A high-grade 1936 Canadian 50-cent piece with a pedigree tracing to the renowned Victoria Collection will headline St. George Auctions’ 311-lot fall sale, set for Sept. 12 during the National Postage Stamp & Coin Show in Mississauga, Ont.
Graded PCGS MS-64, the George V half dollar combines strong lustre, an above-average strike and an important provenance. St. George Auctions President and Head of Consignments Ethan Wright calls the coin one of the highlights of a sale he says is both larger and more valuable than the firm’s fall auction last year.
The 1936 half dollar is joined by several other high-grade Canadian rarities, including a 1937 matte specimen cent graded ICCS SP-67 Red that is believed to be tied for finest graded by ICCS. A 1933 10-cent piece graded PCGS MS-66 also stands out for its condition, strike and light golden peripheral toning.
Canadian silver dollars provide two more featured lots. A 1955 Arnprior dollar graded PCGS PL-67 displays deep mirror-like fields and cameo devices, while a 1952 dollar graded ICCS MS-63 WL carries a Heavy Cameo designation that Wright says gives the coin immediate visual impact.
Pedigree is another notable feature of the auction. In addition to the Victoria Collection, coins offered in the sale trace their provenance to such prominent collections as Norweb, Stewart Blay, John Jay Pittman and James E. Charlton.
Wright says three themes became apparent as the auction was assembled: high-grade small cents, particularly George VI issues; coins displaying distinctive toning and strong eye appeal; and pieces exhibiting exceptional cameo contrast. The overall value of the sale is estimated to be 30 to 40 per cent higher than St. George’s fall auction last year.
Despite the emphasis on high-grade material, the auction isn’t aimed exclusively at advanced collectors. Its 311 lots cover a range of dates, denominations and grades, with several pieces expected to be available for less than $100. The sale also marks St. George Auctions’ debut as the official auction service of the National Postage Stamp & Coin Show.
Collectors attending the Sept. 12-13 show at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale will be able to view lots in person before the auction and pick up successful purchases on Sunday. The online auction begins at 6 p.m. ET on Sept. 12. This story is one of several in the latest issue of Canadian Coin News, Vol. 64 No. 12, issued Aug. 18.