Prince Edward Island – 1871 One Cent Coin - XF

Sale!
Prince Edward Island – 1871 One Cent Coin - XF
CA$55.00 CA$35.00

Obverse (Front)

  • Portrait: Queen Victoria, facing left, wearing a coronet.

  • Legend: “VICTORIA QUEEN”

  • Date: 1871

  • Engraver: Leonard C. Wyon (his initial “L.C.W.” appears below the bust on many examples).

  • Design Style: Similar to contemporary British colonial bronze issues (like Newfoundland and Nova Scotia cents).

Reverse (Back)

  • Design: A large oak tree beside three small saplings — symbolizing Prince Edward Island’s union with Canada’s three founding provinces.

  • Latin Motto: “PARVA SUB INGENTI” — meaning “The small under the protection of the great.”

  • Legend: “PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ONE CENT” around the rim.

  • Composition: Bronze

  • Diameter: 25.4 mm

  • Weight: ~5.67 grams

Mintage and History

  • Mintage: 2,000,000 pieces (struck in London, England, by Heaton Mint).

  • Historical Context:

    • Issued two years before Prince Edward Island joined Confederation (1873).

    • It is the only coin officially issued by Prince Edward Island before joining Canada.

    • Circulated alongside other provincial coins like those of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.