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1858 Canadian Large Cent (1) Value Guide
Find out what your 1858 Canadian large cent is worth. Complete price guide covering Business Strikes (G4MS65), Specimen strikes (SP63SP67), and rare varieties including the Coinage Axis and Broken Vine. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Even in heavily worn condition, the 1858 Canadian large cent is worth at least $80 CAD it is the key date of the entire Victorian Large Cent series. In top Gem Red grades, values exceed $20,000 CAD. Presentation Specimen strikes begin at $4,500 CAD.
- Heavily Worn (G4):$80
- Very Good (VG8):$130
- Very Fine (VF20):$280
- Extremely Fine (EF40):$470
- About Uncirculated (AU50):$830
- Mint State (MS63):$3,500
- Gem Mint State (MS65 Red):$20,000+
- Specimen (SP63):$4,500+
- Specimen (SP67):$25,000+
Not found in circulation: The 1858 cent is a demonetized historical coin you will not encounter one as pocket change. If you have one, it almost certainly came from an estate, collection, or dealer. Not silver: This coin is bronze (95% copper) its entire value is numismatic, not metallic. Business Strike vs. Specimen: A coin with semi-matte satin fields, frosted devices, and razor-sharp squared rims is a rare Specimen presentation strike worth thousands more than an equivalent-grade Business Strike; consult a specialist before assuming you have a cleaned business strike. All values in CAD as of February 2026. See the full grade-by-grade value chart
The 1858 Province of Canada Large Cent holds a singular place in Canadian numismatic history: it is the first decimal cent ever struck for Canada, marking the decisive shift from a chaotic colonial currency mix of British pounds, Spanish reales, and private tokens toward a standardized decimalized system. Produced at the Royal Mint in London with a mintage of only 421,000 pieces compared to 9.5 million for the 1859 it is the undisputed key date of the Victorian Large Cent series (18581901). For the complete series context, see our Canadian Penny Value Guide.
Note: Production anomalies such as off-center strikes, brockages, and heavy clips exist for this issue but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1858 Canadian Large Cent Composition & Melt Value
The 1858 Large Cent was struck from bronze a ternary alloy of 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc. Compared to pure copper, tin improved the coin's hardness and resistance to surface wear, helping it retain design detail through heavy circulation, while zinc acted as a deoxidizer during casting to produce a cleaner strike. This bronze alloy remained the Canadian cent standard for decades, though the weight specification was revised in 1876.
Metrological Standard: 1/100 Avoirdupois Pound
The 1858 cent was engineered not merely as a medium of exchange but as a precise unit of weight. Its specification required 100 coins to weigh exactly one avoirdupois pound, yielding an official coin weight of 4.54 grams (approximately 70 grains). This is critically different from the Dominion of Canada cents struck from 1876 onward, which were re-specified at 5.67 grams (1/80th of a pound). This 1.13-gram difference is the single most reliable authentication test for the 1858 date see the Identification Guide below.
Melt Value
At early 2026 copper spot prices, the approximately 4.2 grams of copper in a single 1858 cent carry a scrap value of roughly $0.04$0.05 CAD. This figure is essentially irrelevant for valuation purposes: even a heavily damaged G4 example commands approximately $80 CAD on the open market. The coin's intrinsic metal value represents less than 0.1% of its collectible floor price.
Magnetic Properties
The 1858 cent's bronze composition makes it completely non-magnetic. Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to any genuine example and you will observe zero attraction. If a coin claiming to be an 1858 cent sticks to a magnet, it is a modern steel counterfeit or novelty item not a genuine 19th-century bronze coin. This simple test takes under five seconds and immediately eliminates the most obvious fakes.
1858 Canadian Large Cent Value Chart by Grade & Finish
The following tables present typical retail replacement values for certified examples (ICCS, PCGS, NGC) or raw coins graded to strict conservative standards. Values are in CAD as of February 2026, synthesized from Charlton Standard Catalogue baselines, NGC World Coin Price Guide data for Canada KM#1, and PCGS population-adjusted market pricing. The 1858 is a key date with a firm price floor even in the lowest identifiable grades; damaged examples with problems (cleaned, corroded, holed) may trade below the G4 figure.
