Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens Includes NGC-certified Rarities
Posted on 3/27/2018
Heritage Auctions' upcoming April 20-24 World Coins Signature Auction is shaping up very nicely, and one of the highlights is undoubtedly going to be the Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens, simply the finest collection of Canadian tokens to have ever been offered in a single auction. This collection will enjoy its own catalog, which is certain to become a key reference in the field.
More than 500 lots are being offered; about two-thirds of them are certified, and nearly all of the certification was done by NGC.
Long-time dealer Doug Robins began collecting Canadian tokens in the 1970s, and as time passed, this became a total passion. Every time a rare token came up that he didn't have, he bought it. After his death about a year ago, his family contacted Heritage to help disperse the collection, a task Heritage gratefully accepted.
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| 1820 North West Company Token, graded NGC MS 61, Click images to enlarge. |
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Many of the pieces are rare or even unique. Numerous proof issues are included, as are quite a few extremely rare silver issues. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- North West Company brass Unholed Token 1820, graded NGC MS 61. Plain edge and possibly unique as such. Extremely rare unholed, and the highest grade of any variety known to us. Estimate: $50,000 - $60,000.
- Lower Canada. Pattern BON BOUR DEUX SOUS Penny 1812, graded NGC PF 65 BN. Only two examples traced, of which this is by far the finest. Estimate: $50,000 - $60,000.
- Lower Canada. Gold Wellington Peninsular 1/2 Penny Token ND (c. 1812), graded NGC UNC Details. Possibly unique and the only example presently available on the market; holed at the top. Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000.
- New Brunswick. Ship / St. John's 1/2 Penny Token ND, graded NGC AU 50 BN. The sole example recorded. The design is presumed to have been rejected because of the erroneous city name (St. John's instead of St. John). Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000.
- SHIPS COLONIES & COMMERCE 1/2 Penny Token ND, Breton-1000, graded NGC VF 30 BN. The only example of Breton-1000 in private hands, distinguishable by the style of the ship. Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.
Bidding is expected to begin about March 27.
This is a guest article. The thoughts and opinions in the piece are those of their author and are not necessarily the thoughts of the Certified Collectibles Group.
Related link
From the Grading Room: NGC Certifies Finest Known 1820 North West Company Token
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