2009 Canadian 1-Cent (Penny) Value Guide
Complete 2009 Canadian penny value guide. Covers the common Magnetic (steel-core) and scarce Non-Magnetic (zinc-core) varieties, plus Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof prices by grade — all in CAD.
Most 2009 Canadian pennies in circulated condition are worth face value — the metal scrap value of steel or zinc is negligible. But before checking any price table, run a magnet test first: the year was produced in two distinct compositions, and one is significantly scarcer than the other.
- Circulated (either variety, G4–AU): Face value — negligible metal scrap for steel or zinc
- Magnetic (Steel/MPPS) — MS-65 Red:$10.00–$14.00
- Magnetic — MS-67 Red (top investment grade):$50.00–$90.00
- Magnetic — MS-68 Red (extremely rare):$150.00+
- Non-Magnetic (Zinc/CPZ) — MS-65 Red:$15.00–$25.00
- Non-Magnetic — MS-67 Red (the chase coin):$60.00–$120.00+
- Proof-Like (PL-66, Magnetic):$5.00–$10.00
- Specimen (SP-67, Magnetic):$25.00
- Proof (Solid Copper, PR-69):$15.00–$20.00
Is it silver? No — the 2009 penny is copper-plated steel (Magnetic) or copper-plated zinc (Non-Magnetic); neither contains silver. Is it shiny or from a set? Mirror-like fields indicate a Proof-Like coin; a satin-lined field with squared rims indicates a Specimen — both are valued separately from business-strike grades. All values in CAD as of 2026. See full value chart →
The 2009 Canadian one-cent coin: obverse (left) with Susanna Blunt's uncrowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the RCM logo centered below the bust truncation; reverse (right) featuring George Edward Kruger-Gray's maple twig design with the K.G. initials to the right of the leaves.
The 2009 Canadian one-cent coin sits near the end of the penny era — just three years before the Royal Canadian Mint struck its last penny in 2012 and ceased distribution on February 4, 2013. What distinguishes 2009 is not a commemorative design but a metallurgical split: the year's total mintage of 455,680,000 was produced on two different planchet types — copper-plated steel (Magnetic) and copper-plated zinc (Non-Magnetic) — an unannounced supply-chain response to volatile metal prices during the global financial crisis. This compositional divide defines the coin's entire collector market. For values across all Canadian penny years, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
2009 Canadian Penny Composition & Metal Specifications
The 2009 cent exists in two distinct metallurgical configurations. Both share the same diameter, design, and plain edge but differ in core material, total weight, and magnetic properties. A magnet test — followed by a precision-scale confirmation — is the essential first step for any collector handling a 2009 penny.
Side-by-side diagram of the 2009 Magnetic (steel-core MPPS, 2.35 g) and Non-Magnetic (zinc-core CPZ, 2.25 g) varieties with their respective core/plating specifications. Both coins appear visually identical — only a magnet or precision scale can tell them apart.
Magnetic Variety: Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS)
The Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary Multi-Ply Plated Steel (MPPS) technology — first introduced for circulation pennies in 2000 and centred at the Winnipeg facility — electroplates a low-carbon steel core first with a nickel adhesion layer and then with a final copper layer for correct colour. This layered structure delivers excellent corrosion resistance and durability far superior to single-plated zinc, eliminating the "zinc rot" vulnerability that afflicts simpler plated coins. By 2009 the process was well-established, and the RCM had retired the old "P" (Plated) obverse mark in favour of its official logo — a stylised maple leaf within a circle — as of 2006. The Magnetic variety accounts for approximately 419,105,000 of the year's coins, roughly 92% of total 2009 production.
Non-Magnetic Variety: Copper-Plated Zinc (CPZ)
Produced on copper-plated zinc planchets — likely due to supply-chain balancing during the 2008–2009 financial crisis — the Non-Magnetic variety is physically lighter (2.25 g vs. 2.35 g) and chemically more reactive. The zinc core is softer than steel, making planchets more prone to contact marks during high-speed minting and bagging, and the thin copper plating is vulnerable to breach. Once the plating is punctured, the exposed zinc reacts with environmental moisture to produce "zinc rot": white, powdery corrosion that can rapidly destroy the coin. These factors explain why the high-grade surviving population of Non-Magnetic examples is disproportionately low relative to the approximately 36,575,000 struck — just 8% of total 2009 production. See the Edmonton Numismatic Society's analysis of cent varieties from this era for additional compositional context.
