1886 Canadian One Cent (Large Cent) Value Guide
Complete 1886 Canadian Large Cent price guide. Values in CAD for Obverse 1 (Round Chin) and Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin) by grade, plus the Charlton-listed Double 6 variety and rare Specimen strikes. Updated February 2026.
Most circulated 1886 Canadian Large Cents (Obverse 2 / Dimpled Chin) are worth $5.90–$63.10 CAD depending on grade. The scarcer Obverse 1 (Round Chin) ranges from $9.80–$120.00 CAD in circulated grades. In top certified Gem Red condition, values reach $9,400–$11,600 CAD.
- Circulated OB2 — G-4 to AU-50:$5.90–$63.10
- Circulated OB1 — G-4 to AU-50:$9.80–$120.00
- Mint State OB2 (MS-65 Gem Red):$4,940
- Mint State OB1 (MS-65 Gem Red):$9,400
- Superb Gem OB2 (MS-66):$11,600
- Double 6 Variety (EF-40):$139 versus $32.40 for standard OB2 in the same grade
Found in a collection — circulated? Most surviving examples grade VG-8, the typical condition for a coin that saw heavy 19th-century commerce. Does it look unusually sharp or mirror-like? A tiny number of 1886 cents were struck as Specimen coins; authenticated examples are exceptionally rare and valued at $10,000–$20,000+ CAD per source literature. Is it silver? No — the 1886 Large Cent is coinage bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc) with no precious-metal content. The most important step before assessing value: identify the obverse (round chin = Obverse 1; dimpled chin = Obverse 2) and inspect the final digit of the date for the rare Double 6. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart →
The 1886 Canadian Large Cent — a 25.4 mm coinage bronze piece struck exclusively at the Royal Mint in London with a mintage of 1,500,000 — is one of the most diagnostically rich coins in the Victorian series. It is the last year to feature both the earlier "Obverse 1" (Round Chin) and the updated "Obverse 2" (Dimpled Chin) portraits side by side, making variety identification the single most critical factor in determining value. The same coin can differ in worth by more than 4× simply by checking one digit of the date under a loupe. For values across the complete range of Canadian one-cent pieces, see the Canadian Penny Value Guide.
1886 Canadian Large Cent Composition & Specifications
The 1886 Large Cent was struck on a coinage bronze planchet composed of 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc. This alloy — the British standard for bronze coinage — was chosen for its durability and resistance to corrosion compared to pure copper. Tin provided hardness to the struck surface, extending die life and preserving fine detail under the rigors of heavy circulation. Zinc acted as a deoxidizer during the casting process, ensuring a clean flow of metal into the die recesses.
The coin weighs 5.67 grams and measures 25.4 mm in diameter (exactly one inch), specifications standardized across the Dominion's cent coinage beginning in 1876 and matched to the British halfpenny to facilitate public confidence and interchangeability within the imperial currency system.
Mint facility identification: All 1886 Large Cents were struck at the Royal Mint in Tower Hill, London. The absence of any mint mark confirms London origin. The presence of an "H" mint mark would indicate the Heaton Mint in Birmingham — this is not documented for the 1886 date. Collectors should verify no marks are present when examining a coin offered as an 1886 cent.
Magnetic properties: Because the 1886 cent is solid coinage bronze with no steel or nickel core, it is non-magnetic. A simple magnet test should yield no attraction — this is the expected result for an authentic example. Any coin from this series that clings firmly to a magnet warrants further examination.
Melt value: The source materials consulted for this guide do not provide a calculated melt value for the 1886 cent. As a 19th-century bronze coin, its numismatic value in any preserved state far exceeds its intrinsic metal value; melting is therefore economically irrational and legally restricted under the Currency Act of Canada.
Color and surface chemistry: Because the 1886 cent is predominantly copper, its surface will naturally oxidize over time — shifting irreversibly from the original salmon-pink "Red" (RD) through "Red-Brown" (RB) to fully toned "Brown" (BN). For uncirculated examples, this color designation is a primary value driver assigned alongside the numerical grade by certified services. A coin that has retained full Red luster for nearly 140 years is a genuine rarity, and the value premium it commands reflects the chemical instability of copper.
