1882-H Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide
What is your 1882-H Canadian quarter worth? Price guide by grade (G-4 to MS-65+), Business Strike and Specimen values, silver melt floor, and authentication tips — all in CAD.
A circulated 1882-H Canadian quarter is worth a minimum of $27.80 CAD (G-4) — well above its sterling silver melt floor of ~$19.56 CAD. In certified Mint State grades, values climb to $5,900 at MS-64, and exceedingly rare Specimen strikes reach $14,700+ in catalogued grades.
- Circulated (G-4 to VF-20):$27.80–$177.00
- Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF-40–AU-50):$423.00–$716.00
- Uncirculated (MS-60–MS-64):$1,990–$5,900
- Specimen (SP-63–SP-65):$7,400–$14,700
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Three key facts for quick identification: (1) Every genuine 1882 Canadian quarter was struck at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham — look for a small "H" on the reverse below the ribbon knot. (2) This is a sterling silver coin (92.5% Ag); it is non-magnetic and its melt value provides a meaningful floor. (3) If your coin appears three-dimensional with a frosted portrait against a matte or mirrored field, it may be an extremely rare Specimen strike worth $7,400 or more — do not handle it further and submit it for certification. See full value chart →
The 1882-H Canadian 25-cent piece is a Victorian silver quarter struck exclusively at the private Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England — identifiable by the small "H" mint mark on the reverse. With a mintage of 600,000, it belongs to the long-running Victoria "Diademed Head" series (1870–1901) and is the sole year to use the distinctive Obverse 3 (OQ3) die. Over 140 years of circulation, attrition, and melting have left a limited survival pool, pushing numismatic premiums far above the coin's inherent silver value at every collectible grade. For values across all years of the Canadian quarter series, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Note: Production errors such as off-center strikes or clipped planchets may exist for this year but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1882-H Canadian Quarter Composition & Melt Value
The 1882-H quarter was struck to the Sterling Standard — a higher silver purity than the contemporary United States 90% silver alloy. Its metallurgical profile is fixed as follows:
- Alloy: Sterling Silver
- Purity: 0.925 Ag / 0.075 Cu
- Total Weight: 5.81 grams (theoretical minted weight)
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.1728 troy ounces
- Diameter: 23.88 mm
- Die Axis: Coinage alignment (↑↓) — the reverse is upside down when the coin is flipped vertically
Melt Value (February 2026)
Using a silver spot price of approximately $113.10 CAD per troy ounce (sourced from Canada Gold silver price data, February 2026), the melt value calculates as follows:
0.1728 troy oz × $113.10 CAD/troy oz ≈ $19.56 CAD
This figure represents the absolute minimum recoverable value of the coin's metal content. Critically, even a heavily worn G-4 example trades at approximately $27.80 CAD — a ~42% premium over melt. At Fine-12, the premium exceeds 400%. In Mint State, it exceeds 10,000%. The 1882-H is emphatically a numismatic asset, not a bullion coin. Any offer at or near melt value should raise serious concerns about authenticity or undisclosed damage.
Magnetic Properties — Key Authentication Test
Sterling silver is non-magnetic. A strong rare-earth magnet will not attract a genuine 1882-H quarter. If a coin presented as an 1882-H quarter sticks to a magnet, it is a counterfeit — likely a steel-cored piece. This single test is the fastest first line of authentication and should be performed before any detailed examination. See the Identification Guide section for a full authentication protocol.
An 1882-H Canadian quarter showing its characteristic silver-white surface and Heaton Mint "H" mark. The coin's sterling silver composition (92.5% Ag) gives it a bright, warm white appearance distinct from lower-purity alloys. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1882-H Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1882-H quarter exists in two documented finish categories: the standard Business Strike (circulation coin) and the exceedingly rare Specimen (SP) striking. No Proof-Like (PL) examples are documented for this issue. Values below reflect typical retail market prices as of February 2026 and are sourced from Coins and Canada (2026 pricing).