Collector Issue: Proof (Solid Copper)
The 2009 Proof penny found in the 100th Anniversary of Flight Proof Set is struck from solid copper (or bronze) — not plated steel or plated zinc. It is therefore non-magnetic for an entirely different reason than the CPZ circulation variety and must not be confused with a Non-Magnetic business strike. The Proof Set carried a mintage limit of 55,000.
Melt Value
Neither the steel-core nor the zinc-core variety carries meaningful precious metal content. The intrinsic metal value of both compositions is negligible — well below face value. The Currency Act of Canada also prohibits melting coins of the realm. For the 2009 cent, numismatic value wholly governs worth; there is no meaningful melt-value consideration.
⚠️ Zinc Rot Risk — Non-Magnetic Variety
Non-Magnetic 2009 pennies are chemically reactive. If the copper plating is breached, the zinc core corrodes rapidly — the coin can bubble and disintegrate within months of exposure. Store high-grade examples immediately in air-tite capsules or Mylar 2×2 flips in a low-humidity environment with silica gel desiccant. Never use soft PVC plastic flips, which deposit chloride contamination on the copper surface and permanently destroy the Full Red (RD) colour designation.
2009 Canadian Penny Value Chart by Grade & Finish
All values below are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of 2026 and cover standard (non-error) coins only. For copper-plated coins, the Red (RD) colour designation — indicating 95–100% original mint luster — is the investment standard. Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) examples in circulated grades trade at essentially face value regardless of grade. Prices draw from market trends, the Coins and Canada 1-cent 2003–2012 price guide, the NGC Canada Cent KM 490a price guide, and recorded auction and dealer sales.
ℹ️ Circulated Grades: Face Value for Both Varieties
Circulated 2009 pennies in grades G4 through AU — regardless of whether they are Magnetic or Non-Magnetic — trade at essentially face value. The steel and zinc cores carry negligible scrap value, and colour luster is lost to wear. Value separates sharply at the Mint State threshold. For Red-Brown or Brown examples in any circulated grade, the numismatic premium is zero.
2009 Canadian 1-Cent — Magnetic (MPPS, Steel Core): Business Strike Values
The common variety, accounting for ~92% of 2009 production. Scarcity begins at MS-66 due to the difficulty of preserving copper plating on steel without spotting or plating blisters. MS-67 is the key investment grade. Plating blisters — small bubbles where gas was trapped between the steel core and the plating layers during striking — are a common defect that caps many examples below MS-66.
| Grade | Market Value (CAD) | Collector Context |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G4–AU) | Face Value | Metal scrap negligible for steel. RB/BN coins carry no premium. |
| MS-60–MS-63 Red | Face Value–$0.35 | Common. Used for filling date-and-type folders. |
| MS-64 Red | $2.00–$6.00 | Readily available in rolls. No significant premium over raw examples. |
| MS-65 Red | $10.00–$14.00 | Gem quality. Standard for casual collectors. |
| MS-66 Red | $20.00–$30.00 | Scarce. Requires a clean strike free of plating spots and blisters. |
| MS-67 Red | $50.00–$90.00 | Top Investment Grade. Very difficult to find without blemish. ICCS MS-67 Red sales documented in this range — see Toronto Coin Shop ICCS MS-67 Red sale record. |
| MS-68 Red | $150.00+ | Extremely rare. Very few exist in population reports. |
Prices assume Full Red (RD) designation for MS-63 and above. Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) Mint State examples trade at a significant discount from RD values.
Grade comparison: a circulated 2009 Canadian penny (left, flat luster, visible wear) versus a Gem Uncirculated MS-67 Red example (right, blazing orange-red copper brilliance, no contact marks). The difference in eye appeal — and value — is dramatic. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
2009 Canadian 1-Cent — Non-Magnetic (CPZ, Zinc Core): Business Strike Values
The key-date variety at ~8% of total 2009 production. Even circulated examples carry a small premium by virtue of the variety attribution. The zinc core's softness and the plating's chemical reactivity mean high-grade Full Red survivors are statistically rare relative to the mintage, driving aggressive demand from registry-set builders at MS-66 and above.