1886 Canadian Large Cent Value Chart by Grade & Variety
The 1886 Large Cent has three distinct value tracks: the scarcer Obverse 1 (Round Chin), the more common Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin), and the Charlton-listed Double 6 reverse variety. Always identify your obverse before consulting the tables — see the Identification Guide below for the step-by-step diagnostic. All values in CAD as of February 2026, sourced primarily from Coins and Canada.
⚠️ Color Designation Drives Uncirculated Values
For Mint State (MS-60 and above) examples, color is a primary grading component assigned alongside the numerical grade. A Red (RD) coin — retaining over 95% of its original copper bloom — can be worth 300% to 500% more than a Brown (BN) coin of the same numerical grade. The MS-65 and MS-66 values shown in the tables below reflect Gem Red examples. Brown coins at the same numerical grade trade at a significant discount. Color designation is assigned by certified grading services (ICCS, PCGS, NGC); do not self-assign color on a coin you intend to submit.
Grade comparison: a heavily circulated 1886 Large Cent (left) versus a Mint State example retaining original luster (right). Note the portrait detail loss and dark oxidation on the circulated example. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1886 Canadian Large Cent — Obverse 1 (Round Chin) Values
Obverse 1 is the minority variety for the 1886 date. In lower circulated grades the price spread over Obverse 2 is moderate; in Mint State, an Obverse 1 commands 200%–300% more than an equivalent Obverse 2, reflecting both greater scarcity and the demand created by variety-set collectors requiring both obverses. The leap to MS-65 at $9,400 reflects that perhaps only a handful of examples survive in full Gem Red condition.
| Variety | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OB1 — Round Chin | $9.80 | $14.70 | $22.50 | $33.20 | $70.90 | $120.00 | $300.00 | $1,180.00 | $2,590.00 | $9,400.00 |
MS-60 reflects Brown (BN). MS-65 reflects Gem Red (RD). Source: Coins and Canada; NGC Price Guide — Canada Cent KM 7.
Three 1886 Large Cents showing the Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and full Red (RD) color designations. Preserving original Red on a coin struck in 1886 is extraordinarily rare and drives the premium MS-65 valuations in the table above. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1886 Canadian Large Cent — Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin) Values
Obverse 2 is the more frequently encountered variety and the entry point for most collectors of this date. Its price progression is more linear in circulated grades, making it accessible at almost every collecting budget. The MS-66 valuation of $11,600 demonstrates the extraordinary premium placed on top-population condition rarities — even for the "common" variety of a given date.
| Variety | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OB2 — Dimpled Chin | $5.90 | $7.80 | $10.70 | $16.90 | $32.40 | $63.10 | $136.00 | $478.00 | $1,030.00 | $4,940.00 | $11,600.00 |
MS-60 reflects Brown (BN). MS-65 reflects Gem Red (RD). MS-66 (Superb Gem) is firmly in finest-known territory. Source: Coins and Canada; NGC Price Guide — Canada Cent KM 7 (alternate).
1886 Canadian Large Cent — Double 6 Variety Values
The Double 6 is a Charlton Standard Catalogue-listed reverse die variety found primarily on Obverse 2 coins. It is one of the best cherry-picking opportunities in the entire Victorian cent series: a correctly identified EF-40 Double 6 trades for $139 CAD, versus $32.40 for a standard OB2 in the same grade — a premium of more than 4×. Higher grades are rarely encountered and trade on a case-by-case auction basis for which no documented pricing is available.
| Variety | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 / MS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double 6 (OB2 pairing) | ~$50–$70 (estimated) | $139.00 | — | EF-40 value is documented. VF-20 is a document estimate only. AU-50 and MS grades are rare; no documented price is available. |
💡 Cherry-Picking Opportunity
The Double 6 is frequently unlabeled in dealer inventory bins priced at the standard OB2 rate. Inspecting the "6" in the date with a 5× loupe costs nothing and can instantly turn a $32.40 purchase into a $139 coin. Look for distinct secondary relief — a true ghosted secondary impression with depth at the top loop or the bottom ball of the digit — not the flat, shelf-like appearance of mere machine doubling.
