Legendary 1936 Dot Cent

Legendary 1936 Dot Cent

Sold Price: $ 312000.00

George V Specimen "Dot" Cent 1936 SP65 Red and Brown PCGS, Royal Canadian Mint, KM28. Among the company of famous rarities within Canadian numismatics is the 1936-dated Dot Cent, struck in 1937 prior to the creation of coinage dies for George VI, though never released for circulation. In fact, it was long considered an "uncollectible" coin, since noted numismatist John Jay Pittman held all three known examples from 1961 until his death. The three-part auction of his collection brought all three back onto the market: the first in October 1997 and the other two (including this piece) in August 1999. Since then, the three 1936 Dot Cents remain scattered and every time one is offered, a great amount of excitement is generated. This particular Specimen has been in the Cook Collection for over nine years, having last been offered as part of the Canadiana Collection in 2010.

It is an absolute honor for us to present this coin again at auction. A true gem, stunning in all respects, with desirable coloring that results in striated auburn tones in the recesses and chestnut brown over the majority of the raised elements and rims. Close inspection confirms a definitive strike, with sharply defined details across the designs, and characteristics of a Specimen finish throughout.

Additionally, this piece can easily be identified as having come from the complete Dot Specimen set, the best determining diagnostic being a thin streak that passes from the right reverse rim through the tip of the nearby maple leaf and into the space between ONE and CENT. And, though now certified as a Specimen 65 Red Brown by PCGS, likely the result of being dipped to remove a fine layer of lacquer, it is still by far the finest of the three examples known. A spectacular gem that will inevitably be cherished for years to come, with an impressive pedigree that adds significant value to what is an already invaluable coin.

Ex. Canadiana Collection (Heritage Auction #3008, January 2010, Lot 20009), Certified as Specimen 66 Red by PCGS, sold alone for $402,000; Belzberg Collection (Heritage Auction #312, January 2003, Lot 156008), Certified as Specimen 66 Red by PCGS, sold alone for $230,000; John Jay Pittman Collection, Part III (David Akers August 1999, Lot 2486a), Uncertified, sold as part of the 1936 Dot Specimen set for $345,000; John Jay Pittman (1954), sold as part of the same set for $250; Mrs. T Roberts, widow of the following; T. Roberts, employee of the Royal Canadian Mint
From the George Hans Cook Collection of Canadian Coinage