Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

Canada’s numismatic market has remained “steady,” according to one long-time dealer, as the country’s economy slows and uncertainty arises from the recent U.S. election. While most material has fared well in terms of market values – and material with high quality, interest and rarity remains strong – certain areas have stood out among the numismatic... Continue reading →

The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a new $2 commemorative circulation coin, inviting people across Canada to celebrate Inuit Nunangat and discover the unique culture and traditions that flourish in this northern homeland. For the first time on a Canadian circulation coin, four artists representing the four regions of Inuit Nunangat have collaborated to design... Continue reading →

Ian Laing, owner of Gatewest Coins in Winnipeg, recently unearthed an extraordinary piece of Canadian history: a treaty medal with direct ties to the signing of Treaty 4. The well-known longtime dealer, who has been a prominent figure in the numismatic world for almost six decades, made this significant discovery during Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ Oct.... Continue reading →

Collectors were energized by fierce bidding and impressive results as rare pennies, exceptional varieties, Indigenous peace medals and specialized decimals took centre stage at Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ Fall Sale, held Friday, Oct. 4 during the Toronto Coin Expo. Brian Bell, the New Brunswick-based auctioneer, hailed the event as a “very solid auction,” with standout performances... Continue reading →

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 →