‘A vanishing rarity,’ 1921 fifty-cent coin to hit the auction block in September

‘PCGS certified as a Specimen 64,’ the 1921 fifty-cent coin hitting the auction block in September ‘is garbed in a fitting sombre grey patina with undertones of regal purple,’ Colonial Acres says.

The “King of Canadian Coins” will be one of many rarities featured in Colonial Acres’ Fall Premier Numismatic Auction this September. “Colonial Acres will be presenting to the public a vanishing rarity: one of but six specimen-grade examples of the 1921 fifty-cent piece known to exist,” says the auction firm’s Todd Sandham. “PCGS certified as... Continue reading →

Collectors gather in Halifax for coins, camaraderie

RCNA Convention chair James Williston (left), cruise organizer Stephen Oatway (centre) and RCNA President Steve Woodland stand aboard the Bluenose II alongside more than 60 other show-goers.

Friendships, education, and camaraderie are the ingredients that make for a successful and memorable Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) convention. “Going to an RCNA convention is very much the same as eating peanuts. Once you start, it’s impossible to stop and you keep on coming back all the time,” says William Waychison, a past president... Continue reading →

Calgary club creates scholarship for numismatic studies at U of C

Members of the Calgary Numismatic Society gather for a group presentation of $50,000 to the University of Calgary for a scholarship program for students studying numismatics. (Photo submitted)

Students studying numismatics at the University of Calgary will soon benefit from the volunteer commitment of the Calgary Numismatic Society (CNS). The Calgary club has created a $50,000 scholarship endowment at the university that is designed “to make a significant long-term numismatic contribution within the community,” says CNS president Tom Woznow. “Knowing that the University... Continue reading →

RCNA convention sale features ‘rare’ treaty medal, $500 note

One of the most sought-after banknotes is Lot 551 featuring a 1935 Bank of Canada note in VF-20. It has a presale estimate of $150,000-plus.

An “ultra-rare” Indian Chief medal and an “excessively rare” 1935 Bank of Canada $500 note will “set the tone” for The Canadian Numismatic Company’s (TCNC) auction held in conjunction with at the July 19-23 Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) convention in Halifax. “These two premium pieces should set the tone for how the sale will... Continue reading →

Laval/North Shore Coin Club ‘dynamic’

Laval/North Shore Coin Club President Stephane Lamont, left, with Vice-President Michel Robert.

The Laval/North Shore Coin Club (LNSCC) was founded in 2016 by Michel Robert and Stephane Lamont. Since then, it has never looked back, gathering members and growing as it continues to move forward. Montreal’s Laval/North Shore region is massive but offered no options to coin collectors spread out over more than 25 municipalities. In the... Continue reading →

Incumbent, first VP vie for RCNA presidency

Incumbent Royal Canadian Numismatic Association President Steve Woodland (left) and long-time collector William O’Brien (right) are competing for the helm of the national organization.

For the first time in years, there is a race for president of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA). Incumbent Steve Woodland, who is completing his first two-year term as president, is being challenged by first vice-president William O’Brien. There is also a race for director representing Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Dan McCormick... Continue reading →

Symposium, workshops captivate Calgary collectors

Marina Fischer, curator of numismatics at Nickle Galleries, accepts a donation of $300 US from Richard Beleson and Lee LaBlanc, on behalf of the San Francisco Ancient Numismatic Society. The donation is earmarked for ancient coins at the University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries.

A daylong symposium featuring six numismatic topics plus a workshop on understanding wear on coins and grading banknotes may become an annual event in Calgary after its successful debut at Nickle Galleries. “The idea for this symposium was to create awareness for this hobby and on the numerous subjects that fall within numismatics,” said James... Continue reading →

1925 Dominion $500 note brings $259,600 at Colonial sale

On the record as the third-lowest serial number, the 1925 Dominion of Canada $500 banknote sold for $259,600 as Lot 1065 at the Colonial Acres Spring Premier Numismatic Auction.

Considered a ‘rarity among rarities’, a 1925 Dominion of Canada $500 banknote generated spirited bidding realizing $259,600 at Colonial Acres Spring Premier Numismatic Auction. With a presale estimate of $100,000, the $500 banknote (DC-28) bears the third-lowest serial number on record and, according to Colonial Acres, has never been offered up at auction. Certified by... Continue reading →

ONA hands out top awards

From left to right: Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) President Sean Sinclair awards Lisa McPherson the 2023 Award of Merit alongside fellow ONA official Len Trakalo.

After forgoing its two top awards last year due to the pandemic, the Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) returned to form with its annual convention this spring. At the ONA’s April 1 awards banquet, held on the convention’s second of three days, President Sean Sinclair and other officials recognized some of the association’s roughly 260 members... Continue reading →

Ontario trade token book receives long-awaited update

Lorne Barnes’ impressive 808-page reference book, Trade Tokens of Ontario, uses the iconic numbering system created by late numismatist Fred Bowman of Lachine, Qué.

Long-time Ontario numismatist Lorne Barnes has released what he has billed as “the most up-to-date reference on Ontario trade tokens.” Barnes’ 808-page reference book Trade Tokens of Ontario, released this February, uses the iconic numbering system created by late numismatist Fred Bowman, of Lachine, Qué. Bowman, the first recipient of the J. Douglas Ferguson Award... Continue reading →

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