By Jesse Robitaille
Collectors of all kinds can continue completing their collections at Colonial Acres’ Spring Numismatic Auction, slated to take place this May 27-28 in Kitchener, Ont.
With most starting bids listed at about 50 per cent of their respective Trends valuations, Kirk Parsons, Colonial Acres co-owner, said there’s a lot of affordable material on offer at the upcoming 1,020-lot sale.
“The highlights are definitely the material that doesn’t hit the market every day, and serious collectors trying to fill the last missing pieces of their collections may find something here that isn’t available for sale too often,” said Parsons. “But the auction also has modern material that the everyday collector can afford. There are good deals to be had.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Among the top highlights is Lot 502, an 1899 Canadian 50-cent coin graded About Uncirculated-55 by International Coin Certification Service (ICCS).
“This coin is seldom found in the higher grade points,” said Parsons, who added there’s a starting bid of $4,000. It’s estimated to cross the block at its Trends valuation of $10,000.
Another highlight is Lot 522, a 1947 50-cent “Curved Seven” Maple Leaf coin in ICCS Specimen-62.
“That’s a rare variety,” he said. “A curved Maple Leaf is a coin that most dealers don’t see too often, so it doesn’t come on the market too often.”
It’s estimated at $3,500 with a starting bid of $1,950.
Continuing the highlights is Lot 647, a “bright, flashy” 1967 “Diving Goose” dollar in ICCS Mint State-65. Issued as part of the final offering of Canadian silver dollars in 1967, this coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation features a Canada goose and the inscription “CANADA 1867-1967” on its reverse; however, because of an improperly rotated die, the goose appears to be diving down at a 45-degree angle.
“That’s tied for the highest grade by ICCS,” said Parsons, who added the lot has an estimate of $2,000 and a starting bid of $1,000.
Banknotes abound, and one highlight is Lot 718, a 1917 Banque d’Hochelaga note in Paper Money Guaranty Very Fine-25.
“The signature combination – Vaillancourt-Leman – is extremely rare, and as far as we know, it’s the finest example known to exist in private hands.”
It’s estimated at $6,000 with a starting bid of $3,000.
Rounding out the highlights is Lot 749, a 1937 $10 BC-24a banknote in Gem Uncirculated-65.
“That’s the Osbourne-Towers signature, which is the rare one. In the population report, there are only about three known in that grade.”
It’s estimated at $3,000 with a starting bid of $1,800.
Proxy bidding began May 6. To view all the auction lots, visit icollector.com/May-27-28-Spring-Numismatic-Sale_as40936.
Parsons said Colonial Acres already runs smaller online auctions throughout the year but is “gearing up to host two auctions a year with higher-caliber material.” This Spring Numismatic Auction is the first of those sales this year.
“We’ve seen a solid growth in participation in the amount of people who log in, sign up and pre-bid with us,” he said. “We’re getting bigger demand from bidders as well as people who want to consign with us, which is big on both fronts.”
And although the firm has only been in the auction business for about two years, it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary as a dealer this year.
“I think the reputation we’ve gained is really helping our auctions gain the momentum they need to be successful.”
For more information, visit
colonialacres.com/auctions/.