1979 Canadian 1-Cent (Penny) Value Guide
Find out what your 1979 Canadian penny is worth. Complete CAD price guide covering Business Strike, Proof-Like, and Specimen finishes, the Double Date varieties, and condition rarities — with auction data up to $5,463 USD.
Most 1979 Canadian pennies are worth face value (1¢) in circulated condition. Pristine Gem Red survivors climb to $20.00–$35.00 at MS-65, with the rarest MS-67 examples fetching $200.00–$500.00. A PCGS MS-68 Red specimen sold at auction for $5,463 USD in 2012.
- Circulated (G–AU): Face value
- Uncirculated MS-60–MS-63 (Red):$0.25–$1.00
- Gem MS-65 (Red):$20.00–$35.00
- Superb MS-66 (Red):$60.00–$100.00
- Condition Rarity MS-67 (Red):$200.00–$500.00
- Double 979 Variety (MS-65 Red):$50.00–$80.00
- Proof-Like PL-66 Heavy Cameo:$40.00–$60.00
- Specimen SP-67 (Red):$60.00–$100.00
Found in change? Worth face value only — circulated 1979 pennies carry no premium. Shiny or from a set? Your coin is almost certainly a Proof-Like (PL) or Specimen (SP) from a collector set, not a rare high-grade Business Strike — see the collector finishes table below. Is it silver? No — the 1979 penny is a bronze alloy (98% copper) and is non-magnetic. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1979 Canadian 1-cent coin holds a landmark place in Canadian numismatics as the final "heavyweight" bronze penny — maintaining the 3.24-gram standard that endured for nearly 60 years. It was also the first year the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) introduced a proportionally reduced Arnold Machin portrait, the "Small Effigy," applied uniformly to all 1979 pennies to improve metal flow and die longevity. With a business-strike mintage of 753,942,953, it is one of the most abundant Canadian coins in existence — yet the chemically unstable high-tin alloy makes pristine Red survivors extraordinarily scarce. The celebrated "Double Date" machine-doubling varieties add a rewarding specialization layer for roll hunters and variety collectors alike. For broader context across all years of the denomination, visit our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Strike errors such as off-centre strikes and brockages exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1979 Canadian 1-cent coin: obverse showing the Arnold Machin Small Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II (all 1979 cents use this reduced portrait), and reverse showing the Kruger-Gray maple leaf twig design with "1 CENT" and "CANADA." (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1979 Canadian Penny Composition & Specifications
The 1979 cent uses a specific bronze alloy adjusted by the RCM in 1978 and retained for the 1979 production run. Crucially, this composition differs from the earlier standard (1942–1977) in its higher tin content and reduced zinc content — a change with significant numismatic consequences.
| Property | 1979 Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 98% Cu, 1.75% Sn, 0.25% Zn | Higher tin vs. earlier standard (0.5% Sn) |
| Weight | 3.24 g (50 grains) | Unchanged since 1920; reduced to 2.8 g in 1980 |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm | Unchanged |
| Thickness | 1.52 mm | Thinner than the previous 1.65 mm |
| Edge | Plain | Unchanged |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic | Bronze alloy; magnet will not attract this coin |
Alloy Implications: The Carbon-Spot Problem
The increased tin content (1.75% vs. the earlier 0.5%) improved metal flow during striking but came at a cost: the reduced zinc content (0.25% vs. 1.5%) left the alloy less protected against oxidation. The practical result is that 1979 pennies are notoriously prone to carbon spotting — small, black copper oxide flecks that form even on coins sealed in original RCM Pliofilm packaging. A single carbon spot on a focal area such as the Queen's cheek can cap a coin's grade at MS-64 or MS-65, regardless of how otherwise pristine the surfaces are. This chemical instability is the single greatest driver of scarcity in high grades: finding a 1979 penny with blazing Red luster and zero spots after 45+ years is statistically rare.
⚠️ No Melt Value Provided
The source documentation for this guide does not calculate a specific melt value for the 1979 cent. The coin's bronze composition means its intrinsic metal value is negligible relative to its numismatic premium. Do not attempt to melt Canadian coins — the Currency Act of Canada prohibits the melting of coin of the realm.
The 1979 cent's 3.24-gram weight also serves as an authentication diagnostic. By 1980, the RCM reduced planchet weight to 2.8 grams. A genuine 1979 cent should weigh 3.24 grams on an accurate scale, readily distinguishing it from the lighter 1980 and later issues. Specifications are catalogued on the Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian Coin Physical Specifications reference and on the Numista entry for the 1979 modified-effigy cent.