Side-by-side grade comparison: a heavily worn G-4 (left, portrait silhouette only), a mid-grade VF-20 (centre, clear braid detail), and a near-pristine MS-63 (right, full cartwheel luster). The value difference between these three examples is roughly $5 vs $177 vs $4,980. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1882-H Canadian 25-Cent — Business Strike (Circulation)
| Grade | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1882-H (OQ3) | $27.80 | $51.00 | $96.50 | $177.00 | $423.00 | $716.00 | $1,990 | $3,020 | $4,980 | $5,900 | — |
MS-65+ values are auction-dependent; see Notable Variants for trophy-level realized prices. All values in CAD.
⚠️ The AU-50 / MS-60 Danger Zone
The jump from AU-50 ($716) to MS-60 ($1,990) is the single most dangerous grade boundary for buyers of raw (uncertified) coins. A coin with microscopic rub on the Queen's cheek is AU-55; without that rub, it is MS-60 — a distinction worth over $1,200 that is often invisible to the naked eye. Never purchase an 1882-H quarter claimed as MS-60 or higher without third-party certification from ICCS, PCGS, or NGC.
ℹ️ EF-40 Surface Trap
Many coins marketed as EF-40 are cleaned VF-30s that have been brightened to appear lustrous. A genuine EF-40 must show residual mint lustre in the protected areas (e.g., between the letters of CANADA on the reverse). A coin that is grey and flat — however detailed — grades as VF, not EF. The price difference is approximately $246 ($177 vs $423).
1882-H Canadian 25-Cent — Specimen (SP) Issues
Specimen strikes were occasional masterwork productions by the Heaton Mint, made on polished planchets with specially prepared dies to showcase the facility's capabilities. They are categorically distinct from business strikes and require third-party certification to confirm. Values below are from Coins and Canada (2026). For the finest known SP-68 example, see Notable Variants.
| Finish | SP-63 | SP-64 | SP-65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) | $7,400 | $11,000 | $14,700 | Historically significant. SP-63 likely impaired or toned. Values can fluctuate based on toning character (rainbow vs. dark). |
All values in CAD as of February 2026. If you believe you have a Specimen example, do not handle it further — submit directly to ICCS or PCGS. A confirmed Specimen is a $7,000+ asset.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a Victorian silver coin destroys its numismatic value. A "cleaned" 1882-H is graded "Details — Cleaned" by grading services and trades at a 50–70% discount from problem-free examples. A problem-free VF-20 is worth $177; a cleaned VF-Details example might sell for $60 or less. No home cleaning method — including commercial silver dips — is appropriate for numismatic coins.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1882-H Canadian Quarter Varieties
Unlike some Victorian Canadian issues with dramatic catalogued die varieties, the 1882-H quarter is defined by a single obverse die (OQ3) used across the entire production. Rarity here is driven by condition scarcity and finish classification rather than a split between common and rare subtypes. The following rankings are drawn from auction records and catalogue data.
A) Trophy-Level Examples (Not Typical)
The following coins represent the absolute ceiling of the market — pieces that appear publicly perhaps once in a generation.
| Rank | Description & Grade | Realized / Estimated Value (CAD) | Why It Is Unique | Source & Provenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1882-H Specimen SP-68 | ~$27,000+ (USD $20,000 realized) | The "Newman Coin" — finest known example. Flawless surfaces with a unique matte-specimen finish. A population-of-one rarity. | Heritage Auctions, ANA Signature Sale (Eric P. Newman Collection) |
| 2 | 1882-H Specimen SP-67 | ~$20,000 (estimated) | Archive quality — only fractionally below the SP-68. Likely held in a long-term private collection. | Implied by SP-68 realized result |
| 3 | 1882-H Gem Mint State MS-66 | ~$10,000–$12,000 | The finest known business strike. A coin intended for circulation that survived untouched for over 140 years. | PCGS auction price archive |
| 4 | 1882-H Choice Specimen SP-65 | $14,700 (catalogue) | Gem-status specimen. Values fluctuate based on toning character — rainbow toning commands strong premiums; dark or uneven toning suppresses value. | Coins and Canada (2026) |
Business Strike (left) vs Specimen (right) for a Victorian Canadian silver quarter. The Business Strike shows uniform metallic cartwheel luster across both fields and portrait. The Specimen displays a stark three-dimensional contrast: frosted matte portrait against a mirrored or matte field with razor-sharp squared rim. If your coin looks like the right example, submit it uncirculated to a grading service immediately. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B) Findable Variants — The OQ3 Obverse Identity
The 1882-H is the only year in the Victoria 25-cent series to use the Obverse 3 (OQ3) die, as documented by the Saskatoon Coin Club's 25-cent obverse evolution study. This makes it a "one-year type" for variety specialists. Because all 1882-H quarters share the OQ3, there is no rare-vs-common split based on obverse die — but confirming OQ3 markers is critical for authentication against coins with altered dates (e.g., an 1881 quarter altered to read 1882 would carry the wrong OQ2 obverse).
