1882 H Canadian Large Cent (1¢) Value Guide
Find out what your 1882 H Canadian Large Cent is worth. Complete price guide by grade and color (Red, Brown, Red-Brown), Obverse 2 over 1 variety values, Heaton Mint authentication tips, and Specimen context. All values in CAD as of early 2026.
Most circulated 1882 H Canadian Large Cents are worth $5–$60 CAD depending on grade. Certified Gem Red (MS-65 RD) examples command $2,700–$3,000 CAD. The rare Obverse 2 over 1 variety starts at ~$150 in VG.
- Worn (G-4): ~$5 (Brown)
- Very Fine (VF-20): $15–$20 (Brown)
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $50–$60 (Brown) / $75 (Red-Brown)
- Uncirculated (MS-60 Red): $200
- Select Gem (MS-63 Red): $270–$300
- Gem (MS-65 Red): $2,700–$3,000
- Obverse 2 over 1 Variety (VG-8): ~$150
Is it silver? No — the 1882 Large Cent is bronze (95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc) and non-magnetic. It contains no precious metals. Color matters enormously in Mint State: an MS-65 Brown is worth $500+, while the same coin in full Red is $2,700–$3,000. Shiny coin from a collection? It is almost certainly a Business Strike in high-grade condition or early die state — genuine Specimen strikes from the Heaton Mint are extremely rare and require documented provenance. All values in CAD as of early 2026. See full value chart →
The 1882 H Canadian Large Cent is a cornerstone of the Queen Victoria decimal series — struck entirely by Ralph Heaton & Sons in Birmingham, England, and identified by the distinctive "H" mint mark centered below the date on the reverse. Despite its 4,000,000-piece mintage, survivors retaining full Mint Red luster rank among the most prized Victorian copper coins in Canadian numismatics, commanding thousands at auction while circulated examples remain accessible to budget collectors. The year 1882 is also notable as a transitional period for die varieties, with the introduction of the Obverse 2 hub running alongside the outgoing Obverse 1 — and the rare, Charlton-listed Obverse 2 over 1 hybrid creating the year's key variety. For values across the complete Queen Victoria Large Cent series, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Minor striking errors such as grease-filled dies (which can obscure the "H" mint mark) exist for 1882 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1882 H Canadian Large Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1882 Large Cent was struck on a ternary bronze alloy — 95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc. The addition of tin and zinc improved hardness and die-fill characteristics over pure copper, enabling the intricate hair strands and jewel details of Leonard Charles Wyon's Diademed Head portrait to be rendered with clarity. The Numista reference for this type confirms these standard alloy specifications.
Melt Value
As a base-metal bronze coin, the 1882 Large Cent has negligible intrinsic metal value. Its numismatic worth far exceeds any copper content — even a worn G-4 example commands approximately $5 CAD, multiples of any metal value. This coin should never be melted.
Magnetic Properties — Authentication Test
The 1882 Large Cent is non-magnetic. The bronze alloy (copper, tin, zinc) contains no iron. A genuine 1882 cent will not respond to a magnet under any normal circumstances. If a coin labeled "1882 Large Cent" clings to a magnet, it is either on the wrong planchet or is not what it appears to be — a useful and immediate first authentication step requiring no equipment beyond a common refrigerator magnet.
Why Full Red Luster Is Rare: The Color Chemistry
The high copper content of the alloy is chemically reactive to sulfur and atmospheric humidity. Over decades, the original "Mint Red" surface oxidizes progressively — first to Red-Brown, then to a stable chocolate Brown. This process is largely irreversible, meaning full-Red 1882 cents are a diminishing resource that becomes rarer every year as naturally toning examples cross color thresholds. Numismatists use three standard color designations:
- Red (RD): Greater than 95% original mint color. The coin appears as it did leaving the Heaton Mint in 1882 — brilliant coppery-red cartwheel luster.
- Red-Brown (RB): 5% to 95% original color. A transition state commanding intermediate pricing between BN and RD.
- Brown (BN): Less than 5% original color. Fully oxidized to a chocolate or dark brown — the most common state for circulated and lower Mint State examples.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Victorian copper is frequently found cleaned — whizzed, polished, or chemically dipped. A cleaned 1882 cent will have an unnatural, stripped orange color rather than the soft, satiny cartwheel luster of an original surface. Cleaned coins are graded "Details" (damaged) and trade at 50% or less of the values listed in this guide. Never purchase a raw (uncertified) coin as "Red" — only buy certified Red coins in ICCS, PCGS, or NGC holders where the color designation has been independently verified.
