Victoria one-cent issue study
Canada Victoria One Cent 1891
The central attribution date: large or small leaves, large or small date, and Obverse 2 or 3.
Identify leaf family first, then date size and obverse hub. Weak detail or photography alone is not enough for a premium attribution.
Issue history and identity
The late-Victoria small-leaf reverse enters during 1891 rather than at a clean calendar boundary. Collectors therefore attribute combinations, not just one reverse nickname.
- Mint
- Royal Mint
- Mint mark
- None
- Reverse family
- Large- and small-leaf transition
Mintage and physical standard
| Reported mintage | about 1,453,000 |
|---|---|
| Evidence status | conflicted estimate |
| Composition | Cu 95% · Sn 4% · Zn 1% |
| Weight / diameter / thickness | 5.67 g · 25.4 mm · 1.5 mm |
| Edge / alignment | Plain / medal |
NGC reports 1,452,000 and Numista reports 1,452,500; this catalog preserves Coins and Canada's rounded estimate and discloses the conflict.
Varieties and attribution status
- Large Leaves / Large Date / Obverse 2 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Large Leaves / Large Date / Obverse 3 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Large Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 2 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Large Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 3 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Small Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 2 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Small Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 3 — design combination; major catalog identity
- Small Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 3, double T — doubled letter; source-reported minor entry
Price, population and auction context
These are dated third-party guide observations, not offers, appraisals or guarantees. Variety, colour designation, surfaces, certification and market timing can materially change results.
| Attribution | G4 | VF20 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Leaves / Large Date / Obverse 2 | $7.8 | $25 | $78.7 | $147 | $547 | $858 | $3180 |
| Large Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 2 | $78.4 | $172 | $564 | $1090 | $4560 | $9700 | — |
| Small Leaves / Small Date / Obverse 3 | $49 | $117 | $266 | $407 | $1300 | $2460 | $7600 |
PCGS population snapshot
- Large Leaves / Large Date BN
- 69
- Large Leaves / Large Date RB
- 50
- Large Leaves / Large Date RD
- 10
- Large Leaves / Small Date BN
- 71
- Large Leaves / Small Date RB
- 16
- Large Leaves / Small Date RD
- 1
- Small Leaves / Small Date BN
- 115
- Small Leaves / Small Date RB
- 35
- Small Leaves / Small Date RD
- 10
Certification counts are not survivors.
Selected auction history
| 2025-09-26 | Belzberg Collection | ICCS MS64 RB | CAD 1652 |
| 2007-01-07 | Heritage Auctions 425 | About VF, cleaned | USD 126.5 |
Grading, care and collecting
Identify leaf family first, then date size and obverse hub. Weak detail or photography alone is not enough for a premium attribution.
- Read wear and surface problems separately.
- Do not clean; use inert PVC-free storage.
- Treat PCGS and NGC colour labels as service-specific.
Related issues
Issue references
- 1 cent 1891 prices and valuesCoins and Canada
major design combinations; dated price guide; selected auction records
- 1 centRoyal Canadian Mint
denomination history; 1858–1911 reverse design and designer
- Canada Cent KM#7 1876–1901NGC
series specification corroboration; issue mintage corroboration