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.
The 1892 Canadian Large Cent (Penny) is a rather low mintage year coin with just over 1 million minted by the Royal Mint of England. There are 3 standard obverse coins, and a single reverse type to be aware of. Read more to find out all about this coin.
In 1890 the H for Heaton mint was again present on the reverse bottom center.
The 1893 Queen Victoria Canadian Cent has a wide range of colors and grades to choose from. No matter your budget you have a decent chance of picking up your preferred 1893 Cent at most popular auctions or coin shows.
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.
Until the 1876 H Large Cent was minted at the Heaton (H) mint, a standardized cent for Canada had not been in use for 17 years. Because of this the 1876 H Canadian penny is considered a key date in Canadian coinage history.
