The 1923 Canadian One Cent is one of the most desirable key dates of the George V series. With a relatively low mintage and strong collector demand, it has long been considered an essential coin for anyone building a complete set of Canadian large cents. While circulated examples remain attainable, high-grade coins are exceptionally scarce and command impressive premiums.
A True Key Date
Only 1,019,022 circulation coins were struck in 1923, making it one of the lowest-mintage regular-issue cents of the 1920–1936 series. Many entered circulation immediately, leaving relatively few well-preserved examples for today's collectors.
The Classic Maple Leaf Design
The reverse features the familiar two maple leaves surrounding the denomination ONE CENT and the date. The obverse bears the portrait of King George V, designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, a design used on Canadian coinage throughout much of the early 20th century.
Specifications
- Composition: 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc
- Weight: 3.24 g
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Magnetic: No
- Orientation: Medal alignment (↑↑)
Scarcity in Mint State
Finding a nice circulated 1923 cent is relatively straightforward, but locating a coin with original mint red colour is another story. Most surviving examples have toned brown after decades of circulation and storage.
Certified Mint State Red (RD) coins are among the most sought-after Canadian cents. Gem-quality examples are exceptionally rare, and their values increase dramatically in MS63, MS64, and finer grades. Premium Red specimens have sold for thousands of dollars at major auctions.
A Cornerstone of Canadian Cent Collections
The 1923 cent is widely recognized alongside the famous 1922, 1925, and 1926 Near 6 as one of the key dates of the George V penny series. Because every advanced collector eventually needs one, demand has remained consistently strong for decades.
Why Collect the 1923 One Cent?
The 1923 Canadian Large Cent remains a favourite because it offers:
- A true key-date with a low mintage.
- Strong collector demand across all grades.
- Significant rarity in Mint State Red.
- An iconic George V design.
- Excellent long-term appeal for Canadian numismatic collections.
Whether you're assembling a complete George V set or searching for an investment-quality Canadian copper coin, the 1923 One Cent remains one of the most important and collectible pennies ever issued by the Royal Canadian Mint.
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