ℹ️ Specimen Strikes — Obverse 1a (DC-18) Die
A tiny number of 1886 cents exhibit Specimen characteristics — razor-sharp squared rims, mirror-like or satin matte fields, and the complete absence of die flow lines — struck using the Obverse 1a (DC-18) die. Authenticated examples have appeared at major sales (including the Frontenac sale of 1991) and at least one resides in the National Currency Collection. No per-grade price table is possible for these; the source literature suggests values exceeding $10,000–$20,000 CAD depending on provenance and condition. These figures are speculative given the extreme rarity of confirmed examples. Acquiring an 1886 Specimen requires expert authentication — consult ICCS or a specialist in Victorian Canadian coinage.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1886 Canadian Large Cent Varieties
The 1886 date offers four distinct collectible varieties, ranging from the widely recognized Obverse 1/Obverse 2 distinction — which alone drives a 200%–300% premium differential in Mint State — to the specialist-level Obverse 1a sub-variety and the Charlton-listed Double 6. Understanding each is essential for accurate buying, selling, and grading decisions.
1. Obverse 1 (Round Chin) — The Premium Variety
Obverse 1 is the earlier of the two 1886 portrait designs, first introduced in 1876 and being phased out by the mid-1880s. Its minority status on the 1886 coinage is the defining rarity driver of the date: in lower circulated grades the price premium over Obverse 2 is modest, but in Mint State an Obverse 1 commands 200%–300% more than an equivalent Obverse 2. This spread reflects both genuine scarcity and the demand from variety-set collectors who require both obverses to complete a date run.
Primary diagnostic — the chin: On Obverse 1, the underside of Queen Victoria's chin is fully rounded and describes a smooth, uninterrupted curve. There is no dimple, notch, or indentation. The lips appear prominent and full, with the upper lip projecting slightly forward.
Supporting diagnostics: The neck truncation is smooth and lacks deep anatomical recessing. The overall portrait conveys a determined, youthful fullness.
Value range:$9.80 (G-4) to $9,400 (MS-65 Gem Red). See the Obverse 1 value table.
2. Obverse 1a — The Transitional "Sleeper" Variety
Close-up of the 1886 Large Cent obverse illustrating the Obverse 1a bead separation diagnostic: on OB1a, a distinct gap is visible between the bottom of Queen Victoria's bust and the peripheral bead border. The bust does not contact the beads. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Within the Obverse 1 category, advanced collectors using the "Rob Turner" classification system recognize a critical sub-variety: Obverse 1a. This die was used in 1881, 1882, and 1886. The 1886 Obverse 1a is particularly elusive and is often conflated with the standard Obverse 1 by general grading services — making it a genuine "sleeper" variety that specialists identify for a meaningful premium above standard OB1 pricing.
Primary diagnostic — bead separation: On Obverse 1a, there is a distinct, visible gap between the bottom of the Queen's bust and the peripheral bead border. The bust clearly does not touch the beads. On the standard Obverse 1, this clearance is absent or minimal.
Supporting diagnostic: The bead positioned directly above the crown is typically full and well-defined on OB1a dies.
Research context: Rob Turner's research documents that "All known 1886 obverse C1A cents were coined using the single DC-18 obverse die," suggesting the OB1a die may have begun as part of a special or Specimen run before entering general production. It is the die directly associated with the extremely rare 1886 Specimen strikes discussed below.
Value guidance: The 1886 OB1a is not separately priced in mainstream guides; it is typically catalogued under Obverse 1 pricing. Among specialists who recognize the Turner varieties, a premium beyond the standard OB1 applies. Consult the Collecting Victorian Cent Varieties research presentation for specialist attribution guidance.
3. Double 6 — The Cherry-Picker's Prize
10× magnification of the 1886 Large Cent date showing the Double 6 variety: a distinct secondary impression — showing genuine relief — is visible at the top loop and bottom ball of the final digit. Compare with a normal single impression to confirm. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Double 6 is a Charlton Standard Catalogue-listed reverse die variety that occurred when the engraver initially punched the final digit of the date in a slightly incorrect position, then re-punched it to correct the alignment. This was an inherent hazard of the manual date-punching process used in 19th-century die preparation. The result is a distinct secondary impression of the "6," most visible at the top loop or the bottom ball of the digit.
Key diagnostic: Under a 5× loupe minimum, examine the "6" in "1886." A confirmed Double 6 shows two overlapping impressions — the secondary image must exhibit distinct serifs and genuine relief depth. This distinguishes it from machine doubling, which produces a flat, shelf-like secondary image with no added depth.
Die pairing: The Double 6 is found primarily paired with the Obverse 2 portrait.
