My Journey with World Coins: Your Newest Acquisition!
June 28, 2025My Journey Through European Coins of the 1900s
June 28, 2025
I’m still buzzing about adding a stunning 1623-24 British gold Laurel of King James I to my collection—my priciest coin ever. As someone who lives for the thrill of hammered gold, this piece feels like the crown jewel of my cabinet, especially with its connection to the monarch who commissioned the Bible translation that still carries his name.
The Trade That Made It Possible
What made this extra sweet? I didn’t touch my savings. Here’s how the deal worked:
- I traded away a 2003 American Gold Eagle (PCGS MS70). Solid bullion, but honestly? Never really excited me.
- Added an 1895 Puerto Rico peso (PCGS MS61). Beautiful coin, but we never quite bonded.
Together they covered about $4,350 of the Laurel’s $4,695 price tag. Beating my previous record—a 1799 Bust dollar at $3,800—felt like a real collecting milestone. Hats off to Atlas Numismatics for making it happen.
Why This Laurel Steals My Heart
This hammered gold piece is everything I love—substantial in hand and swimming in history. Struck during James I’s reign (1603-1625), what really grabs me is the portrait quality. Finding one with this much detail is tough since most show heavy wear. From what I’ve seen, coins like this typically grade MS-61 to EF-40—the sweet spot where character meets affordability.
If you’re hunting one, pay attention to size (these feel massive next to smaller denominations), weight, and mint marks. And that historical weight! James wasn’t just a king—he’s the namesake behind the most printed book in history. Holding this coin feels like touching that legacy.
What the Market Taught Me
After tracking recent auctions, I noticed full Laurels in this condition hammer around $4,000, while halves go for roughly half that. Here’s a tip that’s saved me cash: when a full-sized coin stretches your budget, look at fractional versions. I’ve seen Celtic quarter-staters deliver the same historical thrill at friendlier prices.
Condition variations matter hugely—a high-grade Saint-Gaudens double eagle commands premiums, but with hammered coins? A sharp portrait on a mid-grade piece can be absolute magic.
Lessons From the Hunt
This experience crystallized some truths I’ll carry forward:
- Trades unlock dreams: Swapping coins you’re lukewarm about can land grails without draining your bank account
- Collect passion, not paperwork: I’ll take raw, hand-struck character over pristine bullion any day
- Smaller can be smarter: Fractional versions of iconic coins often deliver equal joy with less strain on your wallet
- Eyes beat photos: Always inspect in hand when possible—lighting can hide flaws or hide a coin’s true charm
This Laurel now holds center stage in my collection, and it’s fueled my hunger for more treasures. If I’ve learned one thing? Chase coins with stories. They’re not just metal—they’re time machines.
