Geoffrey Bell Auctions to offer rare Canadian treasures this Friday

Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ Sale No. 31, set for this Friday, Oct. 4, will feature an impressive array of collections and rare pieces, including large and small cents from the Reg Albright Collection, an Eastern Townships $4 banknote with manuscript signatures, a coloured technology three-coin Royal Canadian Mint test set, and a strong selection of chartered and Bank of Canada notes.

The one-day auction will be held in conjunction with the Toronto Coin Expo, taking place Oct. 4-5 at the Toronto Reference Library in downtown Toronto.

“We feel privileged to handle these treasures and are grateful to our consignors for their trust,” says auctioneer Brian Bell. “We expect strong interest in these pieces, and we encourage ethical, spirited bidding.”

Among the 753 lots, standout items include the impressive collection of one-cent coins from the Reg Albright Collection, described by Bell as “blazing red” examples. “This collection ranks among the finest penny collections ever assembled, offering collectors a rare chance to acquire elusive coins,” he adds.

For instance, Lot 54 features a stunning red 1858 large one-cent, graded ICCS Mint-State 65, with an estimated value of $10,000 to $12,000. Collectors can also explore several other pristine cents, including Lot 97, an 1891 one-cent with large leaves and small date, graded ICCS MS-64 (Obverse No. 2) and estimated at $10,000 to $12,500. Additionally, Lot 100 offers another 1891 one-cent with small leaves and small date (Obverse No. 3), graded ICCS MS-64, estimated at $8,000 to $10,000.

Moving into error coins, the sale offers a fascinating selection of 1982 Canada Constitution nickel dollars, each with unique characteristics. For example, Lot 363 highlights a Constitution nickel dollar struck on a foreign 5.4-gram planchet, likely a New Zealand 10-cent coin. This rare error, graded PCGS AU-58, is expected to attract strong interest, with an estimate of $750 to $1,500.

Another rare find is Lot 364, featuring a 1982 Constitution nickel dollar graded ICCS MS-63, with an estimate of $7,500 to $8,000. Rounding out the trio is Lot 365, a 1982 Constitution nickel dollar struck on a thin planchet, resulting in a weak strike. Graded ICCS MS-60, this coin—one of only five known—has an estimated value of $5,000 to $6,000. These rare error coins are expected to generate significant interest due to their scarcity.

With a pre-sale value of $9,000-$10,000, Lott 377 offers a complete set of graded Colour Technology tokens from the 2015 Currency Convention in Vancouver, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, with few than 100 sets minted.

The auction also presents Lot 377, a complete set of graded Colour Technology tokens from the 2015 Currency Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fewer than 100 sets were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, making this offering an extraordinary find. The set features three distinct tokens, each accompanied by its original marketing card, “Innovative Circulation Coin Colour Technology.”

Token designs include a poppy, a Canadian flag, and a fish, all in nickel-plated steel. Each is graded between ICCS MS-64 and ICCS MS-65. Such tokens were distributed exclusively to convention delegates, making complete sets exceedingly rare on the market.

For medal collectors, Lot 473 offers a rare Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada silver medal commemorating Richard Trevithick, the engineer behind the first working steam locomotive. Designed by J. S. Wyon, the 45-millimetre medal honours Trevithick’s legacy, with the reverse inscribed with the recipient’s name, L. Prefontaine, and the message “Presented by the Directors for General Efficiency and Good Conduct During the Year.”

This medal, tied to the Trevithick family and Canadian railway history, is accompanied by the recipient’s obituary, further enhancing its provenance. Estimated at $2,000 to $2,500, it represents a significant chapter in railway history.

Also featured is Lot 479, an 1867-1967 Sterling Silver Confederation Medal Set, one of only 100 pairs issued. This set, produced by Pinches of London, includes two sterling silver medals—one struck from the original J.S. & A.B. Wyon dies and another from 1967—both housed in their original blue velvet case with a certificate of authenticity. Estimated at $2,500 to $3,000, this set is a desirable addition for collectors of Canadian history.

An 1867-1967 sterling silver Confederation medal set, numbered 45 out of 100, featuring two sterling medals housed in a blue velvet case. Lot 479 is estimated at $2,500-$3,000.

Finally, collectors of Canadian banknotes will find an exceptional opportunity in Lot 575, an Eastern Townships Bank $4 note from 1861, graded Very Fine. This note, serial numbered 5001/A, features the manuscript signatures of Wm. Farwell, Jr. and B. Pomroy. It is the only known example with Pomroy’s manuscript signature available in private collections. Estimated at $40,000 to $50,000, this is one of the finest examples of early Canadian currency.

Viewing of lots will take place on Oct. 3-4 at the Toronto Reference Library from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the auction will go live, both in-person and online, at 5:30 p.m. EDT on Oct. 4. Bidders can participate online at gbellauctions.com.

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