Please note that these articles are from electronic backup files and may not be exactly as the final printed versions.
Here we are, yes it's 1999 already and the millennium program is already underway. Unfortunately, I have to try to write this column without any information from the RCM. Boy, are they doing a good job keeping the details of the new coins under wraps, this time. What we do know is that the first 25-cent Millennium Coin will be unveiled in St. John's Newfoundland on New Year's Eve. This information rolled onto my fax machine Friday, advising that the media may attend or capture the festivities on satellite. I hoped and I enquired, but sadly, they are not supplying us with the necessary satellite dishes to watch the program. The event will also kick off Soiree '99, a celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador's 50th anniversary of confederation.
So until I receive another news release, we'll have no idea what this first quarter will be. From the rumour mill, we do understand that the striking of the coins began in October and they will be released one per month at various locations through the year. A silver collector edition of the coins will also be issued.
Fortunately, south of the border, the U.S. Mint has been quicker to unveil the first five coins in its 50 state, 10 year, 25-cent program. These being the coins for Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut. In addition to the quarter program, the U.S. Mint will be launching a new dollar coin, the Sacajawea dollar replacing the ill received Susan B. Anthony dollar. This will be a year 2000 coin and designs have been narrowed to 13 obverses.
Well, whatever our quarters are, in addition to the U.S. issues and the litany of 1999-2000 issues from across the world, the collector better have deep pockets (and volumes of storage space) to assemble an entire Year 2000 collection. Happy hunting and a happy new year.
They must just have more money in the USA. At least at the U.S. Mint, that is. The F.U.N (Florida United Numismatists) show in Orlando tied in nicely with the timing of the launch of the new 50 state coin program in the U.S.A. The U.S. Mint spent the weekend handing out free quarters to the lined up crowds. It was the new Delaware quarter all nicely packaged in a commemorative flip, with the coin unfortunately glued in place. Despite the glue, and some possible minor vending machine problems, the telephones at the convention center, just didn't like the coins, they will certainly create a great deal of collector interest across the states.
I managed to take a little time and attend the F.U.N. show in Orlando last month, on behalf of Canadian Coin News, that is and our booth was almost next door to the folks at U.S. Mint. It was a great opportunity to miss the huge snowfalls at home, and chat with a lot the Canadian contingent that are almost always at this show. If you're ever planning a Florida trip in the first week of January, check it out, you're sure to have a great time.
Speaking of great times, the spring is certainly shaping up to be an exciting one for Canadian collectors. As we countdown to the millennium, the friendly p.r. staff the Royal Canadian Mint are hopping across the country with coin launches in Sept-Iles in March and Nunavut in April and Manitoba in May. I'm certainly glad, I don't have their travel schedule, but I sure wonder where all those air miles go. Rumour is they're saving them all up to bring a large contingent to the C.N.A. Convention in Kitchener this summer. Don't forget designs are still being accepted for the Year 2000 coin program.
Don't wait 'til summer to get busy on educating yourself on your collection. Paul Johnson and his gang are back at it with another live C.N.A. Canadian Numismatic Course on May 15th at Humber College in Toronto. He has again assembled a great roster of instructors for the program, see page 65 for all the details. If you can't get to Toronto, once again consider the correspondence course option. Copies are still available, contact Ken Prophet at the C.N.A. office for more information.
Winter is almost over and there's lots of great shows this spring, make an effort to get to them, small show, large show, club meeting, it's worth the effort.
One thing I just hate thinking about is insurance. I’ve got life insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, boat insurance, liability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and who knows what else I’ve got insurance on.
Two things I know I don’t have insurance on is my dog and my coin collection. Both I value immensely, but I’m going to draw the line at insuring old Bedford, my faithful retriever. My coin collection is something I should give some thought to. I wouldn’t call it a stellar collection of any kind, so why bother? I know I’ve certainly guarded against theft, by scattering it in various locations across the house and at the office. But, maybe I should give this some serious thought.
So off we went, we scoured the office and gathered those flips and boxes from various drawers, and fellow workers who borrowed a few pieces for some photos. Dragged them home, plunked on the table and added more boxes and flips from various dressers and cabinets across the house and to my surprise, there were a lot of coins on the table. As I said, I wouldn’t call this a collection to brag about, however, three hundred odd colonial tokens and thirty odd ancients of moderate value, it adds up.
