‘World’s most comprehensive, complete collection’ of Canadian Coins to be offered by Heritage

What’s being called the world’s most comprehensive and complete collection of Canadian coins, which includes one of only two 1911 silver dollars as well as the finest-known 1936 “dot” cent, is heading to auction this summer.

Late numismatist George Cook devoted more than 25 years to collecting every major rarity issued by the Canadian government and successfully assembled one of the most significant numismatic collections in North America, according to auctioneers.

“In some cases, he owned the rarest of all specimens in the best condition and even possessed every example of special coins available for private ownership,” reads a recent statement issued by the Texas-based auction house Heritage Auctions, which will present the Cook Collection at the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money on Aug. 13-19 in Chicago.

“I worked with George for over a decade helping him build his Canadian set, and we became friends,” said Cris Bierrenbach, vice-president of international numismatics at Heritage.

“George was one of the most focused collectors I have met in my 25 years in numismatics. He loved coins and he loved the challenge of finding the absolute best specimen for each denomination and date, and this will be evident once his catalogue is published in July.”

The ‘extraordinarily rare’ 1911 silver dollar – one of only two struck in silver – will also cross the block during the sale of the Cook Collection this summer. (Photo by Heritage Auctions)

POST-WAR IMMIGRANT

Cook surmounted his humble beginnings to build a wildly successful and happy life in Canada.

Leaving the poverty of post-war Europe behind, he immigrated to Canada in 1951 with little money, a bit of hope and a box stuffed with his few belongings.

He worked with determination across the country and successfully graduated to managing some of the largest industrial construction sites in western Canada.

Years later, his efforts culminated in the creation of his own successful steel fabrication company, which was highly valued across North America.

Cook lived in Calgary with his wife, Margaret, and their four children. He also served his country as an honorary consul for Germany.

LIFELONG NUMISMATIST

The finest of only three known 1936 ‘dot’ cents will also be offered this summer. (Photo by Heritage Auctions)

Cook was an avid collector of coins throughout his entire life, enjoying the rich history and stories behind each new discovery.

Over the years, every major Canadian rarity found its way into his collection, which includes the “extraordinarily rare” 1911 silver dollar. Considered a “Holy Grail,” and perhaps the most storied rarity in all of Canadian numismatics, the coin is one of only two examples struck in silver. Outside of Cook’s collection, the only other 1911 silver dollar is permanently held in the Bank of Canada’s National Currency Collection in Ottawa.

Cook also owned the finest of just three known 1936 dot cents. Known the world over as one of the most famous rarities in Canadian coins, the dot cent was struck in 1937 prior to the creation of coinage dies for George VI; however, it was never released for circulation.

Cook held both the Specimen and Business strikes of the rare 1921-dated 50-cent coin, known as “The King of Canadian Coins.”

He also owned the Specimen strike of an 1875-dated 25-cent coin, a 1936 10-cent dot coin and a 1916-C sovereign, each of which is “simply unheard of in a single, private collection,” auctioneers said.

A 1916-C sovereign is also among the nearly 400 lots to be offered in the first sale of the Cook Collection on Aug. 13-17. (Photo by Heritage Auctions)

U.S. TOUR BEFORE AUGUST AUCTION

Highlights of Cook’s collection will on a U.S. tour beginning April 23-27 at the Central States Numismatic Society 80th Anniversary Convention in Chicago.

Highlights then go on display from June 6-8 during the Long Beach, California, Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Collectible Show.

Cook’s main collection will cross the auction block from Aug. 13-17 at a special session held during the ANA World’s Fair of Money.

An additional online auction will be held in September on ha.com.

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