CVC & Collectables presents this 1862 New Brunswick 20 Cents silver coin is a historical relic from pre-Confederation Canada, minted under Queen Victoria’s reign. Graded XF Details (Cleaned) by NGC, the coin retains strong design elements despite signs of past cleaning. Issued as part of New Brunswick’s short-lived decimal currency system (1860-1867), this piece is a valuable connection to Canada’s early monetary history.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: New Brunswick (Canadian Province)
- Date: 1862
- Denomination: 20 Cents
- Currency: Dollar (1860-1867)
- Composition: Silver (.925 fine, 0.075 copper)
- Weight: 4.648 g
- Diameter: 23.27 mm
- Thickness: 1.2 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Grade: NGC XF Details (Cleaned) — Clear details with moderate circulation wear, but cleaned at some point in its history.
Obverse:
- Design: A left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon.
- Inscription:
- VICTORIA D:G: REG: NEW BRUNSWICK
- Translation: “Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of New Brunswick.”
Reverse:
- Design: Denomination (20 CENTS) and date (1862) within a wreath of two maple branches tied with a ribbon, topped by the St. Edward’s Crown, symbolizing the British monarchy.
- Engraver: Likely George W. Wyon, as suggested by its use in a posthumous medalet.
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted during the short period when New Brunswick had its own decimal currency before joining Canadian Confederation in 1867. It was part of a broader shift from British pounds, shillings, and pence to a dollar-based system, aligning with the U.S. and other emerging Canadian provinces.
Queen Victoria’s presence on the obverse reflects Canada’s ties to the British Empire, and the maple wreath foreshadows its emergence as a distinct national symbol.
Collectibility:
Despite the cleaning designation, this 1862 New Brunswick 20 Cents remains a historically and numismatically significant piece. With clear design elements and an XF level of preservation, it is highly sought after by collectors of Canadian provincial coinage, British colonial currency, and pre-Confederation issues.
A rare and fascinating artifact of early Canadian history, bridging the era between British rule and the birth of modern Canada. Find more alike here!