Is this mess insured? I called the broker who handles my household policy and he told me I had replacement coverage for up to $2,000. Obviously inadequate. So what should I do? Last issue, the C.N.A. announced a new package for insuring the collections of its members with Hugh Wood Canada. Give it some thought for your own collection. The minimum $50 fee (plus taxes) provides approximately $9000 in coverage and covers losses with conveyance/registered mail and off premise risks such as coin shows. They even have coverage for dealer members and U.S. members. Definitely worth looking at. For more information contact Kris Gaetano, Hugh Wood Canada Ltd., 2040 Yonge St. Suite 300 (right above Charlton’s store) Toronto, On M4S 1Z9, phone 416-481-4211 ext 258 or fax 416-481-9132.
What now, I guess as soon I clear all these coins off the dining room table, maybe I’ll just give Kris a call and have her send me an application.
The sports media has had a feeding frenzy the past week with the retirement of ‘99 Wayne Gretzky. Not a surprise considering the illustrious career of “the Great One”. He’s personally shattered almost every record in the NHL and dominated hockey for the last twenty years.
Of course, the politicians across our grand land would be remiss to miss an opportunity to tag along on such a momentous occasion and they rose in the house yesterday to pass a motion to ask Canada Post to issue a commemorative stamp recognizing Gretzky’s contribution to the game of hockey.
This puts Canada Post in a unique situation, since of course, they a have a policy about putting living people on our postage issues. The commons motion isn’t binding on Canada Post, but it will be an interesting battle of marketing versus tradition to see if we do get a Gretzky stamp.
Now if we do, what are the chances that the RCM will quickly follow with our own Gretzky coin? Now, the mint has put living people (unnamed, but identifiable) on our commemorative issues and it’s unlikely their marketing department could walk away from a well-packaged coin & stamp - Gretzky set.
In the meantime, while Brantford is still looking at the prospect of renaming itself Gretzkyville, you could start on your collection of commemorative Gretzky medallions. Here’s just a few:
1983-84 Stater Mint Dollar $3-5 or packaged w/ 3” by 8” stat card $7-12
Enviromint - 3.5 oz. Pure Silver Rectangular Medallion - [HL 802] numbered
1 - 9197 - undated about $125-$160
Enviromint - 2 piece matched number Silver Rectangular Medallion and Round Medallion set - numbered 9,198 - 9,999 - undated about $175-$250
1996-97 Got-Um Greats Medallions $5-$10
1996-97 Got-Um Greats Medallions - gold plated $150-250
1997-98 Katch Medallions #92 $4-6
1997-98 Katch Medallions (silver) #92 $40-60
1997-98 Katch Medallions (gold) #92 $100-150
1997-98 Katch Medallions #92 $4-6
1997-98 Katch Medallions (silver) #92 $40-60
1997-98 Katch Medallions (gold) #92 $100-150
1997-98 McDonald’s Olympic Medallion $3-5
1997-98 Pinnacle Mint (brass medallion) #18 $4-6
1997-98 Pinnacle Mint (brass medallion, artist proof of 500) #18 $60-100
1997-98 Pinnacle Mint (nickel medallion) #18 $20-30
1997-98 Pinnacle Mint (nickel medallion, artist proof of 250) #18 $90-150
1997-98 Pinnacle Mint (gold-plated medallion, artist proof of 100) #18 $300-400
Have fun!
UNCLE C.N.A. WANTS YOU TO VOTE!
They say life is all about balance. Any excess takes away from that balance. From a numismatic point of view we can't just buy coins and realize all of the fun available. Taking the time to vote in the C.N.A. Election is part of the balance that can lead to a more fulfilling hobby.
If you don't vote because you do not know the individuals wishing to represent your interests why not take to time to call or write to them and learn more about who will be leading our fine association for the next term? How about asking other collectors what they know about the volunteer numismatists that are offering to dedicate their time, energy and reputation toward improving your enjoyment of collecting. Have you thought about asking your favorite dealer about his choice? Our needs are intertwined with those of the dealers, for without him it would he hard to acquire the rarities that we seek. Your favorite dealer may have more knowledge of the individuals running for office and might be able to provide insights as to the important issues facing the C.N.A. the hobby and the dealer community.
