My Favorite Island
Whitman Folder #9088 is a remarkable little folder, a typical 3 panel folder, that has transported me back in time to a wild island off the coast of North America. 9088, the Newfoundland Coin Type Collection consists of 7 denominations for 1 Queen, and 3 Kings of England. Her Provincial coin collection starts with Queen Victoria in 1865 and ends with King George VI in 1947. In 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada and became her 10th and last Province.
As I may have mentioned in previous blogs, I have a great affinity for Canada and enjoy collecting her coins and ephemera. I became aware of the possibility of collecting Canadian Provincial issues after completing my Dansco Canada Type Album. The provincial issues available, in order of their output are Newfoundland (20 coins), New Brunswick (5 coins), Nova Scotia (2 coins), and Prince Edward Island (1 coin). Of course, these numbers do not count the numerous varieties available within each set. I chose to start with Newfoundland because it has the greatest number of coins, it has the only Gold coin, and it has the only coin folder.
Newfoundland is also a fascinating place in its own right. L'Anse aux Meadows, on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, is the site of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Gander on the east coast was the town where 38 Planes, refused entry to the United States, sheltered in the aftermath of 9/11. The hospitality shown by Gander residents and numerous other Newfies, for the 6000 + passengers is heartwarming and has been the subject of books and documentaries.
The Newfoundland $2 gold coin was minted from 1865 to 1888 but was only minted in 6 years between 1865 and 1888. This was the only gold coin issued by any of the provinces, they chose the denomination because a silver Dollar was considered to heavy for a pocket and a $1 gold coin was considered to small and light. The $2 was deemed just the right size. My example is graded AU 55 by NGC. I am happy to have completed my Newfoundland type set. Now I move on to New Brunswick, 2 coins down 3 to go. Completing the Newfoundland set has been a wonderful experience, I hope all your collecting endeavors are equally enjoyable.
Designer: Leonard C. Wyon
Weight: 3.328 grams
Diameter: 17.98 mm
Fineness: .917 gold, .083 Copper .0981 oz
Haxby, James A. : A Guide book of Canadian Coins and Tokens, 1st edition
Comments
user_7180
Level 5
Super nice coin and story. You are very dedicated to your hobby and passion!
Longstrider
Level 6
Your reply to me is hilarious! And too true!!!
Longstrider
Level 6
Congratulations on completing your book. It's nice to have another one ready to go. I am a fan of Canadian coins and currency as well. I DO like that gold deuce. Well done. Don't forget about The Money Pit on Oak Island in Nova Scotia. Good luck..Thanks.
It's Mokie
Level 6
My whole collection is my personal money pit, no need to travel very far. LOL
coinsbygary
Level 5
Very nice! There is a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you finally get THE piece that ties your collection together with a nice little bow. Does this mean that we will no longer be time-sharing mine? LOL! PS I think the font for the 2 is one of the coolest features on this coin. ...and yes the portrait of Queen Victoria is pretty cool also but I do like the young head the best of her many profiles.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Hi Gary, Yup, reluctantly I am going to give up my share, I hope you can find another partner. (: I do think Queen Victoria looks quite fetching and that 2 is interesting. I also like the Two Hundred Cents or One Hundred Pence, so you definitely know how much you have regardless of your location in the Empire.
Mike
Level 7
I enjoyed every word. Great Coins And a great set. There is So much history behind these. Collecting coins in books i still do that. You get so much s satisfaction from it. Thanks i enjoyed it.
"SUN"
Level 6
Really enjoyed the blog! Amazing how a little folder helps you enjoy the hobby.
Golfer
Level 5
Great post. I have never known about #9088. Very interesting. I have always liked Canada coins. Love the maple leafs with the privy marks. I have a couple albums of canada cents starting 1920. Growing up near Buffalo, Canada was a neighbor we visited sometimes. Thanks for the interesting post.