1919 Canadian Large Cent Value Guide
Find out what your 1919 Canadian Large Cent is worth. Full price guide by grade and color designation (Brown/Red-Brown/Red), the Newfoundland 1919-C distinction explained, and pop-top auction records. Values in CAD, updated February 2026.
Most 1919 Canadian Large Cents are worth $0.40â$35.00 CAD in circulated condition. In Mint State, color preservation is everything â a Gem Red (MS-65 RD) commands $650â$850 CAD, while the finest known MS-66 Red examples have sold for over $8,050 USD (~$10,000+ CAD).
- Found in a coin jar / circulated (G-4 to AU-50):$0.40â$35.00 CAD depending on grade
- Uncirculated Brown (MS-63 BN):$30â$45 CAD
- Uncirculated Red-Brown (MS-63 RB):$48â$90 CAD
- Gem Red (MS-65 RD):$650â$850 CAD â a true condition rarity
- Pop-Top (MS-66 RD):$8,050 USD record sale (~$10,000+ CAD, 2009)
Is it silver? No â the 1919 Large Cent is bronze (95.5% copper). There is no silver content and no precious-metal melt premium. Is it from a collector set / mirror-like? No Proof-Like or Specimen sets were publicly sold in 1919. All collectible 1919 cents are business strikes graded solely on the BN/RB/RD color scale â a "shiny" example is an early die strike, not a separate finish category. Penny note: The Canadian penny ceased distribution on February 4, 2013, but remains legal tender. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See full value chart â
The 1919 Canadian Large Cent is the penultimate issue of Canada's large-format bronze penny series â struck just one year before the Dominion permanently transitioned to the smaller Small Cent format in 1920. Produced exclusively at the Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility with a mintage of 11,279,634, it is one of the final expressions of the 19th-century "heavy copper" coinage philosophy. Circulated examples are plentiful and affordable at every coin show, yet Gem Mint State specimens retaining their original fiery red luster are genuine condition rarities commanding substantial collector premiums. For values spanning the denomination's full history, visit our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Errors such as off-center strikes may exist for 1919 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1919 Canadian Large Cent Composition & Specifications
The 1919 Large Cent is struck in bronze â a regulated alloy of 95.5% copper, 3.0% tin, and 1.5% zinc. Some sources cite a slightly simplified ratio of 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc, but the presence of both tin and zinc is the defining chemical characteristic that distinguishes bronze from pure copper. The tin content gave the alloy superior hardness compared to unalloyed copper, helping the coin resist the heavy wear of daily commerce.
Because this alloy contains no iron or steel, the 1919 Large Cent is non-magnetic. Touching a magnet to the coin produces no attraction â a straightforward authentication check that separates genuine bronze large cents from later Canadian plated-steel issues or any suspect substitutes.
The coin's physical dimensions reflect its Imperial heritage. At 5.67 grams and 25.4â25.5 mm in diameter (approximately one full inch), the Large Cent is dramatically heavier and wider than the Small Cent introduced in 1920. By practical consequence, a dollar's worth of large cents â 100 coins â weighed more than 567 grams. This substantial heft contributed directly to the public and governmental appetite for the lighter, cheaper-to-produce Small Cent format.
The plain (smooth) edge and medal alignment (obverse and reverse both upright when the coin is rotated on its vertical axis) are consistent diagnostic features across the entire large cent series. The source document does not provide a calculated melt value for this coin. Numismatic value for collectible examples far exceeds intrinsic metal value across all grades. For additional historical context on the denomination, see the Royal Canadian Mint's 1-cent history page.
1919 Canadian Large Cent Value Chart by Grade & Color
The 1919 Large Cent was produced in a single finish: the standard business strike. No Proof-Like (PL) or Specimen (SP) sets were publicly sold in 1919. Value is determined by two factors: grade (degree of wear) and color designation (how much original red mint luster the coin has preserved over more than a century). All values in CAD as of February 2026 unless otherwise noted.