| Grade | Market Value (CAD) | Collector Context |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G4–AU) | Face Value | Small attribution premium possible; metal scrap negligible for zinc. |
| MS-60–MS-62 Red | $1.00–$2.50 | Entry-level for the variety. Basic attribution value. |
| MS-63 Red | $3.00–$5.00 | Collectible. Worthwhile acquiring certified for variety confirmation. |
| MS-64 Red | $6.00–$10.00 | Choice Uncirculated. Clear variety premium over Magnetic at this grade. |
| MS-65 Red | $15.00–$25.00 | Gem. Strong demand from date-run and variety collectors. |
| MS-66 Red | $30.00–$50.00 | Very scarce. Zinc softness and plating reactivity limit survivors. |
| MS-67 Red | $60.00–$120.00+ | The Chase Coin. High competition from registry-set builders. |
2009 Canadian 1-Cent — Collector Finishes (PL, SP & Proof)
Three distinct collector finishes were produced for 2009. The Proof-Like and Specimen issues use copper-plated steel (Magnetic) planchets. The Proof issue is struck on solid copper (Non-Magnetic for a different compositional reason). Each finish is valued on its own scale and must not be treated as a high-grade business strike.
The four 2009 Canadian penny finishes side by side: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (mirror fields, frosted devices), Specimen (satin-lined fields, squared rim), and Proof (deep black mirror fields, heavy frost — Ultra Cameo / Deep Cameo contrast). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
| Finish | Composition | Magnetic? | Grade Reference Point | Market Value (CAD) | Source Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | Copper-Plated Steel (MPPS) | Yes | PL-66 | $5.00–$10.00 | 2009 Uncirculated Sets (pliofilm packaging) |
| Specimen (SP) | Copper-Plated Steel (MPPS) | Yes | SP-67 | $25.00 | Blue Heron Specimen Set (RCM); typical SP set mintage: ~20,000–40,000 |
| Proof (PR) — Solid Copper | Solid Copper | No | PR-69 | $15.00–$20.00 | 100th Anniversary of Flight Proof Set (RCM); mintage limit: 55,000 |
Note: The Proof penny is valued as a separate category — it should not be compared to or confused with the Non-Magnetic circulation strike, even though both test non-magnetic.
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk — Proof-Like Sets
2009 Proof-Like coins stored in original pliofilm packaging may develop green PVC residue over decades. If you see green slime or film on the coin, it requires professional conservation with pure acetone — not nail polish remover. PVC-damaged coins revert to face value regardless of their underlying detail. Consider transferring PL coins to inert Mylar holders as a precaution.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original copper luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details" (damaged) designation from any third-party grader and loses all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying quality or variety. A circulated coin polished bright is worth less, not more.
All values in CAD as of 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide. Additional reference: Coins and Canada: 1-cent 2003–2012 and the NGC Canada Cent KM 490a price guide.
Most Valuable 2009 Canadian Penny Varieties
The 2009 Canadian penny does not carry traditional die varieties such as doubled-die obverses or bead variants. Its most significant collectible distinctions are compositional and condition-based. The following tiers represent the top non-error collecting targets for this date.
The 2009 Non-Magnetic (zinc-core CPZ) variety: visually identical to the common Magnetic coin, yet representing only ~8% of the year's total mintage. The magnet test is the only reliable field-identification method — no attraction to the magnet confirms the key-date variety.
1. The Non-Magnetic (Copper-Plated Zinc) Variety — The Key Date
At approximately 36,575,000 struck — just 8% of total 2009 production — the Non-Magnetic variety is the defining collectible for this date. Its zinc core is softer than steel, generating more contact marks during minting and bagging; the thin copper plating reacts chemically over time (zinc rot), further eroding the population of Full Red, high-grade survivors. The result: while 36.5 million were produced, the number grading MS-67 Red is a tiny fraction of that figure, and competition for those coins is intense among registry-set builders.
- Diagnostic: Magnet test (no attraction) confirmed by weight ~2.25 g on precision scale
- Value at MS-65 Red:$15.00–$25.00
- Value at MS-66 Red:$30.00–$50.00
- Value at MS-67 Red:$60.00–$120.00+
2. The MS-68 Red Magnetic — The Condition Rarity
Although the Magnetic variety is the common coin by mintage, striking a flawless Magnetic cent is surprisingly difficult. The steel core, high-speed minting process, and susceptibility of the copper plating to blisters and bag contact combine to make MS-68 Red examples extremely rare. Very few are documented in population reports at this grade, making top-pop Magnetic examples legitimate targets for advanced collectors.
