My Adventures Collecting Coins from Legendary Collections

As a coin collector, I’ve always loved pieces with a real backstory, especially those that passed through famous hands. Over time, I’ve put together a little collection of pedigreed coins that feel like holding history. Let me walk you through some highlights from my adventures.

My Favorite Finds from Legendary Collectors

I’ve been lucky enough to pick up coins from some big names in our hobby. Take my Colombia AV 9 Escudos – it came from the Norweb Collection and perfectly shows their eye for world gold. Then there’s a Wildman piece I treasure from the Newman collection. That one coin got me so hooked on their holdings that I’ve added several ex-Newman coins since. Can you imagine collecting for nearly a century like John Newman did? His pieces usually come with amazing stories. One of my early triumphs was winning a rare Louis d’or from the Caranette Collection through Heritage Auctions – I still remember how my hands shook when I placed that winning bid!

But it’s not just about famous collectors. Some of my most exciting pieces come from famous shipwrecks – I absolutely count those as pedigreed collections! There’s nothing quite like holding a coin that survived centuries underwater. It makes maritime history feel real in your palm.

Why Provenance Matters

From what I’ve seen, a solid pedigree really lifts a coin’s appeal and value. My Trajan Decius Tetradrachm from the Michael Prieur Collection is a perfect example. Graded NGC MS 4/5 – 3/5, it’s rare enough with only about ten known, but that pedigree makes it a star in my collection. Coins from specialized collections like the Preussag mining talers often get special attention too. When NGC recently certified one of mine, they noted the pedigree right on the label – that kind of recognition really boosts a coin’s charm.

Pedigrees can also save you from costly mistakes. I learned this lesson with a Victoria halfcrown from Colin Adams’ collection. It got mixed up as a common variety at first, but the pedigree helped confirm it was the rare overdate. Always check those mint marks and descriptions carefully – it’s saved me more than once!

Handling Pedigreed Coins: What I’ve Learned

Grading coins with famous histories can be full of surprises. I once watched a Newman coin upgrade from EF to MS-GEM 65 – proof that pedigree sometimes gives graders extra confidence. Here’s what works for me:

• Check the paper trail: I always dig into NGC’s gallery or old auction catalogues (that Preussag sale catalogue is a personal favorite) to verify histories. Good provenance adds trust, but verify everything.
• Seek the scarce stuff: Specialized collections like Dr. Jacob Terner’s often hold real rarities. My Austria AV Dukat from his holdings, graded MS-64, shines brighter because of its origin.
• Watch the auction houses: Keep tabs on sales from CNG or Goldberg. Some of my best pieces came from the David Cervin collection in a 2003 auction – smart bidding can land amazing finds without emptying your wallet.

Advice for New Collectors

If you’re just starting, follow your interests first. When I got curious about McCloskey’s US Seated Liberty work, it opened new doors in my collection. Always peek at NGC certifications for pedigree notes – they often spot historical gems you might miss. And remember: building a meaningful collection takes patience. But when you finally land that coin with a legendary past? Pure magic. Whether it’s a crusty shipwreck piece or a pristine collection coin, these are history you can hold.

At the end of the day, collecting pedigreed coins isn’t just about value – it’s about keeping stories alive. Every piece in my tray feels like shaking hands with history, and that’s why this hobby never gets old.