| Variant / Feature | Charlton Ref. | Identification Note | Premium / Rarity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1882-H (OQ3) | OQ3 / RQ3 | "H" mint mark present on reverse; OQ3 portrait with distinct chin heaviness and specific ribbon characteristics. All genuine 1882-H quarters are this type. | Standard catalogue value | Saskatoon Coin Club; Reverse Evolution |
| Repunched "2" (Last Digit) | Unlisted | Doubling visible on the last digit "2" in the date. Victorian dies were hand-punched — minor repunching is a period characteristic. | Minor variety; interest to specialists. No separate premium in standard catalogues. | Norweb Collection, Stack's Bowers |
| Repunched "H" Mint Mark | Unlisted | The "H" shows shifting or doubling from an off-center first punch corrected by a second strike. | Minor variety; interest to specialists. No separate premium in standard catalogues. | Norweb Collection, Stack's Bowers |
Close-up diagnostic of the 1882-H OQ3 obverse portrait of Queen Victoria. The Obverse 3 die shows a distinctive heaviness under the chin and specific characteristics in the ribbon tying the wreath — features absent on the OQ2 used in 1881 and the OQ4 used in 1883. Confirming these OQ3 markers is the primary tool for authenticating against altered-date fakes. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
C) The "No H" Investigation
A persistent rumour holds that a small number of 1882 quarters were struck at the Royal Mint in London — which would lack the "H" mark. There is no official record of London production for the 1882 Canadian 25-cent piece. All recognised production was outsourced to the Heaton Mint. If you find an 1882 quarter apparently lacking an "H", the most likely explanations are: (A) a Filled Die — grease filled the "H" cavity during striking, producing a flat or ghostly impression; (B) wear — the "H" is small and placed near the rim, making it the first detail lost on a heavily circulated coin; or (C) deliberate removal — the mark was ground away to simulate a supposed rarity. Unless certified by a major grading service, a "No H" 1882 quarter should not be treated as a distinct variety commanding a special premium.
1882-H Canadian Quarter Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before consulting the value tables above.
Full obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the 1882-H Canadian quarter with key identification features labelled: (1) "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA" legend — confirm all words present; (2) Diademed Head portrait facing left (OQ3 type); (3) Maple leaf wreath with crown on reverse; (4) "25 CENTS" denomination in wreath centre; (5) "1882" date; (6) "H" mint mark below ribbon knot. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The 30-Second Checklist
Monarch Check. The obverse must show Queen Victoria facing left wearing a diadem (crown). The legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. This is the OQ3 "Diademed Head / Laureate Portrait" type, used exclusively in 1882 among 25-cent dies.
Reverse Check. Confirm a maple leaf wreath with a crown at the top and 25 CENTS in the centre. The reverse type catalogued as RQ3 was paired exclusively with the OQ3 obverse in 1882. See the Saskatoon Coin Club's reverse evolution reference for diagnostic details.
Date Check. Confirm the date reads 1882. Inspect the final digit "2" closely with a 10× loupe. Soft edges or solder lines around the numeral may indicate alteration from a different year.
Mint Mark Check. Look centrally below the ribbon knot and above the rim denticles on the reverse. A genuine 1882-H will have a small H. If the "H" appears to be a flat, ghostly impression, this is likely a Filled Die (grease in the die cavity) — a minor production anomaly, not a rare London variety. If no trace of the letter is visible, the coin may be heavily worn or the mark may have been removed.
Close-up of the 1882-H reverse showing the location of the "H" Heaton Mint mark: positioned centrally below the ribbon knot at the base of the wreath and immediately above the rim denticles. The mark is small — use a 10× loupe on worn examples. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Magnet Test (Composition Verification). Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. Sterling silver is completely non-magnetic. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is a counterfeit. Common Chinese counterfeits are steel-cored and will stick firmly. A genuine 1882-H will show zero magnetic attraction.
