Memories from 40 years in the stamp and coin business
by Brian Grant Duff
2001 at All Nations and the Bay Coin and Stamp department
Canada’s first postage stamp, the 3d Beaver, turned 150.
The Royal Canadian Mint produced a 3d Beaver stamp and coin set. The 3d Beaver coin was the perfect logo for our Bay Coin and Stamp department as it combined stamps, coins, and a fur trade theme. We used it in advertising in the SkyTrain walkway to bring clients to our 4th floor location.
All Nations rent was affordable but we knew the building would be sold, so two locations gave us a backup business in case we lost a location like we did in Eaton’s. A transit strike changed people’s shopping patterns. My spider senses tingled when an intimidating character with lots of cuts on his knuckles inquired after Canadian coins. It turned out to be Bob Probert. He was kind enough the sign his rookie hockey card for our son Thor.
Banknotes were always an important part of our business. Bob Gildert consigned world banknotes with us. Don Olmstead provided better Canadian notes for us. We discovered and sold one of five known Dawson overprint Bank of Commerce notes in an estate lot. The seller and buyer were both pleased.
The Bank of Canada used the money from their auctions to produce matching serial number old and new $5 and $10 banknote collectibles. $5 and $10 uncut sheets were harder to sell than the $1 and $2 sheets, due to their higher face values. Saltspring island dollar notes appeared and also generated some collector interest.
Part 1 of Brian’s 40 years in the business can be found here
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