Unearthing Bargains: My Adventures with Unsold Auction Coin Lots
June 7, 2025My Adventures in Acquiring Coins from Legendary Collections
June 7, 2025
Snagging my first Wildman coin—a 1661 Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel Thaler—felt like uncovering buried treasure. Another collector passed on this hefty silver piece, but I was hooked the moment I saw it. As a newcomer to these historic coins, I’ve been geeking out over every detail, from its quirky features to the stories it holds. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned.
Getting to Know My Wildman Thaler
Right away, I spotted something unusual: a gentle concave curve, almost like the wildman was stamped on a tiny basketball. That got me thinking about roller presses—common in the 1600s—which might explain why some reverse details near the bottom look a bit soft. Funny how 350-year-old minting quirks still show up so clearly today! A buddy helped translate the obverse inscription: “Consider everything with care.” I had to laugh—pretty rich advice from a dude tearing up trees barehanded!
Navigating the Grading Process
I sent it to NGC since slabs fit my collection better. After digging into Wildman coin forums, I knew bends often land these in “details” territory. Would mine skate through? Older thalers get some leeway, but that curve had me sweating. I kept telling myself: “History trumps perfection.” The wait was torture—I even asked my local shop to keep the results hush-hush. Unboxing it felt like cracking open a fresh shipwreck haul.
The Exciting Grading Outcome
Seeing that straight grade made my week! Totally unexpected after bracing for a details label. Once slabbed, I discovered this variety’s nickname—the “houseboy” Taler—because the wildman’s pose looks like he’s sweeping the forest with a broom. Honestly, I’d have loved it either way, but keeping my collection details-free? That’s the cherry on top.
What I Learned Along the Way
If you’re eyeing Wildman coins yourself, here’s my take:
- Character over perfection: Many have bends or soft strikes from the minting process—collectors often welcome these quirks, especially on 17th-century pieces.
- Grading isn’t everything: NGC plays hardball with these. Focus on the coin’s story and artistry rather than the label.
- Variety is the spice: From hefty thalers to smaller denominations, each type has its charm. (I’m already plotting my next Wildman hunt!)
- Dig into the lore: Translations and nicknames—like “houseboy”—add layers to the adventure. Half the fun’s in the detective work!
This Thaler’s sparked a full-blown obsession for me. Whether you collect for history, silver, or the thrill of the hunt, remember: every coin’s got a tale. And the wild ones? They’re always the best storytellers.
