Newfoundland 1881 5 cents
The first specimen was lot 20509 in Heritage sale 3010 (Boston, August 2010), where it sold for $7,187.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Newfoundland. Victoria Specimen 5 Cents 1881, Specimen 66 PCGS, fabulous mirror surfaces, a most impressive example and very rare as a Specimen." The second specimen was lot 32159 in Heritage sale 3041 (Chicago, August 2015), where it sold for $2,937.50. The catalog description[2] noted, "Newfoundland. Victoria 5 Cents 1881 MS65 PCGS, London mint, This beautiful offering displays a mixture of iridescent peach, marine-blue, and lilac hues that effortlessly canvass the surfaces in a radiant watercolor-esque pattern. Of equal importance are the remarkably bold design elements that appear to soar above the surrounding patina. A sublime jewel in all regards, with further confirmation provided by its premium designation." This type was struck fairly steadily for Newfoundland 1865-96. It is a trifle heavier than the Canadian five cent piece of the period. This date was struck at London and is scarce in all grades.
Recorded mintage: 40,000.
Specification: 1.17 g, 0.925 fine silver, .035 troy oz ASW, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Cross, W. K., The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins, 62nd Ed., Toronto: Charlton International, 2008.
- [1]Tucker, Warren, Scott Cordry and John Kraljevich, Heritage Sale 3010: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2010.
- [2]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World & Ancient Coins Auction 3041, featuring the Eric Beckman Collection of Canadian Coins, the Kaiser Collection of German Gold Coins and the Rudman Collection of Mexican Coins, Part I, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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