My Adventures Collecting Coins from Legendary Collections
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June 19, 2025
I’ve been absolutely thrilled since adding a stunning new piece to my collection: a British gold Laurel from King James I’s reign, circa 1623-24. This isn’t just another coin—it’s now my most prized possession, and I’m excited to share my experience with fellow collectors.
The Acquisition: A Smart Trade
Here’s how I got it without spending cash: I traded two coins I didn’t feel strongly about keeping. One was a 2003 U.S. gold Eagle graded PCGS MS70 (a solid modern bullion piece) and an 1895 Puerto Rico peso in PCGS MS61 (nice, but not a favorite). Together they were valued around $4,350. When I saw Atlas Numismatics had this Laurel priced at $4,695, swapping felt perfect—no money out of pocket! Before this, my biggest purchase was $3,800 for a 1799 Bust dollar, so this was a major step up for me.
Meet the King James Laurel
Holding this coin takes my breath away—it’s a substantial piece of hand-hammered gold from the era when King James commissioned his famous Bible translation. You can feel the history in its weight and craftsmanship. The portrait shows James in remarkable detail, and as a collector, I’m always drawn to hammered gold for its artistry and scarcity. If British history or coins interest you, this period offers incredible pieces—just know that finding well-preserved portraits takes patience and persistence.
Market Observations and Value
Laurels represent a serious commitment. Recent auctions show full Laurels like mine selling around $4,000, while half Laurels typically fetch about $1,850. That spread makes sense given their gold content and size, but it also means collectors at different levels can participate. Here’s how I see it:
- Full Laurel: Commands higher prices due to size and rarity—my $4,350 trade felt fair against the dealer’s asking price.
- Half Laurel: A great alternative if you love the design but need to watch costs, much like choosing a quarter-stater over a full Celtic stater.
Condition matters enormously. Those modern Eagles I traded had top grades (MS70), making them strong trading material. For historical coins like this, I always seek well-preserved examples—they maintain value better over time.
Tips for Your Collection
If you’re considering a similar piece, here’s what worked for me:
- Trading power: Swapping coins you’re not attached to can elevate your collection without cash. Modern bullion in top grades or less-loved pieces often make strong trade bait.
- