An 1870 Canadian "No LCW" 50c was the star lot of an April 19 world and ancient coin sale at Heritage Auctions.

It realised $70,500.

The 'No LCW' half dollar is named for the absence of the designer's initials

The issue was the first Canadian half dollar. "No LCW" refers to the absence of the designer's initials, an error that was remedied in later mintings.  

The coin was introduced following the Act of Confederation, which established the four British provinces as the Dominion of Canada.  

Heritage describes the lot as "a monumental example of one of the most coveted issues in all of Canadian numismatics…

"The reverse has more intense color, with a similar palette to the obverse around the periphery but vivid amber-gold predominating inside the wreath. The strike is quite sharp overall, although minor softness shows on the high points of the obverse hair.

"Neither that nor the few scattered contact marks detract from what must be far and away the most attractive and desirable business strike known - or imaginable - for this rare issue."

Another example of the coin in near mint state sold for $103,500 in a 2003 auction.

Other top selling lots included a 1930 Australian George V penny, which also made $70,500.

The piece is, along with another specimen, the finest known of this particular issue. It carries a PCGS grade of AU50.  

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