By Jesse Robitaille
Session one of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) auction took place last night in Halifax, N.S.
Part of the annual RCNA Convention and hosted by The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC), the auction didn’t see much action from the bidding floor; however, other bidding platforms compensated for the low attendance.
“Overall, it was alright,” said auctioneer Marc Verret, who added the sale paled in comparison to the recent Torex auction, held in Toronto this June. “The Internet bidding and mail bids were pretty strong, and the floor bids were OK – we only had about 15 people, not like in Toronto – but that’s kind of what we expected.”
However, Verret said tonight’s session – as well as tomorrow’s session three – should be markedly better.
“We’re doing the decimal coins tonight, so it’ll definitely be the stronger session. All the better coins are tonight’s session, especially the two dimes, lots 548 and 550,” said Verret, adding the bidding floor could be busier for tonight’s sale.
HIGHLIGHTS (prices do not include premiums)
Among the highlights of last night’s session one was lot 310, a 2003-P non-magnetic one-cent Numismatic Brilliant Uncirculated issue. It sold for $9,000 after a starting bid of only $5.
This 2003-P non-magnetic cent sold for $9,000 after a starting bid of $5.
“That was the big highlight,” said Verret. “It’s believed to be quite rare.”
Another highlight was lot 302, a 1965 one-cent Large Beads Pointed in ICCS-graded MS-66 Red. It is tied for third-highest-graded known example and sold for $850 after a starting bid of $400.
Lot 323, an 1881H five-cent ICCS-graded MS-65, sold for $4,750 after a starting bid of $2,000
Lastly, lot 351, a 1903 five-cent coin in PCGS-graded MS-67, sold for $5,000 after a starting bid of $3,000.
“An amazing example – rare and desirable – this coin presents an important opportunity for Registry Set collectors,” said Verret.
TONIGHT
Verret said tonight’s biggest sellers will likely be lots 548 and 550: 10-cent coins dated 1915 and 1916, respectively.
This 1915 10-cent coin in PCGS-graded MS-67-plus will likely generate some interest, said auctioneer Marc Verret.
The 1915 10-cent is graded MS-67-plus by PCGS and has a starting bid of $7,500.
“An extremely difficult issue in MS condition, this should be considered a museum example – the best of the best,” said Verret, who added the coin is catalogued at around $20,000.
Likewise, the 1916 10-cent – graded MS-68 by PCGS – has mirror-like fields and “a touch of perfect greens and golds,” said Verret, who added this coin should also be considered a museum example and another important opportunity for Registry Set collectors.
“Expect strong bidding,” he said.