1990 Canadian 1-Cent (Penny) Value Guide
Find out what your 1990 Canadian penny is worth. Complete price guide covering all four finishes — Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof — plus colour grades (Red, Red-Brown, Brown) with current CAD values. First year of the Diademed portrait.
Most circulated 1990 Canadian pennies are worth $0.05–$0.20 CAD. In MS65 Red the value jumps to $15–$25, and the condition-rarity grade of MS66 Red has sold for $50–$80.
- Circulated (G4–AU50):$0.05–$0.20 — catalogue convenience pricing; near face value
- Uncirculated MS60 (Brown):$0.25–$0.50
- Choice Unc MS63 (Red):$1.00–$1.50
- Gem Unc MS65 (Red):$15.00–$25.00
- Superb Gem MS66 (Red):$50.00–$80.00 (condition rarity)
- Proof-Like PL65:$1.00–$2.00
- Specimen SP65:$1.50–$4.00
- Proof PR65:$3.75–$5.00 | PR67:$15.00–$25.00 | PR69:$30.00+
Found in change? Circulated examples trade near face value. Shiny or from a mint set? You likely have a Proof-Like, Specimen, or Proof coin — each carries a distinct premium over a business strike (see finish tables below). Is it silver? No — the 1990 Canadian penny is bronze (98% copper), non-magnetic, and contains no precious metal. All values in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of February 2026. The Canadian penny ceased general circulation on February 4, 2013, but all 1990 examples remain legal tender. See full value chart →
The 1990 Canadian one-cent coin is historically significant as the first year of issue for Dora de Pédery-Hunt's Diademed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II — the first Canadian-designed royal effigy to appear on a Canadian circulating coin. It replaced the Arnold Machin "Tiara" portrait used from 1965 through 1989. Struck on a distinctive 12-sided (dodecagonal) bronze planchet, the 1990 cent was produced in large quantities for commerce alongside three distinct collector finishes: Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof. For the denomination's full history and values across all years, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Mint errors such as off-center strikes and wrong-planchet coins are known for 1990 but are outside the scope of this standard (non-error) value guide. The Canadian penny ceased general distribution on February 4, 2013; 1990 examples remain legal tender but are no longer issued by the Bank of Canada.
1990 Canadian Penny Composition & Melt Value
The 1990 cent belongs to one of the final eras of the "solid" bronze composition. According to Royal Canadian Mint specifications and Numista records, the alloy breaks down as follows:
- Copper (Cu): 98.0%
- Tin (Sn): 1.75%
- Zinc (Zn): 0.25%
The inclusion of tin and zinc facilitates metal flow during striking, producing sharper relief detail across the coin's 12 flat sides. This formula is distinct from both the earlier Large Cent alloy (95% copper) and the cost-saving compositions introduced by the RCM later in the decade: copper-plated zinc cents (CPZ) from 1997, and copper-plated steel cents (CPS) from approximately 2000.
Intrinsic Melt Value
The 1990 cent contains no precious metal (no silver or gold). At 2.50 grams total weight and 98% copper purity, each coin contains approximately 2.45 grams of copper. As of February 2026, this yields a theoretical melt value of approximately $0.02–$0.03 CAD per coin — double or triple face value, but not a meaningful numismatic driver. The Currency Act of Canada prohibits melting legal tender coinage for its raw metal content, making this figure purely academic. Collectible value for MS63+ examples far exceeds any metal consideration.
Weight as a Diagnostic Tool
The standard weight of 2.50 grams is a critical authentication reference for this issue. Later copper-plated zinc cents (1997–1999) weigh 2.25 grams, and copper-plated steel cents (2000–2012) weigh 2.35 grams. A 1990-dated coin that deviates significantly from 2.50 grams — beyond ordinary wear tolerance — warrants closer examination.
Magnet Test
Touch a magnet to the coin. A genuine 1990 bronze cent is non-magnetic — the magnet will not attract it. Magnetic steel-core cents were not introduced until approximately 2000. A 1990-dated cent that sticks to a magnet is either a counterfeit or a wrong-planchet error (out of scope for standard valuation).
