1884 five-cent variety expected to bring $70K at Torex June sale

By Jesse Robitaille

134-year-old five cents belonging to the Wildlife Museum Collection is expected to bring upwards of $70,000 when it crosses the auction block as part of this June’s Torex sale hosted by The Canadian Numismatic Auction Company (TCNAC).

The 1884 five-cent “Far Blunt 4” variety will be offered as Lot 496 of the four-session sale. Described by auctioneers as a “key issue with in-depth gold and yellow and green tones over lustre,” the coin was certified as Mint State-65 – the best example ever handled by TCNAC – by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). One of only five believed to exist, this example has a pre-sale estimate of $60,000-$70,000.

The aforementioned lot is one of more than 1,600 items being offered from the Wildlife Museum Collection, which consists of an “array of high-grade early Bank of Canada banknotes and Canadian coins,” as well as the BC Dennisson Collection.

The Wildlife Museum Collection earns its name from the consignor, whose personal life and business involve hunting and wildlife.

“Generally, it’s related to what he’s doing,” said auctioneer Eric Paquet, who added the consigner requested its name. “This business is what gave him the opportunity and funds to collect what he’s collected, and he wanted it to relate to his background without using his own personal name.”

According to auctioneers, the “comprehensive” Wildlife Museum Collection is highlighted by “a complete and possibly one of the finest-quality silver and nickel five-cent collections ever assembled.”

The auctioneers added: “Each item has been handpicked over several years for its extraordinary appeal and/or quality. The five-cent collection alone should and will rank amongst the very best five-cent collections ever offered, such as the Norweb Collection, the Canadiana Collection, the Belzberg Collection and the Victoria North Collection, to name a few.”

Other Wildlife Museum Collection highlights include Lot 491, an 1872H five-cent piece with a grade of PCGS Mint State-66, the solo finest PCGS-graded example. Described by auctioneers as a “superior-quality example with extravagant tints of orange and purples,” this example is also the best example handled by TCNAC. It’s expected to bring between $15,000 and $16,000.

Another highlight in the collection’s five cents category is Lot 506, a 1902H five-cent “Small H” variety with a grade of PCGS Mint State-67-plus, the solo finest-graded example. With “superb eye-appeal” and “gold and russet tones,” this lot has a pre-sale estimate of $6,500-$7,000.

Rounding out the coinage highlights is Lot 429, a Newfoundland 1872H 20-cent piece with a grade of PCGS Mint State-67 and “lustrous rose, gold and lime green” toning. This piece is expected to cross the block for between $10,000 and $15,000, although auctioneers believe it could bring stronger prices.

PAPER MONEY

A French $50 banknote (BC-14) from the Bank of Canada’s 1935 Series is expected to highlight the Wildlife Museum Collection’s paper money section with a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$45,000. To be offered as Lot 225, this example – described as “one of the best” seen by TCNAC – has a serial number reading “F03976” and a grade of Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) Choice Uncirculated-64 EPQ (exceptional paper quality).

The collection’s other paper money highlights include Lot 224, a 1935 Series $20 “Large Seal” variety (BC-9a) with a serial number reading “A028338” and a grade of Canadian Coin Certification Service (CCCS) Choice Uncirculated-63. Described as “very scarce” in Choice Uncirculated condition, this example is expected to bring between $21,000 and $23,000.

Another 1935 Series note, this with a denomination of $5 (BC-6) and a serial number reading “F000010,” will be offered as Lot 211. Described as a “lovely and desirable example,” this lot was certified as Choice Uncirculated-63 by PCGS and has a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-$16,000.

Also from the Wildlife Museum Collection is a French 1935 Series $2 note (BC-4) with a low serial number reading “F000020.” To be offered as Lot 217, this example has a grade of PMG Choice Uncirculated-63 and is expected to bring between $10,000 and $14,000.

The collection also includes a “nice and desirable” low serial number $5 note (BC-5) from the 1935 Series. To be offered as Lot 213 and with a serial number reading “A000023,” this example has a grade of PCGS Choice Uncirculated-64 PPQ and a pre-sale estimate of $6,500-$7,000.

Lastly, another low serial number note from the 1935 Series – this a $2 note (BC-3) with a serial number reading “A000020” – will cross the auction block as Lot 216. With a grade of PMG Choice Uncirculated-63, this example is expected to bring between $5,000 and $7,000.

“We have no doubt in suggesting that this will be a definite highlight sale for 2018 and that you will get your money’s worth just attending and reviewing the gems for offer,” according to auctioneers. “Mark this date on your calendar and be sure to make this a rendezvous not to miss.”

For more information, visit auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com.

Leave a Reply

Canadian Coin News

Canada

Canadian Coin News is Canada's premier source of information about coins, notes and medals.

Although we cover the entire world of numismatics, the majority of our readers are Canadian, and we concentrate on the unique circumstances surrounding collecting in our native land.

Send Us Your Event

Running an event? Send it to us and we will display it on Canadian Coin News!

Submit Event →

Subscribe To 26 Issues For Just $59.99/year

Subscribe today to receive Canada's premier coin publication. Canadian Coin News is available in both paper and digital forms.

Subscribe Now

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.