COIN
CulturePrince Edward Island
Dimensions2.5 cm (1 in.)
Object numberHF.85.147.1
DescriptionA circular bronze 1cent coin, known as the "Tree Cent". Moving inwards from the obverse coin edge, there is a circle of repeating dots, then "VICTORIA QUEEN 1871, followed by a second circle of repeating beaded border which encircles a central embossed profile image of Queen Victoria wearing the George IV State Diadem and a flowing ribbon at the base of her neck. The reverse side of the coin has the same outer and inner repeating beaded border which enclose the words, "PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ONE CENT", embossed onto the coin. The central image is a large oak tree next to three smaller oak trees with PEI's motto "PARVA SUB INGENTI" embossed underneath. Narrative
In 1871, PEI converted its money to dollars and cents from pounds, shillings and pence. To help the change, the Island issued a one cent bronze coin, known as the "Tree Cent". The coin's design was inspired by the Queen's profile on the Jamaican half-penny and PEI's colonial seal. The oak trees featured on the coin represent Great Britain as the larger tree and PEI's three counties in the form of the three smaller trees and reflect the Island's motto of Parva sub Ingenti - the small under the protection of the great.
The decision in 1871 to issue coins was made too late in the year for the Royal Mint to accommodate the request, so a private company, Ralph Heaton & Sons of Birmingham, was contracted to produce the coins. Of all the coins struck by this company for the British government, it is thought that the "Tree Cent" is the only one missing the company's "H" mint mark. PEI was the last colony in British North America to transition away from British currency and this is the only currency struck for PEI prior to entering Confederation in 1873.
