The opening session of the Prominence XIV sale saw solid results across key areas of Canadian numismatics, with collectors showing continued demand for rare and historically significant pieces.
Leading early highlights was a 1921 five cent piece graded ICCS Good 4, which realized $5,378, including buyer’s premium. Widely known as the “Prince of Canadian Coins,” the key date issue remains one of the most coveted rarities in Canadian coinage.
Despite its modest grade and a minor mark typical for the issue, the coin displayed strong overall eye appeal. The reverse, in particular, showed detail more consistent with a Fine example, with clear inscriptions and design elements, factors that likely contributed to the strong result.
Also drawing strong interest was a 1913C sovereign graded ICCS Choice Mint State 62, which sold for $6,632.25, including buyer’s premium. The coin featured exceptional lustre and bright original surfaces, with minimal marks for the assigned grade. Its sharp strike and strong visual appeal, noted as exceeding typical Choice Mint State 62 examples, helped drive competitive bidding.
Session two of the sale continues Wednesday evening, with several notable lots expected to attract strong attention.
Among them is Lot 407, a 1921 25 cent coin certified PCGS Superb Gem Mint State 66. Ranked among the finest known, the coin offers outstanding eye appeal with smooth, virtually flawless fields and full original lustre.
Also featured is Lot 368, an 1875H 25 cent graded PCGS Choice Extra Fine 45. The scarce issue shows smooth, even wear with pleasing eye appeal, along with traces of original mint lustre in protected areas.
The Prominence auction concludes today, April 16, with a focus on Canadian banknotes and US and worldwide coins.
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.
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.