1963 Canada Copper Cent BU Prooflike, Women’s, Size One size, Brown
Image Caption: A stunning example of Canadian coinage history! This photograph captures the detailed reverse side of a 1963 Canadian 1 Cent coin, showcasing the iconic twin maple leaves design. While the provided metadata seems to mix clothing details with numismatic information (“Women’s, Size One size, Brown”), the coin itself is a brilliant piece of numismatic art, likely struck with an exceptionally high-quality finish, giving it a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Prooflike appearance. Discover why this seemingly humble penny is a cherished collectible, representing a classic era of Canadian currency.
The Iconic Canadian Penny: The 1963 Maple Leaf Cent
The coin featured in this image is the reverse side of the 1963 Canadian one-cent coin. Designed by G. E. Kruger-Gray, the reverse prominently features two young, stylized maple leaves on a single stem, a design that has become synonymous with Canadian identity and a hallmark of its coinage. The legend around the coin clearly states “1 CENT” at the top and “CANADA” at the bottom, with the date “1963” centrally placed below the leaves.
The overall appearance of the coin in the photo—with its deep copper color, razor-sharp details, and highly reflective fields—suggests it is an example preserved in a condition known to collectors as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), or possibly a specialized Prooflike (PL) strike.
The Significance of the 1963 Date
The 1963 Canadian Cent is part of a long-running series, but it carries significance for collectors based on its mintage and its place within the timeline of the maple leaf design.
- Composition: Like many Canadian cents of the era, the 1963 issue was composed primarily of bronze, giving it the rich copper color seen in the photo.
- Mintage: The mintage figures for the 1963 cent were relatively high, meaning the coin is not inherently rare in circulated condition. However, finding pieces in pristine, uncirculated grades is always the goal for serious numismatists.
- Prooflike Strikes: The exceptional quality hinted at by the term “Prooflike” (PL) suggests this coin exhibits a mirror-like finish in the background fields and frosted, sharply detailed devices (the maple leaves and lettering). Prooflike coins are typically pulled from the first few strikes of new dies and are highly coveted for their aesthetic quality, often commanding a significant premium over standard business strikes. For a coin of this age, maintaining such a finish without toning or spotting is a feat of careful preservation.
What Collectors Look For: Grading and Condition
For a 1963 Canadian cent to be considered valuable, its condition is paramount. The difference between a coin graded Very Fine (VF) and one graded Mint State (MS) with a Prooflike designation can be vast.
- Grade (BU/MS): The term Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) means the coin has never been used in commerce and retains its original mint luster. A full Mint State (MS) grade, such as MS-65 or higher, would apply to the coin if it shows no post-mint damage, marks, or scratches on its surface.
- Lustre (Prooflike): A coin being Prooflike (PL) is a critical enhancement to its value. This implies that the coin was struck with specialized care, creating the deep cameo contrast seen in true Proof coins. The background of the coin appears deeply mirrored, while the raised design elements (the leaves and text) appear frosted.
- Redness: In copper coinage, color is extremely important. A coin that retains its original, vibrant reddish-orange hue is designated as “Red” (RD) and is far more valuable than one that has toned to “Red-Brown” (RB) or “Brown” (BN). Given the rich, vibrant color in the photograph, this particular coin likely qualifies as a high-end Red-Brown or even Full Red specimen, further boosting its appeal and value.
Beyond the Coin: The Maple Leaf Icon
The twin maple leaf design is more than just a denomination marker; it’s an early, pure expression of Canadian national symbolism on its currency. It pre-dates the adoption of the single, stylized maple leaf flag and represents a foundational piece of Canada’s numismatic identity. Collecting these early, high-grade copper cents is popular both within Canada and internationally, as they are tangible pieces of the nation’s history.
The presence of the non-numismatic terms (“Women’s, Size One size, Brown”) in the caption is likely an artifact of an automated inventory system mislabeling the item, but the quality of the coin shown speaks for itself, confirming its status as a desirable collectible for any fan of Canadian or world coinage. A 1963 Cent in this likely Prooflike/High-MS grade is a perfect blend of common history and conditional rarity.