What are some of the characteristics of a suitable candidate? Does he or she have extensive experience or knowledge in a specific area? What about previous efforts serving on a committee or club executive? How important is it to you whether the candidate travels to numismatic events or conventions? Does the platform of your favorite agree with your assessment of what is important to you or the other members of your club or our association? Will one individual unite the needs and wants of the different groups or specialties that exist within our diversified hobby? Do you want someone to drive the C.N.A. forward or focus on maintaining the status quo?
Would a forum for and about the candidates running for office in this year's election be a suitable item for your next club meeting? Have you ever considered volunteering yourself? All too often the nominating committee has a difficult time finding dedicated collectors willing to serve. When will you be willing to give something back to this hobby? A vote must be called when more candidates run than we have positions for. I have heard that this can cost $1500.
This is an amount that we can only afford if the election serves to select the finest people for the tasks at hand. Let's not waste that money by not voting!
More black ink for 1998 at the Mint. Our recently received annual report the RCM showed sales up 20% with profits increasing to 4.45 million from 3.95 million in 1997. The production of Canadian circulation coins was up 110% with 1.3 billion coins minted in 1998. Numismatic coinage was down slightly from 4.3 million coins in 1997 to 4.1 million coin s in 1998. The tables below indicate the coinage volumes produced by date, and cannot be used to precisely determine the value of numismatic sales in any particular year. For the bullion collectors total gold maple leafs increased to 680,162 ounces from 556,254 in 1997. Silver maple leafs increased to 591,359 in 1998 compared to 100,970 in 1997. 10,833 10 oz. silver maple leafs were minted.
CUMULATIVE CANADIAN CIRCULATING COINAGE (000's)
|
Dated |
1998 |
1997 |
1996 |
1995 |
1994 |
|
$2 |
4,926 |
16,942 |
375,483 |
|
|
|
$1 |
|
|
17,101 |
41,813 |
40,406 |
|
50¢ |
308 |
387 |
458 |
626 |
987 |
|
25¢ |
|
|
28,106 |
89,210 |
77,670 |
|
10¢ |
201,073 |
43,126 |
51,814 |
123,875 |
145,800 |
|
5¢ |
146,530 |
27,354 |
36,686 |
78,780 |
99,352 |
|
1¢ |
900,436 |
549,868 |
445,746 |
624,983 |
639,516 |
CANADIAN NUMISMATIC COINAGE
|
Dated |
1998 |
1997 |
1996 |
1995 |
1994 |
|
Platinum Coin Set |
527 |
616 |
675 |
569 |
766 |
|
Proof Platinum 1/2 oz. |
133 |
184 |
196 |
193 |
|
|
Proof Platinum 1/10 oz. |
441 |
740 |
910 |
523 |
|
|
1998.99999 Gold |
1,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
$200 Gold |
6,395 |
11,610 |
8047 |
9,579 |
10,655 |
|
$100 Gold |
9,885 |
14,775 |
19,744 |
18,195 |
1,7603 |
|
Silver Aviation #71#51#31#1 |
12,797 |
16,440 |
18,508 |
17,438 |
|
|
Silver Aviation #8/#6/#4/#2 |
13,026 |
18,414 |
27,163 |
17,722 |
|
|
$1 Proof (925 Ag) |
120,172 |
184,965 |
133,779 |
166,259 |
178,485 |
|
$1 Brilliant Uncirculated |
79,777 |
155,252 |
58,834 |
61,819 |
65,295 |
|
Proof Set |
88,741 |
113,647 |
112,835 |
101,560 |
104,482 |
|
Specimen Set |
63,374 |
97,595 |
62,125 |
77,326 |
75,973 |
|
Uncirculated Set |
132,356 |
174,692 |
120,217 |
143,892 |
141,676 |
|
Baby Unc. Set |
58,764 |
55,199 |
56,618 |
36,443 |
|
|
Oh Canada! Unc Set |
67,502 |
84,124 |
31,083 |
50,927, |
18,794 |
|
Fifty Cent Proof (DisclNature) |
102,595 |
184,536 |
206,552 |
172,377 |
|
|
Fifty Cent Proof (Sports) |
45,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
$2 Gold Coin |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
$2 Proof Piedfort & note set |
|
|
9,665 |
|
|
|
$2 Proof Coin |
|
|
65,230 |
|
|
|
$2 Uncirculated Coin |
|
|
73,546 |
|
|
|
$2 Proof Coin & note set |
|
|
28,117 |
|
|
|
$2 Unc Coin & note set |
|
|
89,388 |
|
|
|
100 silver proof coin |
|
49,848 |
|
|
|
|
10th Anniv. Silver Proof $ |
|
24,995 |
|
|
|
|
90th Anniv. Silver Proof $ |
9,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
90th Anniv. Antiq. Proof $ |
24,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
1998 Bethune |
61,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver Lunar Cameo |
68,888 |
|
|
|
|
There’s always an element of suspense before the opening of any convention. It’s probably best seen in that uneasy feeling that tingles in the stomach of any convention organizer just before opening day. Have I forgotten anything? Will the crowds show up at the bourse floor? Was the advertising right? Is all the manpower in place and ready? Will the hotel deliver, what they promised? Oh so many questions. My congratulations to Chris Boyer and his crew from the Waterloo Coin Society for their great effort in hosting a fabulous convention this year in Kitchener.
