Pair of Kings to Sell in October Long Beach by Heritage

Dallas, Texas: An unprecedented pair of the half dollar that has been called "The King of Canadian Coins" will be sold by Heritage Numismatic Auctions in their October Long Beach Signature Sale. Both 1921 Canadian half dollars, consigned out of the Howard Collection, have been certified as Specimen 61 by PCGS.

The dean of Canadian numismatics, Jim Charlton, gave the 1921 half dollars the title "The King of Canadian Coins" nearly 50 years ago; they remain the most famous and sought-after issues in Canadian numismatics. Most of the 1921 issue was melted in 1929 and it is generally believed that no more than 50-100 pieces survive. Of the surviving coins, very few are in the Specimen striking category. The appearance of even a single example at auction is noteworthy.

According to Heritage's world coin expert Warren Tucker "The appearance of two Specimen examples in the same sale is unprecedented. I do not recall any Specimen being sold in any previous auction, much less two in the same sale! The Howard Collection also contains some 1923 Canadian specimen cents. Clearly, some astute numismatist during the early 'Twenties realized the significance of these important pieces of Canadian numismatics.

Heritage's Long Beach Signature Sale will be held October 5-6. The consignment deadline is August 24.