The natural human H-chain ferritin was expressed in E. coli using a multi-copy expression vector containing the lambda pL promoter. A variant H-ferritin, having an altered N-terminus, was also produced. These proteins are overproduced (greater than 30% of the soluble protein), correctly assembled into its 24-subunit shell, and able to bind iron. The identity of the products was confirmed using an antibody specific for H-ferritin.