Close-up of the 1990 Canadian penny's dodecagonal (12-sided) edge — the 12 flat facets and 19.1 mm point-to-point diameter are key physical identifiers distinguishing it from a round coin.
1990 Canadian Penny Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The 1990 Canadian cent's value is driven by two factors above all others: finish type (Business Strike, Proof-Like, Specimen, or Proof) and colour preservation (Red vs. Red-Brown vs. Brown) for uncirculated business strikes. The tables below cover all four documented finishes.
⚠️ The "Red" Rule for Uncirculated Grades
Values for MS63 and above require the coin to retain 95% or more of its original copper-red colour (RD designation). Red-Brown (RB) examples at these grades typically trade at a 30–50% discount compared to RD. Brown (BN) examples are treated as bulk items near face value.
1990 Canadian Penny — Business Strike (Circulation)
Circulation mintage: 218,035,000. Values for grades G4 through AU50 reflect catalogue-convenience pricing — the minimum a dealer might charge to locate a single example for a date set — not active buy prices.
| Type | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 (BN) | MS63 (RD) | MS64 (RD) | MS65 (RD) | MS66 (RD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Business Strike | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.12 | $0.15–$0.20 | $0.25–$0.50 | $1.00–$1.50 | $5.00–$8.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | $50.00–$80.00 |
MS67 Red (estimated — extrapolated from MS66 auction data): approximately $200–$300 CAD. Sources: Numista; NGC Price Guide; Colonial Acres; Geoffrey Bell Auctions, Oct 2024.
Three 1990 Canadian pennies showing the three colour designations: Full Red (RD, left) commands top-tier values; Red-Brown (RB, centre) trades at a 30–50% discount; Brown (BN, right) drops to bulk pricing. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Grade comparison for 1990 Canadian penny business strikes: MS63 Red (Choice Uncirculated — left), MS65 Red (Gem Uncirculated — centre), and MS66 Red (Superb Gem / condition rarity — right). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1990 Canadian Penny — Collector Finishes (Proof-Like, Specimen & Proof)
These coins were not released for general circulation. Each finish was sold in sealed Royal Canadian Mint packaging and exhibits a unique surface treatment. Mintages reflect set production totals, not individual coin counts.
⚠️ PVC Damage Risk (Proof-Like Sets)
Proof-Like coins from 1990 were originally sealed in pliofilm (cellophane) packaging. Over decades, PVC plasticizers can migrate onto the coin's surface, leaving a green, waxy residue. Affected coins revert to face value regardless of their original finish quality. If you observe green film, seek professional conservation — do not attempt cleaning with household chemicals.
| Finish | Set Mintage | Grade 65 | Grade 67 | Grade 69 | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof-Like (PL) | 170,791 | $1.00–$2.00 | — | — | Semi-mirror fields; both fields and relief are brilliant with no strong contrast between them. From red/blue pliofilm sets. Fine polishing lines (striae) may be visible under magnification. |
| Specimen (SP) | 76,611 | $1.50–$4.00 | $10.00–$15.00† | — | Matte or fine-lined fields; portrait and maple leaves are brilliantly polished. Distinctive contrast unique to the Royal Canadian Mint. Sold in leatherette cases. Lowest set mintage of the four finishes. |
| Proof (PR/PF) | 158,068 | $3.75–$5.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | $30.00+ | Deep liquid-mirror fields; heavily frosted ("Cameo") relief. Ultra Heavy Cameo (UHC) / Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations commonly awarded by PCGS/NGC. Struck on specially prepared planchets. From Prestige / Double Dollar sets. |
† SP67 value is an estimate based on documented SP65 market trends; no specific auction result has been confirmed for this grade. Sources: London Coin Centre — 1990 RCM Items; London Coin Centre — 1990 Proof-Like; NGC Price Guide; George Manz Coins (2025).
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1990 Canadian Penny Varieties
The 1990 Canadian cent does not have major Charlton-listed die varieties — such as a Doubled Die Obverse or Small/Large Date — that command significant premiums. Instead, value is driven by condition rarity at the extreme upper end of the grading scale and by finish type (Proof-Like, Specimen, or Proof). One minor die rotation variety is documented.
