Described as a “highly intriguing $15 gold off-metal strike from Canada,” a 1992 $15 “Spirit of the Generations” coin is expected to bring between $17,500 USD (about $22,975 Cdn.) and $22,500 USD (about $29,550 Cdn.) at the World Coins and Ancient Coins Platinum Night Auction later this week in Philadelphia.
Graded Proof-68 Ultra Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., this Royal Canadian Mint-struck coin offers an “interesting and highly unusual off-metal striking,” according to auctioneers, who add the dies for the original silver issue were used “in tandem” with a planchet for a contemporary one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf.
The 30-millimetre diameter of this gold planchet expanded during the striking process to the size of the dies (40 millimetres), auctioneers said. This accounts for the “slightly odd nature to the rims of this piece, as there was not quite enough metal to fill the entire area demanded by the dies.”
“Given the extremely atypical and intriguing nature of its striking process, this important example, just one of two known, would serve as a cornerstone in any Canadian or mint error collection,” said auctioneers, who add this example exhibits “full gem quality, with delightfully frosted devices and exceptionally mirrored surfaces.”