1882 H Canadian Large Cent Value Chart by Grade & Color
Values reflect the Canadian market as of early 2026, sourced from the Canadian-Coins.ca 1882 H cent pricing reference and the NGC World Coin Price Guide for Canada KM-7 (1876–1901). Color designation drives the exponential pricing in Mint State grades; circulated coins are graded on Brown standard only.
1882 H Canadian Large Cent — Business Strike (Standard Issue, Obverse 1 & Obverse 2)
The market does not differentiate pricing between Obverse 1 and Obverse 2 in any grade. Both are collected interchangeably as standard "1882 H" examples.
| Grade | Brown (BN) | Red-Brown (RB) | Red (RD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | ~$5.00 | — | — | Portrait outline visible; date readable; rims may merge with legend |
| VG-8 | $7.00 | — | — | Entry-level collectible grade; rim distinct from lettering |
| F-12 | $9.00–$12.00 | — | — | ~50% hair braid detail; common album grade |
| VF-20 | $15.00–$20.00 | — | — | "Sweet spot" for budget collectors seeking detail |
| EF-40 | $25.00–$35.00 | — | — | Significant eye-appeal jump; traces of luster in protected areas |
| AU-50 | $50.00–$60.00 | $75.00 | — | Best value-for-money grade; RB premium begins here |
| MS-60 | $95.00 | $130.00 | $200.00 | Color designation is now the primary price driver |
| MS-63 | $150.00 | $200.00 | $270.00–$300.00 | Third-party grading strongly recommended at this level |
| MS-64 | $250.00 | $350.00 | $500.00–$1,000.00 | Wide RD range reflects market variability; certified RD only |
| MS-65 | $500.00+ | $1,000.00+ | $2,700.00–$3,000.00 | Gem Red: among the premier Victorian copper survivors in the series |
ℹ️ Confirmed Auction Realization
An 1882 H in PCGS MS-65 Red realized approximately $2,600 CAD in a past sale tracked via the London Coin Centre Auction 6 (September 2021) on NumisBids — consistent with the $2,700 catalogue estimate shown above. This realization confirms that the catalogue figures reflect achievable market prices for certified Gem Red examples.
The three color designations that drive Mint State value: Red (RD, left) shows brilliant coppery-red luster; Red-Brown (RB, center) shows partial toning; Brown (BN, right) is fully oxidized to chocolate tones. Color is the single greatest value driver above MS-60. (Illustration — not photos of specific coins)
Grade comparison: a heavily worn G-4 example (left, ~$5) retains only the outline of Victoria's portrait, while a near-Gem Mint State example (right) displays sharp tiara jewels, distinct hair strands, and original surface luster. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Obverse 2 over 1 Variety — Value Table
The Obverse 2 over 1 is a recognized variety in the Charlton Standard Catalogue, commanding a dramatic premium in all grades. Values below reflect current market pricing for confirmed, attributed examples. See Victorian Cents of Canada — Hybrid Cent Obverses for the authoritative diagnostic reference for this variety.
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Collecting Note |
|---|---|---|
| VG-8 | ~$150.00 | Entry point; often unidentified in dealer stock — the "cherry picker" opportunity |
| F-12 | ~$300.00 | Desirable collector grade; doubling details remain confirmable |
| VF-20 | ~$450.00 | Strong detail required to confirm all variety markers under loupe |
| EF-40 | ~$900.00 | Very scarce; high demand from Victorian variety specialists |
| AU-50 | ~$1,800.00 | Rarely traded publicly; likely requires specialist auction |
| MS-60+ | Rare — auction-determined | Document estimate: $3,000+; no recent public sales on record |
Specimen Strikes — Rarity Note
ℹ️ Specimen Strikes: Extremely Rare Presentation Pieces
The Heaton Mint produced a small number of Specimen strikes — presentation pieces struck on polished planchets with polished dies — showing razor-sharp squared rim edges, deep mirror fields, and frosted devices creating a cameo contrast effect. Per research into Victorian cent Specimen strikes, if a genuine 1882 H Specimen appeared at auction today, it would likely command an estimated $4,000–$6,000+ CAD. These are not found in ordinary collections. Any "shiny" 1882 cent encountered in a jar or album is almost certainly a Business Strike in early die state, not a genuine Specimen.
