Canada: Victoria 50 Cents 1901,...

Description

High-End Near-Gem 1901 Victoria 50 Cents

Victoria 50 Cents 1901, KM6, MS64 PCGS, Ex: Alston-Grossman. It is practically a truism in numismatics that the collecting public is more likely to save issues of a new design than the last year of an old design. The death of Queen Victoria on January 22, 1901, after a reign of nearly 64 years--the longest in British history--brought an end to the Victoria 50 Cents series, of course, although the final-year issue was a moderate production of 80,000 coins. Considering that her death occurred so early in the year and that her subjects in England and the colonies might have thought to save examples commemorating her reign, the issue is mystifyingly scarce in Mint State, a level at which PCGS has certified only seven pieces.

The present near-Gem is one of four so certified, with a single Gem finer (7/09). This piece has pinkish-gray centers that cede to glimpses of amber-gold near the rims, with premium eye appeal and a bold strike. A few tiny ticks on the Queen's cheek and jaw are minor but may have precluded an even finer grade. The reverse shows a single mark between the date and CENTS, likewise scarcely worthy of mention. A marvelous, high-end coin for the grade, and a wonderful representative of the type for last-year collectors.
From the Canadiana Collection

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

View Certification Details from PCGS