In 1890 the H for Heaton mint was again present on the reverse bottom center.
What are 1890 H Canadian Large Cents worth? Average values for the Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny issued in 1890 vary from location to location but on average you can expect to see this coins listed price to be around $12.00 in poor condition and $500.00 in a mint state. However, if you are selling to a dealer you can expect to get a reduced rate of between $9-$375 as dealers have to make some sort of profit.
- Year: 1890
- Type: Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny
- Private Party Value: $12.00-$500.00+
- Dealer Price: $9-$375+
- Face Value: 0.01 CAD
- Produced: 1,000,000
- Shape: Round
About: With just 1 million of these minted this could be considered a rather low mintage year.
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 1890 H Canadian Large Cent. This may better give you an idea what your coin is worth.
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-28 | 1890 H Canadian Large Cent | XF | $26 (eBay) |
| 2024-04-27 | 1890 H Canadian Large Cent | XF | $38 (eBay) |
| 2024-03-14 | 1890 H Canadian Large Cent | MS60 RB | $54 (eBay) |
| 2020-01-20 | 1890 H Canadian Large Cent | MS64 RB | $288 (Stacks Bowers) |
| 2021-06-22 | 1890 H Canadian Large Cent | MS64 RB | $384 (Stacks Bowers) |
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
Variations and Errors
- 1890 Flying I
- 1890 Double Die Reverse
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 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.
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.
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.
1891 the design changed slightly with more detail being added to the leaves on the reverse of the coin. There are several variations to note, be sure to check the list in the variations and error section below.
