1918 Canadian Large Cent (1¢) Value Guide
Find out what your 1918 Canadian large cent is worth. Full price guide by grade and color (BN/RB/RD), Rotated Die variety, certified census data, and current CAD market values for this George V bronze penny.
Most 1918 Canadian large cents found in circulation are worth $1.50–$15.00 CAD. In top certified Gem Red grades, values reach $550+ to $1,100+ CAD.
- Circulated (G4–EF40, Brown):$1.50–$15.00
- About Uncirculated (AU50 Brown / Red-Brown):$30.00–$45.00
- Mint State MS63 Brown / Red:$75.00 / $180.00
- Gem MS65 Brown / Red:$275.00 / $550+
- Superb Gem MS66 Red:$1,100+
All values in CAD as of February 2026. Three quick questions: Found in change or a junk box? Circulated pieces are worth above face value but typically below $35 CAD. Is it shiny or "mirror-like"? The 1918 was a business-strike-only year — extreme shininess may indicate artificial brightening; certification is the only guarantee of original Red color. Is it silver? No — the 1918 cent is bronze (95.5% copper) with no precious metal content. See full value chart →
The 1918 Canadian Large Cent was struck at the Ottawa Mint during the final year of the First World War, achieving the highest mintage of the entire George V Large Cent series (1911–1920) with 12,970,798 pieces produced. Wartime inflation drove demand for small transactional coinage to peak levels, making this the series workhorse. While circulated examples are among the most accessible coins in the series, the 1918 cent presents a compelling paradox: in high-grade Mint State with full original red luster, it is a genuine condition rarity commanding strong auction premiums. All pieces were struck in Ottawa with no mint mark. For a full overview of the series, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes may exist for this date but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1918 Canadian Large Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1918 Large Cent is struck from a bronze alloy — 95.5% copper, 3.0% tin, and 1.5% zinc. This metallurgical blend balances durability and malleability: copper provides the base metal and characteristic reddish hue; tin increases hardness and resistance to corrosion; zinc acts as a deoxidizer during striking, ensuring complete die fill into the design's finest recesses. The composition is detailed in contemporary Mint records.
At 25.4 mm in diameter (1.00 inch) and 5.67 grams, the 1918 Large Cent is considerably larger and heavier than the 19.05 mm Small Cent that replaced it in 1920 — a transition driven by post-war cost-saving measures. The coin features a plain (smooth) edge and medal die alignment (↑↑): flipping the coin vertically on its horizontal axis keeps the reverse image upright. This contrasts with U.S. coinage, which typically uses coin alignment (↑↓).
Magnetic Test for Authentication
The bronze composition of the 1918 cent is non-magnetic. Apply a strong magnet to your coin: a genuine 1918 Large Cent will show no attraction whatsoever. Any coin that clings to a magnet is not a genuine 1918 bronze cent and warrants immediate scrutiny for authenticity. This is the fastest single diagnostic test available to collectors.
A genuine 1918 Large Cent will not attract a magnet — its bronze alloy (95.5% copper) is non-magnetic. This quick test immediately rules out later nickel and plated-steel issues. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Surface Chemistry: Why Color Preservation Is Everything
The high copper content makes the 1918 cent highly reactive to sulfur compounds, humidity, and even the oils from a collector's skin. Over time, the surface transitions irreversibly: Mint Red (RD) → Red-Brown (RB) → Brown (BN). A coin that has retained 95%+ of its original copper-red surface after more than a century is a chemical miracle — and commands the highest market premiums at every grade. Most surviving 1918 cents are fully Brown.
Melt Value and Legal Tender Status
The melt value of the 1918 cent is not calculated in this guide. The Canadian penny was withdrawn from circulation on February 4, 2013; while still legal tender, 1918 cents no longer circulate. Even in average circulated condition, the numismatic value of this coin substantially exceeds its base metal content.
1918 Canadian Large Cent Value Chart by Grade & Color
The 1918 Large Cent was produced entirely at the Ottawa Mint with no mint mark. No official Proof-Like (PL) or Specimen (SP) sets were issued for public sale in 1918. Value is driven by three factors: circulated grade, Mint State grade, and critically, the color designation (BN/RB/RD) assigned by the grading service. The Red designation at MS65 is worth roughly twice the Brown designation at the same grade. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
1918 Canadian Large Cent — Business Strike Value Chart
Prices assume fully original, problem-free surfaces certified by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC. Raw (uncertified) circulated coins in Brown grades trade freely at these levels; raw claims of "Red" above MS63 carry significant authentication risk — see the FAQ for guidance.
| Grade | Brown (BN) | Red-Brown (RB) | Red (RD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G4 | $1.50 | — | — | Portrait is flat silhouette; crown and leaf details gone; date readable |
| VG8 | $2.00 | — | — | Major design elements outlined; rim distinct from field |
| F12 | $4.00 | — | — | Crown hairline separate; main leaf veins visible; minor veins worn flat |
| VF20 | $7.00 | — | — | Crown pearls and diamonds visible but worn; 50–75% inner leaf detail present; distinct ear |
| EF40 | $15.00 | — | — | Light wear on eyebrow ridge, shoulder robe knot, and leaf tips only; luster traces in protected areas |
| AU50 | $30.00 | $45.00 | — | Friction on high points under magnification; substantial luster remains. AU50 with traces of red can reach $50.00. See London Coin Centre AU50 example. |
| MS60 | $40.00 | $60.00 | $90.00 | No wear; heavy bag marks, dull or spotted surfaces, or weak strike |
| MS63 | $75.00 | $110.00 | $180.00 | Choice Uncirculated; marks present but not distracting; RD commands nearly 2.4× BN at this grade |
| MS64 | $130.00 | $200.00 | $325.00 | Near Gem; full leaf vein separation; few marks in non-focal areas; sharp crown jewels |
| MS65 | $275.00 | $400.00 | $550+ | Gem Uncirculated investment standard; exceptional examples with blazing luster can realize higher. See Heritage Auctions MS65 RB archive. |
| MS66 | — | — | $1,100+ | Superb Gem; only RD certified at this level. Auction records show $750–$1,200+ CAD depending on eye appeal. See PCGS auction records for 1918 MS66 Red. |
No MS67 Red examples have been certified by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS. Current pricing context is available in the NGC World Coin Price Guide for Canada Cent KM 21 (1912–1920).
Color designation drives value at every Mint State grade. Left: Brown (BN) — fully oxidized, chocolate surface, most common. Center: Red-Brown (RB) — partial original luster retained. Right: Full Red (RD) — 95%+ original copper color, commands the highest premium. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coins)
Grade comparison: (Left) VF20 — crown pearl detail visible but worn flat, leaf main veins only; (Center) EF40 — wear restricted to very high points, luster traces in recesses; (Right) MS63 Brown — no wear, cartwheel luster clearly visible when tilted. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1918 Cent
Cleaning a bronze coin — even gently with soap and water — strips original luster and leaves microscopic hairlines visible under magnification. Grading services assign a "Details (Cleaned)" designation to such coins, effectively eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. A naturally toned Brown coin is worth far more as a collectible than a harshly brightened one.
Population Report — Certified High-Grade Red Survivors
The following census data illustrates the true scarcity of top-grade Red examples. Census numbers fluctuate with new submissions and crossovers; all figures are estimates. For current live data, consult the PCGS Population Report for 1918 cents.
| Service | MS64 RD | MS65 RD | MS66 RD | MS67 RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS | ~120 | ~80 | ~30 | 0 |
| NGC | ~40 | ~25 | ~5 | 0 |
| ICCS | ~200 | ~100 | ~15 | 0 |
| Total Est. | ~360 | ~205 | ~50 | 0 |
Values in CAD as of February 2026. For the complete denomination series guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1918 Canadian Large Cent Varieties
Unlike production years such as 1859 or 1891 — which yielded numerous documented die varieties — the 1918 Large Cent run was remarkably stable. The master dies were well-prepared and working dies were consistent, resulting in no major Charlton-listed varieties such as a Wide Date, Repunched Date, or Large/Small letter difference for this year. This stability means collector focus is concentrated on condition quality rather than sub-types. The Rotated Die is the primary collectible variant.
A. Trophy-Level: The Rotated Die
The most significant recognized variant for the 1918 Large Cent is the Rotated Die — the principal chase item for variety collectors in this series year.
Mechanism: The hammer die (obverse) and anvil die (reverse) are designed to align at 0 degrees in medal orientation (↑↑). If a set screw loosens during production, one die can rotate relative to the other before being detected and corrected.