The 1979 cent's high-tin, low-zinc alloy makes it unusually prone to carbon spotting — even coins sealed in original Pliofilm sets develop black oxide flecks over time. A single spot in a focal area can cap the grade at MS-64 or MS-65. (Illustration)
1979 Canadian Penny Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1979 Canadian penny was produced in three distinct finishes: Business Strike (circulation), Proof-Like (PL, from Uncirculated Sets), and Specimen (SP, from prestige leatherette sets). Each finish commands a completely separate value scale. All prices below are in CAD and reflect market values as of February 2026. All uncirculated Business Strike and Specimen values assume Full Red (RD) designation. Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) examples trade at a significant discount — see the Identification section for color grading guidance.
1979 Canadian Penny — Business Strike (Circulation)
With a mintage of 753,942,953, the 1979 Business Strike is common in any circulated or low uncirculated grade. Value is driven almost entirely by color preservation and the absence of carbon spots. Circulated coins in any grade from Good through About Uncirculated carry only face value.
| Grade | Value (Red) | Collector Context |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–AU) | Face value | Brown examples have no premium; abundant in jars |
| MS-60–MS-63 | $0.25–$1.00 | "Junk bin" uncirculated; common from rolls |
| MS-64 | $5.00–$10.00 | Choice uncirculated; often pulled from bank rolls |
| MS-65 (Gem) | $20.00–$35.00 | Standard for quality collections; carbon-spot free |
| MS-66 (Superb) | $60.00–$100.00 | Requires blazing luster and clean fields; scarce |
| MS-67 (Superb+) | $200.00–$500.00 | Condition Rarity; very few known |
| MS-68 (Perfect) | $2,000.00–$5,500.00 | The Unicorn; only a handful known to exist |
A PCGS MS-68 Red example sold at auction for $5,463 USD in 2012, demonstrating the extreme condition-rarity premium this "common" year can command. View 1979 Canadian 1¢ Red auction price data at PCGS →
ℹ️ The Value Cliff
The jump from MS-65 ($20.00–$35.00) to MS-67 ($200.00–$500.00) is not incremental — it is exponential. Each grade point at the top of the scale demands that the coin survive 45 years of potential oxidation with no carbon spots, no bag marks, and blazing original Red luster. This is why ICCS or PCGS certification is essential before purchasing any 1979 cent above MS-65.
Side-by-side grade comparison for the 1979 Canadian penny. Left: MS-63 Red — minor bag marks, strong luster. Centre: MS-65 Red (Gem) — minimal marks, full blazing luster. Right: MS-67 Red (Condition Rarity) — near-perfect surfaces, no carbon spots. The value difference between MS-65 and MS-67 is exponential. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1979 Canadian Penny — Double Date Varieties (Business Strike)
The Double Date varieties are documented in the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the Unitrade Catalogue as recognized collectible varieties. They result from Machine Doubling (die bounce or shift during striking) rather than hub doubling. Values below assume Full Red (RD) designation; Brown examples have no variety premium.
| Variety | MS-60 (Red) | MS-64 (Red) | MS-65 (Red) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double 979 (Full — digits 9, 7, 9 doubled) | ~$3.00–$5.00 | ~$12.00–$20.00 | ~$50.00–$80.00 | Most desirable; premium roughly triples standard value at MS-65 |
| Double 79 (digits 7 and final 9 only) | — | ~$8.00–$15.00 | — | Slightly less sought-after than Full 979 |
| Double 9 (last digit only) | — | — | — | Moderate premium; most common form of the variety |
| Double 1979 (all four digits) | — | — | — | Values comparable to Double 979; less commonly encountered |
Because certification costs ($30–$50) often exceed the coin's value below MS-65, the Double Date varieties are most frequently traded raw. The best investment grade for the Double 979 is MS-65 Red, where variety appeal and condition rarity combine to generate a premium roughly triple that of a standard 1979 cent at the same grade. Pricing reference: Calgary Coin — Canadian Cent Pricing Guide.
