The coins of the French Regime represent a “fascinating” field of numismatics, one that was vital to the development of our country.
This according to Brian Bell, of New Brunswick’s Geoffrey Bell Auctions, official auctioneer of the 2016 Convention of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA); however, he added, these coins are different from others usually included in Bell’s auction catalogues in that they are not exclusively Canadian.
“These pieces were shipped by the King or imported by local merchants for use in New France and were either normal French coinage or colonial coinage issued for use in any of their New World colonies,” he said. “The Richard Cooper Collection offered by Geoffrey Bell Auctions Ltd. presents an extensive offering of French Regime coinage for the upcoming RCNA Sale in Ottawa.”
Bell said the first highlight is the “famous” 1670 A (Paris) five sols “Gloriam Regni,” which is a “very difficult coin to locate.” It’s described as “fine, with no discernible adjustment marks” and is destined to be a treasured part of some lucky bidder’s collection.
Another highlight is a scarce nine deniers of 1721 B (Rouen) graded by International Coin Certification Service as Fine-15, but nicer in the opinion of the cataloguer.
Additionally, among the “incredible” offering of double sols is an ex-Henderson 1739 A (Paris) 24 deniers scarce counterfeit copper issue in Very Fine; a 1759/8/4 A (Paris) billon 24 deniers, also ex-Henderson; and a “handsome” Extremely Fine 1738 G (Poitiers) 24 deniers, ex-Henderson.
Bell said during the period surrounding the years 1600-1760 the area that would become Canada experienced settlement under French rule that set the stage for our nation today and the French coins that circulated became the foundation for the collectors who now enjoy our hobby as collectors of Canadian coins.
“There’s simply no way to give justice to the exceptional array of French Regime pieces contained in the offering set to hit the auction block July 20-22 during the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association’s annual convention,” he added.
For more information, visit gbellauctions.com.
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