It’s New Year’s Day, and with the holidays coming to a close, another year of numismatic events and gatherings are about to begin.
Later this week, on Jan. 5, the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) will welcome collectors from around the world to the 62nd Annual FUN Convention. The show, which runs Jan. 5-8 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is “renowned for being the bellwether event on the numismatic calendar,” according to organizers.
Admission to the show is free to the public; however, attendees must first visit the public registration booth to receive their “HELLO” badge before entering the bourse.
CONVENTION HOURS
- Thursday, Jan. 5: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 7: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 8: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The show boasts more than 1,500 numismatic dealers; a U.S. Coins Signature Auction, a Currency Signature Auction, and a World Currency Auction hosted by Heritage Auctions; a grouping of competitive exhibits; and more than 15,000 attendees.
Among the highlights of the World Currency Auction is Lot 27144, a 1935 Series $25 note issued by the Bank of Canada (BC-11). This English-language note (the series was bilingual) was graded Gem 65 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) by Paper Money Guaranty.
“A stunning survivor of this special commemorative issue that is certainly one of the finest examples that we have handled of this scarce and popular note,” reads the auction catalogue.
The $25 note of the 1935 Series is the only denomination to bear a distinct issue date and was the first to be withdrawn after circulating for only two years. By 1942, fewer than 2,000 of these notes had escaped withdrawal. This example is well margined with “blazing” colours and “incredible” eye-appeal, according to auctioneers.
In an April 2014 sale hosted by Heritage Auctions, an identically graded piece realized $35,250 USD, and auctioneers expect this note—complete with a low serial number reading “A000681″—to approach that number. Lot 27144 has a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$40,000 USD and an opening bid of $18,000.
CANADIAN DEALERS
- Geoffrey Bell Auctions, of Moncton, N.B., will have Table No. 1230
- The Canadian Numismatic Company, of Quebec City, Que., will have Table No. 1111
- Proof Positive Coins, of Baddeck, N.S., will have Table No. 1104
Next year’s FUN Convention is slated to take place Jan. 4-7, 2018, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.
NEXT WEEK
We’re also looking forward to next week in North York, Ont., where the Unipex Stamp and Coin Show will be held on Jan. 13-15.
Also from Jan. 12-15, the New York International Numismatic Convention will be hosted at midtown Manhattan’s iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel.