PRESENTATION MEDAL AUCTION RAISES $2,420

As reported previously, E-Sylum subscriber John Regitko from Canada auctioned off 48 of his numismatic award medals through Geoffrey Bell Auctions. As well, 13 of his wife’s medals she earned assisting at conventions were also included.  

They garnered bids totaling $2,420, plus $484 buyer’s premium).  

The highlight of the donation auction consisted of Canada’s highest award for numismatic excellence. It yielded $725 plus $145 buyer’s premium.

  Half of the proceeds have been donated to the registered non-profit organizations that support numismatics in Canada. That includes the Canadian Association for Numismatic Education (CAFNE) which supports the RCNA’s educational programs, and the J. Douglas Ferguson Historical Research Foundation, who supports the publication of collector’s numismatic research. The photo shows CAFNE’s executive secretary/treasurer accepting the cheque from John.

  “The other half of the proceeds have been donated to non-profit organizations that my family has had a need of in the past, such as Sick Children’s Hospital, Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Michael’s Hospital, Canadian Blood Services, Red Cross and the church,” John stated.  

He adds: “I was sure I would be criticized for my decision, but I turned the awards into something that will benefit the hobby. I haven’t heard about anyone stating I should not have done it.”  

Donating it to the organizations that awarded them was not an option, since not of them have a venue for displaying numismatic material such as the ANA’s Money Museum.  

Not only did the principals of the auction house agree to forego all consignor’s commissions, but in a further showing of goodwill, they donated all commissions from the sale to the J. Douglas Ferguson Historical Research Foundation. Geoffrey Bell of the auction company bearing his name is a member of the board as well as a past chairman of the Ferguson Foundation.  

Is John happy with the pricing realized? “I had no idea what to expect, because I have not heard of a public auction of the Ferguson Award and other awards. In hindsight, I think that the people that bid the Ferguson medal up to $725 are to be congratulated, keeping in mind that it was gold plated silver and not solid gold. The other awards, including my wife’s medals, also did as well as I hoped they would.”  

John has consigned additional awards medals to Geoffrey Bell Auctions on May 2 and 3 being held in conjunction with the Spring 2019 Coin Expo. John and Geoff have again committed to donate the proceeds and bidder’s premiums to the same charitable organizations.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
REGITKO NUMISMATIC AWARDS MEDALS OFFERED (https://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n36a10.html)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web