1892 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide
Complete price guide for the 1892 Canadian 25-cent piece. Sterling silver values from G-4 ($25) to MS-65 ($15,000 CAD), obverse variety diagnostics for Obverse 2, 3 & 4, and rare Specimen strike estimates ($25,000โ$40,000+ CAD).
The 1892 Canadian quarter is struck in sterling silver (92.5% Ag), giving every example intrinsic metal value far above its 25ยข face value. A worn, circulated example trades for $25โ$85 CAD; a mid-grade Very Fine brings $120โ$275 CAD; and a Gem Mint State survivor can reach $11,000โ$15,000 CAD.
- Circulated (G-4 to F-12):$25โ$85 CAD โ silver content adds a floor above face value at every grade
- Collector Grade (VF-20 to EF-40):$120โ$475 CAD โ most actively traded range
- About Uncirculated (AU-50):$600โ$900 CAD
- Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-64):$1,200โ$8,500 CAD
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65):$11,000โ$15,000 CAD
- Specimen Strike (SP โ extremely rare): Est. $25,000โ$40,000+ CAD
Three quick checks: (1) Found in an estate or old collection? Every 1892 quarter carries intrinsic silver value based on approximately 0.1868 troy oz of sterling silver โ worth far more than its 25ยข face value regardless of wear. (2) Looks bright white or shiny? Caution โ a flat, mirror-white shine almost always signals past chemical cleaning, which destroys numismatic premium; genuine uncirculated examples show a rotating cartwheel luster under a raking light, not a flat white sheen. (3) Is it silver? Yes โ 92.5% sterling silver. Apply a magnet: a genuine 1892 quarter is non-magnetic. If a magnet attracts it, the coin is not genuine silver. All values in CAD as of 2025โ2026. See full value chart โ
The 1892 Canadian quarter is a sterling silver artifact from Canada's Victorian era, struck entirely at the Royal Mint in London โ Canada's own Ottawa Mint would not open until 1908. With a mintage of just 510,000 pieces and more than 130 years of attrition through heavy circulation, silver melting, and loss, high-quality survivors are genuinely rare. What makes the 1892 issue especially compelling for specialists is a transitional moment in Royal Mint die production: three distinct obverse types (Obverse 2, Obverse 3, and Obverse 4) were employed during the same production run, offering a rich field of variety attribution for the advanced collector. For values across the full Victorian quarter series and beyond, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
1892 Canadian Quarter Composition & Silver Content
The 1892 quarter is struck in sterling silver โ the .925 fine standard of the British motherland โ rather than the .900 fine standard used for contemporary US silver coins. At 5.81 grams, the coin contains approximately 0.1868 troy ounces of fine silver. This silver content gives every 1892 quarter intrinsic metal value that has always exceeded its 25ยข face value; the current melt floor fluctuates with the silver spot price and should be checked against live market data before buying or selling. The document's technical specifications are catalogued in detail at Numista's 1892 Canadian 25-Cent listing.
The 7.5% copper content, while a minor fraction, plays a major role in the coin's long-term surface appearance. Over 130 years, copper reacts with atmospheric sulfur compounds to form silver sulfide, creating the natural toning seen on most original, uncleaned examples โ ranging from gunmetal grey to iridescent blues, golds, and purples. These toning patterns are a hallmark of authenticity and are prized by specialist collectors. Coins that appear blast white have almost certainly been chemically dipped, stripping the original surface; grading services treat this as damage, and it significantly reduces numismatic value.
Magnet Test โ Critical Authentication Step
Sterling silver is non-magnetic. When you apply a magnet to a genuine 1892 Canadian quarter, it will not be attracted. If your coin is attracted to a magnet, it is not genuine sterling silver and requires immediate expert evaluation. This single test takes less than two seconds and can instantly identify non-silver counterfeits or wrong-planchet pieces.
Weight as Authentication
A genuine 1892 quarter must weigh approximately 5.81 grams. A variance of more than 0.1 gram from this specification is a red flag for a counterfeit or altered coin. A precision digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams is an essential tool for any collector handling raw (uncertified) Victorian silver.
