The 1884 Canadian Large Cent / Penny is considered an important and semi-key date to remember for collectors of Canadian Coinage for both the rather low mintage numbers and the fact that the coin no longer contains the H (Heaton) mint mark.
What are 1884 Canadian Large Cents worth? Average values for the Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny issued in 1884 vary from location to location but on average you can expect to see this coins listed price to be around $5.00 in poor condition and $1600.00 in a mint state. However, if you are selling to a dealer you can expect to get a reduced rate of between $3.75-$1200 as dealers have to make some sort of profit.
- Year: 1884
- Type: Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny
- Private Party Value: $5.00-$1600.00+
- Dealer Price: $3.75-$1200+
- Face Value: 0.01 CAD
- Produced: 2,500,000
- Shape: Round
About: Only 2.5 million Canadian Large Cent from the year 1884 were minted in England making this a lower than average mintage year. With previous years being around 4 million.
Obverse (front)
Latin inscription, "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA. CANADA", which means Victoria, Queen by the Grace of God. Young Queen Victoria with laurel wreath in her hair.
Reverse (back)
ONCE CENT and the Date in a circle located center. 16 total maple leaves wind their way around the outermost circle.
Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon (Obverse), Leonard Charles Wyon (Reverse)
History Repeats Itself
A well known and popular saying for a good reason. One of the best predictors of a coin's value is its historic sales. Here are a few sales records for the 1884 Canadian Large Cent. This may better give you an idea what your coin is worth.
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-20 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | Circulated | $13 (eBay) |
| 2024-02-14 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | VF30 | $7 (eBay) |
| 2020-01-23 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | EF 45 | $51 (Heritage) |
| 2019-08-25 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | AU | $432 (Heritage) |
| 2013-06-27 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | MS63 BN | $78 (Heritage) |
| 2008-05-30 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | MS64 RB | $373 (Heritage) |
| 2021-01-14 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | MS65 RB | $336 (Heritage) |
| 2009-01-04 | 1884 Canadian Large Cent | MS65 Red | $1,725 (Heritage) |
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
Variations and Errors
Known variations include
- 1884 Round Chin - Regular non double chin.
- 1884 Double Chin - looks like the queen gained some weight and has a double chin.
- 1884 Large Cent Die Cracks - are known to exist
- 1884 Rd, RB, BN Color Variations as usual for most copper cents.
Where is the mint mark located? If the coin in question has a mint mark it will be at the bottom center of the reverse. Look for an H which stands for Heaton Mint located in Birmingham England. 
Important Dates:
1858,1876-H,1884,1891,1894,1908 C are rare semi-key, key, and general dates of interest to collectors.
In 1881 the Heaton Mint created another Canadian Penny after a 5 year break from minting. The 1881 H Canadian Large cent is another great option for those looking to purchase or trade late 1800's Canadian coinage. You can usually purchase them for $3-$20 loose or in those classic white cardboard holders. If you're looking for something nicer the certified near mint state specimens with great luster and color will likely set you back a few hundred dollars however.
In 1890 the H for Heaton mint was again present on the reverse bottom center.
The 1882 H Canadian Large Cent featuring Queen Victoria represents the first bit of consistency as it was the first time that the Heaton Mint in Birmingham England produces these coins 2 straight consecutive years. Before 1882 the minting was spotty at best.
The 1888 Canadian Penny, also known as the Canadian Large Cent or the Victoria Cent is a larger than normal 1c coin used in Canada but minted in England.
In 1890 the H for Heaton mint was again present on the reverse bottom center.
