An 1897 Dominion of Canada $2 banknote (DC-14c) in Gem Uncirculated-65 more than doubled its estimate at a California auction held in conjunction with this August’s World’s Fair of Money.
While the American Numismatic Association (ANA) show was held in Illinois from Aug. 10-14 (“World’s Fair a sight for sore eyes despite lingering COVID risks” CCN Vol. 59 #12), auctioneers with Stack’s Bowers Galleries held their auction from the firm’s office in Costa Mesa, Calif.
One of about 30 Canadian lots tucked among the 505-lot sale, the 124-year-old dominion note brought $43,200 US (about $54,500 Cdn.) as Lot 30097.
The note (back shown) features an agricultural vignette in the centre, flanked by two ‘2’ numerals.
Printed by the American Bank Note Co., the note features finance minister T.C. Boville’s printed signature at the right plus his hand-penned countersigned signature at the left. The note’s portrait shows Edward VII, the Prince of Wales, who later ruled as King Edward VII from Jan. 22, 1901, until his death on May 6, 1910.
Described by auctioneers as “an exemplary example” with “breathtaking appeal,” the note has a relatively high grade – most examples are in the Very Fine range – as well as Paper Money Guaranty’s “Exceptional Paper Quality” designation.
Across its series of 21 ANA auctions, Stack’s sold more than $50 million US – its largest amount in more than 80 years of sales at the ANA’s annual summer show.