Value impact: A confirmed Double 6 in EF-40 is worth $139 CAD versus $32.40 for a standard OB2 in the same grade — a premium exceeding 4× for a single digit inspected under a loupe. See the Coins and Canada pricing page for current values.
4. Specimen Strikes — Rarest of the 1886 Date
A handful of 1886 cents exhibit the defining characteristics of Specimen production: razor-sharp squared rims, mirror-like or satin matte fields, and a complete absence of die flow lines. These are distinct from Proof-Like business strikes and represent an intentional special production using the Obverse 1a (DC-18) die.
Known examples include a coin that appeared in the Frontenac sale of 1991 and at least one held in the National Currency Collection. Per the source literature, authenticated 1886 Specimens are valued at approximately $10,000–$20,000 CAD or higher depending on provenance and condition — though these figures are speculative given the extreme rarity of confirmed examples. Full academic treatment of this variety is available in the Rob Turner Specimen research.
1886 Canadian Large Cent Identification Guide
Confirming exactly what you have — and specifically which obverse variety — is the single most important step before assessing the value of an 1886 Large Cent. Use this 30-second checklist.
Obverse and reverse of a standard 1886 Canadian Large Cent (Obverse 2 shown). Left: Queen Victoria's Mature Head diademed portrait facing left with legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. Right: ONE CENT and the date within a beaded circle surrounded by a maple leaf wreath.
30-Second Identification Checklist
Monarch: The obverse must show Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a gothic-style crown with a laurel wreath. This is the "Mature Head" or "Diademed Portrait" designed by Leonard C. Wyon. The encircling legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. A peripheral ring of small beads runs along the rim.
Reverse: The reverse displays ONE CENT and the date 1886 within a beaded circle, surrounded by a continuous maple leaf wreath. This is the Variety 2 reverse (used 1883–1890), identifiable by its larger leaves with fewer veins than earlier provincial issues.
Date: Confirm the date reads 1886 as a single four-digit date. This is not a commemorative dual-date issue.
Edge: The edge must be plain — no reeding, no lettering. A coin with a reeded edge is not an 1886 Large Cent.
Magnet test (composition verification): Apply a magnet to the coin. The 1886 cent is solid coinage bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc) and should be non-magnetic. Strong magnetic attraction would indicate the coin is not an authentic 1886 bronze cent and warrants further investigation.
Mint mark check: Examine the entire coin surface carefully under a loupe. There should be no mint mark of any kind. All 1886 Large Cents were struck at the Royal Mint in London; the absence of a mark confirms this. An "H" mint mark (indicating the Heaton Mint in Birmingham) is not documented for the 1886 date and would raise authenticity questions.
Finish identification (critical for premium valuation):
- Business Strike: The standard 1886 cent shows cartwheel luster — concentric die-flow lines radiating outward from the center of the fields, visible as the coin is tilted under a light source. Uncirculated examples may show contact marks from handling.
- Specimen: A potential Specimen exhibits razor-sharp, squared rims, mirror-like or satin matte fields, and a complete absence of die flow lines. These characteristics are dramatically and unmistakably different from even the finest business strike. If your coin may be a Specimen, it requires examination by ICCS or a specialist in Victorian Canadian coinage before any decision is made.
The definitive obverse identification test for the 1886 Large Cent: Obverse 1 (left) with its smooth, fully rounded Round Chin versus Obverse 2 (right) with the distinct dimple or notch on the underside of the chin. Check under a loupe — this single diagnostic determines your value table. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
The Obverse Test — Most Important Step
After confirming you have an 1886 Large Cent, immediately examine the chin of Queen Victoria's portrait under a loupe:
| What You See at the Chin | Obverse | Value Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Chin is smooth and fully rounded — curve is uninterrupted | Obverse 1 (Round Chin) | Premium variety — use the OB1 value table |
| Chin has a distinct dimple or notch on the underside — angular profile | Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin) | Standard variety — use the OB2 value table |
If your coin is Obverse 1, check further for the specialist Obverse 1a sub-variety: Is there a clearly visible gap between the bottom of the Queen's bust and the peripheral bead ring? If the bust does not touch the beads, you may have the elusive OB1a. Consult the Saskatoon Coin Club's variety guide or the Victorian Cent Varieties research for attribution comparison.
