Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

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 →

An 1875 Indian Treaty 5 medal sold for $74,400 at Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ May 2-3 sale, more than doubling its pre-sale estimate. As expected, there was spirited bidding for the historically significant medal when Lot 500 opened Session 2 of the Bell sale. It was followed by another Treaty Medal (Lot 501), this one undated... Continue reading →

Last year, the Regina Coin Club proudly celebrated its 70th anniversary and the club continues to shine, with about 120 members enthusiastically helping to promote the hobby of numismatics throughout southern Saskatchewan. When established at the beginning of 1953, the club was simply known as Chapter No. 6 of the Canadian Numismatic Association (CNA). Two... Continue reading →

The coin and stamp show, held at the Hilton Mississauga on April 6-7, boasted a remarkable turnout, particularly on opening day, with a substantial influx of collectors filling the expansive 9,100  sq. ft. ballroom throughout the day. Over the weekend, more than 50 dealers from across Canada enjoyed a steady stream of collectors at the... Continue reading →

The Prominence X Sale is delivering a showcase of rarities and historical artifacts, including an Indian Treaty No. 7 medal, a 1900 $4 banknote in uncirculated condition and the elusive “King of Canadian Coins”: a 1921 fifty cents in Mint State condition. The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC)’s April 20-25 sale offers more than 2,300 lots... Continue reading →

“Money, War and More” is the theme of the Second Annual Numismatics Symposium presented by Nickle Galleries and the Calgary Numismatic Society (CNS). “The Money, War and More symposium examines the interplay between money, power and the capacity to wage war, starting in the ancient era and progressing through to the present,” explains Marina Fischer,... Continue reading →