The exhibits were excellent, some great seminars, political campaigning, a bourse that was well run and very busy. All the elements of a great convention. Though I still think, a major coup for the committee, was being able to bring the Bureau of Printing and Engraving into Canada for their display of U.S. notes and security issues. It’s not often that we get to view five and ten thousand dollar U.S. banknotes. I’m eager to see if the Ottawa committee can top the great convention we had this year.
On a different note and I hope I’m not letting the cat out of the bag, we’ve been working hard, with a lot of help from Wayne Jacobs, on a book project. reprinting the original series The Colonial Coinages of Canada by R.C. Willey that was published in the Journal from 1979 to 1983 into a book. The book is fully illustrated and should end up running about 264 pages. Stealing a few lines from the sale sheet, the book covers “From French regime, the war of 1812, the rebellions of 1837 and eventually the Dominion of Canada, economic life in colonial Canada is documented by its coinage. These were times when it was almost impossible to obtain change for a sovereign or a ten-shilling note. This is the most complete reference work on colonial Canadian coinage. A history of Canada’s coinage prior to confederation.” The book is a soft cover 5.5” by 8”, with 264 pages, illustrated ISBN 0-9681005-6-2. Cover Price: CDN $24.95, US$ 17.95. I believe there will be a discount for C.N.A. members, but watch the next issue of the Journal for ordering information. The book will also be available through your nearest Chapters store or your favorite bookstore at the end of October.
This summer I had the pleasure of attending the American Numismatic Association Summer Seminar Course on Numismatic Literature from July 10th to July 16th. Each summer the ANA offers the weeklong course to interested numismatists both young and old. This year there were over 25 different topics to choose from. The course registration of $449 (US $) includes the course registration, residence in the Colorado College dormitory and meal tickets for the cafeteria. I really enjoyed meeting fellow collectors during mealtimes; friends that I look forward to seeing next summer.
Numismatic Literature dealer Charlie Davis introduced me and my fellow classmates to many of the fabulous books and catalogues that have been published over the last two centuries. I am still enjoying the trunk-load of books that I purchased from the annual library sale. Many famous Numismatists attend the summer seminar as either students or instructors, a rare opportunity to have your favorite book autographed by its author. Next year the ANA plans to run two sets of courses during the first two weeks of July.
The title of these comments was chosen because quite frankly I am jealous of what the much larger ANA can provide to the hobby. In Canada, Paul Johnson has worked very hard at providing speakers for the Educational Forum during the Annual C.N.A. Convention. Next year he has planned an exceptional program designed to provide an overview of Canadian Numismatics as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Paul has also organized several one-day seminars on all aspects of interest to you the coin collector. Why can't we have even bigger and better seminars or courses?
Are we hampered by our vast geography or limited numbers of collectors? I challenge those C.N.A. members who are in the educational field to organize and promote something on their campus. How about you, Hamilton, or Calgary?
What sort of course would you attend? Do you want to learn more about grading? How about a course on the Banks that issued paper money? At the Canadian Paper Money Society luncheon at the 1999 C.N.A. in Kitchener Steve Thorning gave a fascinating talk on Private Bankers in Ontario. Would you extend your attendance at a future C.N.A. Convention by a few days to attend a multiday seminar?