All values in CAD, as of early 2026. For the full denomination series, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1882 H Canadian Large Cent Varieties
The 1882 H cent offers three distinct die-variety states for the obverse. The first two — Obverse 1 and Obverse 2 — are standard varieties collected interchangeably by date-set collectors. The third, the Obverse 2 over 1, is the year's key variety: a Charlton-listed rarity that can turn a $7 coin into a $150+ collectible at even the lowest collectible grades. Variety attribution information draws on the Calgary Coin Canadian cent die variety reference and Victorian Cents of Canada — Hybrid Cent Obverses.
Standard Varieties: Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2
By 1882, the Heaton Mint was transitioning between two master hub states for the Wyon Diademed portrait. The chin profile is the primary diagnostic:
| Feature | Obverse 1 | Obverse 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chin profile | Smooth, rounded curve | Angular, distinct "notch" or dimple — the "Double Chin" |
| Throat line | Smooth transition to neck | Deep undercut; "baggy" appearance below jaw |
| Tiara top jewel | Standard clearance from rim beads | Often touching or overlapping the nearest border bead (denticle) |
| Legend text | Sharp, single impression | Sharp, single impression |
| Value premium | None in lower grades | None in lower grades |
In all grades below MS-60, the market assigns identical prices to Obverse 1 and Obverse 2 coins. Both are collected as standard "1882 H" examples. Premiums for attributed Mint State examples may emerge in specialist markets but are not reflected in standard catalogue pricing.
The primary variety diagnostic: Obverse 1 (left) has a smooth, rounded chin that curves gently into the throat; Obverse 2 (right) shows a distinct angular notch or "double chin" dimple at the jaw-throat junction. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Key Variety: Obverse 2 over 1 (Charlton Listed)
This variety resulted from a hubbing anomaly at the Heaton Mint, where a working die received an initial impression from the Obverse 1 hub and was then finished with the Obverse 2 hub — or vice versa — leaving conflicting design elements embedded in the finished die. It is listed in the Charlton Standard Catalogue and commands a premium of approximately 20× the standard coin value starting at VG-8.
Diagnostic Pickup Points (in order of reliability)
- Legend Doubling on CANADA and REGINA (Primary Diagnostic): Inspect these words under 5×–10× magnification. Clear, distinct doubling — particularly on the serifs of each letter — is the most dramatic and reliable indicator. On a standard coin, letters are sharply single-struck. On the Ob2/1, each letter appears to have a ghost or shadow offset from the primary stroke.
- Rim Denticle Doubling (Secondary): Examine the tooth-like rim denticles near the word VICTORIA, specifically near the letter 'C'. On Ob2/1 examples, these denticles will appear doubled or carry a shadowed outline.
- The 'C' Die Crack (Specific Die State Confirmation): A particular die state of this variety carries a diagonal die crack running through the 'C' in VICTORIA. If present, this is a strong corroborating confirmation marker.
- Hybrid Portrait (Supporting Evidence): The portrait may retain the rounded chin of Obverse 1 despite exhibiting the lettering characteristics of Obverse 2 — a mismatch that expert authenticators specifically look for when attributing this variety.
The definitive Ob2/1 diagnostic: under magnification, the word CANADA shows distinct doubling on letter serifs (highlighted). On a standard 1882 H cent, letters are sharply single-struck. This doubling is what transforms a $7 VG coin into a $150+ variety. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Cherry Picker's Opportunity
The Ob2/1 variety is frequently unidentified in general dealer stock. Raw coins labeled "1882 H Fine" at $10–$12 may be $300 variety coins if the doubling is present. Use a 5×–10× loupe and inspect CANADA first — if you see distinct doubling on letter serifs, proceed to check the rim denticles near 'C' in VICTORIA and look for the die crack. A confirmed Ob2/1 in F-12 is worth approximately $300 CAD versus $10–$12 for a standard example of the same grade.
💡 Variety Attribution Matters for Resale
For any confirmed Ob2/1 variety (which is worth $150+ in VG), third-party certification and variety attribution by ICCS (International Coin Certification Service, Toronto) is strongly recommended before buying or selling. Dealers frequently discount raw attributed variety coins they cannot independently verify. An ICCS or PCGS holder with the variety noted on the label significantly increases buyer confidence and resale value.
1882 H Canadian Large Cent Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value tables.
Obverse (left): Queen Victoria's Diademed / Mature Head portrait by L.C. Wyon, facing left, with the legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. Reverse (right): Maple wreath encircling ONE CENT and date 1882; the Heaton "H" mint mark sits centered at the very bottom, between the wreath ribbon bow and the rim denticles. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a pearl-and-scrollwork diadem (tiara) and a Gothic-style bodice, with hair drawn into a bun and a long curl at the neck. The portrait was engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint. The legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. If your coin shows a younger, laureate (wreath-crowned) Queen, it is an earlier issue (1858 or 1859), not an 1882.
