My Wildman Coin Addiction: A Personal Journey Through Numismatics

I’ve always loved the stories hidden in old coins, but I never expected to fall so hard for Wildman pieces. It began casually—years ago, I spotted a magazine article about expanding collections that mentioned them. The idea stuck in my mind until I saw one on eBay from Eric Newman’s collection, a numismatist I deeply respect. That auction sparked an obsession I couldn’t shake, mixing history, folklore, and the adrenaline of the chase into one deliciously addictive hobby.

My Roots in Collecting

My coin journey started with Grandpa. He taught me everything during hours spent sorting pocket change, building Lincoln Cent sets he’d gift to relatives. His collection was full of what some might dismiss as “fillers”—like his treasured V nickels. He’d tell stories about the legendary 1913 issue and those tricky “No Cents” Liberties while we hunted through rolls. Since he only collected what he found in circulation, I’ve kept his inheritance pure, upgrading pieces only rarely. That hands-on start shaped me: I admire pristine coins, but nothing beats holding a 200-year-old XF piece that feels alive with history.

Discovering Wildman Coins

After inheriting Grandpa’s sets, I dove into large cents. But as gaps became expensive and new finds dwindled, I got restless. That’s when I wandered into large copper and bronze world coins, loving their rough charm and honest imperfections. That path led me straight to Wildman coins—especially my 1776 piece, which lit the fuse. These coins, often worn smooth from being carried as protection against the Wildman himself, felt like direct links to old superstitions. I discovered they came from German states, Belgium, and Switzerland between the 1500s-1800s, though pre-1600s examples are rare birds. What hooked me? That perfect storm of history and mystery—each one whispers ancient fears and folklore.

The Wildman Myth: History and Symbolism

Exploring the lore behind these coins fascinated me. The Wildman legend stretches back to ancient Greece, where outsiders were called “wild men,” evolving through stories like Merlin living wild in the woods. By medieval times, Wildmen appeared as hairy giants wielding tree trunks or clubs—scapegoats for disasters and handy for keeping kids in line. Europeans carried these tales to America, inspiring creatures like Bigfoot. Crucially, people believed carrying a Wildman image offered protection, explaining why so many coins show heavy wear or were set into jewelry. A few key points:

• Greek roots around AD 250, labeling foreigners as uncivilized
• Medieval twist: Wildmen as unpredictable forest guardians, usually gripping clubs or trees
• Superstitious practice: Coins doubled as protective charms, leading to that characteristic wear

This backstory makes every coin feel like a tiny time capsule.

Why Brunswick? The Heart of Wildman Coinage

Most Wildman coins come from Brunswick, and I had to learn why. It connects to Duke Heinrich IX the Younger in the 1500s—notorious for his fiery temper (he allegedly torched a town!). Locals branded him a Wildman, and he minted coins showing his portrait on one side and a Wildman on the other, sometimes clutching flames as a not-so-subtle threat. This probably kicked off a trend, turning the Wildman into a local symbol. I also stumbled on a Harz Mountains tale: miners captured a Wildman after finding silver in his cave, naming their mine “Wilder Mann.” That story, born from lonely mining life, shows how local legends shaped designs. For collectors, it’s proof that regional history breathes life into these motifs.

Collecting Wildman Coins: Practical Insights

Building my Wildman collection taught me plenty. These coins are gaining popularity, with more collectors joining the hunt. You’ll usually find dozens on eBay, but specific issues are scarce, and mintages often remain mysteries. Grading can be tricky due to weak strikes from old minting methods—focus on facial details, which often survive best. Mint-state pieces are unicorns, so embrace circulated coins with personality. Some tips from my experience:

• Begin affordably: Late 1700s Brunswick pfennigs often run under $100 in decent grades (though uncirculated ones are tough finds)
• Spot variations: Note Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel vs. Brunswick-Luneburg-Calenburg-Hannover—the Wildman holds his tree in different hands
• Love the flaws: Weak strikes and wear add character; perfection isn’t the point
• Lean on resources: Books like the Met Museum’s free “The Wildman: Medieval Myth and Symbolism” offer great context

For me, the chase is half the fun—like tracking down a 1797 Wildemann pfennig instead of pricier U.S. rarities.

My Wildman Treasures and Why I’m Hooked

My collection now holds gems like my surprise 1758 Brunswick-Luneburg coin—the one that cemented my addiction. I never meant to go this deep, but uncovering each coin’s story is pure magic. They’re not just metal; they’re portals into the myths that shaped communities. If you’re starting, grab a simple pfennig—they’re charming and won’t break the bank. Remember, this hobby thrives on the journey, not just the coins. My Wildman obsession reminds me why I collect: it’s that perfect cocktail of history, personal discovery, and the eternal hunt for the next fragment of the past.