Identification: Hold the coin with King George V's portrait upright. Flip it over on its vertical axis. In standard medal alignment, the "ONE CENT" lettering on the reverse should be horizontal. Any deviation from horizontal constitutes a die rotation. Measure the angle of deviation.
Value premium over base grade:
- Minor rotations (under 15°): Common manufacturing artifact — little to no numismatic premium.
- Major rotations (90° to 180°): Scarce variant — premium of $25–$150 CAD over the base grade value, depending on rotation severity and coin condition.
For certified attribution of a significant rotation, submit to PCGS or ICCS. For additional context on 1918 Large Cent variant identification, see the Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian Large Cent variety reference.
Rotated Die identification: flip the coin on its vertical axis with the King upright. Standard medal alignment (↑↑, left) shows the reverse horizontal. A 90°+ rotation (right) is the recognized collectible variant. Minor rotations under 15° are common and carry no premium. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Not a Variety: Machine Doubling on Date and Legend
Online listings and collector forums occasionally advertise "1918 Repunched Date" or "Doubled Date" varieties. Review of the Charlton Standard Catalogue and specialist literature confirms that the 1918 production run has no major documented doubled die or repunched date varieties. What sellers describe is virtually always Machine Doubling (Strike Doubling) — a flat, shelf-like secondary image on the date or lettering caused by die bounce during the strike. Machine Doubling is a minting artifact, not a die variety, and does not add numismatic value. The secondary image lacks the notched corners characteristic of a true Doubled Die obverse. Exercise caution before paying any premium for a "doubled" 1918 cent without major-service certification confirming a genuine die variety.
C. Ultra-Rarity: Archival Specimen Strikes
ℹ️ 1918 Specimen Strikes: What the Evidence Shows
No official Specimen sets were issued for public sale in 1918. However, the Ottawa Mint is documented as having produced isolated Specimen strikes for archival purposes, museum collections, and VIP presentations in years where no commercial sets were offered. If a genuine 1918 Specimen cent exists, it is an ultra-rarity (R-5 or R-6 scale, likely fewer than 10 examples known) and would be expected to realize $3,000–$5,000+ CAD at a specialized auction. Many highly polished or prooflike-appearing business strikes are deceptively marketed as Specimens. Authentication by PCGS or ICCS is non-negotiable for this designation. Do not pay a Specimen premium for any uncertified coin.
1918 Canadian Large Cent Identification Guide
Use the checklist below to confirm what you have before consulting the value table. Each step can be completed in under 30 seconds.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Monarch Check: The obverse shows King George V in a crowned bust facing left, wearing the Imperial State Crown and formal Robes of State fastened at the shoulder. The legend reads GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India). Look for the initials B.M. — for sculptor Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal — at the bust truncation. A different monarch or legend means a different coin or era.
- Reverse Check: The reverse features a wreath of 16 maple leaves on a thick vine, encircling ONE CENT / CANADA / 1918 in a sturdy serif font, with beaded denticles at the border. Designer: W.H.J. Blakemore.
- Edge Check: The edge is plain (smooth) — no reeding. A reeded edge indicates a silver denomination (dime, quarter, half dollar, or dollar) — not a Large Cent.
- Size Check: The coin should measure approximately 25.4 mm in diameter. If your coin is significantly smaller (~19 mm), it is a Small Cent from 1920 onward, not a Large Cent.
- Magnet Test (Composition Verification): Apply a strong magnet. A genuine 1918 Large Cent will not attract the magnet — it is bronze (95.5% copper), which is non-magnetic. A coin that clings to the magnet is not a genuine 1918 bronze cent.
- Mint Marks: There are no mint marks on 1918 Large Cents. All pieces were struck in Ottawa; the earlier "H" (Heaton Mint, Birmingham) mark appeared only on pre-1907 Canadian cents. The absence of any mint mark is normal and expected for 1918.
- Finish Identification: The 1918 cent was issued as a business strike only — no official Proof-Like or Specimen sets were produced for public sale. Business Strike coins display cartwheel luster — a radiating wave pattern visible when the coin is tilted under a single light source. Extremely mirror-like surfaces on a raw (uncertified) 1918 cent should prompt scrutiny for artificial brightening or chemical treatment.
- Color Check: Determine the color designation. Red (RD): 95%+ original copper-red luster, full bloom. Red-Brown (RB): 5–95% original red remaining, partial toning. Brown (BN): Less than 5% original red — fully oxidized to chocolate brown, the natural state of most surviving 1918 cents. Color dramatically affects value; see the value table.
