The 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny, sometimes referred to as the Bicentennial Penny, honors Canada’s Confederation’s 100th anniversary. Since Canada won’t celebrate its bicentennial until 2067, it is actually a centennial penny, despite the fact that some people call it a bicentennial coin. Many collectors continue to question whether the 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny is still valuable today in spite of that small distinction.
1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Centennial Penny |
| Year | 1967 |
| Design | Rock dove on reverse |
| Designer (Obverse) | Arnold Machin (Queen’s bust) |
| Designer (Reverse) | Alex Colville |
| Composition | Bronze (98% copper) |
| Weight | 3.24 grams |
| Mintage | 345,140,645 |
Key Features of 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny
In 1967, Canada celebrated its centennial. To mark this important day, the Royal Canadian Mint released a new design for each denomination of coin. For the one-cent coin, artist Alex Colville drew a calm rock dove in flight, signifying hope and new beginnings.
The 1967 edition differed from the usual maple leaf design of earlier and later pennies, making it physically unique.
1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny Worth
What is the value of a 1967 Canadian Centennial cent, then? Your coin is probably valued between one and ten cents, or face value, if it is in circulating condition and exhibits wear. Some rare or uncirculated mistake variants, on the other hand, can fetch up to $20 or more.
1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny Value by Grade
| Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (low) | $0.01 – $0.10 |
| XF (Extra Fine) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| AU (Almost Uncirculated) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| MS-65 (Mint State) | $10 – $22.00 |
| Doubled Die Obverse Error | $500 – $3,000+ |
1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny Special Varieties
If you’re lucky, your 1967 Canadian penny might be one of these rare or valuable varieties:
1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- This error causes the Queen’s image or letters to appear doubled.
- Value can range from $500 to over $3,000, depending on condition.
2. Specimen or Proof Strikes
- Higher-quality coins made for collectors.
- These coins were not meant for circulation and may have mirror-like surfaces.
- Value: $5 to $20+ depending on the finish and grade.
Why Do Some 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny Sell for More?
A 1967 penny in high mint state condition can attract premium offers, especially when:
- It has a high MS-65 or better grading.
- It has an error, like a doubled die.
- It’s part of a special proof or specimen set.
- It has been well-preserved (no cleaning or corrosion).
If you’re unsure, it might be worth sending your coin to a grading company like NGC or PCGS.
Are 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny Still Legal?
Technically, yes. But Canada removed the penny from circulation in 2013. Today, cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents. You can still spend a 1967 penny, but most stores will not accept it. For collectors, it’s worth more as a collectible than as currency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny rare?
Not exactly. With over 345 million minted, it’s common. However, high-grade versions or error coins can be rare and valuable.
Why is there a dove instead of a maple leaf on the 1967 penny?
The dove symbolizes peace and was chosen by artist Alex Colville to represent the Centennial year.
What is the most valuable 1967 Canadian penny?
The Doubled Die Obverse variety is the most valuable and can be worth thousands of dollars in mint state.
How do I know if my 1967 Bicentennial Canadian Penny is valuable?
Check for errors (like doubling), and see if it’s shiny and scratch-free. For best results, have it graded by a professional service.
Bicentennial Quarter Error List: Rare Mistakes That Could Be Worth Thousands
Conclusion
While the standard 1967 Bicentennial Canadian penny may not be worth a fortune, it holds strong sentimental and historical value. Some rare varieties and error coins are definitely worth a second look and could be worth hundreds or even thousands.
So, the next time you come across an old Canadian penny with a dove on the back—take a closer look. That small copper coin might just be a small piece of Canadian history…