1949 Penny

Winner.

I can only thank you all for pointing out the details I need to look for! I'm ordering a cd copy of the book of Canadian coins which I hope will assist me in identifying what I have. But even after I get it I expect I will learn more from reading comments on this forum.
I was quite disappointed in how rough the coin looked in the picture. I know that what I have is 'pocket change', but is there anything that can be done to clean up the coins without damaging them?

I agree with Kurt, cleaning copper is tricky. I found that oxidized (brown) copper in MS condition can in fact recover some redness by using an acid but more often the results do not improve the coin's appeal in my opinion. For this particular coin, I would just wash it with water and soap then dry with a smooth tissue (without rubbing). I've had good results in dipping previously cleaned copper (discoloured, etched) into olive oil.

As for your 1949 cent grade(ref. Charlton p.xxi):

VF-20 The eyebrow is worn away. The ear and hair wave above the ear have lost detail and are starting to flatten. There is wear on the cheek bone. no mint lustre is present.

At F- levels, the there would be very little hair remaining. At EF, it would show mint finish between letters of the legend.

So according to the pictures, in my opinion your coin qualifies for a grade of VF-20.

Marc