âšī¸ Color Designation Explained
Grading services assign one of three color designations to bronze and copper coins. RD (Red) â the coin retains 95% or more of its original fiery orange-red mint luster. RB (Red-Brown) â 5% to 95% of original luster remains; partial toning. BN (Brown) â the coin has fully oxidized to a chocolate or dark brown color. Over more than 100 years, most 1919 Large Cents have naturally toned to brown. A full-Red example is a chemical rarity as much as a numismatic one, and prices reflect that scarcity sharply.
1919 Canadian Large Cent â Business Strike, Circulated Grades
| Grade | Description | Trend Value (CAD) | Realized Retail (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Heavily worn; outline visible | $0.40â$0.50 | $0.50 (bin item) |
| VG-8 | Hairlines merged; legend clear | $0.80â$1.00 | $1.00 |
| F-12 | Crown band worn flat | $1.50â$2.00 | $1.25â$1.75 |
| VF-20 | Partial crown detail visible | $3.00â$4.00 | $2.00â$3.00 |
| EF-40 | Light wear on high points only | $5.00â$13.00 | $4.00â$8.00 |
| AU-50 | Trace wear; some luster remains | $15.00â$35.00 | $10.00â$20.00 |
The unusually wide trend range at EF-40 ($5.00â$13.00) reflects real variation in luster retention and strike sharpness at that grade boundary. In grades of F-12 and below, the 1919 cent is a staple junk-bin coin available at nearly any Canadian coin show for face value or slightly above.
1919 Canadian Large Cent â Business Strike, Mint State (by Color)
| Color | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown (BN) | $30â$45 | â | â | â | Most common Mint State designation. No MS-64+ BN data provided in source. |
| Red-Brown (RB) | $48â$90 | $70â$155 | $250â$350 | $440 USD (recent realized) | Strong eye appeal required at MS-63 RB. MS-64 RB is highly variable depending on eye appeal. MS-65 RB is "Gem" status. The MS-66 RB realized price illustrates that the RD designation accounts for the vast majority of value at pop-top levels. |
| Red (RD) | $120â$200 | â | $650â$850 | ~$6,000 USD (PCGS guide); Record: $8,050 USD (~$10,000+ CAD, David Lawrence RC, 2009) | Scarcity begins at MS-63 RD. MS-65 RD is a genuine condition rarity. MS-66 RD: PCGS population data reports only 5 examples at this grade level, with none graded finer. |
â ī¸ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a bronze coin strips its original luster and leaves hairline scratches visible under magnification. Grading services assign a "Details" (damaged) designation to cleaned coins, eliminating all numismatic premium regardless of underlying design sharpness. A naturally toned Brown example is always preferable â and far more valuable â than a coin that appears red because it has been cleaned or dipped.
MS-66 figures are reported in USD as cited in source documentation and have not been independently converted to CAD. Values reflect typical market prices as of February 2026. Reference: NGC World Coin Price Guide â Canada Cent KM-21 (1912â1920). For the complete denomination history, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
1919 Canadian Large Cent: Varieties & Related Coins
Unlike the chaotic Victorian large cent series â which produced recognized overdates, small/large date varieties, and repunched mint marks â the 1919 issue is remarkably stable. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins does not list any major die varieties for the 1919 Large Cent in the non-error context. Die production quality at the Ottawa Mint in 1919 was high and consistent, minimizing the significant breaks or repunching events that define collectible varieties in earlier dates.
Machine Doubling vs. True Doubled Dies
Online listings occasionally market 1919 cents as "doubled die" varieties. Collectors should be cautious: the doubling observed on most such coins is either Machine Doubling (a mechanical shift of the die during the striking process, creating a shelf-like duplication on the design elements) or Die Deterioration Doubling (caused by worn, stressed dies). Neither phenomenon is recognized as a major collectible variety by ICCS or PCGS, and neither commands a significant premium among experienced numismatists. The Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian 1-Cent Major Varieties reference confirms no major listed varieties for 1919.
