A 1908-C Edward VII gold specimen sovereign has drawn bidders’ attention leading up to its moment on the auction block later this week.
Lot 31312, the sovereign struck at what was then known as the Ottawa branch of the British Royal Mint, was certified as Specimen-58 by Numismatic Guaranty Company. It carried a low mintage of 636 pieces with an engraving by British medallist George William de Saulles.
“Struck to commemorate the much-anticipated opening of the Ottawa mint, this low-mintage type, reportedly made from Larder Lake-sourced gold, ranks among the most desirable Canadian Sovereign issues,” reads the lot description.
The obverse (shown) depicts King Edward VII, the second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who reigned from 1901 until his death nine years later.
“Scattered marks sink the grade below Mint State on this otherwise vibrant honey-coloured example, fostering an opportunity for collectors to add this trophy type to their cabinet.”
As of April 30, three days before the sale, the coin has a current bid of $6,250 US (about $8,465 Cdn.), excluding the buyer’s premium.