Weight Test. The standard minted weight is 5.81 grams. A heavily circulated coin may weigh 5.6–5.7 grams due to surface loss. Any coin weighing under 5.5 grams (unless extremely worn) or over 5.9 grams should be treated as suspect.
Rim Test. Heaton Mint coins typically display sharp, well-defined rim denticles. If the rim beads appear "mushy" or merge into the field, exercise caution — this can indicate casting (a counterfeit method) or significant damage.
Finish Identification (Critical Step).
- Business Strike: The coin has a metallic shiny appearance — cartwheel luster in the fields. The background fields and the portrait share a similar surface texture. Any marks or scuffs appear randomly distributed from bag handling.
- Specimen (SP): The coin appears three-dimensional. The background fields may be distinctly matte/frosted OR deeply mirrored, creating stark contrast against the frosted devices. The rim edges are sharply squared off — noticeably more defined than on a business strike. If you believe you have a Specimen, do not handle it further. It is a $7,000+ asset. Submit it directly to ICCS or PCGS.
Authentication magnet test: a rare-earth magnet held close to the 1882-H quarter. A genuine sterling silver coin shows zero magnetic attraction (left). A counterfeit steel-cored coin pulls firmly toward the magnet (right, marked with red X). This is the fastest first test and should be performed before any detailed examination. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Counterfeit Risk: Perform All Four Tests
Victorian Canadian quarters are among the most counterfeited early Canadian coins. Perform the magnet test, the weight test, the rim inspection, and the OQ3 portrait check together. A coin that passes all four is very likely genuine; a coin that fails any one of them should be submitted to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before purchase or sale.
1882-H Canadian Quarter Value FAQs
What is an 1882-H Canadian quarter worth?
Value depends almost entirely on grade and finish. A circulated example in Good-4 condition is worth approximately $27.80 CAD; a Very Fine-20 example is worth $177.00 CAD. Uncirculated (MS-60) coins are worth approximately $1,990 CAD, rising to $5,900 CAD at MS-64. Rare Specimen strikes are catalogued at $7,400–$14,700 CAD (SP-63 to SP-65), with the finest known SP-68 realizing approximately $27,000+ CAD. All values are as of February 2026.
Is the 1882-H Canadian quarter silver?
Yes. The 1882-H quarter is struck in Sterling Silver — 92.5% silver (Ag) and 7.5% copper (Cu) — identical to British sterling of the period. It contains 0.1728 troy ounces of silver, giving it a melt value of approximately $19.56 CAD at February 2026 spot prices. This silver content provides a meaningful floor value, but numismatic worth exceeds melt at every collectible grade. A genuine 1882-H is non-magnetic; if a magnet attracts the coin, it is a counterfeit.
What does the "H" mean on an 1882 Canadian quarter?
The "H" is the mint mark of Ralph Heaton & Sons (the Heaton Mint) in Birmingham, England. In the early 1880s, the Royal Mint in London was undergoing expansion and subcontracted certain colonial coinage — including all Canadian 25-cent pieces for 1882 — to this private facility. Every genuine 1882 Canadian quarter carries this mark; no London (no-mark) variety of this date exists in standard catalogues. The "H" is located on the reverse, centrally below the ribbon knot and above the rim denticles.
How do I know if my 1882-H quarter is genuine?
Perform four checks: (1) Magnet test — genuine sterling silver is non-magnetic; if the coin sticks to a magnet, it is fake; (2) Weight test — should be approximately 5.81 grams (5.6–5.7 g for worn examples); (3) OQ3 portrait check — confirm the Diademed Head Queen Victoria portrait with the correct chin profile specific to 1882; (4) Rim check — Heaton coins have sharp, well-defined denticles; mushy rims may indicate casting. For coins claimed as MS-60 or higher, or as Specimen strikes, third-party certification (ICCS, PCGS, or NGC) is strongly recommended before any significant purchase.
What is the difference between a Business Strike and a Specimen 1882-H quarter?
A Business Strike was produced for circulation using standard working dies and a normal planchet. It has cartwheel luster and random handling marks from the minting and distribution process. A Specimen was struck on a specially prepared, polished planchet using carefully maintained dies, typically to demonstrate the Heaton Mint's capabilities to official clients. The visual difference is striking: a Specimen appears three-dimensional, with a frosted portrait contrasting against distinctly matte or mirrored fields, and sharply squared rim edges. Specimen strikes are worth roughly 3–7 times the equivalent business strike grade — an SP-63 is catalogued at $7,400 CAD versus MS-60 at $1,990 CAD.
Should I get my 1882-H quarter professionally graded?
The decision hinges on the value gap. In Fine-12 or below (worth $27–$97), grading fees (~$30–$80 per coin depending on service) will likely exceed the coin's added market value from certification. In EF-40 and above (worth $423+), certification pays for itself: it proves the coin is problem-free, removes the AU/MS ambiguity, and opens access to major auction markets. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard and commands strong trust in the domestic market. PCGS and NGC carry strong weight in the international market, particularly on high-value lots at Heritage Auctions. For suspected Specimen coins of any grade, submit immediately — the potential value ($7,400+) makes certification essential.
What makes some 1882-H quarters extremely valuable?
Three factors drive exceptional premiums: (1) Condition scarcity — it is estimated that less than 1% of the 600,000 original mintage survives in Mint State. A coin in MS-63 or above represents a genuine rarity earned through 140+ years of intact preservation. (2) Finish classification — a Specimen strike was produced in minute quantities and is worth multiples of even the finest business strikes. (3) Provenance — coins from famous named collections such as the Eric P. Newman collection command a 10–20% provenance premium in the auction room, in addition to their intrinsic grade value.
My 1882 quarter has no "H" mint mark — is it rare?
Almost certainly not. There is no official record of London Royal Mint production for the 1882 Canadian 25-cent piece — all recorded production was at the Heaton facility. A missing "H" on an 1882 quarter is most likely due to: (A) heavy wear that removed this small near-rim detail; (B) a Filled Die error where grease in the die cavity prevented the "H" from striking up clearly (visible as a faint ghost of the letter); or (C) deliberate removal to simulate a supposed rarity. Unless a major grading service certifies it as a distinct variety, a "No H" 1882 quarter should not be purchased at a premium over the standard 1882-H value.
Why is the 1882-H quarter more valuable than its silver content?
Even a G-4 example ($27.80 CAD) trades at approximately 42% above its melt value (~$19.56 CAD) because collectors pay for historical scarcity — 140+ years of attrition, melting, and loss have made problem-free survivors genuinely rare. At Fine-12, the numismatic premium exceeds 400%. In Mint State, it exceeds 10,000%. This coin should be treated as a numismatic collectible, not a bullion purchase. Any offer at or near melt value should trigger suspicion about the coin's authenticity or undisclosed condition problems.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect market conditions as of February 2026 and are sourced from the following authoritative references:
- Coins and Canada — 25 Cents 1870–1901 Price Guide (2026): Primary source for all grade-by-grade business strike and specimen values.
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada 25 Cents KM-5 (1870–1901): Cross-reference for graded population and value validation.
- PCGS Auction Price Archive — Canada Victoria 25 Cents 1882-H MS-64: Trophy-level realized auction price data.
- Heritage Auctions Sale 3026, Lot 26688 — Victoria 25 Cents 1882-H: Auction record reference.
- NumisBids — Heritage ANA Signature Sale 3041 (Eric P. Newman Collection): Source for the SP-68 trophy realized price.
- Numista — 25 Cents Victoria, Canada: Technical specifications confirmation (weight, composition, diameter).
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 25-Cent Obverse Design Evolution: OQ3 die variety diagnostics and obverse identification.
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 25-Cent Reverse Design Evolution: RQ3 reverse identification and die pairing context.
- Canada Gold — Today's Silver Prices: Silver spot price used in melt value calculation (~$113.10 CAD/troy oz, February 2026).
- Stack's Bowers — The Norweb Collection (1996): Reference for minor repunched-date and repunched-mint-mark varieties.
Values represent typical retail market prices for problem-free, uncleaned examples. High-grade and Specimen values are estimates based on historical realized prices and catalogue data; live auction results may vary. This guide covers standard (non-error) business strike and specimen values only.
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.