A Hidden Treasure of Early Canadian Coinage
Among Canada's early silver coins, the 1871 Canadian 25-cent Obverse #1 stands out as a scarce and highly collectible variety from the reign of Queen Victoria.
Struck just four years after Canadian Confederation, this historic silver quarter represents an important period in the development of Canada's national currency.
While the 1871 quarter is already desirable among collectors of Victorian coinage, the Obverse #1 variety is considerably scarcer than the more commonly encountered Obverse #2, making it especially appealing to advanced collectors.
What Makes the 1871 Obverse #1 So Special?
The 1871 Canadian quarter was produced with two different obverse designs, both featuring Queen Victoria.
Although the differences may appear subtle, they are extremely important to numismatists.
The primary identifying characteristic of Obverse #1 is the positioning of the ribbon detail behind Queen Victoria's neck.
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Obverse #1: The V-shaped ribbon detail is positioned off-centre to the right.
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Obverse #2: The V-shaped ribbon detail is positioned off-centre to the left.
Additional differences can be observed in Queen Victoria's portrait, including the shape of her eye and the positioning of her neckline relative to the surrounding lettering.
These small design differences allow specialists to distinguish between the two varieties.
For collectors building a complete Victorian quarter collection, correctly identifying the obverse variety is essential.
A Scarce Variety With Strong Collector Demand
The 1871 Canadian quarter without the H mintmark had a total mintage of only 400,000 coins, including both obverse varieties.
Importantly, the exact number of Obverse #1 coins struck was not separately recorded.
Despite this, numismatic references consistently recognize Obverse #1 as significantly scarcer than Obverse #2.
This scarcity becomes particularly noticeable in higher circulated grades, where attractive examples with strong details can be challenging to locate.
For collectors specializing in Canadian Victorian silver, obtaining an accurately attributed Obverse #1 can represent an important achievement.
How Valuable Is the 1871 Obverse #1?
The value of an 1871 Obverse #1 quarter depends heavily on its condition, originality, eye appeal, and certification.
According to published Canadian numismatic price guides, the Obverse #1 commands a substantial premium over Obverse #2 in comparable circulated grades.
For example, published guide estimates include:
| Grade | Obverse #1 | Obverse #2 |
|---|---|---|
| F12 | $253 CAD | $91 CAD |
| VF20 | $519 CAD | $178 CAD |
| EF40 | $1,130 CAD | $392 CAD |
| AU50 | $2,450 CAD | $707 CAD |
These figures are reference guide values rather than guaranteed selling prices. Actual market results depend on the individual coin and current collector demand.
The difference illustrates why identifying the correct obverse variety is so important.
Technical Specifications
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Year: 1871
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Denomination: 25 Cents
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Variety: Obverse #1
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Monarch: Queen Victoria
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Mint: Royal Mint, London
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Mintage: 400,000 (Obverse #1 and #2 combined)
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Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper
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Weight: 5.81 grams
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Diameter: 23.62 mm
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Edge: Reeded
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Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon
The obverse features Queen Victoria wearing a diadem, surrounded by the Latin inscription VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA.
The reverse displays the denomination and date beneath a crown, surrounded by maple branches tied with a ribbon.
Why Certified Examples Are Particularly Desirable
For scarce Victorian varieties such as the 1871 Obverse #1, professional certification can provide additional confidence to collectors.
Services such as ICCS, PCGS, and NGC offer independent grading, helping collectors evaluate a coin's condition and authenticity.
Correct variety attribution is equally important, especially when the difference between two obverse designs can significantly affect market value.
Collectors should carefully examine the coin or verify the variety attribution before purchasing.
An attractive, properly attributed example of this scarce quarter can become a highlight of an early Canadian silver collection.
A Remarkable Piece of Canadian History
The 1871 Canadian 25 Cents Obverse #1 represents much more than a silver quarter.
It combines early Canadian history, Victorian artistry, limited production, and a scarce design variety that continues to attract serious collectors.
Whether you're completing a Queen Victoria quarter collection or searching for distinctive Canadian silver coins, the 1871 Obverse #1 deserves special attention.
At CoinsFlip.ca, we specialize in premium Canadian coins, scarce dates, and certified varieties that make every collection unique.
Explore our inventory at www.CoinsFlip.ca and discover your next piece of Canadian numismatic history.