By Jesse Robitaille
With about 1,200 lots from two major collectors plus 45 other consignors, the June Torex Auction is ready to kick off—albeit from a different location than usual.
The auction is typically hosted by The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC), official Torex auctioneer, at each of the three yearly shows in Toronto; however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing show cancellations, the upcoming sale will be held at TCNC headquarters in Québec.
Crossing the auction block in sessions one (Lot 1-372) and two (Lot 373-754) are the Gem Collection and Dowling Collection, respectively.
A 1938 silver dollar also graded Mint State-66 by ICCS carries a pre-sale estimate of $27,500-$30,000 as Lot 719.
“The Gem Collection holds a premium selection of carefully chosen banknotes in Gem Uncirculated-65 or better. The notes come graded by various third-party grading companies, but each issue has been carefully selected and is attractive and proper for the grade attributed,” said auctioneer Marc Verret.
“The Dowling Collection holds a superb selection of high-end Canadian decimal coins,” said Verret, who added this offering includes “a near-complete collection in Mint-State (MS) condition.”
HIGH-GRADE SILVER DOLLARS
The top highlights of the Dowling Collection include a pair of silver dollars, both of which are among the top five graded examples from all third-party grading services.
The first coin, offered as Lot 723, is described by Verret as “one of the best” 1946 silver dollars known to exist. Graded MS-66 by International Coin Certification Service (ICCS), the coin is an “absolute pristine full white example,” Verret said.
A 1925 cent graded Mint State-66 Red Brown by Canadian Coin Certification Service (CCCS) is expected to bring $5,000-$10,000 as Lot 507.
“The brilliant white and perfect mirror fields help emphasize this flawless example,” he added.
It has a pre-sale estimate of $45,000-$50,000 with a starting bid of $35,000.
The other highly graded silver dollar – from 1938 – will cross the block as Lot 719. Described by Verret as an “unbelievable” example, it’s also graded MS-66 by ICCS.
“A stunning example with light golden to sunset tones over crisp lustrous fields,” said Verret, who added the coin “presents an important opportunity for registry set collectors.”
This piece is expected to bring $27,500-$30,000 with a starting bid of $23,000.
An 1875H five-cent ‘Large Date’ variety certified as Mint State-62 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) will cross the block as Lot 518 with an estimate of $14,000-$15,000.
CENTS & FIVE CENTS
Still in session two, a 1925 cent graded MS-66 Red Brown by Canadian Coin Certification Service (CCCS) is among the top cent highlights.
Offered as Lot 507, it’s the finest-graded example from CCCS and is described by Verret as a “superb example with nice red and brown lustre.”
It has an estimate of $5,000-$10,000 with a starting bid of $2,000.
In the five-cent section, an 1875H “Large Date” variety will cross the block as Lot 518 in PCGS MS-62. Among the 10 finest examples, this coin is expected to bring $14,000-$15,000 with a starting bid of $7,000.
The finest-known 1897 five-cent ‘Slender 8’ variety, certified as Mint State-66 by ICCS, is expected to realize $5,000-$6,000 as Lot 526.
Another five-cent variety, this the finest-known 1897 five-cent “Slender 8,” will be offered as Lot 526. Certified as MS-66 by ICCS, it’s described by Verret as carrying “attractive intense greens with silvery internal tones.” This lot has a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-$6,000 with a starting bid of $2,000.
The last of the five-cent highlights offers another finest-graded example – from 1936 – in ICCS MS-67. Offered as Lot 569 and described by Verret as a “near-flawless issue with mirror finish,” it’s expected to realize $6,000-$8,000 with a starting bid of $3,000.
The finest-graded 1936 five-cent coin, certified as Mint State-67 by ICCS, carries an estimate of $6,000-$8,000 as Lot 569.
10 CENTS & 25 CENTS
Moving on to the 10-cent section, an 1870 “Wide 0” variety certified as MS-66 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) will cross the block as Lot 576.
It’s among the top two examples graded by PCGS and carries a pre-sale estimate of $28,000-$30,000 with a starting bid of $15,000.
Another 10-cent variety, this the rare 1909 “Victorian Leaves” variety, will be offered as Lot 601. Certified by ICCS as MS-64, it’s described by Verret as an “almost pristine example with superb fields and mirror finish.” It’s expected to bring $2,500-$3,000 with a starting bid of $1,700.
In the 25-cent section, a 1906 “Small Crown” variety will be offered as Lot 653. Certified by CCCS as Very Fine-30, this “scarce and desirable” coin is believed to be the fourth-best example known to exist, Verret said. It has a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-$20,000 and a starting bid of $7,500.
An 1870-dated 10-cent ‘Wide 0’ variety in PCGS Mint State-66 will cross the block as Lot 576 with a pre-sale estimate of $28,000-$30,000.
HALF-DOLLARS
In the half-dollar section, an 1871-dated 50-cent coin will cross the block as Lot 684 in ICCS MS-63.
Described by Verret as “largely brilliant with the lightest hint of toning and tremendous lustre evenly distributed on both the obverse and reverse,” this coin has a pre-sale estimate of $21,000-$22,000 with a starting bid of $11,000.
Rounding out the coinage highlights is a 1932 half-dollar in PCGS MS-65. Offered as Lot 700, it’s one of the top four examples graded by PCGS and is expected to bring $32,500-$35,000 with a starting bid of $25,000.
A 1935 $25 commemorative note certified as Gem New-65 PPQ (premium paper quality) by Legacy Currency Grading (LCG) is expected to bring $40,000-$45,000 as Lot 284.
THE GEM COLLECTION
In the sale’s first session, the Gem Collection offers “a great selection of unique and very rare” banknotes, including the 1935 $25 commemorative note (BC-11) slated to cross the block as Lot 284.
Certified as Gem New-65 PPQ (premium paper quality) by Legacy Currency Grading, the note is described by Verret as “a pristine issue with great eye-appeal, very large margins and superb embossing.” Its serial number reads “A010840,” and it carries a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$45,000 with a starting bid of $20,000.
A 1924 $5 ‘Queen Mary’ note certified as Very Choice New-64 PPQ by LCG carries an estimate of $45,000-$50,000 as Lot 58.
Lastly, a 1924 $5 “Queen Mary” note certified as Very Choice New-64 PPQ by LCG will be offered as Lot 58. With a serial number reading “A065778,” the note is described by auctioneers as “a great example and so attractive.” It’s expected to bring $45,000-$50,000 with a starting bid of $29,500.
The five-session auction will be held on June 26-28 with bidding starting at 7 p.m. ET each day. Lot viewing is available by appointment only.
For more information or to browse the lots, visit auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com.