โ ๏ธ Historical Melting Attrition
During the silver price spikes of the 1970s and early 1980s, thousands of worn Victorian quarters โ including 1892 examples โ were melted for their bullion content. This historical attrition directly reduces the surviving population at lower circulated grades and is a key reason even heavily worn 1892 quarters command a meaningful premium above their 25ยข face value today.
A genuine 1892 Canadian quarter is non-magnetic โ sterling silver will not be attracted to a magnet. If the coin sticks, it is not genuine silver and requires expert examination before any further assessment.
1892 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1892 Canadian quarter is documented in two finish categories: the standard Business Strike (circulation coinage) and the extraordinarily rare Specimen Strike. There is no Proof-Like (PL) or traditional Proof finish for this issue โ those collector programs belong to the modern Royal Canadian Mint era. All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of 2025โ2026.
1892 Canadian Quarter โ Business Strike (Circulation)
The single greatest driver of value for the 1892 quarter is condition. The transition from Very Fine to Extremely Fine nearly doubles the price; the step from About Uncirculated to Mint State multiplies it tenfold or more. Problem-free examples with original surfaces command a significant premium over cleaned or damaged coins at every grade level. An ICCS-certified VF-30 example was confirmed sold by The Toronto Coin Shop, validating the mid-grade price range. For current NGC trend values and population data, see the NGC Canada 25 Cents KM-5 Price Guide (1870โ1901).
| Grade | Value (CAD) | Market Character |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | $25โ$35 | Common; high liquidity; portrait is a flat silhouette, legend and date readable |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | $40โ$55 | Common; full rim distinct from field; major crown band visible |
| F-12 (Fine) | $65โ$85 | Available; hair-to-face separation distinct; leaf separation emerging |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | $120โ$160 | Available; crown band diamond visible; hair braiding shows detail; active collector demand |
| VF-30 (Very Fine) | $200โ$275 | Scarce; upward price pressure as MS coins become unobtainable; ICCS VF-30 sale confirmed |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | $350โ$475 | Scarce; traces of original luster in protected areas; low liquidity |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | $600โ$900 | Very scarce; retains majority of luster; microscopic friction on cheek or wreath bow only |
| MS-60 (Uncirculated) | $1,200โ$1,800 | Rare; no wear, may carry bag marks or dull toning; investment entry point |
| MS-63 (Choice Uncirculated) | $3,500โ$5,500 | Very rare; strong luster, few marks; investment-grade asset; auction-only liquidity |
| MS-64 (Choice Uncirculated) | $6,000โ$8,500 | Extremely rare; auction-only; near-flawless surfaces |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $11,000โ$15,000 | Trophy asset; blazing cartwheel luster; flawless surfaces; appears at auction perhaps once per decade |
โน๏ธ The "Details" Grade โ The Cleaning Penalty
The most common problem encountered with 1892 quarters is past cleaning. A coin assigned a "Details โ Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned" designation by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS loses 50% or more of its uncirculated value, regardless of the coin's underlying detail quality. Hairlines visible under a loupe and an unnatural flat shine are the key diagnostics. Always prioritize original-surface coins, even if they appear darker or more toned than expected.
Grade comparison for the 1892 Canadian quarter: heavily worn G-4 (left), collectible VF-30 (center), and investment-class MS-65 Gem (right). The dramatic value escalation from VF to AU to MS reflects the extreme rarity of high-grade survivors from 130 years of heavy circulation. (Illustration โ not a photo of your exact coin)
1892 Canadian Quarter โ Specimen Strike (Extremely Rare)
Specimen strikes of the 1892 quarter were produced at the Royal Mint using specially polished dies on individually selected and prepared planchets. They were never intended for commerce โ their purpose was archival preservation or presentation to select numismatists of the era. The surviving population is believed to number fewer than 10 examples in existence, with perhaps 4โ5 coins grading at the Gem Specimen level (consistent with a PCGS SP-67 standard referenced in the Stack's Bowers 2016 ANA Auction Catalog). These are not simply high-grade business strikes โ they represent a fundamentally distinct category of coin.
| Finish | Estimated Value (CAD) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SP (Specimen Strike โ any grade) | $25,000โ$40,000+ | Fewer than approx. 10 known worldwide. Eye appeal, original toning, and collection provenance drive the final price. Third-party certification by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS is mandatory before any valuation discussion. These are assets for institutional collections or high-net-worth collectors. |
Notable pedigrees include examples from the Cornerstone Collection, described by Canadian Coin News as unmatched at any point in Canadian numismatics, and the Belzberg Collection sold by Stack's Bowers โ pedigrees that set condition benchmarks still influencing pricing today and command approximately 20โ30% premiums over generic examples of equivalent grade.
