One of only a handful of known examples and likely the first to go to auction, a 1996 “beaded toonie” will cross the block during the first session of the Toronto Coin Expo Fall Sale later this month.
The $2 circulation coin features a full ring of beads around the rim of both the obverse and reverse. Consigned to Alliance Coin & Banknote in Almonte, Ont., it will be offered on Sept. 30 via iCollector. Professional Coin Grading Service, whose population report records only four examples, certified the beaded toonie on offer this month as About Uncirculated.
“This mysterious issue has generated much debate over the years, with some deeming it a variety, while others view it as a possible trial strike,” Alliance owner Sean Isaacs wrote in a recent blog post, adding he expects the coin “to see record bidding.”
Alliance is conducting the first session of the Toronto Coin Expo Fall Sale on Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Bidding begins via iCollector on Sept. 12.
Geoffrey Bell Auctions, of New Brunswick, will handle the sale’s second session on Oct. 1