If you would like to see more in the way of courses, seminars and educational forums please contact the Numismatic Educational Services Association. Why not bring up this topic at your next club meeting. A petition indicating the type, duration, nature of topics desired and suggested pricing signed by interested members would greatly aid in the planning of future events.
A View Of You
Recently I had the great pleasure of spending a whole week at the home of a fellow numismatist in another city. The day after I arrived was spent at their local coin show. It was the 25th anniversary of the club’s first coin show. In spite of the good weather affecting attendance, a good time was had by dealer and collector alike. They even had “out of towners” who found time to visit their local coin show. That evening many enjoyed the “no host” dinner at a local restaurant. Local shows and dinners are a great way to really get to know your fellow collectors and dealers.
After the coin show weekend my host and I shared many special moments viewing his collection of coins and banknotes and discussing the varied examples of numismatic literature on his bookshelf. Many long time collectors build up an extensive collection of books, journals, auction and pricing catalogues. Some will sell off their coins and notes before selling their library.
I even had a chance to get my computer fix by sharing with my host some of the knowledge that I have acquired while maintaining our club’s homepage and preparing the souvenir program booklet for the 1998 C.N.A. I helped install his new scanner and tested it by inserting some items in their September club bulletin. Who does your club bulletin? Have you ever submitted something for publication locally or in the CN Journal?
My host’s monthly chores include the preparation, description and listing of the clubs numismatic draw prizes. The sale of tickets on the dozen or so items helps offset the cost of the meeting hall rental. Prizes are either donated or purchased. If you have an interesting items that no longer fits into your collection have you ever considered donating it to your local club? As the featured speaker at the monthly club meeting I presented a view of my local club. I talked about the structure, timing and nature of our meetings, and what shows, BBQs and tokens we have prepared or sponsored. I solicited feedback from the audience on the need for a comprehensive program and expressed my opinions on the importance of educational talks. I feel strongly about the need to “entertain the troops”. Has your club meeting become primarily about trading, selling and auctioning of coins or do the members learn about the specialized knowledge that other members and visiting collectors and dealers are thrilled to share?
A strong club program is the secret to a growing attendance. What is the “view of you and your club”? Are you a good member? Do you volunteer when help is needed? Are you disruptive at club meetings by being overly opinionated? Does your behavior create a feeling of harmony or anger? The “good members” will stop attending if confrontation is the order of the day. If you perform one of the key roles have you trained your replacement? New members have to be nurtured and encouraged to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Imagine you are standing in a large open field, or on the vast expanse of the Canadian prairies. You look about in all directions, scanning the horizon. There are so many directions in which you might go, but which is the best one? More important, what are the wrong directions? One thing is clear: you cannot stay where you are. And it is only when you begin to move that you can tell if you have chosen wisely.
Choosing the right future direction for the C.N.A. is like that. This is why we have decided to undertake an initiative which we are calling C.N.A. HORIZONS 2000 to be held on April 14, at the Ontario Numismatic Association’s annual convention hotel.
Under the capable general leadership of Geoff Bell, C.N.A. Librarian, a small group of organizers comprising President Tom Kennedy, Journal Publisher Paul Fiocca and Area Directors Michael Walsh and Paul Petch have begun planning the event.
In business circles, C.N.A. HORIZONS 2000 is popularly known as "strategic planning". Strategic planning is accomplished under the leadership of a professional facilitator and begins with the setting of a mission statement for the organization. This can take up to a half day to accomplish. The mission statement determines the rest of the day’s activities. The participants begin with an open mind. The strategies are born as the participants meet in small working groups, responding to the mission statement.
The participants will comprise 20 to 25 people. They will include all stakeholders: dealers, publishers, collectors, mint personnel, C.N.A. executive representatives, Past Presidents, etc. These should be visionaries, thinkers and people interested in the C.N.A. Every C.N.A. member has a part to play by nominating participants. Please consider whom you think should participate and pass your list of suggested names by direct e-mail to a member of the organizing group or by regular mail through the Executive Secretary, Ken Prophet.
So, the challenge of choosing the right direction for the C.N.A. begins! Which horizon shall we head for? There are risks, but a new C.N.A. with redefined purpose and services could be waiting for us up ahead. It could be the best C.N.A. we have ever known… just imagine!