1858 Province of Canada Large Cent Business Strike (Circulation)
Grade progression for the 1858 Canadian large cent, from heavily worn G4 through About Uncirculated AU50. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
| Type / Design | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1858 Victoria Laureate Obverse / 16-Leaf Maple Vine Reverse Royal Mint, London (No Mint Mark) | $80 | $130 | $170 | $280 | $470 | $830 | $1,400 | $3,500 | $20,000+ | MS65 value reflects Full Red (RD). MS60MS63 typically Brown (BN). See color designation note below. Price cliffs at VGVF and EFAU are steep grading accuracy is financially critical. |
The Value Cliff
The 1858 cent exhibits steep price jumps at key grade thresholds: VG8 ($130) to VF20 ($280) represents a 115% increase, and EF40 ($470) to AU50 ($830) a 77% jump. Professional certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is strongly recommended for any coin claimed to grade EF40 or higher the risk of encountering optimistically graded raw coins or altered dates is too great at these price levels. Consult the PCGS Set Registry for Canadian Large Cents (Circulation Strikes) for population context.
Color Designation for Mint State Examples
For uncirculated bronze coins, original copper colour preservation is the single greatest value driver in the Mint State range. Three color designations apply:
- Red (RD): 95% or more of the original mint orange-red colour intact. Full Red 1858 cents are extraordinarily rare maintaining copper's reactive surface in pristine condition for over 168 years requires near-perfect storage. The MS65 value above assumes RD designation.
- Red-Brown (RB): Between 5% and 95% of original red remaining, with toning on at least some of the surface. Still highly collectable, but at a substantial discount versus RD. A documented MS64 RB example trades in the range of $5,000$7,000.
- Brown (BN): Fully oxidized dark surface. The most common state for uncirculated 1858 cents, given the coin's age. The MS60 and MS63 values in the table above are consistent with Brown examples.
Color designation comparison for uncirculated 1858 large cents: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Full Red (RD). The RD designation commands an exponential premium. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
Never Clean Your Coins
Victorian copper is chemically unstable. Past collectors often cleaned these coins to restore their "shine," leaving an unnatural pink or salmon surface with hairlines visible under magnification. Grading services label cleaned coins "Details Cleaned," which destroys all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying detail quality. Never clean a bronze coin, and never dip one in acid or abrasive solutions.
1858 Province of Canada Large Cent Specimen (SP)
Specimen coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London on specially prepared planchets for official presentation to dignitaries and institutions to mark the inauguration of Canada's new decimal coinage. They differ meaningfully from business strikes: razor-sharp, squared rims; semi-matte or satin fields with contrasting frosted devices; and a precision of detail impossible to achieve on standard circulation dies. Surviving Specimen 1858 cents are extremely rare and command strong competition among advanced collectors. The PCGS Victorian Cents Specimen Set Registry (18581901) provides population context for known survivors.
| Finish | SP63 | SP65 | SP67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) Royal Mint, London Presentation Strike | $4,500+ | $12,000+ | $25,000+ | Semi-matte satin fields with frosted devices; distinctly squared, sharp rims. Often exhibit semi-Red colour preservation. Certification by PCGS or NGC mandatory at this value level. Do not confuse with a cleaned business strike have any suspected Specimen evaluated professionally. |
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 1858 Canadian Large Cent Varieties
Unlike the 1859 which is famous for its 9/8 overdates and numerous repunched dates the 1858 cent's premium is driven primarily by condition and finish rather than variety. Nevertheless, documented varieties exist that reward careful examination. The most important distinction for most collectors is colour preservation in Mint State grades, which can multiply value by several times within the same numeric grade.
