1870 Canadian 25-Cent (Quarter) Value Guide

Find out what your 1870 Canadian quarter is worth. Complete CAD price guide by grade for the sterling silver Dominion-era 25-cent coin covering Obverse 1 vs Obverse 2 varieties, the 7/7 overdate, and Specimen strike values as of February 2026.

Quick Answer

The 1870 Canadian quarter is a sterling silver coin that trades well above face value at every grade level. Standard circulated examples (Obverse 1) are worth $25$850 CAD depending on condition; Gem Uncirculated coins reach $10,000+ CAD. All values in CAD.

Heavily Worn (G-4):$25$45
Very Fine (VF-20):$160$220
About Uncirculated (AU-50):$600$850
Uncirculated (MS-60):$1,200$1,800
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65):$6,500$10,000+ a PCGS MS-65 realized approximately $6,600 CAD at Heritage Auctions in 2019
Specimen Strike (SP):$4,000$7,000+ trophy-tier, track by pedigree
Rare Obverse 2 variety: authenticated examples are estimated at 35 the standard Obverse 1 price at equivalent grade

Is it silver? Yes sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu), containing 0.1728 troy oz of actual silver weight. Its minimum value rises and falls with the silver spot price. Shiny with mirror-like fields? The 1870 quarter was issued as a Business Strike or a rare Specimen if the fields are deeply reflective with frosted devices, consult an expert before selling. Dark or black toning? Natural silver sulfide toning on original surfaces is normal for Victorian silver and does not reduce value; never clean the coin. See full value chart

The 1870 Canadian 25-cent coin stands as a foundational artifact of the Dominion of Canada's monetary history. Created under the authority of the Currency Act of 1870, it was the first silver quarter to carry the legend "CANADA" on the obverse a deliberate assertion of federal identity distinguishing it from earlier provincial issues. Struck entirely at the Royal Mint in London (no mint mark), the 900,000-piece mintage supplied a nation hungry for sound silver currency after years of the so-called "Silver Nuisance" and the interim paper Shinplaster. For collectors, the 1870 quarter offers a compelling combination: accessible circulated examples for the beginner, a critical die-variety puzzle (Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2) for the specialist, and virtually unobtainable Specimen strikes for the trophy hunter. For values across the full Victorian and modern quarter series, see the Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

[1870 Canadian 25-cent quarter obverse and reverse side by side showing Queen Victoria Diademed Head and crossed maple boughs design]

1870 Canadian 25-Cent coin: obverse showing Queen Victoria's Diademed (Mature) Head by Leonard C. Wyon with legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA (left), and reverse showing crossed maple boughs surmounted by St. Edward's Crown with denomination 25 CENTS and date 1870 (right). No mint mark appears on either face confirming Royal Mint, London origin.

1870 Canadian Quarter Composition & Silver Content

1870 Canadian 25-Cent Specifications

Sterling Silver Standard

Unlike the United States, which struck its 19th-century silver coinage at .900 fine, Canada adhered to the British Sterling standard of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This gave the 1870 quarter a fractionally different color and wear characteristic compared to American silver. The higher silver purity also means the alloy is somewhat softer than .900 silver, accelerating wear on the high points of the design a key factor when grading Victorian Canadian quarters. The 7.5% copper component is essential for durability; without it, the coin would be far too soft for circulation.

Silver Content & Melt Value

Each 1870 quarter contains 0.1728 troy oz of actual silver weight (ASW). To estimate current melt value, multiply this figure by the current silver spot price in CAD. The document does not provide a fixed CAD melt calculation, as silver spot prices fluctuate daily; any coin dealer or precious-metals site can provide the current spot in real time. What this means practically: even a heavily worn, G-4 example carries intrinsic silver value above its 25-cent face, providing a meaningful floor for the coin's market price.

Magnet Test (Authentication)

Because the 1870 quarter is a sterling silver alloy (silver and copper), it is non-magnetic. Placing a magnet against the coin and observing zero attraction confirms a silver-copper composition, which is a useful first authentication step. A base-metal counterfeit struck in steel will attract a magnet immediately. Note, however, that a negative magnet result alone is not conclusive proof of authenticity copper and zinc alloys are also non-magnetic. The critical authentication benchmark is weight: 5.81 grams. Any significant deviation signals a counterfeit, as differences in metal density are extremely difficult to disguise without altering dimensions.

