Two rare Canadian gold error coins are expected to catch bidders’ eyes during the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) early next week.
Billed as the “largest and most prestigious numismatic event in the U.S. targeting the needs of the world and ancient numismatic communities,” the 51st annual NYINC will take place in New York from Jan. 6-15. The massive event offers seven days of auctions plus a 100-dealer bourse. Five firms – Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, Classical Numismatic Group, the New York Sale and Spink – are slated to host sales.
As part of Heritage’s Jan. 9 NYINC sale, which began taking pre-bids in mid-December, the two highly anticipated Canadian errors will cross the block among 696 lots.
Both 1985 $100 gold coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) include what auctioneers called a “soupçon of Canadian dualism” plus a “startling Royal Canadian Mint multi-strike.”
The first piece, in Proof-68 “Ultra Cameo,” is offered as Lot 32154.
“The obverse of the coin was double-struck, once with the expected design that includes Queen Elizabeth II, whose image graced Canadian currency for decades,” according to a statement from NGC. “Another strike occurred after a separate coin with the same bighorn ram design came between this one and the die. As a result, that strike left a mirror image of the ram and the lettering near the edge of the coin, including the year, denomination and the phrase ‘NATIONAL PARKS’ and its French-Canadian equivalent.”
The error is expected to bring at least $10,000 US (about $13,650 Cdn.).
The Heritage sale features another 1985 $100 gold piece, this one in Proof-69 “Ultra Cameo,” as Lot 32153.
“The coin was struck multiple times, causing its dramatically unexpected appearance,” the NGC statement added. “The obverse shows only a sliver of the intended design, including the words ‘REGINA’ and ‘CANADA.’ As for the reverse, the bighorn ram design is faint but recognizable.”
It’s also expected to bring at least $10,000 US.