A. Trophy-Level Examples (Not Typical)
These coins represent the absolute pinnacle of the 1858 issue. The prices reflect record-setting auction results and exceptional market performance not what you are likely to find in an estate box or coin jar.
| What | Why It Commands a Premium | Typical Requirement | Documented Result / Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1858 Specimen (SP) | Struck on prepared planchets for official royal presentation; razor-sharp rims, satin fields, extremely low survival rate. | SP63 or higher (PCGS / ICCS) | $12,000$25,000+ see Heritage Auctions: 1858 Victoria Specimen 1 Cent (ex-Pittman Collection, PCGS SP63 RB) |
| 1858 MS65 Red (RD) | Full original mint orange-red colour after 168 years a numismatic miracle. 95%+ of surviving 1858 cents are Brown. | MS65 RD (PCGS / ICCS) | ~$21,000+ (Heritage Auctions record) |
| 1858 MS64 Red-Brown | A condition rarity superior to 99.9% of known survivors; substantial original lustre present. | MS64 RB | $5,000$7,000 |
| 1858 Coinage Axis (High Grade) | Rare die-orientation anomaly at the Royal Mint combined with above-average preservation. | AU50 or higher | $2,000+ (estimated) |
B. Findable Varieties Worth Checking
These varieties can be identified on circulated coins with magnification and a reference image. Each offers a meaningful premium above the base value for the same grade.
1. Coinage Alignment (Rotated Die Variety)
Medal Alignment (standard) vs. Coinage Alignment (rare variety): the diagnostic rotation test for the 1858 Canadian large cent. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
Standard Canadian coins of this era use Medal Alignment (): if you hold the coin by its edges and rotate it left-to-right on a vertical axis, the reverse appears upright as a medal would. The rare Coinage Alignment () variety reads correctly when rotated top-to-bottom, the same way a US cent behaves. On the 1858, this represents a die-setup error at the Royal Mint. Although Charlton does not always assign a specific sub-number for this variety, it is recognized by PCGS and specialist collectors. Premium: approximately 200%500%+ over the base value at the same grade, heavily dependent on buyer interest and the specific coin's condition.
2. Broken Vine / Broken Stem (Late Die State)
Close-up of the 1858 large cent reverse showing the Broken Vine die-state variety: a distinct gap in the serpentine maple vine, typically near leaves 3 or 4.
A specific late die state exhibits a distinct gap or break in the serpentine maple vine on the reverse, typically near the third or fourth leaf in the vine sequence. This is a die-state variety not a mint error sought by specialists completing die-state sets of Victorian large cents. Examine the vine carefully under 510 magnification; a genuine gap (distinct from a post-mint scratch or abrasion) is the diagnostic feature. A documented Broken Vine example in PCGS AU50 demonstrates the collector demand for attributed die-state coins. Premium: typically 10%25% over base value at equivalent grade.
3. Re-Punched Date (Minor)
Doubling visible on the numerals "5" or "8" in the date under magnification indicates die repair or correction during the production run. Re-punched dates are less prominent on the 1858 than on the 1859 issue but are documented. Niche interest from variety specialists; typical premium is 10%20% over base value.
Note: Major mint errors such as heavy clips, off-center strikes, and brockages can be extremely valuable, but they are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1858 Canadian Large Cent Identification Guide
Before concluding you have a high-value example, complete this forensic checklist. The 1858 cent is one of the most frequently counterfeited and altered dates in Canadian numismatics primarily because later Victorian cents sharing the same design are abundant and inexpensive, making them convenient blanks for date alteration.
1858 Province of Canada Large Cent: obverse (Queen Victoria laureate portrait by Leonard Charles Wyon) and reverse (16-leaf maple vine encircling "ONE CENT" and date). Key identification features labeled.