- Reverse Check: The reverse shows a continuous maple leaf wreath of 16 leaves encircling ONE CENT (top) and the date 1882 (bottom). The wreath is tied at the bottom with a ribbon bow. An "H" mint mark sits centered between that bow and the rim denticles.
- Date Check: Confirm the single date 1882. There are no dual dates on this issue.
- Edge Check: The edge is plain (completely smooth). A Large Cent with a reeded edge is a different coin entirely and requires separate identification.
- Magnet Test — Composition Verification: Place a magnet against the coin. A genuine 1882 H Large Cent is non-magnetic — the bronze alloy (95% Cu, 4% Sn, 1% Zn) contains no iron. If the coin responds to a magnet, it is either a wrong-planchet striking or not an authentic 1882 Large Cent.
- Mint Mark Check: Examine the bottom center of the reverse, between the wreath ribbon bow and the rim. The "H" for the Heaton Mint, Birmingham, should be visible. All genuine 1882 cents are Heaton strikes — no plain (no mark) cents were struck for circulation in 1882. If the "H" appears absent, it is most likely obscured by die grease fill or worn away through heavy circulation, not evidence of a different minting facility.
- Finish Identification:
- Business Strike (MS) — Common: Shows "cartwheel" luster — a rotating sheen of reflected light that sweeps across the fields as the coin is tilted. Devices (portrait, wreath) show the same surface character as the fields.
- Specimen (SP) — Extremely Rare: Razor-sharp, squared-off rim edges. Deep mirror-bright fields. Frosted, matte devices creating a stark cameo contrast. Almost certainly not what you have unless you have documented 19th-century provenance from a presentation set.
- Variety Check: First, examine the chin in the portrait under a loupe — smooth and rounded equals Obverse 1; angular notch or "double chin" equals Obverse 2. Then, under 5×–10× magnification, examine the word CANADA. Distinct doubling on the letter serifs is the primary signal of the Obverse 2 over 1 variety, potentially worth $150+ in VG alone.
The "H" (Heaton Mint, Birmingham) mark on the 1882 Large Cent reverse, centered between the wreath ribbon bow and the rim denticles at the very bottom. If the mark appears absent, it is almost certainly obscured by circulation wear or a grease-filled die — not a missing-mark variety.
Business Strike (left) shows characteristic cartwheel luster with uniform surface texture. A Specimen strike (right, hypothetical reconstruction) would display deep mirror fields, frosted devices with cameo contrast, and sharply squared rim edges — extremely rare and not found in ordinary collections. (Illustration — not photos of your exact coin)
⚠️ PL Contamination Note
Modern collector set programs (Proof-Like sets, Specimen sets) did not exist in the Heaton Mint era. A "shiny" 1882 cent is not a PL coin — there are no 1882 PL issues. It is most likely a Business Strike in an early die state or high Mint State grade, or rarely, a genuine Specimen presentation piece. Do not confuse early die state brilliance with the mirror-field characteristics of true Specimen strikes.
1882 H Canadian Large Cent Value FAQs
What is a 1882 H Canadian Large Cent worth?
In typical circulated grades, a 1882 H Large Cent is worth approximately $5 (G-4) to $60 (AU-50) in Brown condition. In Mint State, color determines the price: MS-60 BN is $95, MS-60 RD is $200. At the Gem Red apex, catalogue values are $2,700–$3,000 CAD, confirmed by a PCGS MS-65 RD example that realized approximately $2,600 CAD at the London Coin Centre Auction 6 (September 2021) via NumisBids. The Obverse 2 over 1 variety commands premiums of approximately 20× standard pricing from VG onward. All values in CAD as of early 2026.
Is the 1882 H Canadian Large Cent rare?
The standard 1882 H is not rare in circulated grades — with 4,000,000 struck, tens of thousands of circulated survivors remain available at modest prices. However, the coin becomes genuinely scarce in high Mint State grades retaining full Red luster; the document notes perhaps fewer than 50–100 examples may exist at the MS-65 Red level. The Obverse 2 over 1 variety is significantly rarer than standard examples at all grades, and genuine Specimen strikes are extremely rare in any condition.
What makes a 1882 H Large Cent valuable?