Diameter Discrepancy Note

Some general references list the 1870 quarter's diameter as 23.88 mm, while specialist catalogs and ICCS holder data often cite 23.62 mm. This variance arises from differences in measuring across the rim versus the collar size, or from slight variations in striking pressure at the Royal Mint. The weight of 5.81 g remains the most reliable authentication metric.

Die Axis

The 1870 quarter was struck in Coin Alignment (): when you flip the coin over from top to bottom (like turning a book page), the reverse image appears upside-down. This was standard practice for Victorian Canadian coinage and differs from the Medal Alignment used by most modern issues.

No Mint Mark

The absence of any mint mark on the 1870 quarter is not a missing feature it is the expected standard. All 1870 quarters were struck exclusively at the Royal Mint on Tower Hill in London. The "H" mint mark (denoting the Heaton Mint in Birmingham) only began appearing on Canadian quarters in subsequent years such as 1871 and 1875, when the Royal Mint's capacity was strained. An 1870 quarter without a mint mark is exactly as it should be.

1870 Canadian Quarter Value Chart by Grade & Finish

All values are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and represent typical market prices as of February 2026. Values in this table apply to the standard Obverse 1 business strikes the variety type that represents the vast majority of surviving 1870 quarters. See the sections below for Obverse 2 and 7/7 Overdate premiums, and the Specimen table for SP pricing.

Survival Curve Warning

While circulated examples of the 1870 quarter are relatively accessible, the population drops steeply at the Extra Fine (EF-40) level and becomes genuinely rare at Mint State. Fewer than a handful of examples are known in certified Gem (MS-65) condition. Do not confuse the 900,000 mintage with the number of high-grade survivors Victorian silver quarters circulated hard and were rarely preserved in uncirculated condition.

1870 Canadian Quarter Business Strike (Obverse 1, Circulation)

Grade	G-4	VG-8	F-12	VF-20	EF-40	AU-50	MS-60	MS-63	MS-65
Obverse 1 (Standard)	$25$45	$45$70	$70$110	$160$220	$300$450	$600$850	$1,200$1,800	$2,500$3,500	$6,500$10,000+

Market liquidity declines sharply above EF-40. AU-50 and Mint State examples are uncommon even at major auction venues. A PCGS MS-65 example realized approximately $6,600 CAD at major auction in 2019, reflecting both the technical grade and the extreme scarcity of Gem survivors. See NGC Price Guide for Canada 25 Cents KM 5 for additional certified population context.

[Grade comparison of 1870 Canadian quarter showing G-4 heavily worn, VF-20 moderately worn, and MS-63 uncirculated examples side by side]

Grade comparison for the 1870 Canadian quarter: G-4 (heavily worn, date and outline readable), VF-20 (braid above ear separated, ear jewel visible), and MS-63 (full luster, sharp hair detail, few marks). Note the progressive loss of hair strand detail from Fine through Very Fine. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

Variety Premiums: Obverse 2 & 7/7 Overdate

These documented varieties command premiums above the Obverse 1 standard table. Grade-by-grade variety pricing is not available for this issue; the premiums below are based on market data reported for the 1870 series.

Variety	Premium Over Standard Obverse 1	Notes
7/7 Overdate	20%50% in lower grades; significantly more in high grades	Repunched date doubling at base of the digit 7. Specialist demand from variety collectors. See Calgary Coin variety listings for reference.
Obverse 2	Estimated 35 standard Obverse 1 price at equivalent grade	Requires expert authentication before paying a premium. Ribbon V notch to left; double chin; simplified hairline. Priced by individual appraisal no fixed grade schedule available.

"Wide 0" Confusion

Some older price guides and generalist listings reference a "Wide 0" 1870 quarter. This is typically a misattribution the primary Wide 0 / Narrow 0 varieties belong to the 1870 10-cent (dime), not the 25-cent coin. The dime is considerably smaller (approximately 18 mm vs. 23.6 mm). For 1870 quarters, focus your research on the Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2 distinction and the 7/7 Overdate. The "Wide 0" is a major variety on the 1880 quarter, not 1870.

1870 Canadian Quarter Specimen Strikes (SP)

Specimen coins were struck on specially polished planchets at the Royal Mint using high striking pressure, producing deeply reflective fields with frosted devices. These were issued for dignitaries, government archives, and well-connected collectors they did not circulate. Known examples are tracked by pedigree.

Finish	Estimated Market Range (CAD)	Known Example	Notes
Specimen (SP)	$4,000$7,000+	SP-66 described as "electric blue and champagne toning" (Norweb Collection, Stack's Bowers Galleries)	Provenance and toning quality are primary value drivers. Grade-by-grade SP pricing for this issue is not available individual appraisal required.

Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide, see our Canadian Quarter Value Guide.

Most Valuable 1870 Canadian Quarter Varieties

Trophy-Level Varieties

1. Specimen Strikes (SP-66)

At the apex of the 1870 quarter hierarchy sit the Specimen strikes. These are not simply well-preserved business strikes they are a fundamentally different category of coin, produced with extra care on polished planchets. Known examples feature a mirror-like field contrasted against sharply frosted devices, creating the cameo effect prized by advanced collectors. The finest confirmed example is an SP-66 described as exhibiting "electric blue and champagne toning," documented in the pedigreed Norweb Collection catalogued by Stack's Bowers Galleries. Market estimates for Specimen strikes range from $4,000 to over $7,000 CAD depending on provenance, grade, and toning. These coins trade as trophy assets among institutional and high-net-worth collectors.

2. Obverse 2 (Extreme Rarity)

While Obverse 2 became the standard die for 18801886 quarters, its use in 1870 was extremely limited almost certainly a trial or emergency use late in the production run. The result is one of the most consequential find-in-a-junk-bin opportunities in all of Canadian numismatics. Because nearly all 1870 quarters are Obverse 1, an Obverse 2 sold at Obverse 1 pricing is a significant undervaluation. Based on comparable rarity dynamics across the Victorian series, an authenticated high-grade Obverse 2 is estimated to command approximately 3 to 5 times the price of a standard Obverse 1 at equivalent grade. Exact pricing requires specialist appraisal no standardized grade-by-grade schedule exists for this variety due to its rarity. See the Identification Guide below for diagnostic details.

[Obverse 1 vs Obverse 2 diagnostic comparison for 1870 Canadian quarter showing ribbon V-notch position and chin differences]

Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2 diagnostic comparison for the 1870 Canadian quarter. LEFT (Obverse 1, common): ribbon V-notch tilts to the RIGHT, eye is rounded with eyelids not meeting at the corner, sharper jawline. RIGHT (Obverse 2, rare): ribbon V-notch tilts to the LEFT, more pronounced double-chin effect, simplified hairline above brow. The ribbon is the fastest field check. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

Findable Varieties

3. The 7/7 Overdate (Repunched Date)

In 19th-century coining practice, date digits were punched individually into working dies by hand. If the initial punch was placed slightly askew or too low and then corrected with a second blow, the ghost of the first impression remained. On the 1870 7/7 variety, distinct doubling is visible at the base of the digit 7 when examined under a 10 loupe. This is a repunched date, not a doubled-hub die. It is most clearly visible under oblique lighting. The 7/7 Overdate commands a premium of 20% to 50% over standard Obverse 1 prices in lower circulated grades, and significantly more in high grades where specialist demand from variety collectors intensifies. Further variety attribution context is available through Calgary Coin Gallery's Victorian quarter listings and the Saskatoon Coin Club's 25-cent obverse evolution guide.

[Close-up of 1870 Canadian quarter date area showing 7/7 overdate doubling at base of the digit 7]

Close-up of the date area on an 1870 Canadian quarter showing the 7/7 overdate. Red circle highlights the base of the first digit 7, where the ghost impression of the initial misplaced punch is visible as doubling. Examine under a 10 loupe under oblique light for best results. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

4. Obverse 1 (Standard the Starting Point)

The overwhelming majority of 1870 quarters you will encounter are Obverse 1. Identifying this correctly is important because: (a) it sets your price benchmark, and (b) confirming Obverse 1 before purchasing rules out paying less than you should for the rarer Obverse 2, or paying an Obverse 2 premium for a coin that is actually Obverse 1. See the Identification Guide for the full Obverse 1 diagnostic checklist.

1870 Canadian Quarter Identification Guide

30-Second Authentication Checklist

Work through these steps in order before assigning a value or purchasing any 1870 quarter.

Monarch Check: The obverse must show Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a tiara (diadem) with her hair drawn into a bun with trailing ribbons. The legend reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA. This is the "Diademed Head" or "Mature Head" portrait engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon. (The earlier "Laurentian Head" used on 1858 Province of Canada coinage looks noticeably younger.)
Reverse Check: Two crossed maple boughs tied with a ribbon bow at the bottom, surmounted by St. Edward's Crown at 12 o'clock. The center reads 25 CENTS above the date 1870.
Date Check: Confirm the date reads 1870 clearly. Examine the base of both 7 digits under a loupe if you see doubling at the base of the first 7, you may have the 7/7 Overdate variety (see above). Beware of altered dates: an 1871 with its date filed and re-engraved to read 1870 is a known counterfeit type.
Edge Check: The edge must be reeded (uniformly milled with parallel ridges). A plain or damaged edge on a coin claiming to be an 1870 quarter is a red flag.
Weight & Magnet Test: Place the coin on a precision scale it should weigh approximately 5.81 grams. Then apply a magnet: the coin must be non-magnetic. Sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) is not attracted to a magnet. A coin that fails either test should be considered suspect and sent for professional authentication. Note: a negative magnet result alone is not sufficient always confirm weight as well.
Mint Mark Check: There is no mint mark on an 1870 quarter. This is correct and expected all 1870 quarters were struck at the Royal Mint in London. Do not confuse the absence of a mint mark with a missing mark. Heaton Mint "H" marks appear only on certain later-year Canadian quarters (e.g., 1871H, 1875H).
Variety Check The Critical Step: Determine Obverse 1 or Obverse 2. See the detailed diagnostics below.
Finish Check: Is this a Business Strike or a Specimen? See the finish identification section below.

Obverse 1 vs. Obverse 2: Detailed Diagnostics

This is the single most important identification skill for the 1870 quarter. Use a 10 loupe in good lighting.

Feature	Obverse 1 (Common)	Obverse 2 (Rare)
Ribbon V-Notch	The V-shaped notch at the end of the neck ribbon is off-center to the RIGHT	The V-shaped notch is off-center to the LEFT
Eye Shape	Eyeball is rounded and prominent; upper and lower eyelids do not meet at the eye corner	Eye detail differs double-chin effect more pronounced
Chin / Jawline	Sharper, more defined jawline	More pronounced double-chin effect
Hair at Brow	One thick strand and one minor (thinner) strand visible above the brow	Hair detail simplified; distinct secondary strand often absent
Neck Truncation	Front tip of bust truncation points to the left edge of the letter C in CANADA	Alignment shifts away from the precise C alignment
Ear Alignment	A line extended from the base of the ear lobe intersects the letter V in VICTORIA	Ear alignment differs from Obverse 1 standard

The ribbon V-notch position is the fastest and most reliable field diagnostic. Right = Obverse 1 (common). Left = Obverse 2 (rare). Confirm with at least one secondary feature before paying a premium. Additional obverse evolution context is available in the Saskatoon Coin Club's 25-cent obverse design evolution guide.

[Finish comparison showing 1870 Canadian quarter Business Strike cartwheel luster versus Specimen mirror fields with frosted devices]

Finish comparison: Business Strike (left) showing cartwheel luster light radiates outward from the center as the coin tilts, with some contact marks in the fields. Specimen (right) showing deeply reflective mirror fields with frosted, matte devices creating high cameo contrast. The Specimen's square, sharp rim edge is also visible. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

Finish Identification

Business Strike (Circulation): The standard issue. When tilted slowly under a single light source, a genuine, uncleaned Mint State business strike will exhibit a rotating "cartwheel" of radiating luster. The fields will show some degree of contact marks from bag handling. This is normal and expected it does not indicate cleaning.

Specimen (SP): A completely different product. The fields are deeply reflective almost like a mirror while the devices (portrait, lettering, maple boughs) have a frosted, matte appearance. This contrast is the defining visual signature of a Specimen coin. The rims are typically sharper and more squared than on a business strike. Specimen coins were never intended for circulation and should not show any wear. If a coin shows both mirror-like fields and wear, it has likely been polished after the fact and is not a genuine Specimen.

[Annotated diagram of high-wear areas on 1870 Canadian quarter obverse and reverse for grading reference]

Annotated diagram of high-wear areas on the 1870 Canadian quarter. Obverse: red circles on the eyebrow (highest facial point), the hair braid above the ear (strands merge at VF), and the ribbon knot at the back of the head. Reverse: red circles on the cross and pearls of St. Edward's Crown (loss of cross top indicates VF or lower) and the central veins of the maple leaves (disappearance marks EF-to-VF transition). (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

Grading: High Points of Wear

Victorian silver quarters grade primarily on these diagnostic zones:

Obverse Eyebrow: The highest point of the Queen's face. Any flatness here indicates at minimum cabinet friction, if not circulation wear.
Obverse Hair Braid Above Ear: Individual strands must be distinct for EF; they begin to merge at VF; they are mostly merged at Fine.
Obverse Ribbon Knot: High-relief element at the back of the head, prone to early wear.
Reverse Crown Cross & Pearls: The cross atop St. Edward's Crown and the pearls on the arches are critical. A flat cross typically indicates VF or lower.
Reverse Maple Leaf Veins: Fine central veins in the leaves. Their disappearance marks the transition from EF to VF.

[Cleaning detection comparison showing original luster versus hairline scratches on cleaned Victorian silver quarter under loupe]

Cleaning detection comparison for Victorian silver quarters. LEFT (original surfaces): cartwheel luster flows across the fields when tilted; the surface has a three-dimensional depth. RIGHT (cleaned coin): light reflects flatly or pools on the surface; a 10 loupe reveals parallel hairline scratches in the fields the telltale signature of abrasive cleaning. A cleaned coin is graded "Details" and loses all numismatic premium. (Illustration not a photo of your exact coin)

Never Clean Your Coin

The 1870 quarter commonly tones to dark grey or black due to silver sulfide formation a natural process in the sterling alloy. Past generations of collectors frequently dipped, polished, or scrubbed these coins to restore a "shiny" appearance. The result is a coin graded "Details Cleaned" by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC, which trades at a severe discount potentially equivalent to a coin two or three full grade points lower. Natural toning, even if dark, is preferable to a cleaned surface. Do not use any chemical, polish, cloth, or liquid on your coin.

Third-Party Grading Recommendation

For any 1870 quarter you believe may be AU-50 or better, ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) certification is strongly recommended. ICCS is the domestic Canadian standard and is known for strict grading of Victorian silver a coin graded MS-60 by ICCS is considered a premium piece. For coins intended for the international auction market, PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) certification is also accepted. Authentication by either service guarantees surface originality and is advisable for any coin valued over $500.

1870 Canadian Quarter Value FAQs

What is a 1870 Canadian quarter worth?

A circulated 1870 Canadian quarter (standard Obverse 1) is worth between $25 and $850 CAD depending on how much wear it has sustained from heavily worn G-4 to nearly pristine About Uncirculated (AU-50). Uncirculated examples range from $1,200 (MS-60) to $10,000+ (MS-65). A PCGS-graded MS-65 sold for approximately $6,600 CAD at Heritage Auctions in 2019. Specimen strikes are a separate category worth $4,000$7,000+. The rare Obverse 2 variety commands an estimated 35 premium over standard prices. All values in CAD as of February 2026.

Is the 1870 Canadian quarter made of silver?

Yes. The 1870 Canadian quarter is struck in sterling silver 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It contains 0.1728 troy oz of actual silver weight (ASW). This means even a heavily worn example carries intrinsic metal value above its 25-cent face value, providing a meaningful price floor that rises with the silver spot price. Canada did not fully transition away from silver quarters until the composition changes of the 1920s1970s; the 1870 issue is among the earliest and highest-silver-content quarters in the series.

How do I tell Obverse 1 from Obverse 2?

The fastest diagnostic is the ribbon V-notch at the end of the neck ribbon behind the Queen's head. On Obverse 1 (common), the V-notch tilts to the right. On Obverse 2 (rare), it tilts to the left. Confirm with secondary features: Obverse 1 has a rounded, prominent eye with eyelids not meeting at the corner and a neck truncation pointing to the left edge of the C in CANADA; Obverse 2 has a more pronounced double-chin and simplified hairline above the brow. Use a 10 loupe in good light and check multiple features before paying or accepting any premium. If you believe you have an Obverse 2, seek verification from a specialist dealer or grading service before transacting.

What is the 1870 7/7 Overdate?