ℹ️ US vs. Canadian Confusion: The "1990 Doubled Die"
Collectors sometimes search for a "1990 Doubled Die" Canadian penny, inspired by the famous 1990 No-S Proof Lincoln cent from the United States Mint. This issue is entirely unrelated to Canadian coinage. No major Charlton-listed Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety is documented for the 1990 Canadian penny. Apparent doubling observed on these coins is almost always Machine Doubling — a common non-premium mechanical effect with no catalogue premium.
Trophy-Level Condition and Finish Rarities
| What | Why Valuable | Documented Value (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 ICCS MS66 Red | Condition rarity. Bronze is soft and reactive; a 30-year-old coin free of carbon spots and bag marks at Superb Gem level is statistically uncommon despite the high mintage. | $60.00 (realized sold price) / Market range: $50–$80 | Geoffrey Bell Auctions — Toronto Coin Expo Fall Sale, Oct 2024; Colonial Acres — ICCS MS66 Red listing |
| 1990 MS67 Red | Practical ceiling for bronze cents. Extremely low population — virtually every surviving example has acquired at least one carbon spot or handling mark by this grade threshold. | ~$200–$300 (estimated; extrapolated from MS66 realized prices) | Market extrapolation from Geoffrey Bell Auctions MS66 data |
| 1990 PCGS PR70 DCAM | Technical perfection. A "70" grade means zero detectable imperfections under magnification, paired with full Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast on the Proof surfaces. | ~$100–$150 (estimated; based on comparable auction results) | Roxbury / Heritage Auctions comparable sales |
| 1990 SP67 Specimen | Top-grade Specimen. Sets are frequently broken open; pristine matte surfaces free of hazing or toning at SP67 are uncommon in the market. | ~$20–$40 (estimated) | Market analysis |
Estimated values are projections, not confirmed auction realizations. Only the MS66 Red price of $60.00 CAD reflects a verified realized sale (Geoffrey Bell Auctions, Oct 2024).
Findable Varieties
| Variety | How to Identify | Value Premium (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotated Die | Hold the coin with the obverse (Queen's portrait) upright, then flip it top-over-top. In standard medal alignment (↑↑), the reverse (maple twig) should also appear upright. Any measurable rotation from upright indicates a rotated die. | $10–$50 depending on degree of rotation | A production anomaly recognized as a collectible variety by Canadian specialists. The degree of rotation affects the premium. |
The three collector finishes (Proof-Like, Specimen, and Proof) may also be treated as "findable variants" within estate lots, broken mint sets, or dealer inventories. See the Identification Guide for the finish determination checklist.
Rotated die diagnostic for the 1990 Canadian penny: left coin in standard medal alignment (↑↑), right coin showing a rotated reverse. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1990 Canadian Penny Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to determine exactly what 1990 cent you have and whether it qualifies for a premium finish or grade designation.
1990 Canadian penny obverse (left) featuring Dora de Pédery-Hunt's Diademed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a jewelled crown and necklace, and reverse (right) featuring Kruger-Gray's two maple leaves on a twig. The coin's 12-sided (dodecagonal) shape is visible on both faces.
Step 1 — Obverse (Monarch) Check
The obverse should show Queen Elizabeth II wearing a Diadem (jewelled crown) and a necklace. This is Dora de Pédery-Hunt's Third Portrait — the first issued in 1990 and the first effigy of a Canadian monarch created by a Canadian artist for circulating coinage. If the portrait shows the Queen wearing only a simple tiara without a necklace, you are looking at the Arnold Machin Second Portrait (1965–1989), meaning the coin is misdated or misidentified.
Step 2 — Reverse Check
The reverse should display two maple leaves on a single twig, the classic design by George Edward Kruger-Gray in use on the Canadian penny since 1937. Confirm the date reads 1990.
Step 3 — Shape Check
Run your finger along the edge. A genuine 1990 cent has 12 flat sides (dodecagonal), not a continuously curved circular edge. This shape has been standard for the Canadian cent since 1982.
Step 4 — Magnet Test (Composition Verification)
Apply a magnet to the coin:
- No stick → Correct. Bronze (98% copper) is non-magnetic. This is the expected result for a genuine 1990 cent.
- Sticks → Counterfeit or Error. Genuine 1990 cents are non-magnetic. Magnetic Canadian pennies (copper-plated steel) were not introduced until approximately 2000. A 1990-dated cent attracted to a magnet is either counterfeit or a wrong-planchet error (outside the scope of standard valuation).
Step 5 — No Documented Mint Marks
No mint marks appear on 1990 circulation strikes. Both the Ottawa and Winnipeg Royal Canadian Mint facilities produced coins this year, but neither applied a distinguishing letter or symbol to the coin. This is standard for Canadian circulation coinage of this era. Do not look for a "W" or "O" mark — none exist on 1990 circulation pennies.
Step 6 — Finish Identification (The Critical Value Driver)
Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it slowly back and forth:
- Business Strike: A rotating "cartwheel" spoke of reflected light sweeps across the coin as you tilt. Fields (background) and devices (Queen, maple leaves) share a similar surface texture. → Standard circulation value.
- Proof-Like (PL): Fields are mirror-bright and reflective; however, the Queen's face is also shiny — there is no strong contrast between field and device. Fine polishing lines (striae) may be visible under magnification. From RCM pliofilm sets. → Small collector premium.
- Specimen (SP): The background fields appear matte, flat, or show fine parallel lines, while the Queen's portrait and maple leaves are brilliantly polished. The contrast is sharp and intentional — often described as a "Reverse Proof" appearance by US collectors, though Specimen is the correct Canadian terminology. From RCM leatherette cases. → Moderate collector premium.
- Proof (PR): Fields are a deep, black, liquid mirror — you can see a clear reflection of your surroundings. The Queen and maple leaves are white and heavily frosted, producing a dramatic "Cameo" effect. From RCM Prestige / Double Dollar sets. → Highest collector premium.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1990 Penny
Bronze is a highly reactive alloy. Cleaning strips the original cartwheel lustre, leaving an unnatural pink or salmon tone. A cleaned coin receives a "Details" (damaged) designation from all major grading services (ICCS, PCGS, NGC) and loses 50–90% of its collector value — effectively dropping it to face value regardless of underlying detail quality.
Step 7 — Colour Check (Uncirculated Business Strikes)
- Red (RD): Bright copper-orange, resembling a brand-new copper wire. Retains 95%+ of original mint colour. Required for the premium values at MS63 and above.
- Red-Brown (RB): A mix of orange and brown tones. Retains 5–95% red colour. Typical market discount of 30–50% compared to an RD coin at the same numeric grade.
- Brown (BN): Uniformly chocolate brown or dull. Retains under 5% of original red. Modern 1990 BN examples are typically treated as bulk items near face value.
Four-way finish comparison for 1990 Canadian pennies: Business Strike (cartwheel luster), Proof-Like (semi-mirror, both surfaces brilliant), Specimen (matte/lined fields with brilliant devices), and Proof (deep mirror fields with frosted white Cameo devices). (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
Magnet test for the 1990 Canadian penny: the magnet does not attract the coin, confirming its non-magnetic bronze composition. A 1990-dated penny that sticks to a magnet is either counterfeit or a wrong-planchet error.
Step 8 — Rotated Die Check
Hold the coin with the obverse (Queen's portrait) upright. Flip it top-over-top (rotating around the horizontal axis, as if turning a page). In standard medal alignment (↑↑), the reverse (maple leaves) should also appear upright when the flip is complete. If the reverse is rotated to any other angle, you may have the documented Rotated Die variety — see Most Valuable Varieties for premium details.
1990 Canadian Penny Value FAQs
What is a 1990 Canadian penny worth?
Most circulated 1990 Canadian pennies are worth $0.05–$0.20 CAD — catalogue convenience pricing near face value. Uncirculated examples in MS65 Red bring $15–$25, while the condition-rarity grade of MS66 Red has sold for $50–$80. Collector-finish coins (Proof-Like, Specimen, Proof) range from approximately $1.00 to $30.00+ depending on grade and finish. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Is a 1990 Canadian penny rare?
