Tetradrachm ø 25mm (17.05g). 310 - 306/5 BC. With NGC-tag
(XF, strike: 4/5, surface: 4/5, Fine Style). Attractive dark toning,
excellent.
to modern times
323 - 317 BC. Stater (8.55g). Gold! Sharply marked splendid
specimen of excellent style! Large, medallion-like mould,
somewhat smoothed at the cheek, excellent.
to modern times
279/8 - 255 BC. Tetradrachm ø 29mm (16.75g). 264 - 255 BC
RR! Marvellous toning, excellent.
to modern times
(15.15g). 408/4 - 380/66 BC. One of the best known specimens!
Excellent.
to modern times
Tetradrachm ø 26mm (15.15g). RR! Delicate toning,
small die break on obverse, nearly mint
to modern times
AD. Aureus ø 19mm (7.28g). 193 A.D. Mint undetermined in the
East (Emesa or Alexandria. Gold! RRR! Tiny pressure mark
at the eyebrow, brilliant uncirculated.
to modern times
medallion ø 35mm (17,17g). Mint. Rome. RRR!
Specimen of the Franz Trau Collection! Dark brown patina,
very nice-excellent.
to modern times
Augustalis. n.d. (after 1231), Messina. 5.25 g. Gold! Gold! RR!
Attractive specimen with sharp inscription. Fine toning,
tiny graffito, very fine - excellent.
to modern times
Electors and Albertines. Johann Georg I, 1611 - 1656. 5 ducats
1630, Dresden.17,04 g. Gold! Rare! Attractive specimen!
Marvellous gold toning, tiny scratches, very nice - excellent.
to modern times
ARCHBISHOPRIC. 1612-1619. thaler cliff 1617, Salzburg.
Of greatest rarity! Splendid specimen! Marvellous toning,
tiny scratches, excellent / superb - Brilliant Uncirculate
to modern times
Stack’s Sells Rare Canadian 1870 Banknote for $360,000
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
January 2025 World Collectors Choice Auction
Banknotes
28 January 2025
US-Costa Mesa
In what can only be described as a monumental moment for the world of numismatics, Stack’s Bowers Galleries has announced the sale of a historic 1870 $2 Canadian banknote, payable at Victoria, for an astounding $360,000 ($518,000 CAD). The note, previously considered lost, shattered pre-sale estimates, attracting a price that reflects its rarity and significance in the world of Canadian currency. It now joins the ranks of the most expensive examples of Canadian paper money ever sold.
Lot 70102: Canada. Dominion of Canada. 2 Dollars, 1.7.1870. DC-3e. Payable at Victoria. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. Only known 1870 $2 Payable at Victoria. Estimate: $50,000-$75,000. Result: $360,000.
The 1870 $2 banknote, issued by the Dominion of Canada, represents a true numismatic treasure. Graded Choice Very Fine 35 by PMG, this is the only known example of its kind, a discovery that excited collectors and historians alike. Its historical significance stems from its designation as “Payable at Victoria,” a detail that has long been absent from records, with previous catalog entries simply listing this issue as “No Known Issued Notes.” Now, thanks to this remarkable find, the Charlton catalog entry for DC-3e can be updated to reflect the existence of this incredibly rare piece of Canadian history.
The $2 banknote was first printed in 1870, during a time when western Canada had a sparse population and few financial institutions, resulting in limited circulation of paper currency. At the time of its issuance, British Columbia was a fledgling province, and Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, was still emerging as a commercial hub. Only 24,000 notes were reportedly printed and shipped to the Pacific Coast, but all were presumed lost – until this piece recently surfaced in Europe.
The consignor, who wishes to remain private, commented, “I am extremely happy with the job that Stack’s Bowers Galleries did promoting the item and presenting it to the public. The result is beyond what I could have imagined.”
In addition to its rarity, the condition of the note is extraordinary. Graded Choice Very Fine 35 by PMG, this example boasts vibrant inks, crisp paper, and detailed engravings that remain as vivid as when they were first printed. Despite lightened stains noted by PMG, the overall appearance is exceptional, making it the finest known of this crucial Canadian issue.
The discovery of this $2 Dominion of Canada banknote is a defining moment in Canadian numismatics. Even the National Currency Collection in Ottawa does not contain an example of this type, and prior to this auction, the existence of a Victoria-payable $2 note was unconfirmed. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is proud to have facilitated the sale of this world-class rarity, further solidifying its position as a leader in the numismatic auction world.
Lot 70096: Canada. French Administration. 24 Livres, 1733. P-S108. PMG Very Fine 25. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Result: $19,200.
Lot 70151: Canada. Bank of Canada. 1 Dollar, 2.1.1937. BC-21d. Serial Number 1. PCGS Banknote Choice Extremely Fine 45. Estimate: $16,000-$20,000. Result: $13,200.
Lot 70482: Canada. Bank of Canada. 2 Dollars, 1986. BC-55b. Printing Error. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64. Estimate: $2,500-$4,000. Result: $6,600.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to offer such an extraordinary piece to the collecting community,” said Aris Maragoudakis, Director of World Paper Money at Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “This discovery has captured the attention of banknote collectors worldwide, and the final price of $360,000 reflects a thriving market that appreciates true rarities. This sale is a culmination of the market’s desire for this type of material, and the work of our team. Dennis Hengeveld (Director of Consignments and Senior Numismatist) wrote a masterful description and Adem Karisik took charge of promoting what was our first Canada Only Banknote Sale. This auction was a great first step as we reaffirm our position as a leader in Canadian banknotes.”
The firm’s president, Brian Kendrella, added, “This auction demonstrates our leadership in cutting edge technology. The sale took place entirely online, and the results rivaled – and in some cases surpassed – those achieved by more traditional auctions.”
