny is a key part of the coin's design. It affects the coin's physical properties, its cost of production, and its overall functionality.

Obverse

The obverse of the 1999 Canadian penny features a maple leaf, which is a national symbol of Canada. The maple leaf has been featured on Canadian coins since 1876, and it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Canada in the world.

• Symbol of Canada: The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada's natural beauty and its rich history. It is a reminder of the country's vast forests and its strong connection to nature.
• National identity: The maple leaf is a symbol of Canadian national identity. It is a reminder of the country's shared values and its unique place in the world.
• Cultural significance: The maple leaf is a symbol of Canadian culture. It is featured on the Canadian flag, the coat of arms, and many other national symbols.
• International recognition: The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada that is recognized around the world. It is a reminder of the country's contributions to the world and its commitment to peace and democracy.

The maple leaf on the obverse of the 1999 Canadian penny is a powerful symbol of Canada. It is a reminder of the country's natural beauty, its rich history, its strong national identity, and its unique place in the world.

Reverse

The reverse of the 1999 Canadian penny features a caribou, which is a member of the deer family native to North America. The caribou is a symbol of the Canadian wilderness and its vast northern landscapes.

The caribou was first featured on a Canadian coin in 1937, and it has been featured on the penny ever since. The caribou is a fitting symbol for the penny because it is a hardy animal that is well-adapted to the Canadian climate. The caribou is also a symbol of the country's natural beauty and its rich wildlife.

The caribou on the 1999 Canadian penny is a reminder of the importance of protecting Canada's natural heritage. The caribou is a threatened species, and its habitat is under increasing pressure from human activity. The penny serves as a reminder of the need to protect the caribou and other Canadian wildlife.

Designer

Arnold Machin was a British sculptor and coin designer who designed the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that has been used on all Canadian coins since 1965. He also designed the reverse of the 1999 Canadian penny, which features a caribou.

• Artistic style: Machin's artistic style was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. His designs are often described as being "timeless" and "classic."
• Royal connections: Machin had a close relationship with the British royal family. He was commissioned to design the postage stamps for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and the Golden Jubilee in 2002.
• Legacy: Machin's designs have had a lasting impact on British and Canadian coinage. His effigy of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most recognizable images in the world.

Arnold Machin was a talented artist and designer who made a significant contribution to Canadian coinage. His design for the reverse of the 1999 Canadian penny is a beautiful and enduring work of art.

FAQs about the 1999 Canadian Penny

The 1999 Canadian penny is a popular collector's item and a piece of Canadian history. Here are some frequently asked questions about this coin:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: The 1999 Canadian penny is composed of plated steel, which is a type of steel that has been coated with a thin layer of zinc. This coating helps to protect the steel from corrosion and gives the coin a distinctive appearance.

Question 2: What are the dimensions of the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: The 1999 Canadian penny is 19.05 mm in diameter and 1.52 mm thick.

Question 3: What is the weight of the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: The 1999 Canadian penny weighs 2.35 g.

Question 4: What is featured on the obverse of the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: The obverse of the 1999 Canadian penny features a maple leaf, which is a national symbol of Canada.

Question 5: What is featured on the reverse of the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: The reverse of the 1999 Canadian penny features a caribou, which is a member of the deer family native to North America.

Question 6: Who designed the 1999 Canadian penny?

Answer: Arnold Machin, a British sculptor and coin designer, designed the 1999 Canadian penny.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1999 Canadian penny. For more information, please consult a reputable source on Canadian coinage.

Summary: The 1999 Canadian penny is a popular collector's item and a piece of Canadian history. It is composed of plated steel, and it features a maple leaf on the obverse and a caribou on the reverse. The coin was designed by Arnold Machin.

Transition: To learn more about Canadian coinage, please see the next section.

Conclusion

The 1999 Canadian penny is a reminder of Canada's rich history of coinage. It is the last penny that was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, and it is made of plated steel, which gives it a unique appearance. The coin features a maple leaf on the obverse and a caribou on the reverse.

The 1999 Canadian penny is a popular collector's item. It is a valuable piece of Canadian history, and it is a reminder of the country's commitment to protecting its natural heritage.