1936 Canadian George V Small Cent
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (Ottawa), established in 1908 as a branch of the Royal Mint. Highly reputable for precision strike quality and precious metal refining.
Pattern: Small Cent series, Maple Leaf Reverse, George V Obverse. Pattern introduced in 1920 to replace the Large Cent.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (Ottawa), established in 1908 as a branch of the Royal Mint. Highly reputable for precision strike quality and precious metal refining.
Material
Bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc). Note: This is an alloy, not silver, though many circulated specimens develop a greyish-brown patina.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm (approx. 0.75 inches). Standard Weight: 3.24 grams. Thickness: 1.65 mm.
Description
An iconic piece of Canadian numismatic history, the 1936 small cent represents the transition between the George V era and the brief reign of Edward VIII. The reverse design by Fred Lewis features the quintessential Canadian maple leaf motif which remained until the penny's discontinuation. The specimen shown exhibits heavy circulation and environmental darkening.
Key Features
Date 1936; maple leaf reverse; small cent format; lack of 'dot' (Note: the extremely rare 1936 'Dot' penny is a separate variety where a tiny dot appears below the date).
Material & Composition
Bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc). Note: This is an alloy, not silver, though many circulated specimens develop a greyish-brown patina.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a medallic orientation. Reverse features two maple leaves on a single twig with 'CANADA' and 'ONE CENT' above the date. Obverse features the crowned bust of King George V in robes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks are absent for this year as all were struck in Ottawa. Denomination 'ONE CENT' and Country 'CANADA' are struck on the reverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure die/coinage press from a solid bronze planchet with a plain edge.
Functional Features
Standard currency unit; plain rim with denticles (beading) along the edge to prevent clipping and for aesthetic finish.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item designed for hand-to-hand transaction).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial die-striking. High-quality engraving on the master hub by Fred Lewis and Sir E.B. MacKennal (obverse artist).
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for 1936 digits; standard strike pressure marks; natural wear patterns consistent with bronze coinage of the mid-20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint. Represents the transition of Canadian coinage from British control to domestic autonomy.
Era & Period
Interwar Period / Late George V Era (1936). This was the final year of King George V's reign and a transitional year in British Commonwealth history.
Age Estimate
Dated 1936. Approximately 88 years old.
Cultural Significance
The penny was the workhorse of the Canadian economy during the Great Depression. The maple leaf design solidified the leaf as Canada’s primary botanical symbol long before the national flag was adopted.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) grade. Surface shows extensive wear, loss of detail in the leaf veins, significant tarnish and environmental oxidation, and numerous surface scratches. Significant flattening of the high points.
Value Estimate
$0.10 - $2.00 USD for circulated common specimens. Values increase significantly for 'Uncirculated' grades or the rare 'Dot' variety.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver creams, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or acid-free paper envelope in a dry environment to prevent bronze disease (oxidation).
Similar Pieces
1936 'Dot' Cent (extremely rare/valuable), 1937 George VI Cent (first year of new monarch), 1936 US Lincoln Wheat Cent (copper alternative).
Interesting Facts
1936 was a year of 'Three Kings' (George V, Edward VIII, and George VI). Because Edward VIII abdicated before his coins could be minted, Canada continued to use the 1936 dies into 1937, sometimes adding a 'dot' to the 1936 dies to distinguish new production.