- Variety Check (Rotated Die): Hold the coin with King George V upright and flip it over on its vertical axis. The "ONE CENT" text should be horizontal in normal medal alignment (↑↑). If the reverse is rotated — particularly 90° or more — you may have the collectible Rotated Die variant worth a meaningful premium over base grade.
Obverse: King George V crowned bust facing left, "GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND: IMP:" legend, "B.M." initials at bust truncation (Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal). Reverse: 16-leaf maple leaf wreath, ONE CENT / CANADA / 1918, W.H.J. Blakemore design. Plain (smooth) edge.
Grading High Points
For accurate grade assessment, inspect the following areas under 5–10× magnification. These are the first zones to show friction and the most important for distinguishing grades.
- Obverse — Crown Band: The pearls and jewels in the band of the Imperial State Crown are the primary wear zone. At VF20, they are visible but worn; at EF40, they show only light flattening; at MS, they are fully separated and sharp.
- Obverse — Eyebrow and Robe Knot: The arch of the King's eyebrow and the knot securing the shoulder robe are the secondary high points. Check for flatness or rub here when assessing AU vs MS.
- Reverse — Maple Leaf Tips: The outermost tips of the 16 maple leaves are the first reverse detail to flatten under circulation wear.
- Reverse — Inner Leaf Veins: Secondary vein detail inside the leaves is the key indicator separating Fine (F12, main veins only) from Very Fine (VF20, ~75% vein detail).
- Fields (Both Sides): Check under strong directional light for hairlines — fine parallel scratches indicating cleaning. Any hairlines result in a "Details (Cleaned)" designation from grading services, eliminating all numismatic premium.
For a visual photographic grading reference, the Saskatoon Coin Club Canadian Coin Photo Grading Guide provides excellent standards for George V-era issues. An authenticated reference specimen is documented in the Bank of Canada Museum collection record.
Key grading focus points on the 1918 Large Cent. Obverse: crown band pearls/jewels and eyebrow are the primary high points — the first to show wear. Reverse: maple leaf tips and inner vein detail are the grade separators between F12 and VF20. Check fields for hairlines indicating cleaning. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
⚠️ Buying Raw "Red" Coins — Authentication Risk
Chemical brightening (dipping) or recoloring can produce a false "Red" appearance on an originally Brown coin. The treatment is difficult to detect without equipment. For any uncertified 1918 cent claimed to be "Red" at MS63 or above, insist on ICCS, PCGS, or NGC certification before paying a color premium. A TPGS slab is the only reliable guarantee that color designation is original.
1918 Canadian Large Cent Value FAQs
What is a 1918 Canadian large cent worth?
A 1918 Canadian Large Cent in circulated condition (G4 to EF40) is worth approximately $1.50–$15.00 CAD. About Uncirculated (AU50) examples trade for $30.00–$45.00 CAD in Brown and Red-Brown. In Mint State, values climb sharply with grade and color: MS63 Brown is approximately $75.00, MS63 Red approximately $180.00, MS65 Red approximately $550+, and MS66 Red approximately $1,100+ CAD. All values as of February 2026.
Is the 1918 Canadian large cent rare?
In circulated condition, the 1918 Large Cent is not rare — with a mintage of 12,970,798 it is the highest-mintage year in the entire George V Large Cent series and is easily found. However, in Gem Mint State with full original red luster, it is a genuine condition rarity. Combined estimates from PCGS, NGC, and ICCS show only approximately 205 coins certified at MS65 Red and approximately 50 at MS66 Red. No MS67 Red example has been certified by any of the three services.
What makes a 1918 Canadian large cent valuable?
Three factors drive value above the common circulated level. First, grade — the Sheldon scale has an outsized impact; the spread from EF40 ($15) to MS66 RD ($1,100+) is enormous. Second, color designation — Full Red (RD) is worth roughly 2–2.5× Brown (BN) at the same Mint State grade, because original red copper surviving more than a century is chemically improbable. Third, die variety — the Rotated Die variant (90°+ rotation) adds a premium of $25–$150 CAD over base grade value. Strike sharpness also matters: fully struck coins with complete crown jewels and deep leaf veins command premiums over weakly struck examples.
Is my 1918 Canadian large cent silver?