Three factors drive value: (1) Grade — the exponential jump from MS-63 RD ($270–$300) to MS-65 RD ($2,700–$3,000) illustrates the "Condition Rarity" phenomenon for this issue. (2) Color — Red (RD) commands a massive premium over Brown (BN); an MS-65 BN is $500+ while the same coin in Red is $2,700–$3,000, a difference of over $2,000 in a single grade. (3) Variety — the Charlton-listed Obverse 2 over 1 is worth approximately $150 in VG versus $7 for a standard VG example.
Is my 1882 Canadian penny silver?
No. The 1882 Large Cent is made of bronze: 95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc. It contains no silver, gold, or other precious metals. It is non-magnetic and has negligible intrinsic metal value. Its worth is entirely numismatic — based on grade, color preservation, and variety attribution. Canadian silver coinage of the era covered 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢ denominations, not the cent.
What is the Obverse 2 over 1 variety and how do I find one?
The Ob2/1 variety resulted from a hubbing anomaly where a working die received impressions from both the Obverse 1 and Obverse 2 hubs, leaving conflicting design elements on the finished die. The primary diagnostic is clear, distinct doubling on the letter serifs in the word CANADA (and REGINA) under 5×–10× magnification. Secondary markers include doubled rim denticles near the 'C' in VICTORIA and a diagonal die crack through that same letter. To search for one: inspect raw 1882 H coins in dealer stock at F or VF grades using a loupe focused on CANADA. A confirmed Ob2/1 in F-12 is worth approximately $300 CAD versus $10–$12 for a standard coin of the same grade.
Should I get my 1882 H Large Cent graded?
Third-party grading is strongly recommended for any coin valued above approximately $100 — meaning MS-60 or better in any color, or any confirmed Ob2/1 variety in VG or better. For circulated coins (G-4 through AU-50 in standard BN), grading fees will typically exceed the coin's market value, making submission uneconomical. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service, Toronto) is the standard for the Canadian market and is widely recognized at Canadian coin shows. PCGS and NGC are preferred for cross-border resale and offer rigid plastic slabs with superior long-term environmental protection. Red (RD) color claims on raw, uncertified coins should be treated with skepticism due to the prevalence of artificially treated copper.
What do Brown, Red-Brown, and Red mean for my coin's value?
For Mint State examples (MS-60 and above), color is the primary value driver. Brown (BN, less than 5% original red) is the lowest tier: MS-65 BN = $500+. Red-Brown (RB, 5%–95% original red) commands the middle ground: MS-65 RB = $1,000+. Red (RD, more than 95% original red) commands the highest premiums: MS-65 RD = $2,700–$3,000. The difference between BN and RD at the MS-65 level is more than $2,000. In circulated grades (G-4 through AU-50 with minor exceptions), Brown is the standard designation since handling and circulation eliminate nearly all original luster.
Why does my 1882 H cent appear to have no "H" mint mark?
All 1882 Large Cents were struck at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham — no plain (no mint mark) cents were struck for Canadian circulation in 1882. If the "H" appears absent on your coin, it is almost certainly one of two things: (1) a worn coin where the low-relief "H" was polished away through heavy circulation, or (2) a die-grease strike where the punch was filled during production, leaving a flat spot. In either case, the coin remains a standard Heaton strike and is valued identically to a coin with a clearly visible "H" at the same grade. It is not a separate, more valuable plain-mint variety.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are sourced from the following references, as of early 2026:
- Canadian-Coins.ca — 1882 H Cent Price Guide (primary pricing source for all grade/color tiers)
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada KM-7 (1876–1901)
- NumisBids — London Coin Centre Auction 6, September 2021 (confirmed MS-65 RD realization ~$2,600 CAD)
- Victorian Cents of Canada — Hybrid Cent Obverses (Ob2/1 variety diagnostics and attribution)
- Calgary Coin — Canadian Cent Die Variety Reference
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 1-Cent Obverse Design Evolution
- Numista — Canada 1 Cent (KM 7, Victoria) (alloy and specification confirmation)
- Victorian Cents of Canada — Specimen Cent Research (1876 precedent) (Specimen valuation context)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (current edition) — primary variety attribution reference for Ob2/1 Charlton listing
Values represent typical retail market prices as of early 2026 and are subject to market fluctuations. This guide covers standard (non-error) varieties only. Grading standards align with ICCS and PCGS/NGC terminology. Population/census data was not available for this report. Numismatic assets should be evaluated by a professional prior to purchase or sale.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.