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.
The sale features about 244 medals spanning Canadian history, academia and exploration, but it is a single standout piece that anchors the offering, a circa 1817 Beaver Club of Montreal medal considered among the rarest and most historically significant items of its kind.
Issued to members of the elite fur trade society, the Beaver Club medal is closely tied to Canada’s early commercial and exploration history. Only a handful of examples have appeared publicly in more than a century, making its appearance at auction a major event for collectors.
The broader collection reflects Bell’s lifelong passion for history and craftsmanship, with material ranging from Governor General medals and university awards to major commemorative issues and rare gold pieces linked to figures such as Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
For Brian Bell, the offering represents more than a catalogue of rare items. It reflects a legacy shaped by decades of careful study, global searching and a deep appreciation for Canadian heritage.
Full coverage, including additional highlights and background on the collection, appears in the latest issue of Canadian Coin News (V64M23), released on April 14, 2026.
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