- Value at MS-68 Red:$150.00+
3. The Proof (Solid Copper) — PR-70 Deep Cameo
A perfect Proof — graded PR-70 Deep Cameo (PCGS) or PF-70 Ultra Cameo (NGC) — represents a coin with zero imperfections under 5× magnification. Even carefully produced Proofs commonly receive PR-68 or PR-69 due to minor hazing or handling. A PR-70 is the "perfect" coin. The 100th Anniversary of Flight Proof Set had a mintage limit of 55,000, making the solid-copper penny one of the lowest-mintage 2009 issues. The documented PR-69 value is $15.00–$20.00 CAD. For PR-70 examples, the source document references a value in the range of approximately $100–$150 USD — consult current auction records for the most recent CAD equivalent before transacting.
4. Olympic Provenance Coins
In 2009 the RCM released sets associated with the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The pennies within these sets are technically standard Magnetic Specimen or PL coins, but examples sealed in original Olympic packaging carry a premium over loose coins of the same grade because of cross-collector appeal between numismatists and Olympic memorabilia collectors. Attribution requires the original sealed packaging to be present and intact.
5. The "Oh! Canada" Non-Magnetic PL Sleeper (Theoretical — Unconfirmed)
Advanced specialists have noted the theoretical possibility of a Non-Magnetic (zinc) planchet inadvertently struck with the polished Proof-Like dies used for 2009 Uncirculated collector sets. If such a coin were confirmed, it would represent a major modern discovery. As of the time of writing this remains a theoretical sleeper variety — not a confirmed market item. Any coin claimed to be this variety should be submitted to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for independent attribution before any purchase or sale.
2009 Canadian Penny Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before checking any value table. The single most consequential step for the 2009 penny is Step 5 — the magnet test.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a simple pearl necklace and no crown — the "Bare Head" or "Uncrowned Effigy" designed by Susanna Blunt, introduced in 2003. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA. If your coin shows a tiara or crown, it is an earlier issue (Third Portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt, 1990–2003). Refer to the Saskatoon Coin Club's obverse design evolution guide for a complete portrait comparison.
- RCM Logo Check: Look for the Royal Canadian Mint's official logo — a stylised maple leaf within a circle — centred below the truncation of the Queen's bust on the obverse. This mark replaced the old "P" (Plated) mark beginning in 2006. A coin with a "P" mark below the bust is from 2003–2005, not 2009. See the Numista reference for Canada 1-cent (4th portrait, Magnetic with RCM logo) for die specifications.
- Reverse Check: The reverse depicts two maple leaves on a single shared twig, with the initials K.G. (George Edward Kruger-Gray) to the right of the leaves. The denomination reads 1 CENT above and CANADA curves along the bottom rim, with the date 2009 to the left of the twig.
- Edge Check: The edge is plain (smooth). A reeded edge indicates a different denomination.
- THE Critical Step — Magnet Test (Composition Verification):
- Pass a neodymium or household magnet over the coin.
- Coin jumps to magnet: Magnetic (Steel-core MPPS) variety — the common coin (~92% of 2009 mintage).
- Coin does not react: Non-Magnetic (Zinc-core CPZ) variety — the scarce key date (~8% of 2009 mintage). Proceed immediately to weight verification.
- Weight Verification (for Non-Magnetic candidates): Use a precision jeweller's scale accurate to 0.01 g.
- ~2.35 g: Magnetic (Steel). Confirmed. ✓
- ~2.25 g: Non-Magnetic (Zinc). Confirmed. ✓
- ~2.50 g or heavier: Likely a pre-2000 Canadian copper cent or a US cent — verify the date and design before assuming anything.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (MS): Cartwheel luster — light radiates from the coin's centre in a rotating pattern as you tilt it. Normal bag marks and minor contact marks expected.
- Proof-Like (PL): Mirror-like fields — you can see a reflection in the flat background areas — with some frosting on the Queen's portrait and the maple leaves. From 2009 Uncirculated Sets in pliofilm packaging. Magnetic (steel-core).
- Specimen (SP): Satin or "lined" fields with fine parallel lines visible under magnification; brilliant high-gloss devices; sharply squared rims. From the 2009 Blue Heron Specimen Set. Magnetic.
- Proof (PR): Deep black mirror fields with heavy frosting on devices — stark Deep Cameo / Ultra Cameo contrast. From the 100th Anniversary of Flight Proof Set. Solid copper — non-magnetic.
