My Adventures Collecting Coins from Celebrated Collections

I’ve always been drawn to coins with ties to famous collections—it’s like holding a piece of numismatic history that connects me directly to legendary collectors and their passions. Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a few of these treasures, and today I’d love to share some highlights and lessons from my own collecting adventures.

The Allure of Famous Pedigrees

To me, a coin’s provenance isn’t just a catalog note—it’s a story that breathes life into the metal. Coins from celebrated collections often come with fascinating histories and can even make them more sought-after. Here are some favorites from my cabinet:

• Dr. Lawrence Adams Collection: I’m lucky to own 23 coins from this famed collector—each one speaks to his great taste.
• Norweb Collection: My Colombia AV 9 Escudos from this collection sparked my love for South American gold.
• Newman Collection: This is what got me hooked on Wildman coins! I’ve added several ex-Newman pieces since. Can you believe Mr. Newman collected for almost a century? One of mine actually jumped from EF to MS-65 grade thanks to its pedigree—a great reminder that history matters.
• Michael Prieur Collection: My Trajan Decius tetradrachm from his hoard (NGC MS 4/5 – 3/5) feels extra special with only 10 known.
• Preussag Collection: Their focus on mining talers caught NGC’s eye during grading. I spent hours with their 2015 catalogue to soak up the backstory.
• David Cervin Collection: Snagged 11 coins from his 2003 sale, including a rare Strasbourg Mint Louis d’or 1751-BB that came through the Caranette Collection via Heritage.
• Dr. Jacob Terner Collection: An Austria AV Dukat 1584 (Klagenfurth Mint, MS-64) that shines in my early dated coinage set.

Grading Insights and Market Tips

Pedigrees can make a real difference when it comes to grading. That Newman coin I mentioned taught me to always double-check labels and histories with services like NGC—they’ve saved me from errors more than once, like catching “Medellin” misspelled as “Mendillin”! Market-wise, coins with strong pedigrees tend to hold their value well, especially those from specialized collections like McCloskey’s US Seated Liberty coinage. I’ve found auctions like CNG or Heritage are great places to hunt, but you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled.

Collecting Wisdom I’ve Gathered

If you’re starting out with pedigreed coins, here’s what’s worked for me:

• Dig into the details: Auction catalogs from firms like Künker or Heritage are gold for tracing histories. The Preussag catalog taught me so much about mining talers.
• Trust but verify: Cross-check pedigrees with grading services to avoid label mistakes. Shipwreck coins (which I adore for their stories!) need extra authentication.
• Condition is king: Focus on rarities in top shape, like the 1848 Halfcrown ex-Colin Adams. Watch out for overdates—I once had an embarrassing mix-up from photos alone!
• Play the long game: Collections like Newman’s prove time pays off. Coins with decades of documented history can really elevate your collection.

My Favorite Conversation Starters

Beyond famous collectors, I love quirky pedigrees—shipwreck coins always get people talking! Pieces tied to historical figures add personal meaning too, like my John Quincy Adams coin (a distant relative on my mom’s side). And my “young Vickie” Victoria-era coins, especially one from her final year, never fail to spark stories.

Collecting coins from famous collections has only deepened my love for this hobby. It’s the perfect mix of history, art, and smart investing. Every new find keeps me hooked, and I’m always on the hunt for the next great story. Happy collecting!