1979 Canadian Penny — Collector Finishes (PL & SP)
Both Proof-Like and Specimen coins are collector-only issues that were never intended for circulation. A shiny, apparently uncirculated 1979 cent found loose in a collection almost certainly originated from one of these sets. They are graded on their own separate scales (PL and SP) and should not be compared to Business Strike MS grades.
| Finish | Mintage | Standard Value | Notable Grade Value | Heavy Cameo Premium | Set Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | 187,624 | ~$1.00–$3.00 | — | PL-66 HC: $40.00–$60.00 | Pliofilm Uncirculated Sets — see PVC warning below |
| Specimen (SP) | 218,046 | — | SP-67 Red: $60.00–$100.00 | — | Leatherette prestige sets & Double Penny Sets (31,174 sets struck) |
The 1979 Specimen sets include the unique "Double Penny Set" — a leatherette presentation containing two 1979 pennies so both obverse and reverse could be displayed simultaneously. Of the 218,046 total SP pennies, 31,174 sets of this type were produced. View the 1979 Specimen Double Penny Set at London Coin Centre or at Coins Unlimited.
An SP-68 Red example would be a major rarity and a candidate for the finest known 1979 cent. No specific market price for SP-68 is documented — its value would be established by auction.
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk — PL Pliofilm Sets
Proof-Like coins stored in original RCM Pliofilm (transparent flat pack) packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades as the plastic degrades into hydrochloric acid. If you see green slime on a 1979 PL cent, it requires professional conservation using pure acetone — not nail polish remover or household cleaners. PVC-damaged coins revert to face or melt value regardless of their underlying grade.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a 1979 penny — even gently — strips original luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" (damaged) by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC, permanently eliminating its numismatic premium regardless of underlying detail quality.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1979 Canadian Penny Varieties
The 1979 Canadian penny offers two categories of collectible varieties beyond the standard coin: the Machine-Doubled "Double Date" series (recognized in the Charlton and Unitrade catalogues) and the Heavy Cameo finish premium on Proof-Like coins. Note that the "Small Effigy" is not a variety within 1979 — all 1979 pennies carry the reduced Machin portrait; there is no 1979 "Large Effigy" to find.
A. Trophy-Level: The Double Date Varieties
The most desirable outcome in this series is a Double 979 in MS-65 Red, certified by ICCS or PCGS. At this grade, the variety premium roughly triples the value of a standard 1979 cent at the same grade — from approximately $20.00–$35.00 to approximately $50.00–$80.00. An ICCS MS-66 Red example of the standard 1979 cent has appeared at West Edmonton Coin & Stamp, demonstrating the active market for high-grade certified examples of this year: view the ICCS MS-66 Red listing.
For condition rarities, a PCGS MS-68 Red example sold for $5,463 USD in 2012 — a stark illustration of how "common" mintage years can produce five-figure coins at the absolute peak of the grade scale.
B. Findable Varieties: Roll and Set Hunting
The Double Date varieties can be found through active searching of original 1979 bank rolls and uncirculated sets. Four sub-types are documented, ranked by desirability:
- Double 979 (Full) — Doubling on the second "9", the "7", and the final "9." The bottom curves of the nines and the angled stem of the seven show a distinct shelf-like secondary image. This is the most sought-after sub-type. Value at MS-64 Red: ~$12.00–$20.00; at MS-65 Red: ~$50.00–$80.00.
- Double 79 — Doubling confined to the "7" and the final "9" only; the leading "1" and first "9" appear normal. Value at MS-64 Red: ~$8.00–$15.00.
- Double 9 (Last Digit Only) — Only the final "9" shows significant doubling. Most common form of the variety; carries a moderate premium over standard, but no specific market value is catalogued.
- Double 1979 (All Digits) — Doubling visible across all four digits. Values are comparable to the Double 979 but this type is less commonly encountered in the market.
C. Collector Finish Premium: Proof-Like Heavy Cameo
While not a die variety, the Heavy Cameo (HC) contrast on a PL-66 coin represents a significant value tier above a standard PL example. A standard PL cent is worth approximately $1.00–$3.00; a PL-66 Heavy Cameo commands $40.00–$60.00. These "black and white copper" coins — with frosted Queen's portrait against mirror-like fields — are sought by specialists in cameo copper. They are most likely to be found as early strikes from a freshly polished die, typically at the beginning of a set's production run.
The 1979 Double Date diagnostic: four sub-types ranked by desirability. The Full Double 979 (top, most valuable) shows a shelf-like secondary image on the "9", "7", and final "9". The Double 79 (middle) shows doubling only on the last two digits. The Double 9 (bottom) affects only the final digit. True Machine Doubling is visible with a 10x loupe — and often to the naked eye as a "thickening" of the digits. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1979 Canadian Penny Identification Guide
30-Second Identification Checklist
Use this checklist to confirm you have a genuine 1979 Canadian cent and to identify which finish and variety you hold.