The three critical high points on the 1892 Canadian quarter obverse โ the eyebrow ridge, the crown band center diamond, and the cheekbone โ are the first areas to receive friction from circulation. A coin retaining unbroken luster across all three areas is a strong AU or Mint State candidate. (Illustration โ not a photo of your exact coin)
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of 2025โ2026. Victorian silver coin values carry a silver spot-price floor that rises and falls with the bullion market. For the complete denomination price guide covering the full quarter series, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1892 Canadian Quarter Varieties
The 1892 Canadian quarter is numismatically significant for the simultaneous use of three distinct obverse dies during its production run. These varieties are classified in the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins and recognized by major grading services including ICCS, PCGS, and NGC. An important market note: for the 1892 date, condition drives value far more than variety. Unlike some years in the Victorian series (such as the 1891 Large/Small Date issues) where variety attribution causes dramatic price separations, the obverse varieties here are a refinement-level pursuit that may generate a specialist premium when two variety collectors compete at auction โ but they do not fundamentally restructure the value table above.
Obverse 2 โ The Outgoing Standard
Obverse 2 was the primary production die through the late 1880s and into the early 1892 run as it was being retired. It represents the older iteration of the Mature Head design, and examples struck from these aging matrices often show shallower relief due to accumulated die wear.
- Jewel Alignment: The jewels in the crown band align between the border beads of the coin's rim โ the definitive identification point.
- Chin Profile: A softer, rounder chin line beneath the Queen's jaw.
- Relief: Often shallower than Obverse 4 due to die wear on aging matrices.
- Wear Pattern: High points on the shoulder and the central diamond of the crown band wear first.
- Rarity in 1892: Scarce โ these dies were being retired during this production run.
Obverse 3 โ The Elusive Transitional
Obverse 3 is the most debated of the three types. Some specialists argue that many attributed examples are actually transitional die states rather than a cleanly distinct variety, and considerable disagreement exists cross-denominationally. It is nonetheless listed in major references, including the Numista 1892 25-Cent listing, as a recognized variety for this date.
- Nose Profile: Described as slightly more pinched compared to Obverse 2.
- Bust Truncation: The bottom curve of the portrait (truncation line) may differ in width or curvature from both Obverse 2 and Obverse 4.
- Attribution Complexity: ICCS is more likely than PCGS or NGC to note the specific Charlton-recognized Obverse number directly on the holder for confirmed examples.
- Premium: Coins authenticated as Obverse 3 command a specialist premium due to relative scarcity, though no standardized price differential is published in current catalogues.
Obverse 4 โ The New Standard (First Year of Type)
Obverse 4 became the primary die type from 1893 onward and remained the standard through the end of Queen Victoria's reign in 1901. Its appearance on 1892 quarters marks the very first year of use for this effigy on the Canadian 25-cent piece โ a designation that adds collector appeal for variety and type specialists.
- Jewel Alignment: The jewels in the crown band align with (directly on) the border beads โ opposite to Obverse 2.
- Chin and Jowl: A heavier, more squared jowl line; the Queen appears slightly more mature.
- Relief: Deeper and sharper detail from fresh die matrices, making strikes from these dies generally crisper.
- Collector Appeal: The "first year of type" status (1892โ1901) makes confirmed Obverse 4 examples desirable for variety and type set collectors.