The Date Test — Double 6 Check
Regardless of obverse, always inspect the final digit of the date before pricing any 1886 cent:
- Under a 5× or stronger loupe, examine the "6" in "1886."
- A Double 6 shows a distinct secondary impression — ghosted relief at the top loop or the bottom ball of the digit. Look for actual depth in the secondary image.
- This is not the flat, shelf-like appearance of machine doubling. True die doubling adds genuine raised depth to the secondary impression.
- A confirmed Double 6 in EF-40 is worth $139 versus $32.40 standard — worth checking every 1886 cent you encounter.
Surface finish comparison: a standard 1886 business strike (left) showing cartwheel die-flow luster versus the characteristics of a Specimen strike (right) with mirror-like fields, frosted devices, and sharply squared rims. Authenticated Specimens are among the rarest coins in the Victorian cent series. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning strips original luster from a Victorian bronze cent and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" (damaged) by ICCS, PCGS, and NGC, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying portrait quality. The original toned surface on a 140-year-old bronze coin is irreplaceable — even an unflattering brown patina is preferable to a cleaned surface. If a coin looks suspiciously bright for its age, examine it closely for fine parallel lines (hairlines) before purchasing.
⚠️ Copper Surface Stability
Original Red luster on an 1886 cent continues to oxidize when exposed to air, humidity, or skin oils. Store high-grade examples in inert, archival-quality holders. Even brief handling with bare fingers can introduce oils that accelerate toning. For significant investments in Red or Red-Brown examples, professional encapsulation by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC provides the best long-term protection for both the coin and its certified grade.
1886 Canadian Large Cent Value FAQs
What is an 1886 Canadian Large Cent worth?
It depends on which variety you have and its grade. Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin) — the more common variety — ranges from $5.90 in Good (G-4) to $63.10 in About Uncirculated (AU-50), and up to $11,600 in Superb Gem (MS-66 Red). Obverse 1 (Round Chin) commands a significant premium: $9.80 (G-4) to $9,400 (MS-65 Gem Red). The Double 6 reverse variety adds a further premium — a confirmed EF-40 Double 6 is valued at $139 versus $32.40 for standard OB2 in the same grade. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
How do I tell Obverse 1 from Obverse 2 on an 1886 Large Cent?
Look at the underside of Queen Victoria's chin under a loupe. Obverse 1 (Round Chin): the chin's bottom surface is smooth and fully rounded, with no interruption to the curve. Obverse 2 (Dimpled Chin): there is a distinct notch or dimple on the underside of the chin, creating a less rounded, more angular profile. The lip structure also differs — OB1 lips appear fuller and more prominent, while OB2 lips look slightly retracted. The chin is the most reliable single diagnostic and can be checked quickly with any 5× loupe.
What is the Double 6 variety, and how do I find it?
The Double 6 is a Charlton-listed die variety caused when the engraver punched the final digit of the date in a slightly incorrect position, then re-punched it to correct the alignment. Under a 5× or stronger loupe, look for a distinct secondary impression of the "6" — most visible at the top loop or the bottom ball of the digit — that shows genuine relief depth. This is not the flat, shelf-like appearance of machine doubling. The Double 6 is found primarily on Obverse 2 coins and is frequently unlabeled in dealer bins, making it one of the best cherry-picking opportunities in the entire Victorian large cent series. A confirmed EF-40 Double 6 is worth $139 versus $32.40 for a standard OB2 — check every 1886 cent you encounter before pricing it.
Is the 1886 Canadian Large Cent rare?
The 1886 cent was produced in a mintage of 1,500,000 — moderate by Victorian series standards, but significantly below the 4-million-piece years of 1882 and 1888. Circulated examples are available, with Very Good (VG-8) representing the typical grade found in mixed lots. What is genuinely rare is the Obverse 1 in Mint State with original Red luster — perhaps only a handful of examples survive in full Gem condition, accounting for the $9,400 valuation at MS-65. The Obverse 1a and Specimen strikes exist in an entirely different rarity tier: Specimens are considered once-in-a-generation acquisitions for serious collectors.
Is my 1886 Canadian Large Cent silver?
No. The 1886 Large Cent is coinage bronze — 95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc — with absolutely no silver content. Its value is entirely numismatic, driven by variety, grade, and color preservation. If you are looking for silver content in Victorian-era Canadian coinage, check the 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢ denominations of the period, which were struck in 92.5% sterling silver. The one-cent piece was never struck in silver.
