By Geoffrey Bell Auctions and Toronto Coin Expo ……
Hidden in a safety deposit box in New Brunswick since the mid-1980s was a prized collection of 2,000 banknotes. The collection has been hailed as The Covered Bridge Collection and is expected to realize more than $1 million altogether over 2 sales this year. Part one of this extraordinary collection hits the auction block with Geoffrey Bell Auctions in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on June 2, 2017 at the Toronto Coin Expo.
Featured in this sale is a pair of 1935 $20 Canada notes, with serial number 000005, which makes them among the very first printed by the newly established Bank of Canada. These notes picture an eight-year-old Princess Elizabeth, now Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 1935 the Bank of Canada issued two series of notes for Canada, one stating “Bank of Canada” for English Canada, and the other stating “Banque Du Canada” for French Canada. These notes can be found on collectors’ and investors’ ultra-rare list as they are amongst the best of the best in uncirculated condition. The notes are estimated to command $20,000+ CAD once the hammer drops on these auction lots.
Another auction highlight is the 1870 $4 from La Banque Jacques Cartier. The bank was founded in Montreal in 1861, establishing itself as a prominent financier of industrial Montreal before failing under the weight of some heavy losses in 1899. Bank note experts believe that it is the only surviving example of the 1870 with “plain 4s” and will attract the most serious of collectors who will be vying for this trophy note estimated at $30,000.
There is also a significant selection of Union Bank of Newfoundland banknotes in the Toronto Coin Expo 2017 Spring Sale. The highlight is a stunning 1889 $20 note featuring vibrant blues and yellows with front and back locomotive themes. The note is amongst the finest-known examples available to private collectors and is expected to exceed the $20,000 estimate.
Mentioned are just a few of the highlights of the truly rare pieces of Canadian paper money history. The Covered Bridge Collection has surprised many with its selection of Canadian Government and Private Chartered banknotes, the likes of which haven’t been offered at auction for many years. The entire sale can be viewed online through www.gbellauctions.com. The auction takes place June 1 & 2, 2017 at the Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge street in conjunction with the Toronto Coin Expo.
The Toronto Coin Expo is Canada’s premier coin & banknote show & auction. Hosting world renowned coin and banknote dealers. The public is invited to the bourse floor where 50+ dealer tables will be offering coins, medals, tokens and banknotes from Canada and the world. For full information, please visit www.torontocoinexpo.ca.