- Rarity in 1892: Scarce โ representing the transitional introduction of the new standard during this production year.
| Feature | Obverse 2 | Obverse 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Era of Primary Use | Late 1880s โ 1892 (phasing out) | 1892 โ 1901 (new standard; first year) |
| Jewel Alignment | Between border beads | Aligned with (on) border beads |
| Chin / Jowl | Softer, rounder | Heavier, more squared |
| Die Relief | Shallower (worn matrices) | Deeper, sharper (fresh matrices) |
| Collector Appeal | Scarce late-type example | "First year of type" (1892โ1901) |
๐ก Attribution Tip
A 5xโ10x loupe is required for reliable obverse attribution. Focus on two primary diagnostic checkpoints: (1) the alignment of the crown jewels relative to the rim beads (between = Obverse 2; aligned with = Obverse 4), and (2) the profile of the chin and jowl. For a certified holder noting the Charlton variety number, ICCS is the preferred submission service. If targeting US auction houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers, PCGS or NGC holders may generate stronger realized prices.
The three obverse types found on 1892 Canadian quarters. LEFT: Obverse 2 โ crown jewels align between border beads, softer chin profile. CENTER: Obverse 3 โ transitional, distinguished primarily by nose profile and bust truncation curvature. RIGHT: Obverse 4 โ crown jewels align directly with border beads, heavier squared jowl. A 5xโ10x loupe is required for confident attribution. (Illustration โ not a photo of your exact coin)
1892 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm you have a genuine 1892 Canadian quarter, determine its finish category, and identify any variety before consulting the value chart above.
The 1892 Canadian quarter: obverse (left) with Queen Victoria's Mature Head effigy by L.C. Wyon โ VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA โ and reverse (right) with crossed maple boughs, "25 CENTS," the date "1892," and the St. Edward's Crown surmounting the wreath. Key identification features highlighted.
30-Second Identification Checklist
Monarch Check: The obverse shows Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a Gothic-style crown (coronet) secured by a laurel wreath, with a veil draped from the back of the crown. The surrounding legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. The portrait was designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, London.
Reverse Check: The reverse features the denomination 25 CENTS and the date 1892 centered within a wreath of crossed maple boughs, surmounted by the St. Edward's Crown at the top. The design is also by L.C. Wyon.
Date Check: Confirm the year reads 1892. Examine the numeral '2' โ on genuine Victorian dies it carries a specific curled top consistent with the font style of the period. A '2' that appears too angular or inconsistent may indicate an altered date (e.g., a manipulated 1891 or 1893).
Edge Check: The edge is reeded (milled) โ consistent, parallel grooves running uniformly around the entire circumference. An edge that appears smooth, over-reeded in spots, or inconsistently tooled is an immediate red flag.
Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Sterling silver is non-magnetic. Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1892 quarter will show no attraction whatsoever. Any magnetic response โ even faint โ indicates the coin is not genuine sterling silver and requires expert examination before any further steps.
Mint Mark Check: There are no mint marks on genuine 1892 Canadian quarters. All were struck at the Royal Mint in London, which did not apply a distinguishing mark to Canadian coinage of this era. The Ottawa Mint, which did use distinctive marks on some issues, did not open until 1908. Any coin purporting to be an 1892 Canadian quarter with a mint mark should be treated with suspicion.
Finish Identification โ The Critical Step:
- Business Strike (circulation coin): Under a direct raking light, rotate the coin slowly and look for a classic cartwheel luster โ bright radial streaks sweeping from the center outward as the coin turns. Original toning (grey, gold, or iridescent hues) in the recesses is expected and desirable on unaltered examples. A flat, uniform white shine with no cartwheel effect strongly suggests chemical cleaning.
- Specimen Strike (extremely rare): Look for squared, wire-like rims sharply distinct from the rounded rims of business strikes; deeply mirror-polished fields (you should see a clear reflection); and frosted, cameo-contrast devices on the portrait and wreath. These characteristics are unmistakable on a genuine Specimen โ but any coin suspected of being a Specimen requires certified third-party authentication before any valuation is considered.
Weight Verification: Weigh the coin on a precision digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams. A genuine 1892 quarter weighs approximately 5.81 grams. A variance of more than 0.1 gram from this figure is a strong warning sign for a counterfeit or altered coin.
Variety Check (Advanced): Using a 5xโ10x loupe, examine the alignment of the jewels in the crown band relative to the rim beads. Jewels positioned between the border beads indicate Obverse 2; jewels aligning with (directly on) the border beads indicate Obverse 4. Obverse 3 requires assessment of the nose profile and bust truncation curvature and is best confirmed by ICCS or a specialist familiar with the Charlton variety standards.