No. The 1918 Large Cent is bronze — 95.5% copper, 3.0% tin, and 1.5% zinc — with no silver content whatsoever. Canadian silver coinage of 1918 (dimes, quarters, fifty-cent pieces, and dollars) are entirely distinct denominations with reeded edges. If your coin is brown or copper-red, plain-edged, and approximately 25 mm in diameter, it is a bronze Large Cent. The magnet test also quickly confirms: bronze is non-magnetic, while later nickel and steel-plated coins are magnetic.
Should I get my 1918 cent graded by ICCS or PCGS/NGC?
For circulated examples from G4 to EF40 — worth $1.50–$15.00 CAD — grading fees will likely exceed the coin's market value; certification is not recommended for these grades. For Mint State Brown coins at MS63 (~$75), the economics are borderline. For MS64 Red and above, certification is strongly recommended: a slab guarantees the grade and — critically — the color designation (Red vs Brown), which can represent hundreds of dollars in value difference. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the preferred Canadian service for domestic market sales and is recognized as the standard for Canadian coins. PCGS and NGC are preferred for international markets, U.S.-based auction houses, and registry set competition.
What is the difference between "Red," "Red-Brown," and "Brown" on a 1918 penny?
These are color designations assigned by third-party grading services (TPGS) for bronze and copper coins. Red (RD): the coin retains 95% or more of its original mint-fresh copper-red surface — the highest and rarest designation for a century-old coin. Red-Brown (RB): 5–95% of original red luster remains, with partial oxidation — offers a middle-ground of eye appeal at lower cost than full Red. Brown (BN): less than 5% original red luster — the coin is fully oxidized to chocolate or dark brown, which is the natural state of the vast majority of surviving 1918 cents. Oxidation is an irreversible chemical process; the color cannot be authentically restored without artificial treatment that graders are trained to detect.
What is the Rotated Die variant and how do I identify it?
A Rotated Die occurs when the obverse and reverse dies are not correctly aligned to the standard medal orientation (↑↑) at the time of striking. To identify it: hold the coin with King George V's portrait upright, then flip it over on its vertical axis. The "ONE CENT" reverse text should be horizontal in the normal orientation. If the reverse is rotated — particularly 90 degrees or more — you have a potential variety. Minor rotations under approximately 15 degrees are common manufacturing artifacts and carry little or no premium. A major rotation (90°+) commands a premium of $25–$150 CAD over the standard grade value. For formal attribution, submit to PCGS or ICCS.
Do genuine Specimen strikes exist for the 1918 large cent?
No official Specimen sets were offered for public sale in 1918. However, the Ottawa Mint is documented as having produced isolated Specimen strikes for archival, museum, and VIP purposes in years without commercial collector sets. If genuine, a 1918 Specimen cent would be an ultra-rarity — likely R-5 or R-6 on the rarity scale, with fewer than 10 examples known — and is expected to realize $3,000–$5,000+ CAD at a specialized auction. Many highly polished or reflective business strikes are incorrectly marketed as Specimens. Authentication by PCGS or ICCS is essential before any Specimen premium is considered. Do not pay a Specimen price for an uncertified coin.
Should I clean my 1918 large cent to restore its red color?
Never clean a collectible coin. Even gentle cleaning with mild soap, a soft cloth, or coin dip strips original luster and creates microscopic hairlines across the surfaces — immediately visible under the 5–10× magnification graders use. A cleaned coin receives a "Details (Cleaned)" designation and loses all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. Bronze disease (verdigris — greenish spots indicating active corrosion) is the one situation requiring professional conservation with pure acetone, performed only by an experienced conservator. Never use nail polish remover or household cleaners on a collectible coin.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are synthesized from auction records, certified coin market data, and published price guides as of February 2026. All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and represent typical market prices for problem-free certified coins. Individual auction results may vary based on venue and specific eye appeal. Primary sources include:
- NGC World Coin Price Guide — Canada Cent KM 21 (1912–1920)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1918 1C MS66 Red (record 1) and record 2
- Heritage Auctions — 1918 George V Cent MS65 Red-Brown PCGS
- Numista — 1 Cent George V (DEI GRA) Canada
- J&M Catalogue of Canadian Coins
- Royal Canadian Mint — 1-Cent Denomination History
- The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (print reference)
This guide covers standard business strikes and the documented Rotated Die variety only. Errors are outside scope. Census data from published grading service reports; figures are estimates subject to change with new submissions.
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.