- Colour Assessment (Mint State coins only):
- Red (RD): 95–100% original orange-red copper luster. The premium tier — prices in the value tables above assume RD for MS-63 and above.
- Red-Brown (RB): Partial toning, 5–95% original colour. Significant discount from RD values.
- Brown (BN): Fully oxidised chocolate brown. No premium for circulated grades; modest premium only for higher Mint State grades.
The two-step identification test for the 2009 Canadian penny: Step 1 (left) — magnet test showing the steel-core Magnetic variety strongly attracted and the zinc-core Non-Magnetic variety completely inert. Step 2 (right) — weight verification on a precision jeweller's scale: ~2.35 g confirms Magnetic; ~2.25 g confirms Non-Magnetic.
Colour designation for the 2009 Canadian penny: Full Red (RD, left) showing blazing orange-red copper luster; Red-Brown (RB, centre) showing partial toning; Brown (BN, right) showing full oxidisation. Only Red examples command the premiums shown in the value tables. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
💡 "Clean Cheeks" Pre-Screening Tip
Before paying for professional grading, examine the Queen's cheekbone under 5–10× magnification. The cheekbone is the highest point of the portrait and the first surface to show contact marks. A single visible scratch on the cheek typically limits the coin to MS-64 or below. Only coins with pristine, unbroken luster across the cheekbone are worth submitting for MS-66 and above.
ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC
The ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the primary Canadian third-party grading service, widely respected by Canadian dealers and knowledgeable in Canadian-specific issues. PCGS and NGC are US-based services that also grade Canadian coins and publish searchable online population data useful for registry-set competition. For the 2009 penny — where population counts directly influence market value at MS-67 and above — certification by any of these three services is strongly recommended before high-value transactions. ICCS-slabbed examples are well-regarded in the Canadian market; PCGS-slabbed examples are often sought by registry collectors who use PCGS's online tools.
2009 Canadian Penny Value FAQs
What is a 2009 Canadian penny worth?
Most 2009 Canadian pennies found in change, from rolls, or in average condition are worth face value (1¢) — the steel or zinc scrap value is negligible. Value rises sharply in uncirculated Mint State grades, particularly at MS-65 Red and above. The Non-Magnetic (zinc-core) variety commands a premium over the common Magnetic (steel-core) variety at every Mint State grade level. Run the magnet test first to determine which variety you have, then consult the value tables in this guide. All values are in CAD.
How do I tell if my 2009 Canadian penny is Magnetic or Non-Magnetic?
Pass any magnet — a refrigerator magnet works, a neodymium magnet is ideal — over the coin. If the coin is pulled to the magnet, it is the common Magnetic (steel-core MPPS) variety, accounting for approximately 92% of 2009 production. If the coin does not react, it is the scarce Non-Magnetic (zinc-core CPZ) variety. Confirm with a precision jeweller's scale: approximately 2.35 g indicates Magnetic; approximately 2.25 g indicates Non-Magnetic. The two varieties are visually identical and cannot be distinguished by appearance alone — the magnet test is mandatory.
Why is the Non-Magnetic 2009 penny scarcer if 36 million were made?
36.5 million sounds large, but it represents only about 8% of the year's 455.7 million total mintage — and almost all of those coins circulated. The zinc core is softer than steel, so the planchets picked up more contact marks during high-speed minting and bagging, limiting the number reaching high Mint State grades. The thin copper plating on zinc is also chemically reactive: once breached, zinc rot (white powdery corrosion) sets in and destroys the coin. The combination of physical softness and chemical vulnerability means the surviving population of Full Red, high-grade Non-Magnetic examples is disproportionately small relative to the original mintage figure.
Is a 2009 Canadian penny silver or made of valuable metal?
No. The 2009 circulation penny contains no silver, gold, or other precious metals. It is either copper-plated steel (Magnetic) or copper-plated zinc (Non-Magnetic). Both compositions have negligible intrinsic metal value. The Proof collector issue uses solid copper, which also carries no precious metal premium. The entire value of the 2009 cent is numismatic — driven by grade, finish, colour designation, and variety — not by metal content.
Should I get my 2009 Canadian penny graded?
