The Royal Canadian Mint sold The Ultimate, a one-of-a-kind one-kilo pure platinum coin, adorned with hundreds of pink diamonds from the famed Argyle mine, for $1,261,250 CAD (including Buyer’s Premium, ca. 975,057 USD), after heated bids were exchanged during a live auction conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Heffel). This price surpasses pre-sale estimates of $700,000 to $900,000 CAD (ca. 541,000-695,000 USD). This singular masterpiece of numismatic art was sold to an anonymous bidder on May 31, 2022, and set a new record for a coin offered at auction in Canada. Heffel and the Mint will finalize the purchase transaction and formalities over the coming days.
“The Ultimate is the highest expression of the innovation, skill and craftsmanship of the people who continue to make the Royal Canadian Mint a global leader in the art and science of coin manufacturing,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
“It has been an incredible opportunity for Heffel to work with the Mint and help make history with the sale of The Ultimate,” said David Heffel, President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. “This one-of-a-kind masterpiece is an artwork of the highest caliber and it has been an honor to place it in an outstanding collection. We look forward to following its historic journey for decades to come.”
The Ultimate is the crowning showpiece of the Mint’s newly launched Opulence Collection. It is also the Mint’s first-ever one-kilo 99.95% pure platinum coin. Polished to proof perfection, The Ultimate features a reverse design by Canadian artist Derek Wicks that brings the beauty of the cherry blossom to life on a 101.6 mm canvas. A total of 462 Fancy Vivid and Fancy Intense pink diamonds (6.5 total carat weight) from the Argyle mine have been hand set into rose gold- plated, platinum cast jewelry pieces fashioned by Beverly Hills Jewelers.
“The Royal Canadian Mint’s reputation for crafting coins of exceptional sophistication and artistry is known to collectors around the world,” Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Celebrating the talent and imagination of our people through precious metal and fine art is our passion, as well as our trademark. We are proud that our new Opulence Collection takes our tradition of excellence to a whole new level.”
“Heffel is honored to offer collectors the opportunity to acquire this rare, one-of-a-kind treasure, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mint and Argyle mine” said David Heffel, President, Heffel Fine Art Auction House. “The Ultimate is truly a work of art, and its intricate design and mesmerizing beauty will undoubtedly capture the attention of passionate collectors and enthusiasts across the world.”
Discover the Opulence collection on The Royal Canadian Mint website.
For further information about the auction house, visit the Heffel website.
You can find the Opulence Collection in our Cosmos of Collectibles database.