30-Second Authentication Checklist
- Monarch / Obverse Check
The portrait must show Queen Victoria with a laureate wreath (leaves) woven into her hair not a crown, not a tiara, not a diadem. A crown or tiara indicates a different denomination, a different era, or the wrong coin entirely. Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon, Royal Mint, London. - Reverse Design Check
Confirm the reverse shows a serpentine 16-leaf maple vine encircling the text "ONE CENT" at centre and the date "1858" at the bottom. The vine should form a complete loop. Note any gaps in the vine see the Broken Vine variety discussion above. - Edge Check
The edge must be plain (smooth). Any reeded (milled) edges indicate the wrong coin or a modern counterfeit. - Magnet Test
Apply a strong magnet to the coin. A genuine 1858 bronze cent shows zero magnetic attraction. Any attraction indicates a modern steel replica or novelty item not a genuine 19th-century issue. - Weight Test The Critical Anti-Counterfeit Step
Use a precision digital scale:- Target weight: 4.54 grams (allow approximately 0.10g for legitimate wear).
- If the coin weighs approximately 5.67 grams, it is almost certainly an altered-date coin. Dominion of Canada cents struck from 1876 onward including abundant 1888 and 1898 dates were struck to a heavier 5.67-gram standard. Converting one of these cheap and plentiful later cents to read "1858" is the single most common fraud for this date. The weight difference is the definitive diagnostic.
Weight authentication test: a genuine 1858 large cent (4.54 g) vs. an altered later-date cent (5.67 g) on a digital scale. This test takes seconds and catches the most common alteration type for this date.
- Mint Mark Check
The 1858 cent carries no mint mark. It was struck exclusively at the Royal Mint in London, and no distinguishing mark was applied. This is standard for the era. Do not expect to find any mark below the bust truncation or elsewhere on the coin. - Finish Identification
- Business Strike: Cartwheel luster emanating from the coin's centre in higher grades; normal die-flow lines across both fields and devices. The fields and devices share a similar surface texture.
- Specimen (SP): Semi-matte or satin fields with contrasting frosted devices the portrait and vine stand out with a different surface quality than the surrounding fields. Rims are noticeably squared and more precisely struck than on business strikes. If your coin shows these characteristics, consult a specialist immediately before assuming you have a cleaned business strike the difference in value is enormous.
Business Strike vs. Specimen surface comparison for the 1858 Canadian large cent. The Specimen (right) exhibits satin fields, frosted devices, and precisely squared rims unavailable on a standard circulation strike. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)
Verdigris Warning
Green waxy corrosion (verdigris) is common on Victorian copper. Active verdigris eats into the coin surface over time, reducing grade and value. Do not attempt to remove it yourself consult a professional conservator. Stable (inactive) verdigris that has fully dried is often best left in place to avoid additional surface disruption.
1858 Canadian Large Cent Value FAQs
What is an 1858 Canadian large cent worth?Even in heavily worn condition (G4), an 1858 large cent is worth approximately $80 CAD making it the most expensive low-grade circulation cent in the entire Victorian series. Values rise steeply with preservation: Very Fine (VF20) examples trade for around $280, Extremely Fine (EF40) for around $470, and Mint State Red examples at MS65 exceed $20,000. Presentation Specimen strikes start at $4,500+. All values in CAD as of February 2026.
Yes by Canadian cent standards, it is the key date of the entire Victorian Large Cent series (18581901). With a mintage of 421,000 pieces, it is dramatically scarcer than the 1859 (9.5 million struck). The 1858 was thoroughly circulated, meaning high-grade survivors are rare as a matter of condition on top of low mintage. An original Mint State Red example is a genuine rarity that attracts competition from advanced registry-set collectors worldwide.
The most reliable test is weight: a genuine 1858 cent weighs 4.54 grams. Dominion-era cents from 1876 onward weigh 5.67 grams if your coin weighs approximately 5.67 grams, it is almost certainly an altered 1888 or 1898 cent (both are abundant and cheap). Additionally, confirm the coin is non-magnetic (bronze does not attract magnets), that the edge is plain (not reeded), and that the portrait shows Queen Victoria with a laureate wreath of leaves not a crown or tiara. For coins claiming EF40 or better, professional certification by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is effectively mandatory given the fraud risk.
