Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

A seldom-seen 1966 Small Beads silver dollar leads an impressive lineup of Canadian decimal rarities featured in the latest issue of Canadian Coin News, released Sept. 1. The coin is one of the marquee offerings in Colonial Acres’ three-day Fall Premier Numismatic Auction, set for Sept. 25-27. The firm’s 161st auction features more than 1,800... Continue reading →

A high-grade 1936 Canadian 50-cent piece with a pedigree tracing to the renowned Victoria Collection will headline St. George Auctions’ 311-lot fall sale, set for Sept. 12 during the National Postage Stamp & Coin Show in Mississauga, Ont. Graded PCGS MS-64, the George V half dollar combines strong lustre, an above-average strike and an important... Continue reading →

One of Canada's respected numismatic researchers, authors and editors has received the nation's highest honour in numismatics. Barrie Renwick, 93, was presented with the 2026 J. Douglas Ferguson Award during the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association's annual convention in Winnipeg. Continue reading →

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 →