By Jesse Robitaille
Realizations include buyer’s premium.
With more than 450 bidders across four sessions, the 2019 Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) Auction was a “lively, spirited event” according to auctioneers, who reported a resounding success despite “some new challenges.”
The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC) was the official auctioneer for the 66th annual RCNA Convention held in Calgary this July.
“As most of you know by now, the RCNA Auction brought with it some new challenges and procedural adjustments and maybe even a small insight into the future of auction sales,” said auctioneer Marc Verret.
A 1916-C gold sovereign brought $38,080 as Lot 418 of the recently sale by The Canadian Numismatic Company.
This year’s RCNA Auction was held online via TCNC’s headquarters in Québec, but all of the nearly 2,000 lots were available for viewing in Calgary venue during the convention from July 18-20.
“We would like to thank all who participated in making this an easy transition under the circumstances. Your continued understanding and support exceeded our expectations and in return helped make this venue and sale a total success.”
Canadian cents and 10-cent coins were “extremely active,” Verret said, “resulting in many sales with surprisingly high results.”
Among the top-earning lots was a 1921 half-dollar offered as Lot 845A. Certified by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and International Coin Grading Service (ICCS) as Very Good-8, the “light and even silver-grey-toned piece” offered a “solid example of this Canadian rarity,” Verret said.
An 1885-dated 10-cent ‘Obverse 5’ variety in PCGS Mint State-65 brought $22,610 as Lot 675.
It realized $48,195 after a starting bid of $12,500.
Another highlight was the 1916-C gold sovereign offered as Lot 418.
In ICCS Mint State-63, this example was described by auctioneers as having “lots of lustre and great eye-appeal for grade.”
It brought $38,080.
An 1870 ‘Narrow Date, Raised Border’ variety in ICCS Mint State-67 brought $16,660 as Lot 567.
An 1885-dated 10-cent “Obverse 5” variety in PCGS Mint State-65 was also offered as Lot 675.
“This rare example holds a stunning array of fall colours, and like any beautiful fall day has a warm and bright underlying lustre,” said Verret, who added only one finer example is known to exist.
This piece realized $22,610.
On to five cents, an 1870 “Narrow Date, Raised Border” variety in ICCS Mint State-67 was offered as Lot 567.
Described by auctioneers as being a “superior quality example with extravagant toning,” this example brought $16,660.
Lot 585 offered an 1890H five-cent coin in ICCS Mint State-67.
An 1890H five-cent coin in ICCS Mint State-67 brought $11,900 as Lot 585.
“Among the finest examples,” it sold for $11,900.
Another highlight was an 1871-dated 25-cent “Obverse 2” variety in ICCS Mint State-65 was offered as Lot 726.
“Attractively toned on both sides with full underlying lustre,” this piece brought $10,710.
Other high-earning half-dollars included Lot 821, an 1892-dated 50-cent coin in PCGS Mint State-62.
An 1871-dated 25-cent ‘Obverse 2’ variety in ICCS Mint State-65 brought $10,710 as Lot 726.
Described by auctioneers as “very scarce and desirable,” this example sold for $8,925.
In exonumia, a copper Hunterstown token (Breton 567) from Rivière-du-Loup, Qué., was offered as Lot 402.
“Seldom seen and offered in any condition,” this piece was graded “VG for type,” auctioneers said.
It brought $6,960.
Lot 666 saw an 1858 10-cent coin in ICCS Mint State-65 with “sublime lustrous fields and spectacular tones” cross the block.
Described by Verret as “an elegant example to add to the best of collections,” it sold for $5,057.50.
An 1892-dated 50-cent coin in PCGS Mint State-62 brought $8,925 as Lot 821.
A 1966 $1 “Small Bead” variety in ICCS Mint State-63 also brought $4,460 as Lot 907.
Rounding out the coinage highlights was Lot 892, a 1948 $1 in ICCS MS63 that sold for $3,570.
“Overall, the trend and popularity of Mint State coins with strong and attractive eye-appeal continue to be in demand and popular, resulting in strong end prices.”
A copper Hunterstown token (Breton 567) from Rivière-du-Loup, Qué., brought $6,960 as Lot 402.
PAPER MONEY
Moving on to paper money, the recent auction included:
- an 1897 $2 note (DC-14c) that brought $24,360 as Lot 118;
- a 1937 Series $1,000 note (BC-28S) that brought $18,445 as Lot 237;
- a 1911 Weyburn Security Bank $20 note (CH-805-10-06) that brought $15,470 as Lot 92;
- a 1935 Series $25 note (BC-11) that brought $11,000 as Lot 176;
- an 1878 $2 note (DC-9a) that brought $9,520 as Lot 108;
- a 1923 $1 note (DC-25K) that also brought $9,520 as Lot 145;
- a 1929 Barclays Bank $5 note (CH-30-10-06) that brought $5,650 as Lot 19;
- a 1937 $10 note (BC-24a) that brought $4,760 as Lot 194;
- a 1904 Molson Bank $20 note (CH-490-26-10) that brought $4,750 as Lot 48; and
- an 1872 Union Bank of Prince Edward Island $1 note (CH-755-12-02a) that brought $4,640 as Lot 84.
“We would like to thank the executive of the RCNA for entrusting TCNC with representing the RCNA as its official auctioneer for Calgary as well as at the upcoming convention in Halifax in 2020,” said Verret, who commended the Calgary Numismatic Society for co-hosting this year’s RCNA Convention.
An 1858 10-cent coin in ICCS Mint State-65 brought $5,057.50 as Lot 666.
“We hope you all have a great summer and look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming venues,” he said, adding TCNC’s next sales include the 2019 Marathon Sale on Sept. 23-27; the Torex Auction on Oct. 25-26; and the 2019 Gold Auction on Nov. 20.
For more information, visit canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com.