By Jesse Robitaille
The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC) is hosting a charity auction to benefit a cause that hits close to home for one of the company’s auctioneers.
Marc Verret, owner of the Québec-based auction house, is joining the fight against blood cancer with a 203-lot charity sale benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). All sales, including buyer’s fees, will be donated – and matched by TCNC up to $20,000 – to the LLSC.
“If the total sales come to $10,000 plus commission – $11,900 – TCNC will match $11,900. A total of $23,800 will be donated to the LLSC,” said Verret, whose son, Samuel, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year.
Lot 6 will offer an 1896 cent certified as Mint State-64 “Red” by International Coin Certification Service (ICCS). It’s expected to bring $450-$650, and the starting bid is only $1.
“Our goal for this event will be to try and raise several thousand dollars to help fund the mission to find a cure for blood cancers, and we are seeking support from collectors and businesses within the community.”
Founded in 1955, the LLSC has become the world’s largest voluntary organization “dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients,” according to its website. Each year, the LLSC hosts a “Light the Night Walk” in 12 cities across the country plus dozens of community-based “Light the Night” events led by volunteers and schools.
“During the walk, walkers carry illuminated lanterns in three colours,” reads the LLSC website. “White lanterns are carried by patients and survivors; red lanterns by supporters; gold ones are carried by walkers who are walking in memory of a loved one.”
An 1881H 50-cent coin certified as Extremely Fine-45 by PCGS will also be offered as Lot 50. It has a pre-sale estimate of $1,400-$1,600 and a starting bid of only $1.
Last year, the LLSC invested more than $2.8 million in its operating grants, which are supporting 14 new research projects plus other initiatives chosen in 2017.
Verret said he “saw how much support from family, friends and even society make a huge difference when you face this ordeal,” adding his son has “won his battle and he has been in remission since the beginning of the year.”
“I now want to give back and support the people who are facing the same struggle my son went through and give them hope and confidence for their difficult road ahead,” Verret said, adding his son is “honoured to be a patient of honour” for this year’s “Light the Night Walk” in Québec city, where fundraisers will come together at Bois-de-Coulonge Park on May 4.
“You can be part of the solution by giving generously to support my fundraising efforts. Thank you for your support to the thousands of Canadians who have blood cancer.”
The other 11 “Light the Night Walks” will be held in:
- Saskatoon on Oct. 5;
- Toronto on Oct. 17;
- Calgary, Halifax, London, Montréal, St. John’s and Vancouver on Oct. 19;
- Edmonton and Winnipeg on Sept. 28; and
- Ottawa on a date yet to be announced.
Lot 52 will offer a 1945 $1 coin certified as Mint State-63 by ICCS. It has a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-$1,200 and a starting bid of only $1.
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
A 1918-C gold sovereign certified as Mint State-63 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is among the top highlights of the April 15 sale.
It has a pre-sale estimate of $1,250-$1,350 and a starting bid of only $1.
Lot 6 will offer an 1896 cent certified as Mint State-64 “Red” by International Coin Certification Service (ICCS). It’s expected to bring $450-$650, and the starting bid is only $1.
An 1881H 50-cent coin certified as Extremely Fine-45 by PCGS will also be offered as Lot 50. It has a pre-sale estimate of $1,400-$1,600 and a starting bid of only $1.
Lot 52 will offer a 1945 $1 coin certified as Mint State-63 by ICCS. It has a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-$1,200 and a starting bid of only $1.
Rounding out the highlights is Lot 110, a 1954 Series $5 note (BC-39aA-i) described by auctioneers as being in ‘crisp original AU (About Uncirculated)’ condition. It’s expected to bring $250-$350 and has a starting bid of only $1.
Rounding out the highlights is Lot 110, a 1954 Series $5 note (BC-39aA-i) with a serial number reading “RC0000383.” Described by auctioneers as being in “crisp original AU (About Uncirculated)” condition, this note is expected to bring $250-$350 and has a starting bid of only $1.
“We hope you join us in raising funds for the ‘Light the Night Walk’ Auction,” said Verret.
“Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request.”
To bid in the April 15 TCNC auction, visit auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/89/light-the-night-walk-auction.
If you do not wish to bid but would like to donate to Verret’s fundraiser through the LLSC, click here.