Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

Hamilton’s history as the “Ambitious City,” the “Birmingham of Canada” and “Steel Town” is mirrored in a numismatic legacy just as rich and varied. From busy 19th-century marketplaces to Depression-era grocery counters and mid-century nightlife, Hamilton’s tokens, medals and banknotes tell a uniquely Canadian story of industry, community and everyday life. Continue reading →

The election of Pope Leo XIV this spring has sparked renewed interest in Vatican City coinage as collectors look back on the remarkable numismatic legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Each papacy has long left its mark on world numismatics, but the transition from Francis to Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born pope — has... Continue reading →

The Royal Canadian Numismatic Association’s new president, Jacques Poitras, is stepping into the role as the organization marks its 75th anniversary, promising to blend four decades of collecting with a businesslike, forward-looking approach. The Edmundston, N.B., collector becomes the RCNA’s 35th president and brings eight years of board experience plus a long résumé of service... Continue reading →

The latest issue of Canadian Coin News shines a spotlight on The Canadian Numismatic Company’s (TCNC) much-anticipated Prominence XIII Auction, which promises to deliver one of the most extraordinary offerings in recent Canadian numismatic history. Running from Nov. 13–19, the multi-session sale features more than 3,000 lots of rare coins, tokens, and banknotes, including several... Continue reading →

When U.S. President Richard Nixon stunned the world by cutting the dollar’s link to gold, it sent economic shock waves across every major economy. For Canada, the “Nixon Shock” marked both a turning point and a test, as the federal government’s earlier decision to let the Canadian dollar float suddenly positioned the country as a... Continue reading →

St. George Auctions will hold its debut sale on Oct. 18, offering more than 300 lots of Canadian coinage. Five rarities headline the event, giving collectors a sense of the quality and focus the new firm hopes to bring to the market. Continue reading →

Canadian numismatics is about to witness something truly extraordinary. This October, Geoffrey Bell Auctions will unveil the Robert (Bob) Graham Collection, a breathtaking assemblage of chartered banknotes and rarities that collectors have only dreamed of seeing offered in a sale. For those who chase history, rarity, and pedigree, this is the moment. Continue reading →

A familiar group of California collectors once again made its mark at this year’s Royal Canadian Numismatic Association Convention in Calgary, blending ingenuity with generosity to raise funds for Canadian numismatic education. Continue reading →

A pillar of Canadian numismatics has received the RCNA’s highest distinction. In Calgary on July 19, the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association presented the Paul Fiocca Award to long-time researcher, writer, and past RCNA president Stanley H. Clute, recognizing more than half a century of leadership, scholarship, and service. Continue reading →

Lorne Barnes, a tireless researcher, editor, and author, has received the 2025 J. Douglas Ferguson Award – Canadian numismatics’ most prestigious honour. The award was presented at the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) Convention’s annual Awards Banquet, where Scott E. Douglas, chair of the Board of Award, called it “the highlight of every RCNA Convention.”... Continue reading →