The Newfoundland 1919-C: A Distinct Coin, Not a Canadian Variant
The single most important identification issue for the 1919 year involves the coinage of Newfoundland. In 1919, Newfoundland was a separate British Dominion â it did not join Canada until 1949. The Ottawa Mint struck Newfoundland coins that year as well, but they are completely distinct issues with a different reverse design, a different legend, and a mint mark.
| Feature | 1919 Canadian Large Cent | 1919 Newfoundland Large Cent (1919-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Design | Sixteen-leaf maple vine wreath; "ONE / CENT / 1919" inside beaded circle; "CANADA" at top | Crown-and-date reverse; no maple leaves; "NEWFOUNDLAND" legend |
| Mint Mark | None (Ottawa; no mark on Canadian cents) | C below the date (denotes Ottawa) |
| Mintage | 11,279,634 | 300,000 |
| Value at VF-20 (CAD) | $2.00â$3.00 | $10â$20 (significantly higher due to low mintage) |
Always inspect the reverse design first and then check below the date for a "C" mint mark. No mark = the common Canadian cent. A small C below the date = the considerably scarcer Newfoundland issue. The two coins are not interchangeable.
Institutional Specimen Strikes
The Ottawa Mint did produce presentation-quality Specimen pieces for archives and dignitaries during the George V era, but these were never sold to the public. If a genuine 1919 Canadian Large Cent Specimen strike exists, it would likely be unique or one of fewer than five examples, held in institutional collections such as the National Currency Collection. Any coin marketed publicly as a "1919 Specimen" without ICCS or PCGS certification should be treated with extreme skepticism â it is almost certainly a very early die strike with proof-like fields or a polished business-strike coin, not a true Specimen.
1919 Canadian Large Cent Identification Guide
Work through this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have and to understand where your coin sits on the value spectrum.
Step 1 â Monarch Check
The obverse shows the left-facing bust of King George V, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robes of State. Locate the initials "B.M." on the truncation (the cut lower edge) of the King's shoulder â these are the initials of designer Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal. The surrounding legend reads: GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: REX ET IND:IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King and Emperor of India). The presence of "DEI GRA" confirms this is a post-1911 coin; the notorious 1911 "Godless Coin" omitted this phrase and had it permanently restored thereafter.
Step 2 â Reverse Check
The reverse features a continuous vine of sixteen maple leaves encircling the central field, designed by William Henry James Blakemore. Inside the beaded circle, the text reads ONE / CENT / 1919 in three lines. The word CANADA curves along the top, just inside the maple leaf border. Examine the beaded circle closely: on a well-struck example, the beads are distinct and separate; on weaker strikes, beads may merge with the field or the rim â useful as a strike-quality diagnostic.
Step 3 â Date & Edge Check
Confirm the date reads 1919. Turn the coin on its edge â the 1919 Large Cent has a plain (smooth) edge with no reeding or lettering. The die alignment is medal (ââ), meaning both faces are upright when the coin is rotated on its vertical axis.
Step 4 â Mint Mark Check (Critical)
Examine the area below the date on the reverse. The 1919 Canadian Large Cent carries no mint mark â this is the standard for Canadian cents of this era produced at Ottawa. If you see a small C below the date, you have the Newfoundland 1919-C, a completely different and more valuable coin struck at Ottawa for the separate Dominion of Newfoundland. See the Newfoundland section above for the full comparison.
Step 5 â Magnet Test (Composition Verification)
Apply a magnet to the coin. The 1919 Large Cent's bronze alloy (95.5% copper, 3.0% tin, 1.5% zinc) is non-magnetic. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is not a genuine 1919 Canadian Large Cent â it may be a plated-steel coin from another era or an entirely different issue.
Step 6 â Color Assessment
Under good lighting â natural daylight or a dedicated coin lamp â evaluate the surface color carefully. This is the single most important factor for Mint State valuation:
- Brown (BN): The coin has oxidized over the century to a chocolate or dark-brown color. This is the natural, expected state of the overwhelming majority of surviving 1919 Large Cents. A Brown Mint State example still has significant numismatic value, but trades at a steep discount to Red examples.
- Red-Brown (RB): The coin retains between 5% and 95% of its original orange-red mint luster. You may see partial toning, a "woodgrain" effect, or areas where the original color persists. Commands a meaningful premium over Brown, but trades well below full Red.