What is the Red (RD) color designation and why does it affect value so dramatically?
Copper coins receive a color designation alongside their numerical grade because the surface chemistry of copper changes naturally over time. Red (RD) means the coin retains over 95% of its original salmon-pink copper bloom — the color it had on the day it was struck in 1886. Red-Brown (RB) indicates 5%–95% original color remaining. Brown (BN) means the coin has fully toned to a chocolate or dark patina. Preserving full Red luster on a 140-year-old bronze coin requires exceptional, unbroken storage conditions from production. A coin can be worth 300%–500% more with a Red designation than an identically graded Brown coin. Certified grading services (ICCS, PCGS, NGC) assign the color designation as part of the official grade on the holder label.
Should I get my 1886 Large Cent professionally graded?
The answer depends on grade and variety. For circulated examples below EF-40, the cost of certification at ICCS, PCGS, or NGC (typically $30–$75+ per coin) will likely exceed or match the coin's market value, making submission economically unjustified. Grading becomes clearly worthwhile at EF-40 and above — particularly for Obverse 1 examples (where the jump from AU-50 at $120 to MS-60 at $300 is substantial), for any coin suspected to be a Double 6 or Obverse 1a, and certainly for any potential Specimen. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian standard for Victorian-era domestic coinage and is generally the preferred service for this series. PCGS and NGC are US-based but widely accepted and carry deep auction-record databases used by registry-set collectors. Do not submit brown, cleaned, or problem coins — grading services will note surface issues that may reduce rather than increase marketability.
What is Obverse 1a, and how does it differ from standard Obverse 1?
Obverse 1a is a specialist sub-variety of the Obverse 1 portrait, classified within the "Rob Turner" system of Victorian cent attributions. Its primary diagnostic is a visible gap between the bottom of Queen Victoria's bust and the peripheral bead border: on OB1a, the bust clearly does not contact the beads, whereas on standard OB1 this clearance is absent or minimal. The OB1a die (designated DC-18 in Turner's research) was used in 1881, 1882, and 1886. Because general grading services often attribute it simply as Obverse 1, the 1886 OB1a is a genuine sleeper variety. It is also the die associated with the extraordinarily rare 1886 Specimen strikes. Attribution requires close examination against the Victorian Cent Varieties reference materials or consultation with a Victorian cent specialist.
How does the 1886 cent compare in rarity to other key Victorian dates like the 1891 Small Date?
The 1891 Small Date Large Leaves (SDLL) is widely recognized as the premier key date of the late Victorian large cent series and commands higher prices across all grades. However, the 1886 has a distinct numismatic dimension that a single key date cannot match: the coexistence of two obverse types creates variety-collecting demand, and the Double 6 provides the same detective appeal as hunting a recognized key. For high-grade Mint State collecting, the 1886 Obverse 1 in Gem Red is argued by specialists to be scarcer in that condition than a generic 1858 cent, despite the 1858 having a lower total mintage. The 1886 is considered an undervalued key in the Victorian series.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide represent typical market prices as of February 2026 and are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Primary pricing data is drawn from the sources listed below. Market values for rare Victorian copper coins can shift materially with individual auction results; the prices shown should be used as a starting reference, not as guaranteed sale prices.
- Coins and Canada — 1886 One Cent Prices (primary pricing source for all standard and Double 6 values)
- NGC Price Guide — Canada Cent KM 7 (1876–1901)
- NGC Price Guide — Canada Cent KM 7 (alternate listing)
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 1 Cent Obverse Design Evolution
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 1 Cent Major Varieties
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities
- Calgary Coin — Canadian Cents Reference
- Rob Turner — The Surprising 1876 Specimen Cents (Victorian Cent Research) (Specimen strike documentation and Obverse 1a / DC-18 attribution)
- Rob Turner — Collecting Victorian Cent Varieties (Calgary Presentation)
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (Double 6 listing and variety attribution)
This guide covers standard (non-error) values for the 1886 Canadian one-cent piece only. For the most current market data, consult the NGC and Coins and Canada price guides linked above alongside recent results from Canadian auction houses. Specialist Victorian cent research by Rob Turner at victoriancent.com is the authoritative source for Obverse 1a and Specimen attributions.
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.