Two of the most significant rarities in Canadian numismatics, a 1911 1912 specimen set with gold and a 1935 $500 note, will headline the upcoming Prominence XIV auction presented by The Canadian Numismatic Company.
The three session sale runs April 14 to 16, with sessions beginning each evening at 7 p.m. EDT, and features more than 1,000 lots. It is anchored by two major collections, The Little Collection of Canadian Silver Dollars and The Brown Family Collection, Part V of Canadian Banknotes, alongside consignments from more than 55 collectors across North America. Online bidding is open.
“It’s one of the most comprehensive offerings we’ve handled,” said Marc Verret of the Canadian Numismatic Company. “There’s strength in every category, from key date silver to major banknote rarities.”
A centrepiece of the sale is Lot 36, the ultra rare 1911 1912 specimen set, complete with gold denominations from one cent through $10 and housed in its original red leather case. Certified ICCS Specimen 64 to Specimen 66, the set is from a reported mintage of just five examples, with few remaining intact today.
“The depth of the offering is exceptional across multiple categories,” said Eric Paquet. “There are opportunities here for both advanced specialists and collectors looking to upgrade key pieces.”
Among the Canadian coin highlights is Lot 271, a 1904 five cent coin certified PCGS Superb Gem Mint State 66. Described as a spectacular gem, the coin displays full, radiant lustre with vivid champagne and emerald toning and carries notable provenance from the Athena Collection.
Also featured is Lot 407, a 1921 25 cent coin certified PCGS Superb Gem Mint State 66. Ranked among the finest known, this exceptional example offers outstanding eye appeal with smooth, virtually flawless fields and full original lustre.
Additional key date material includes Lot 368, an 1875H 25 cent graded PCGS Choice Extra Fine 45. This scarce issue shows smooth, even wear with pleasing eye appeal, along with traces of original mint lustre in protected areas.
Gold collectors will note Lot 28, a 1913C Sovereign graded ICCS Choice Mint State 62. This sharply struck example displays strong original lustre and clean surfaces, with eye appeal that exceeds its assigned grade.
The copper section is particularly strong, led by Lot 156, an 1886 one cent Obverse 1 graded ICCS Gem Mint State 65 Red. A scarce obverse type, this example ranks among the finest known, with just two examples at this level.
It is joined by Lot 157, an 1888 one cent graded ICCS Superb Gem Mint State 66 Red, a deep red example with a proof like finish, strong original lustre and exceptional eye appeal.
Key date material continues with Lot 281, the famous 1921 five cent graded ICCS Good 4, widely known as The Prince of Canadian Coins. Despite its modest grade, the coin shows solid detail and strong overall eye appeal, offering collectors the opportunity to acquire one of the most sought after issues in Canadian numismatics.
Lot 787 features the iconic 1935 $500 note, the only denomination of its kind issued by the Bank of Canada and one of the most sought after rarities in Canadian paper money.
The paper money section is equally compelling. A key highlight is Lot 787, a 1935 $500 note graded PMG Choice Very Fine 25. As the only $500 denomination ever issued by the Bank of Canada, it remains one of the most iconic rarities in Canadian paper money. Examples are seldom encountered, making this a cornerstone piece for advanced collections.
The section is further strengthened by Lot 1008, a Bank of Toronto 1859 $5 note graded Very Good 10. Believed to be unique, it is the only example recorded in the Canadian Paper Money Society registry and carries documented provenance dating back to its discovery in 1977.
Also featured is Lot 1009, a Bank of Toronto 1890 $5 note with the rare Barrie overprint, graded Choice Fine 15. This highly sought after issue is seldom seen on the market and ranks among the finer known examples of this scarce variety.
“There’s a real opportunity here for both specialists and type collectors,” said Verret. “Some of these notes simply do not come up very often.”
The offering includes a strong run of 1935 issues, highlighted by Lot 753, a 1935 $1 note graded Superb Gem Uncirculated 66 PPQ. Additional examples include Lot 754, graded Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ, and Lot 755, an Uncirculated 60 example, providing collectors with a range of high grade options from the first Bank of Canada series.
According to Paquet, the Prominence XIV sale represents one of the firm’s strongest presentations to date. “We’re seeing increasing demand at the high end, and this sale delivers across the board,” he said.
The Canadian Numismatic Company expects strong participation throughout the three session event, which it describes as one of the most significant online numismatic auctions of 2026.
“We are grateful to our consignors for the trust they have placed in us,” said Verret. “It is a privilege to bring these collections to market.”
The Prominence XIV auction is expected to attract considerable attention from collectors and dealers alike, with multiple headline rarities and fresh to market material offering something for every level of the hobby. Click here to view the full sale online. A PDF of the catalogue is available by clicking here.