- Red (RD): The coin retains 95% or more of its original fiery copper-orange mint luster. After more than 100 years, this level of preservation is chemically improbable without archival storage conditions. Red-designated 1919 cents are condition rarities that drive the highest auction prices in this date.
Step 7 â Grade Diagnostics
Grading references for the George V obverse identify these critical wear points:
- Crown Band (most critical diagnostic): The jewels and pearls on the central band of the Imperial State Crown should be distinct and rounded on a Mint State coin. At EF-40, these jewels begin losing their contours. At VF-20, the band is approximately 50% worn. At F-12, the pearls are worn flat or merged with the band.
- Ear and Hair: The hair above the King's ear and the ear itself are high-relief points. At AU-50, slight friction appears here, disrupting the original cartwheel luster and creating the characteristic "halo" effect around the worn area.
- Eyebrow and Moustache: Even subtle handling or "cabinet friction" â from a coin sliding in a cabinet drawer â on the King's eyebrow or the tip of his moustache can reduce a coin from MS-63 to AU-58. Examine under magnification.
- Reverse Leaf Veins: The highest points on the reverse are the veins of the maple leaves and the rim denticles. Flattening of the leaf veins is a reliable indicator of circulation wear.
For photographic grading standards specific to the George V series, see the Saskatoon Coin Club's George V Coin Grading Guide and the dedicated Large Cent photo grading reference.
Step 8 â Finish Identification
All collectible 1919 Large Cents are Business Strikes. They display a characteristic cartwheel luster â a rolling sheen of light that sweeps across the fields as the coin is tilted under a light source. No Proof-Like or Specimen sets were publicly sold for this year. If a coin appears to have mirror-like fields with heavily frosted devices, it is most likely a very early die strike (sometimes called "proof-like" informally) or a cleaned coin â neither constitutes a recognized separate finish category for 1919. Submit any such coin to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC for professional assessment before assuming any premium.
âšī¸ Which Grading Service? ICCS vs. PCGS vs. NGC
ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the primary Canadian grading standard and is often recommended for Canadian large cents by Canadian dealers. PCGS and NGC are US-based services that also certify Canadian coins and are widely accepted in the North American market. For registry-quality examples â MS-65 RD and above â PCGS certification is especially common due to its population tracking and established market recognition. PCGS maintains a dedicated Canadian Coins population report. For coins below MS-64, weigh the cost of grading against the premium gained â submission costs can easily exceed the numismatic uplift on lower-grade examples.
1919 Canadian Large Cent Value FAQs
What is a 1919 Canadian Large Cent worth?
In circulated condition (G-4 to AU-50), most examples are worth $0.40â$35.00 CAD. In Mint State, color drives value: a Brown MS-63 is worth $30â$45 CAD, a Red-Brown MS-63 is $48â$90 CAD, and a full Red Gem (MS-65 RD) commands $650â$850 CAD. The finest known examples â graded MS-66 Red â have sold for $8,050 USD (~$10,000+ CAD) at auction.
Is the 1919 Canadian Large Cent rare?
In circulated grades, no. With a mintage of 11,279,634, it is one of the most common dates in the entire large cent series and is readily available up to EF-40. However, examples grading MS-65 Red or higher are genuine condition rarities. PCGS population data reports only 5 examples at the MS-66 Red level, with none finer â making the finest-known 1919 cents rare not because of their original mintage, but because preserving full red luster for over a century is chemically improbable without exceptional storage.
Why is a Red (RD) coin so much more valuable than a Brown (BN) one?
The 1919 Large Cent is 95.5% copper, and copper naturally oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture, turning from bright orange-red to dark brown. After more than 100 years, the overwhelming majority of surviving coins have fully toned to brown â this is their natural resting state. A coin that still retains 95% or more of its original fiery red luster has survived in exceptional archival conditions, making it a chemical rarity. At MS-65, the difference between a Brown example and a Red example is roughly $600â$800 CAD. At MS-66, the gap runs into the thousands of dollars.
Is my 1919 Canadian Large Cent silver?
