1956 Canadian 1‑cent bronze penny MS‑63 Red (Choice Uncirculated Red)

This is a 1956 Canadian 1‑cent bronze penny (Mary Gillick portrait, two maple leaves reverse) grading MS‑63 Red (Choice Uncirculated Red).

Obverse analysis

• Portrait strike: Queen Elizabeth II's hair, laurel wreath, and facial details are fully struck with no friction; cheek and jaw retain mint frost, confirming uncirculated status.
• Luster: Strong original red luster covers 90%+ of surfaces with vibrant orange toning; no grey/brown areas indicating circulation rub.
• Eye appeal: Minimal marks—only a few tiny bagmarks in fields; lettering bold, rims sharp without hits.

Reverse analysis

• Leaf details: Veins, serrations, and twig are crisp; KG initials (George Kruger‑Gray) clear, date 1956 well‑centered with no die cracks.
• Color and luster: Full cartwheel luster across red fields; no carbon spots or corrosion, qualifying as "Red" designation.
• Surfaces: Light bagmarks on leaves but none distracting; no rim bumps or post‑mint damage.

Overall grade and variety

• Technical grade: Complete strike, abundant luster, full red color with minor marks ⇒ MS‑63 Red, below gem due to light contact but excellent for circulation strike.
• No varieties: Standard type (no hanging 6 or shoulder fold noted). Mintage 78,685,535 circulation.

Varieties and features of 1 cent 1956 coins

• Mintage:
• Circulation: 78,685,535
• Proof-like/BUNC: 6,500
• Alloy and composition: 98% copper, 0.5% tin, 1.5% zinc
• Magnetism: Non-magnetic
• Weight: 3.24 g
• Melt value: $0.051732 (Last update : January 18, 2026 )
• Diameter: 19.05 mm
• Edge: Plain (smooth)
• Axis (orientation): ↑↑ (medal alignment)
• Minted by: Royal Canadian Mint
• Finish(es) (types):
• Circulation
• Uncirculated
• Legend (lettering):
• Obverse: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA
• Reverse: 1 CENT 1956 CANADA
• Design(s):
• Obverse: Bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a laurel wreath.
• Reverse: Two maple leaves on the same twig.
• Designer(s):
• Obverse: Mary Gillick
• Reverse: G. E. Kruger-Gray