On April 22, during Session three of the Prominence X Sale, the Indian Treaty No. 7 silver medal, described as “extremely scarce and historically important,” fetched $83,650. Lot 763 in The Canadian Numismatic Company’s (TCNC) auction, it surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $30,000-plus amid spirited bidding.
All sold prices include the buyer’s premium.
This Indian Treaty No. 7 Silver Medal, issued in 1877, holds significant importance in Canadian history. It symbolizes the Bearspaw, Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, and Wesley Nations, having been presented to the leaders of these eight nations by Queen Victoria herself in recognition of their signing of the Treaty. Such treaty medals served as gifts to chiefs, exchanged for various goods and rights, including Indigenous hunting, fishing, and natural resource access on reserve lands. They stood as enduring visual reminders of the commitments made during the treaties, thus constituting an intrinsic part of Canadian history.
This particular medal, weighing 205.0 grams with a diameter of 76mm, was crafted by J.S. & A.B. Wyon. Its obverse features Queen Victoria crowned and veiled, facing left, with “VICTORIA” to the right and “REGINA” to the left. The reverse depicts a scene of a second-rank commissioner standing facing right, shaking hands with a Native figure in traditional attire facing left, set against a backdrop of teepees and a rising sun.
Session 3 also featured notable highlights, such as the elusive 1921 50-cent coin (Lot 1028), often hailed as the “King of Canadian Coins” due to its rarity and historical significance. Graded by PCGS as Choice MS-63, this 103-year-old coin was expected to fetch over $200,000. Despite the pre-sale anticipation, with a starting bid set at $150,000, this lot surprisingly did not receive any bids and remained unsold.
Another notable lot included a rare 1969 Large Date 10 cents in ICCS VF-30 (Lot 939). Seldom seen and offered, the coin sold for $11,053.75. As well, a stunning 1894 10-cents in Choice MS-64 (Lot 905) sold for $23,900.
Banknotes received strong bidding during Session Two on April 21. One of several “wow” notes included a 1900 Dominion of Canada $4 bill graded PMG Choice About Uncirculated-65 (Lot 375). “This is a superb issue with great eye appeal, good margins and vibrant colours,” the lot description stated. “This would be an important addition to a major Canadian collection or a major highlight of a personal collection.” With a pre-sale estimate of $16,000-plus, this trophy note has a new owner after selling for $26,887.50.
A 1857 Commercial Bank of Canada $2 note stamped ‘Port Hope’ (Lot 655A) described as “off the scale” in terms of rarity sold for $32,862.50, over pre-sale estimate.
The Prominence X Sale continues today with Session four featuring tokens, U.S. and World, and Canadian banknotes. The bidding opens at 7 EDT.
Lot 375 featured a 1900 Dominion of Canada $4 note, which sold for $26,887.50.
Described as an “off the scale’ rarity banknote, Lot 655A sold for $32,862.50.