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.
What are 1888 Canadian Large Cents worth? Average values for the Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny issued in 1888 vary from location to location but on average you can expect to see this coins listed price to be around $10.00 in poor condition and $600.00 in a mint state. However, if you are selling to a dealer you can expect to get a reduced rate of between $7.5-$450 as dealers have to make some sort of profit.
- Year: 1888
- Type: Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny
- Private Party Value: $10.00-$600.00+
- Dealer Price: $7.5-$450+
- Face Value: 0.01 CAD
- Produced: 4,000,000
- Shape: Round
About: Mintage for this year was increase nearly 3x over previous year making these coins worth slightly less on average.
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 1888 Canadian Large Cent. This may better give you an idea what your coin is worth.
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-22 | 1888 Canadian Large Cent | XF | $4 (eBay) |
| 2014-03-02 | 1888 Canadian Large Cent | MS64 RB | $158 (Stacks Bowers) |
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
Variations and Errors
- 1888 DDO (look for doubling on number 8s)
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.
The 1886 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.
The 1886 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.
The 1894 Canadian Large Cent is considered by most to be Key Date of importance due largely too its low mintage numbers. Thick 4 is the variation name also called thick.
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.