In circulated grades, no — 218,035,000 were struck for commerce. However, the 1990 cent is a genuine condition rarity in top grades: because bronze oxidizes easily, finding a fully Red example at MS66 or higher, free of carbon spots and bag marks, is statistically uncommon. The Specimen finish, with a set mintage of 76,611, is the scarcest of the four documented finishes for this year.
Is a 1990 Canadian penny silver?
No. The 1990 Canadian penny is bronze — 98% copper, 1.75% tin, and 0.25% zinc. It contains no silver or gold. You can confirm this with a magnet: a genuine 1990 cent is non-magnetic. Canada's small-cent penny has not been produced in silver during the modern era (post-1937). Any 1990 penny offered as "silver" is misrepresented.
What makes a 1990 Canadian penny valuable?
Three factors drive value above catalogue minimums: (1) Finish — Proof and Specimen coins command meaningful premiums over business strikes; (2) Grade — the difference between MS63 Red (~$1.50) and MS66 Red ($50–$80) is dramatic; and (3) Colour — a coin that has retained 95%+ of its original copper-red lustre (RD designation) is worth significantly more than a toned Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) example at the same numeric grade, often by 30–80%.
What is the difference between Proof-Like (PL), Specimen (SP), and Proof (PR) for the 1990 penny?
Proof-Like (PL): Struck on polished dies; semi-mirror fields, but both fields and devices are brilliant with no strong contrast between them. Sold in pliofilm (cellophane) sets. Specimen (SP): A finish unique to the Royal Canadian Mint — matte or fine-lined background fields combined with brilliantly polished portrait and maple leaves. Often called "Reverse Proof" by US collectors; the correct Canadian term is Specimen. Sold in leatherette-cased sets. Proof (PR): The highest-quality finish — deep, liquid-mirror fields with heavily frosted devices producing a dramatic Cameo effect. Struck on specially prepared planchets. Sold in Prestige / Double Dollar sets.
Should I get my 1990 Canadian penny graded?
Grading costs vary by service and should be weighed carefully against the coin's market value. For business strikes, third-party grading generally makes economic sense only if your coin appears to grade MS65 Red or higher. For Proof coins, PR67 or higher is a reasonable threshold. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the market-preferred service within Canada and produces the most liquid results domestically. PCGS and NGC are US-based alternatives that award Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations, which can add meaningful premiums at auction for Proof and Proof-Like coins.
Does the 1990 Canadian penny have a Doubled Die variety?
No. There are no major Charlton-listed Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties for the 1990 Canadian penny. The famous "1990 Doubled Die" is a United States issue (the 1990 No-S Proof Lincoln cent) — entirely unrelated to Canadian coinage. Apparent doubling observed on 1990 Canadian cents is almost universally Machine Doubling, a common non-premium mechanical effect.
My 1990 penny looks shiny — does that mean it's valuable?
Not necessarily. With 170,791 Proof-Like sets produced in 1990, many have been broken open over the decades. A loose "shiny" 1990 penny found in a collection or estate lot is almost certainly a Proof-Like coin worth approximately $1.00–$2.00, not a rare high-grade business strike. A raw (unslabbed) coin cannot be confirmed as a high-grade business strike — certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is required before premium values apply.
Can I still spend a 1990 Canadian penny?
Yes — the 1990 cent remains legal tender in Canada. However, the Royal Canadian Mint ceased distributing pennies on February 4, 2013, and retailers are not required to accept them for cash transactions (prices are rounded to the nearest $0.05). Spending a collectible example is inadvisable; even a circulated 1990 penny carries a small premium above its 1¢ face value as a catalogued date.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect market data as of February 2026, expressed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Primary sources include: the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (76th Edition) for variety attributions and baseline valuations; Numista for mintage figures and technical specifications; the NGC World Coin Price Guide for grade-by-grade benchmarks; Geoffrey Bell Auctions (Toronto Coin Expo Fall Sale, Oct 2024) and Colonial Acres for realized sale prices and retail listings; the Royal Canadian Mint for official specifications and design history; and Wikipedia — Canadian Penny for general denomination context. Grading standards follow ICCS conventions, cross-referenced with PCGS and NGC guides. Prices represent typical market ranges; individual results vary based on eye appeal, toning, and market conditions. This guide covers standard (non-error) varieties only.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.