Grading a single coin through ICCS, PCGS, or NGC typically costs $30–$50 including return shipping. That cost exceeds the market value of most 2009 cents below MS-66. A practical threshold: submit Magnetic coins only if you believe they will reach MS-66 Red or higher; submit Non-Magnetic coins if you believe they will reach MS-64 Red or higher (because the variety attribution on the slab adds collectibility beyond the numeric grade alone). Pre-screen by examining the Queen's cheekbone under magnification — a visible scratch on the cheek typically limits a coin to MS-64 at best. Do not submit cleaned, spotted, or damaged coins.
What is the difference between Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof finishes for the 2009 penny?
Proof-Like (PL): From the 2009 standard Uncirculated Sets in pliofilm packaging. Features mirror-like fields with moderate frosting on devices. Struck on copper-plated steel — Magnetic. Specimen (SP): From the 2009 Blue Heron Specimen Set. Characterized by a satin or "lined" field (fine parallel lines visible under magnification) with brilliant high-gloss relief and sharply squared rims — a distinct look different from both business strikes and proofs. Also copper-plated steel — Magnetic. Proof (PR): From the 100th Anniversary of Flight Proof Set; mintage limit 55,000. Deep black mirror fields with heavy device frosting (Deep Cameo / Ultra Cameo). Struck on solid copper — non-magnetic. These three finishes are valued on entirely separate scales; a Proof-Like coin is not a "high-grade" business strike.
Can I tell a Proof-Like coin from a high-grade Business Strike?
Yes, with careful examination. A Proof-Like coin from a 2009 Uncirculated Set will show mirror-like fields — you can see a clear reflection in the flat background areas of the coin. A business-strike coin, even a superb MS-67, will show "cartwheel" luster: light radiates outward in a rotating pattern as you tilt the coin, rather than reflecting like a polished mirror. Third-party graders (ICCS, PCGS, NGC) distinguish these finishes with separate designations — "PL" versus "MS" — on the slab label. With the high number of Uncirculated Sets produced in this era, many PL coins have been broken from their packaging and circulate among raw uncirculated coins, so a "shiny" loose 2009 penny is quite likely a PL coin.
What happened to Canadian pennies in 2013?
The Royal Canadian Mint struck its last penny in May 2012. Distribution to financial institutions ceased on February 4, 2013. Canadian pennies remain legal tender indefinitely — they can still be tendered for payment and deposited at banks — but the RCM no longer produces or distributes them. The 2009 penny is therefore one of the last few production years, which gives it historical resonance as a coin struck near the very end of the denomination's 92-year modern history.
What is the most valuable standard 2009 Canadian penny?
The single most valuable standard (non-error) 2009 Canadian penny is a 2009 Non-Magnetic (CPZ) cent graded MS-68 Red by PCGS or ICCS. The zinc core is softer than steel, the thin copper plating is chemically reactive, and surviving 15+ years of storage without a single spot, contact mark, or plating breach is statistically improbable. These coins are "registry breakers" — collectors competing for the top spot in registry sets will pay significant premiums for low-population examples at this grade level. For the Magnetic variety, MS-68 Red examples ($150.00+ CAD) are comparably rare and command strong competition.
Can I melt my 2009 Canadian penny for its metal?
The Currency Act of Canada prohibits the melting of Canadian coins. More practically, the scrap metal value of copper-plated steel or copper-plated zinc is negligible — far below the numismatic value of any above-average example of the 2009 cent. High-grade examples and Non-Magnetic specimens should be stored and collected, not spent or melted. Even circulated examples are better preserved for their 1¢ face value than for any metal recovery.
Methodology & Sources
Values presented in this guide reflect market data available as of 2026 in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Prices were compiled from the following sources:
- Coins and Canada: 1-cent 2003–2012 price guide
- NGC Canada Cent KM 490a Price Guide
- Toronto Coin Shop: Sold ICCS MS-67 Red 2009 Magnetic (sale record)
- Edmonton Numismatic Society: A Good Decade for Cent Varieties
- Numista: Canada 1 Cent — 4th Portrait, Magnetic with RCM Logo
- Royal Canadian Mint: 1-Cent Official Page
- Saskatoon Coin Club: Canadian 1-Cent Obverse Design Evolution
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (variety and specification reference)
- ICCS population reports (grade distribution reference)
Numismatic values are dynamic and subject to market fluctuation. Values are intended as a guide, not a guarantee of future sale prices. Professional authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is recommended for high-value transactions. This guide covers standard (non-error) 2009 Canadian pennies only.
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.