No. The 1919 Large Cent is bronze â 95.5% copper, 3.0% tin, and 1.5% zinc. It contains no silver or other precious metals. It was a base-metal utility coin for everyday commerce. As a quick authentication check: the coin is non-magnetic (its bronze alloy contains no iron), and it measures approximately 25.4â25.5 mm in diameter and weighs 5.67 grams â considerably larger and heavier than any Canadian silver coin of this denomination.
What is the difference between the Canadian 1919 cent and the Newfoundland 1919-C?
In 1919, Newfoundland was a separate British Dominion â it did not join Canada until 1949. The Ottawa Mint struck large cents for both jurisdictions that year. The Newfoundland 1919-C has a completely different reverse design (a crown motif, no maple leaves), bears a small "C" mint mark below the date, and had a mintage of only 300,000 â far lower than the Canadian issue. A Newfoundland 1919-C in VF-20 can fetch $10â$20 CAD, compared to $2â$3 CAD for the same grade Canadian cent. Always check the reverse design and look below the date for the "C."
Should I get my 1919 Canadian Large Cent professionally graded?
For circulated examples (G-4 through EF-40), the cost of professional certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC will almost certainly exceed any premium gained â these coins are common enough that buyers trust their own eyes. For About Uncirculated (AU-50) and Mint State examples that appear to be Red or Red-Brown, professional grading makes economic sense because the certified premium is significant. For any coin that appears to be MS-65 or above with full Red color, professional certification is essentially mandatory: a certified MS-65 RD versus an uncertified example represents a difference of hundreds of dollars in realized market value.
What is "cabinet friction" and why does it matter for my 1919 cent's grade?
Cabinet friction refers to the light surface marks left on the high points of a coin when it slides against other coins or against the felt lining of a storage drawer or cabinet. On the 1919 Large Cent, the King's eyebrow and the tip of his moustache are especially susceptible. Even a coin that has never circulated in commerce can be downgraded from MS-63 to AU-58 by cabinet friction alone. This is one reason why experienced buyers examine the moustache and eyebrow areas carefully under magnification before accepting a coin as "strictly uncirculated."
What is a "Pop Top" MS-66 Red and why does it sell for so much?
"Pop Top" refers to the highest-graded example(s) at a given tier in grading-service population reports. For the 1919 Canadian Large Cent, PCGS reports only 5 examples at MS-66 Red â the highest grade recorded â with none graded finer. These coins are aggressively pursued by Registry Set collectors who compete to own the finest known example of every date and denomination, driving prices well beyond what pure eye-appeal would suggest. The record sale of $8,050 USD (~$10,000+ CAD) from a 2009 David Lawrence RC auction reflects this registry premium in action. The PCGS Price Guide lists the value of an MS-66 Red at approximately $6,000 USD, though realized prices vary with individual eye appeal.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect data compiled from Canadian numismatic market sources as of February 2026. Trend values are drawn from Canadian coin dealer listings and published price guide data; realized prices are from recorded auction results. All CAD values are reproduced directly from source materials. USD prices for MS-66+ examples are cited as stated in source documentation and have not been independently converted to CAD.
Primary sources consulted:
- NGC World Coin Price Guide â Canada Cent KM-21 (1912â1920)
- PCGS Population Report â Canadian Coins
- PCGS Educational Article: The Scarce King George V Canadian Cents
- Numista â 1 Cent George V (with DEI GRA), Canada
- Bank of Canada Museum â Canada, George V, 1 cent 1919
- Calgary Coin â Canadian Cent Reference and Market Data
- Saskatoon Coin Club â Canadian Coin Photo Grading Guide: George V Series
- Saskatoon Coin Club â George V Large Cent Photo Grading Reference
- Saskatoon Coin Club â Canadian 1-Cent Major Varieties
- Royal Canadian Mint â 1-Cent History
- NumisBids â Heritage World Coin Auctions (MS-66 RB reference realized price)
- David Lawrence RC (2009) â record MS-66 Red realized sale, as cited in source documentation
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins â variety and mintage reference
This guide covers standard (non-error) values only. Market values fluctuate; always verify with current dealer listings or recent auction archives before transacting. The Canadian penny ceased distribution on February 4, 2013, but remains legal tender.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties â especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone â 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 â 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.