Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

Counterfeit toonies are cropping up in Canada at a rate that is more than doubling every year, Statistics Canada data show. From 1,300 fake $2 coins reported in 2019, there were 28,666 last year. That’s a 22-fold increase over four years in the number of counterfeit toonies deemed to have passed into circulation or been... Continue reading →

In an exciting debut, Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ Sale No. 31 on Oct. 4 will showcase the late founder’s inaugural medal offering, headlined by Indian Peace medals and the exceptionally rare Province of Canada/New Brunswick trial and pattern set of 10 pieces.   This highly anticipated auction is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and historians... Continue reading →

Thomas Uram, president of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), made a memorable contribution to the recent Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) awards banquet by distributing a specially designed challenge coin to attendees. Uram, whose term as ANA president is guided by the theme of “building bridges,” created the coin to reflect the intersection of various... Continue reading →

Since Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in 2017, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) has noticeably shifted its approach to commemorative coins, a change that has caught the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The once-popular 25-cent coin, often adorned with special designs, has been absent in recent years from the mint’s commemorative lineup. Instead, the RCM... Continue reading →

“Geoff’s interests encompassed everything,” says Graham Esler, whose friendship with Geoff dates back to 1970, when they first met at the Halifax convention of the Canadian Numismatic Association (CNA), now known as the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA). “What really impressed me was his enthusiasm for the hobby and how he delved into various aspects.... Continue reading →

Claude Bernard, a dedicated and influential figure in Canadian numismatics, has been awarded the prestigious J. Douglas Ferguson Award for 2024. This accolade, bestowed by the J. Douglas Foundation Award Committee, recognizes Bernard’s exceptional contributions and enduring commitment to the study and promotion of Canadian numismatics. The honour was presented on July 13 during the... Continue reading →

Cash’s reign as king in the marketplace is slowly coming to an end as consumers increasingly pay with debit and credit cards – and apps on their cell phones – and Canada moves ever closer to the nightmare of many numismatists. The cashless society. “It would be absolutely devastating for the hobbyists and the businesses,”... Continue reading →

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)’s decision to “pause” accepting scrap silver for refining has the Canadian Association of Numismatic Dealers (CAND) concerned about the potential financial hardship on dealers and collectors. “It’s going to pose some waves through the industry because the Mint was very quick in processing scrap silver shipments and coming up with... Continue reading →

A gold medal from the 1937 Boston Marathon, won by a Canadian, is one of the significant highlights of the upcoming Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) convention auction this July in Boucherville, Que. Walter Young, a relatively unknown runner from Verdun, Que., claimed the coveted title by crossing the finish line in 2:33:20, defeating second-place... Continue reading →

When numismatists gather in Boucherville, Que., this July for the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA)’s annual convention, they will be greeted with, “Welcome to New France.” According to Yvon Marquis, the theme of this year’s July 9-14 convention is especially significant as 2024 marks the quincentenary (1524-2024) of European explorers’ toponymic designations of Acadia (originally... Continue reading →