A Business Strike is a standard circulation coin produced with normal die and planchet preparation, showing cartwheel luster in high grades. A Specimen was struck on specially prepared planchets at the Royal Mint for official presentation to dignitaries; these show semi-matte satin fields, sharply frosted devices, and precisely squared rims unavailable on a circulation strike. Specimens are worth dramatically more: an SP63 starts at approximately $4,500, versus $830 for an AU50 business strike. Do not confuse a cleaned business strike which may have a dull, unnatural surface with a genuine Specimen. Have any suspected Specimen examined by a specialist before drawing conclusions.
No. The 1858 large cent is bronze 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc. It contains no silver or gold. Its value is entirely numismatic: driven by historical significance as Canada's first decimal cent, low mintage, and condition scarcity. The coin's intrinsic copper scrap value is approximately $0.04$0.05 CAD, which is negligible compared to its collectible price floor of $80+ in the lowest circulated grades.
These are color designations assigned by grading services (PCGS, NGC, ICCS) to uncirculated bronze coins. Red (RD) means 95% or more of the original mint orange-red copper colour is preserved the highest-premium designation. Red-Brown (RB) means between 5% and 95% original red remains, with partial toning. Brown (BN) means the surface is fully oxidized to a dark chocolate colour the most common state for uncirculated 1858 cents given their age. For a coin over 168 years old, achieving Full Red status requires near-perfect storage conditions throughout its entire life, which is why RD examples command exponentially higher prices than BN coins at the same numeric grade.
For any coin claiming to grade EF40 or higher, yes certification is essentially mandatory at this value level. The risks of altered dates, cleaned surfaces, or optimistic raw grading are too significant for most buyers to accept on an uncertified coin. ICCS is the preferred service for Canadian domestic sales; PCGS and NGC are preferred for high-grade Mint State examples, where their hard plastic holders offer superior copper protection and their Red/Brown color designation carries significant market weight. Balance the certification cost against expected value: submitting a Fine-12 coin worth approximately $170 may not be economical, but any coin at EF or above absolutely warrants the investment.
Standard Canadian coins of this era use Medal Alignment (): rotate the coin left-to-right on a vertical axis and the reverse appears upright. The rare Coinage Alignment () variety on some 1858 cents reads correctly when rotated top-to-bottom the same behavior as a US cent. This was a die-setup error at the Royal Mint. The variety commands a premium of approximately 200%500%+ over the standard value, though realized prices depend heavily on the specific coin's grade and competition at auction. It is recognized by PCGS and specialist collectors even though Charlton does not always assign a dedicated sub-number.
Significantly and negatively. Grading services label cleaned coins "Details Cleaned," which strips all numismatic premium regardless of the underlying design quality or sharpness. Victorian copper is chemically reactive; cleaning typically leaves an unnatural pink, salmon, or bright orange surface with hairlines visible under 5 magnification. A cleaned example that would have been EF40 may trade for a fraction of the genuine EF40 price. Never clean any coin, and never dip a bronze coin in acid or household cleaning agents. Professional conservation using pure acetone can sometimes stabilize surface contamination (such as PVC residue) without additional damage consult a conservator before attempting anything.
The Broken Vine is a late die state on the 1858 cent reverse where the serpentine maple vine shows a distinct gap or break most commonly near the third or fourth leaf in the vine sequence. Die-state varieties like this arise as the die wears or develops a crack during production, creating a small population of coins with the distinctive gap. To identify it, examine the reverse under 510 magnification: a genuine break in the vine line (as opposed to a post-mint scratch, which will cross over both the coin's surface and the vine without the vine being interrupted) is the diagnostic feature. Premium over base value is approximately 10%25% at equivalent grade.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide are synthesized from the following primary sources, cross-referenced as of February 2026: Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (domestic baseline and variety attribution); NGC World Coin Price Guide Canada Cent KM#1; PCGS Population Report Canadian Coins; PCGS Set Registry Large Cents (Circulation) and Specimens (18581901); Heritage Auctions realized prices; GreatCollections auction archive; CoinSite Canadian Large Cents; Numista KM#1 specifications; and the Royal Canadian Mint 1 Cent history. Market values represent typical retail replacement prices and may fluctuate with auction results and collector demand. This guide does not constitute financial advice.
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.