Remembering Geoffrey Bell

Anyone who attended a Geoffrey Bell Auction at the Toronto Coin Expo could attest to the family spirit and values embodied by Geoff and his family. In this earlier photo, Geoff proudly poses at an auction with his daughter-in-law Dawn, granddaughter Rayna, and son Brian. Although not in this picture, his grandson Malcolm is also an active member of Geoffrey Bell Auctions. (Photo courtesy of Toronto Coin Expo)

“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 →

Ferguson award winner Bernard lauded for sharing hobby with younger generations

Claude Bernard, centre, receives the prestigious J. Douglas Ferguson Award from award committee members Ron Greene, left, and Yvon Marquis. (Photo by Mike Walsh)

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 →

Consumer advocacy group pushes back against growing trend towards a cashless Canada

The Quebec-based consumer advocacy group, Operation Consommateurs, is urging the federal government to amend the Currency Act to mandate that merchants accept cash, with penalties for non-compliance.

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 →

Mint hits ‘pause’ on accepting scrap silver

Scrap silver is reclaimed silver in the form of coins, jewellery. silverware, etc.

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 →

Boston Marathon 1937 gold medal up for auction at RCNA convention

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 →

RCNA convention, medal will pay tribute to historic European explorations of Eastern Canada

This year’s RCNA convention medal marks the quincentenary of European explorers’ toponymic designations of New France and Acadia.

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 →

Medals sell for well over estimate in May auction

This 1875 Indian Treaty Medal 5 (Lot 500) sold for $74,400 at the recent Geoffrey Bell Auctions.

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 →

Seventy years and onward for the Regina Coin Club

Regina Coin Club members attend this year’s annual general meeting.

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 →

Collectors turn up the heat at National Stamp and Coin Show

Dealer Yvon Chicoine, representing Quebec’s esteemed Monnaies De Versailles Inc., engages with a customer, addressing inquiries amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the National Postage Stamp & Coin Show.

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 →

Rare Indian Treaty No. 7 silver medal, ‘King of Canadian Coins’ go to auction

The Prominence X sale includes a silver Indian Treaty No. 7 medal (Lot 736), issued in 1877. It has a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-plus.

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 →

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