Newfoundland 1896 20 cents
This specimen was lot 24262 in Heritage sale 3032 (Chicago, April 2014), where it sold for $7,050. The catalog description[1] noted, "Newfoundland. Victoria Specimen 20 Cents 1896, London mint, SP65 PCGS. Reeded Edge - Medal Alignment. A highly sought denomination for its relatively short-lived issuance and an incredible rarity in specimen format. One of only two examples certified by the grading services and unlikely to exist in much greater quantities. A sharply struck Gem, Victoria's hair curls remain most pronounced with pinpoint definition spilling over to the reverse surfaces as well. Even more mirrored in the fields than is typical with watery reflectivity dripping from the surfaces. Deep shades of delicately mottled cobalt-blue tone adorns the centers with the addition of rose and orange hues on the highpoints. At the peripheries, lime-green, yellow and maroon captures the eye. The overall effect is exquisite! An opportunity unduplicated since our 2003 sale of the Belzberg Collection, and likely to be at least another decade before its next offering. From The Prager Collection of Canadian Specimen Coins." This type was struck for Newfoundland 1865-1901 and many of the later dates are common. This date is available in worn condition but scarce choice.
Recorded mintage: 125,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 4.71 g, 0.925 fine silver, .140 troy oz ASW, reeded edge, 23.2 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 4.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3032, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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