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.
What are 1891 Canadian Large Cents worth? Average values for the Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny issued in 1891 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 $600.00 in a mint state. However, if you are selling to a dealer you can expect to get a reduced rate of between $9-$450 as dealers have to make some sort of profit.
- Year: 1891
- Type: Large Cent Queen Victoria Penny
- Private Party Value: $12.00-$600.00+
- Dealer Price: $9-$450+
- Face Value: 0.01 CAD
- Produced: 1,453,000
- Shape: Round
About: There are 3 main variations to collect. Large Leaf / Small Date appears to be the most valuable.
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 1891 Canadian Large Cent. This may better give you an idea what your coin is worth.
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-03-25 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | F12 | $12 (LL/LD) |
| 2024-04-05 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | VF20 | $25 (LL/LD) |
| 2024-04-29 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | VF20 | $32 (LL/LD) |
| 2013-01-17 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | VF25 BN | $81 (SD/SL) |
| 2010-01-12 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | AU53 | $322 (SD/SL) |
| 2023-05-17 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | AU55 | $144 (LL/SD) |
| 2011-01-11 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | MS63 RB | $360 (LD/LL) |
| 2009-09-13 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | MS63 BN | $517 (LL/LD) |
| 2009-01-04 | 1891 Canadian Large Cent | MS64 RB | $747 (LL/LD) |
| Sales Date | Coin | Grade | Price |
Variations and Errors 3 main key variations for the reverse they are as follows.
- 1891 Large Leaves / Small Date (obverse)
- 1891 Large Leaves / Large Date (obverse)
- 1891 Small Leaves / Small Date (obverse)
In addition to the variations on the reverse there are variations for the obverse as well.
- 1891 Obverse 2
- 1891 Obverse 3
What about errors?
- Double Die Obverse - is known to exist
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
