Historic rarities and exceptional finds hit the block at TCNC’s New Year’s Sale

By Mike Walsh

The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC) is launching 2025 with its highly anticipated New Year’s Sale, featuring more than 1,500 numismatic lots from Feb. 7-9.

This major auction includes the Marelic Collection of Tokens (Part II) and the Calgary Collection of Error Banknotes, complemented by contributions from more than 45 consignors across North America.

“We expect this to be one of the most active numismatic online events of 2025, featuring several rarities never offered to the public,” said auctioneer Marc Verret. “Our sincere thanks to the consignors for entrusting us with the fantastic task of selling their collections. This should be a memorable sale!”

Here is an overview of some of the many spectacular lots available in the sale.

Lot 1: Indian Treaty No. 6 silver medal, 1876

This historically significant artifact commemorates treaties signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwa leaders. Treaty 6, finalized Aug. 23, 1876 at Fort Carlton, Sask., and on Sept. 9, 1876, at Fort Pitt, Sask., resulted in the surrender of 120,000 square miles of land, covering the central portions of what are now Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Indigenous inhabitants of this region were predominantly Cree, with some Assiniboine, Saulteaux and Chipewyan as well. A total of 118 signatories were enumerated (Treaties & Surrenders, Nos. 157A-H).

Struck by Joseph Shepherd Wyon and Alfred Benjamin Wyon, the medal weighs 206 grams (6.62 ounces) and measures 76 millimetres in diameter. The obverse features Queen Victoria, crowned and veiled, with “VICTORIA REGINA” inscribed. The reverse depicts a commissioner shaking hands with an Indigenous leader in full dress, set against a backdrop of teepees and a rising sun, with “INDIAN TREATY No. 6” above and “1876” below.

The medal includes a silver hanger with suspension and is unmarked along the edge.

“This particular issue comes housed in its original presentation box, which is excessively rare,” noted Verret. “It’s the first time we’ve seen and handled it at TCNC. Definitely worth a premium bid.” The medal opens at $10,000.

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