Fantasies abound at the recent Torex Coin Show, held Nov. 19-20 in downtown Toronto. One such fantasy was a 1956-dated silver coin with a denomination of six bits (equivalent to 75 cents) and a design featuring plants of the Aquilegia genus. The coin – believed to be created by an engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint – belongs to Joe Iorio, owner of Vancouver’s J&M Coin & Jewellery. “It’s a unique piece, and it’s something that’s out of the ordinary,” said Iorio, who has nearly 50 years’ experience as a numismatic dealer. “Finding something unique in the numismatic field is quite unusual and something that you cherish.” The long-time dealer has quite the history with this specific piece. Continue reading →
Five years ago, Vancouver-based collector and dealer Joe Iorio bought this 1956-dated fantasy coin from the same collector he sold it to in 2006.
