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Canadian Countermarks - J. W. MILLAR/TORONTO

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money / World Coins - Canada Start Price:150.00 CAD Estimated At:300.00 - 350.00 CAD
Canadian Countermarks -  J. W. MILLAR/TORONTO
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The Cataloguers have taken every reasonable measure to ensure that all the lots are as described by Geoffrey Bell Auctions. Many of the lots are third party graded by PCGS, PMG, ICCS - We feel these are the most recognized grading companies in the industry.
J. W. MILLAR/TORONTO - on obv. of a U.S. 1853 seated Liberty half dollar. (Brunk M-659, M.I. 651)

J. W. Millar was a jeweller and watchmaker, listed at various addresses in Toronto from 1856-1881. Millar died in 1868 and his wife and his two managers, James and Robert Morrison maintained the business until 1881 when it ceases to be listed in directories. The firm under Millar not only advertised through circulating their countermarks, but issued tradecards in the later stage of the business. The fact that Millar only had his countermark on U.S. coins is not unusual, as the overwhelming amount of U.S. silver was, by 1870, being returned to the United States by the banks at a loss. That was the period titled the "Silver nuisance", and these pieces were probably stamped around that period.

Note this lot is part of the Richard Cooper Collection.