The 7/7 Overdate (also written 7 over 7) is a repunched date variety: when the first digit 7 of the date was punched into the working die, it was slightly misaligned, and a corrected second punch was applied on top. The ghost of the first impression remains visible as doubling at the base of the 7 under a 10 loupe under oblique lighting. This is not a doubled-die error in the modern sense it is a mechanical byproduct of 19th-century hand-punching technique. It commands a 20%50% premium in lower circulated grades, and significantly more in higher grades where specialist demand from variety collectors is greatest.

Is the 1870 Canadian quarter rare?

It depends entirely on the grade. With a mintage of 900,000, circulated examples in G-4 through VF-20 are not rare and can be purchased from most Victorian-era Canadian coin dealers. However, the survival curve is steep: Extra Fine (EF-40) examples are scarce, AU-50 is genuinely uncommon, and Mint State coins are rare. Fewer than a handful of Gem (MS-65) examples are known to exist in certified holders. The Obverse 2 variety and Specimen strikes are rare at any grade level.

Should I get my 1870 Canadian quarter professionally graded?

For any coin you believe is About Uncirculated (AU-50) or better where value starts at $600 CAD third-party grading is strongly recommended. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the domestic Canadian standard and is considered strict on Victorian silver. PCGS is the primary alternative for coins intended for international auction. Grading fees typically run $30$80+ per coin, so for coins in the VG-to-VF range (valued at $45$220), the economics may not support grading costs. The key exception: if you suspect Obverse 2, get it authenticated regardless of grade a correctly attributed low-grade Obverse 2 could be worth multiples of a standard coin at the same wear level.

What is a Specimen 1870 Canadian quarter, and how do I recognize one?

Specimen coins are a special production category not errors, and not simply well-preserved business strikes. They were struck on specially polished planchets with high-pressure dies at the Royal Mint, producing a characteristic appearance: deeply mirror-like fields contrasted against frosted, matte devices. The rim is sharper and more squared than on a business strike. These were issued for dignitaries and government archives, never for circulation. The finest known 1870 Specimen is an SP-66 described as exhibiting "electric blue and champagne toning." Market estimates are $4,000$7,000+ CAD. If your coin has mirror-like fields and shows no wear, consult an expert before selling it may be worth far more than a standard business strike of the same technical detail.

My coin is dark grey or black is it ruined?

No. Dark or black toning is caused by silver sulfide formation a natural chemical reaction of the sterling silver alloy with sulfur compounds in the environment (old paper envelopes, felt, rubber bands). It is extremely common on Victorian Canadian silver and is considered original surface by collectors and grading services. A coin with original dark toning will often grade higher and sell for more than a coin that has been dipped or cleaned to appear silver-white again. Some toned examples especially those with iridescent blue or gold hues actually command premium prices. Do not clean, dip, or polish a dark coin. If the toning concerns you, have it evaluated by a specialist dealer.

What is the 1870 Shinplaster, and is it the same as the 1870 silver quarter?

No they are entirely different items from the same year. The 1870 Dominion of Canada 25-cent note, known as the "Shinplaster," is a paper fractional currency note issued as a temporary stopgap while the Royal Mint produced the silver coinage. A circulated Shinplaster (Charlton DC-1) typically sells for $15$50 CAD depending on variety (Series A, B, or Plain). The 1870 silver quarter, even heavily worn at G-4, is worth more than a common circulated Shinplaster. When searching online for "1870 25 cents value," be aware that search results may blend coin and note listings confirm you are looking at the correct category before transacting.

Methodology & Sources

Values in this guide are estimated in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and reflect typical market conditions as of February 2026, based on the following primary sources: NGC Price Guide Canada 25 Cents KM 5 (18701901); supplementary NGC price data from NGC KM 5 (variant page) and NGC KM 5 (variety page); Numista Victoria Canada 25 Cents; Calgary Coin Gallery Victorian quarter variety listings; Saskatoon Coin Club Canadian 25-Cent Obverse Design Evolution; Stack's Bowers Galleries The Norweb Collection (Specimen strike reference); Heritage Auctions (2019 MS-65 auction result); Royal Canadian Mint 25 Cents history; and the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (definitive domestic reference for variety attribution). Variety diagnostics follow Calgary Coin and Saskatoon Coin Club published attributions. All prices are estimates for typical market transactions; individual coins may trade above or below stated ranges based on surface quality, toning, pedigree, and buyer interest. This guide covers standard (non-error) varieties only. Readers are encouraged to have coins of significant value authenticated and graded by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC before buying or selling.

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.