The first Canadian cent was minted in 1858, production of the penny ceased in May 2012, and the Royal Canadian Mint ceased distribution of them as of February 4, 2013. However, the coin remains legal tender.

Like all Canadian coins, the obverse depicts the reigning Canadian monarch at the time of issue. Canada has included the effigy' of the reigning monarch on its coins since the Royal Canadian Mint started production in 1908. 

The efigy of George V, was featured  from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. 

The final obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II, her likeness was introduced in 1953 designed by Mary Gillick, later saw design updates, the first occurring in 1965 by Arnold Machin, a 1990 update to the design of Dora de Pedery-Hunt, and the 2003 update designed by Susanna Blunt.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary 1926 – 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime, and was head of state of 15 realms at the time of her death. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch and the longest verified reign of any female monarch in history.

OBVERSE: Bust of Queen Elizabeth II, as at 37 years of age, wearing tiara, facing right.

Lettering: ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA

Latin: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA

Translation: Elizabeth II Queen by the grace of God

Designer: Arnold Machin OBE RA FRSS 1911–1999 (British artist, sculptor, and coin and postage stamp designer)

REVERSE: A maple twig is surrounded with the face value and the inscription

Lettering: 1 CENT 1977 CANADA KG

Designer mark: "K·G" - George Edward Kruger Gray CBE 1880-1943 (British artist, designer)

EDGE: Smooth

Mint: "Lack of mint mark" - Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa, Canada

Mintage in 1977  453 050 666

Country                   Canada 

Queen                      Elizabeth II (1952-2022)

Type                        Standard circulation coin

Year                         1977 (Years 1965-1979)

Value                       1 Cent

Currency                Canadian dollar (since 1858)

Composition          Bronze (98% copper, 0.5% tin, 1.5% zinc)

Weight                 3.22 g

Diameter            19.05 mm

Thickness            1.65 mm

Orientation            Medal alignment ↑↑

References          KM# 59.1, Schön# 58