Canada: Victoria 50 Cents 1890H,...

Description

Unforgettable Key 1890-H Victoria 50 Cents

Victoria 50 Cents 1890H, KM6, MS64 PCGS, Ex: Alston-Grossman. Now we come to another marvelous prize, one of the most coveted issues in Canadian numismatics. The 1890H is the rarest entry in the incredibly difficult Victoria 50 Cents series, with a mintage of only 20,000 coins. The 1890H is an elusive coin in any grade, and collectors eagerly seek examples when they appear infrequently in the marketplace. Even circulated examples are surprisingly elusive; most grade no better than VF or thereabouts.

The present near-Gem is one of only two Mint State examples known, both survivors of the renowned Heaton Hoard discovered in 1974-75 and long since dispersed to collectors, for the most part. It is only due to the existence of that hoard that any Mint State survivors of this issue are known. The Belzberg Collection example was an AU55, as was the Pittman Collection coin, and the Norweb Collection managed only a respectable XF45 piece.

The surfaces on this piece are lustrous silver-white, with little trace of color and few distractions of any sort, leading us to believe this piece could easily have been graded finer. For pedigree purposes we note a small nick on the Queen's neck, and some raised die lines on the reverse that run from the bottom right of the crown to the 0 in the date. Simply a splendid coin, one of unforgettable quality and a highlight of this memorable collection.
From the Canadiana Collection

More information about Canadian Coins. See also: Canada World Coin Nationality.

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