โ ๏ธ Never Clean Your Victorian Silver Coin
Cleaning โ whether by polishing cloth, silver dip solution, or any abrasive โ permanently destroys the original surface of a Victorian silver coin. Grading services assign a "Details โ Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned" designation to such coins, reducing their market value by 50% or more at every grade level. A naturally toned, dark original-surface coin is always worth more to a knowledgeable buyer than a bright, artificially white example of the same grade.
Business Strike vs. Specimen Strike on Victorian Canadian quarters. LEFT: Business Strike โ cartwheel luster radiates across the fields under raking light, with natural toning in recessed areas. RIGHT: Specimen Strike โ deeply mirrored fields, frosted cameo portrait devices, and sharp squared wire rim. These finishes are visually unmistakable under strong directional light. (Illustration โ not a photo of your exact coin)
Original toning vs. chemically cleaned surface on Victorian silver quarters. LEFT: Original, unaltered toning โ gunmetal grey to iridescent gold; this is authentic and desirable. RIGHT: Chemically dipped/cleaned coin โ flat, unnatural white surface with hairline scratches visible under magnification. Grading services designate cleaned coins "Details," permanently reducing their market value regardless of the coin's underlying detail quality. (Illustration โ not a photo of your exact coin)
1892 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs
What is a 1892 Canadian quarter worth?
Value is almost entirely determined by condition. A heavily worn example grades at Good (G-4) and brings $25โ$35 CAD, while a mid-grade Very Fine (VF-30) โ the sweet spot for budget collectors โ trades for $200โ$275 CAD. Mint State survivors are rare: an MS-63 brings $3,500โ$5,500 CAD and a Gem MS-65 reaches $11,000โ$15,000 CAD. Specimen strikes, the rarest category with fewer than approximately 10 known, are estimated at $25,000โ$40,000+ CAD. Every 1892 quarter also carries intrinsic silver value (approximately 0.1868 troy oz of sterling silver) that provides a metal floor beneath even the most worn examples.
Is the 1892 Canadian quarter made of silver?
Yes. The 1892 Canadian 25-cent piece is struck in sterling silver โ 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper โ weighing 5.81 grams, which equals approximately 0.1868 troy ounces of fine silver. Unlike modern Canadian quarters (which are struck in plated steel), Victorian-era quarters were genuine stores of value. The quickest confirmation is a magnet test: sterling silver is non-magnetic, so a genuine 1892 quarter will show zero attraction to a strong magnet.
My 1892 quarter looks bright white and shiny โ does that make it more valuable?
Almost certainly not. A bright, flat, white surface on a Victorian silver coin is the primary hallmark of past chemical cleaning โ typically silver dip or abrasive treatment. While visually striking at a glance, this destroys the original toning and leaves micro-scratches in the fields that are immediately apparent under magnification. PCGS, NGC, and ICCS assign a "Details โ Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned" designation to such coins, cutting market value by 50% or more compared to an original-surface coin at the same grade level. A naturally grey, toned, or iridescent surface is more desirable โ not less โ to knowledgeable collectors and grading services.
What are the Obverse 2, 3, and 4 varieties and do they affect value?
The 1892 quarter was struck using three distinct obverse die types during the same production run, reflecting a transitional phase at the Royal Mint. Obverse 2 (being retired) shows crown jewels aligning between border beads and a softer, rounder chin. Obverse 4 (the new standard, used through 1901) shows jewels aligning with the beads and a heavier, more squared jowl โ and its appearance in 1892 represents the very first year of this effigy on the Canadian quarter. Obverse 3 is the most debated, distinguished by nose profile and truncation differences, and is best confirmed by ICCS. For the 1892 date, condition drives value far more than variety โ an attributed variety in low grade brings the same as an unattributed one โ but a confirmed variety in high grade can generate a specialist premium when the right two buyers are bidding.
What is a Specimen strike and how would I recognize one?