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara — the "Tiara Head" portrait designed by Arnold Machin. For 1979 specifically, this is the Small Effigy version: the portrait is proportionally smaller than on 1978 and earlier coins, leaving a wider field between the lettering and the rim. All 1979 pennies use this reduced portrait — there is no "Large Effigy" 1979 cent. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA.
- Reverse Check: The reverse shows two maple leaves on a single twig, designed by George E. Kruger-Gray (initialled K.G. to the right of the twig). The denomination reads 1 CENT with the date 1979, and CANADA inscribed below.
- Date Check: Confirm "1979." Then examine the date digits with a 10x loupe — if you see a shelf-like secondary image to the south or southeast of any digits, you may have a Double Date variety (see Variants section).
- Edge Check: The edge is plain (smooth). A reeded edge on a cent-sized coin would indicate a wrong denomination or foreign coin.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a magnet. A genuine 1979 Canadian cent is non-magnetic — it is a bronze alloy and will not attract to a magnet. If the coin is magnetic, it is not a 1979 Canadian bronze penny; it may be a later plated-steel cent or a foreign coin.
- Mint Marks: No mint marks appear on 1979 Canadian cents. Standard for this era — no "W" or other facility marks are documented for any finish of this year.
- Finish Identification (Critical Step):
- Business Strike: Cartwheel luster — bands of light rotate across the fields as the coin is tilted. Surfaces may show bag marks from coin-on-coin contact in hoppers.
- Proof-Like (PL): Flashy, reflective fields — not necessarily mirror-like, but distinctly brighter than a Business Strike. From flat transparent Pliofilm (cellophane) Uncirculated Sets. Sharp rims are a secondary indicator.
- Specimen (SP): Double-struck for full detail, with sharp squared-off "wire" rims and brilliant or lined matte fields. From leatherette prestige sets or the 1979 Double Penny Set. The SP finish is the technical peak for this year.
- Color Designation Check: Tilt the coin under a strong light. Full original salmon-pink luster = Red (RD), the only investable category. Partial toning with visible brown areas = Red-Brown (RB), which trades at a major discount to Red. Fully oxidized = Brown (BN), negligible value above face for most grades.
- Double Date Diagnostic: Using a 10x loupe, examine the date "1979" closely. True Machine Doubling on the 1979 Double Date appears as a clear step-like secondary image — visible to the naked eye as a thickening of the affected digits. Doubling that requires squinting or that looks like a blurred shadow is likely Die Deterioration Doubling, which is common and adds no collectible value.
Three finish types side by side for the 1979 Canadian penny. Left: Business Strike — cartwheel luster with visible bag marks. Centre: Proof-Like (PL) — reflective, flashy fields from original Pliofilm set. Right: Specimen (SP) — squared wire rims, fully struck devices, brilliant or lined-matte finish from leatherette prestige set. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Color designation comparison for the 1979 Canadian bronze penny. Left: Red (RD) — at least 95% original salmon-pink luster, the only investable grade. Centre: Red-Brown (RB) — partial toning, 5–95% red remaining, significant discount to Red. Right: Brown (BN) — fully oxidized, negligible numismatic premium above face value. The 1979 cent's high-tin alloy makes RD survivors particularly difficult to find. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1979 Canadian Penny Value FAQs
What is a 1979 Canadian penny worth?
In circulated condition, a 1979 Canadian penny is worth face value (1¢). In uncirculated condition, value depends almost entirely on color and grade: MS-63 Red examples trade for approximately $0.50–$1.00, MS-65 Red (Gem) for $20.00–$35.00, and the ultra-rare MS-67 Red for $200.00–$500.00. The famous Double 979 variety in MS-65 Red trades for approximately $50.00–$80.00. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 1979 Canadian penny rare?
In circulated condition, no — with a business-strike mintage of 753,942,953, the 1979 penny is among the most common Canadian coins. However, in pristine Red condition (MS-66 and above), it is genuinely scarce. The chemically unstable high-tin alloy causes carbon spots to develop even on coins sealed in original packaging, making spot-free survivors at high grades statistically rare. An MS-68 Red example is considered a true "unicorn" — only a handful are known to exist.
What is the Double Date variety and how do I identify it?
The 1979 Double Date results from Machine Doubling (also called Mechanical or Strike Doubling) — the die shifts slightly during the strike, dragging metal and creating a shelf-like secondary image on the date digits. It is not a hub doubled die error; every coin struck by a given die is not necessarily identical. Four sub-types exist: Double 979 (full, most desirable), Double 79, Double 9 (last digit only), and Double 1979 (all digits). To identify it, examine the date with a 10x loupe: look for a clear step-like secondary image to the south or southeast of the affected digits. True doubling is often visible to the naked eye as a thickening of the numbers — if you must squint to see it, it is likely common Die Deterioration Doubling with no added value.
