Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way collectors research, organize and write about numismatics, offering new opportunities to speed up everything from auction catalogue preparation to historical investigations. But as the technology becomes more widely adopted, experts say it must be used responsibly and never as a substitute for careful scholarship. Continue reading →

Every year, hundreds of medals, trade notes, wooden tokens, souvenir notes and other numismatic collectibles are issued across Canada. Many are produced in small quantities, quickly disappearing into private collections before anyone records their existence. Continue reading →

A remarkable piece of Western Canadian history headlines the latest issue of Canadian Coin News as an 1870 Hudson’s Bay Company promissory note issued at Fort Garry takes centre stage in The Canadian Numismatic Company’s official 2026 RCNA Convention auction in Winnipeg. Bearing a May 1870 Fort Garry transit handstamp, the note offers a tangible... Continue reading →

For most collectors, the RCNA Convention begins when they walk onto the bourse floor. For Jeff Wilson, it never really ends. As the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association's volunteer bourse chair, Wilson spends virtually every day of the year working behind the scenes to help organize Canada's premier numismatic event. From dealer recruitment and table assignments... Continue reading →

Gold and silver prices are continuing to swing wildly as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran send shockwaves through global commodity markets and drive oil prices sharply higher. The latest phase of the conflict began in late February following co-ordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets, adding fresh uncertainty to already... Continue reading →

For 50 years, the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg facility has quietly powered Canada’s circulation coinage while supplying coins to more than 80 countries around the world. What began in 1976 as a bold Prairie expansion project has evolved into one of the world’s most sophisticated minting operations. Continue reading →

Ancient coins are attracting a new wave of global collectors, with demand for rare and high grade pieces remaining strong even as the market stabilizes following pandemic-era highs. Once the domain of traditional collectors, the sector is now drawing increased interest from investors and younger buyers, particularly in technology-driven markets. Dealers report growing demand from... Continue reading →

The first offering from the late Geoffrey Bell’s medal collection is set to headline an upcoming Geoffrey Bell Auction, bringing to market a remarkable selection built over decades by one of Canada’s most respected numismatists. Continue reading →

The bullion market is under pressure, and the effects are beginning to ripple through both dealer networks and collector behaviour. In the latest issue of Canadian Coin News(V64N02), released March 31, industry veteran Michael Findlay outlines how volatility, tightening liquidity and refining delays are reshaping the way gold and silver are bought and sold. Continue reading →

Counterfeit banknotes are once again making their way into everyday transactions across Canada, and police say the risk to the public is growing. From online marketplace deals to routine retail exchanges, fake bills are slipping through often unnoticed until it is too late. Recent cases in Ontario highlight the problem. In both South Simcoe and... Continue reading →