Specimen strikes were produced at the Royal Mint for archival or presentation purposes, using specially prepared dies and planchets. They were never released into commerce. Look for three characteristics that distinguish them from business strikes: (1) squared, wire-like rims sharply distinct from the rounded rims of circulation coins; (2) deeply mirror-polished fields in which you can see a clear reflection; and (3) frosted, cameo-contrast devices โ the portrait and wreath appear matte white against the mirrored background. Fewer than approximately 10 are believed to survive. If you believe you have a Specimen, submit it to PCGS, NGC, or ICCS for authentication before drawing any valuation conclusions. Authenticated examples carry estimated values of $25,000โ$40,000+ CAD.
Should I get my 1892 Canadian quarter professionally graded?
For any example in VF-30 or better condition โ worth $200+ โ the cost of certification is easily justified by the market premium slabbed coins command and the protection against counterfeits. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the preferred Canadian-market service, as it is most likely to attribute Charlton-recognized obverse varieties directly on the holder. PCGS and NGC are excellent choices if you plan to sell through US auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers), where major-service holders consistently generate stronger realized prices. For coins in G or VG grades, evaluate grading cost against coin value before submitting โ the economics may not justify certification at lower price points.
How do I spot a cleaned or counterfeit 1892 quarter?
For cleaning: rotate the coin slowly under a direct light source. A cleaned coin will display hairline scratches in the flat fields โ a diagnostic flat shine with no rotating cartwheel luster. For counterfeits: first check the weight on a precision scale (must be approximately 5.81 grams; variance over 0.1g is a red flag); examine the lettering under a 5x loupe for soft, mushy edges inconsistent with genuine die-struck detail; inspect the reeded edge for uniform consistency; and apply a magnet โ genuine sterling silver is completely non-magnetic, and many counterfeit alloys are not. The date numeral '2' should also carry a specific curled-top font style consistent with Victorian Royal Mint dies, not an angular or generic shape.
What is the rarest and most valuable 1892 Canadian quarter?
A Specimen-strike example in top preservation is the ultimate prize, estimated at $25,000โ$40,000+ CAD, with fewer than approximately 10 believed to exist worldwide. Among business strikes, a Gem MS-65 is a trophy-level asset with documented trend values of $11,000โ$15,000 CAD โ appearing at auction perhaps once per decade. Examples carrying distinguished provenance from elite collections such as the Cornerstone Collection or the Belzberg Collection command premiums of approximately 20โ30% above generic examples at equivalent grades, reflecting the benchmark status these pedigrees hold in the Victorian Canadian market.
Methodology & Sources
Values presented in this guide reflect market data as of 2025โ2026, synthesized from auction records, confirmed dealer sales, and published price guides. Primary sources include:
- NGC Canada 25 Cents KM-5 Price Guide (1870โ1901) โ trend values and population reference for Victorian Canadian quarters
- Numista โ 25 Cents Victoria Canada โ technical specifications, variety attributions, and production records
- Toronto Coin Shop โ Sold: 1892 25 Cents ICCS VF-30 โ confirmed dealer sale validating mid-grade pricing
- Stack's Bowers Galleries โ August 2016 ANA Auction Catalog โ Specimen-grade reference and world coin auction methodology
- Canadian Coin News โ Cornerstone Collection Analysis โ Victorian Canadian market context and condition benchmark analysis
- Calgary Coin Gallery โ Canadian 25-Cent Coins for Sale โ dealer pricing and authentication guidance for Victorian quarters
- PCGS News โ CMQ-Approved Coins Record Prices โ auction market benchmark data for certified Canadian coins
- Edmonton Numismatic Society โ Planchet (January 2017) โ grading narrative and grade-by-grade pricing reference
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins โ primary reference for obverse variety classification, Charlton numbers, and historical mintage data
All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Victorian silver coin values carry a silver spot-price floor that rises and falls with the bullion market; the melt component of any 1892 quarter should be calculated against current silver prices at the time of transaction. Certified (slabbed) coins may trade at premiums or discounts relative to stated guide values depending on holder brand, auction venue, and competitive bidding. This guide covers standard business-strike and Specimen-strike values only and does not address mint errors or altered coins. Market prices are indicative and should be confirmed against current auction results before buying or selling significant examples.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties โ especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone โ 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 โ 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.