Is the 1979 Canadian penny silver?
No. The 1979 Canadian 1-cent coin is a bronze alloy: 98% copper, 1.75% tin, and 0.25% zinc. It contains no silver or other precious metals. It is also non-magnetic. If a coin claiming to be a 1979 penny attracts a magnet, it is not a genuine 1979 bronze cent.
What does "Red" (RD) mean and why does it matter so much for the 1979 penny?
"Red" (RD) is the color designation assigned by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC to copper coins retaining at least 95% of their original salmon-pink mint luster. For the 1979 cent, Red is the only designation that commands meaningful numismatic value — a Brown (BN) MS-65 might be worth approximately $2.00, while the same coin in Red is worth approximately $20.00–$35.00. The 1979 cent's high-tin, low-zinc alloy is especially prone to carbon spotting and oxidation, making Red survivors disproportionately scarce compared to other years of similar mintage.
Should I get my 1979 penny graded by ICCS or PCGS?
Grading is economical only when your coin's value exceeds the cost of certification (approximately $30–$50 per coin). For the 1979 cent, the break-even threshold is roughly MS-65 Red for a standard Business Strike, or a Double Date variety in MS-64 Red or better. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard and is widely preferred by Canadian collectors and dealers. PCGS and NGC are US-based services but are accepted internationally and may reach broader auction audiences. For high-value coins (MS-66+ or SP specimens), certification also provides essential airtight protection against the ongoing oxidation that threatens these coins.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL) and Specimen (SP)?
Both are collector finishes, but they differ in manufacturing method and appearance. Proof-Like coins were struck at slower speeds using polished dies, producing flashy reflective fields — they came in flat transparent Pliofilm Uncirculated Sets (187,624 minted). Specimen coins were double-struck to bring up full relief, with sharp squared-off "wire" rims and either brilliant or lined-matte fields — they came in leatherette prestige sets and the 1979 Double Penny Set (218,046 total SP pennies; 31,174 double-penny sets). The SP finish is the technical zenith of the 1979 issue. Neither finish circulated.
What are carbon spots, and why do they affect my 1979 penny's grade?
Carbon spots are small, black copper-oxide flecks that form on bronze coins through a chemical reaction with atmospheric moisture and oxygen. On the 1979 cent's high-tin alloy, this spotting occurs readily — even coins sealed for decades in original Pliofilm packaging commonly develop spots. Grading services cap a coin's grade whenever a spot appears in a focal area (such as the Queen's cheek or the open fields). A technically pristine coin with a single prominent spot will typically grade no higher than MS-64 or MS-65. Carbon spots are permanent and cannot be safely removed without damaging the coin's surface.
Can I find a valuable 1979 Double Date or high-grade Red penny in circulation or rolls?
The Double Date varieties can be found through roll hunting — searching original 1979 bank rolls (paper-wrapped, not plastic) from financial institutions. Paper wrappers often provided better humidity protection than loose storage. Inspect each date with a 10x loupe under good lighting. For high-grade Red Business Strikes, roll hunting is possible but increasingly difficult; a coin that has been sitting in a roll for 45 years without carbon spots is exceptional. Proof-Like Heavy Cameo coins can sometimes be identified by inspecting the penny through the sealed Pliofilm of an uncirculated set — if the Queen's portrait appears distinctly frosted against dark mirror fields, it may grade as Heavy Cameo and be worth substantially more than the set's face price.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are derived from published pricing references, graded-coin market data, and auction archives current to February 2026. Primary sources include the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and the Unitrade Catalogue for variety attributions and Charlton valuations; Calgary Coin's Canadian cent pricing reference for market values; PCGS auction price archives for the 1979 Canadian 1¢ Red for auction data; West Edmonton Coin & Stamp's ICCS MS-66 Red listings for dealer market comparables; Numista's 1979 modified-effigy cent entry and the Saskatoon Coin Club's coin specifications reference for technical data; and the Royal Canadian Mint's official 1-cent history page for production context. Set information is corroborated by London Coin Centre. All values are estimates reflecting typical market conditions; individual coin prices will vary based on eye appeal, surface quality, and the preferences of individual buyers and sellers. Grading is subjective — certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is recommended for any coin valued above $20.00.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.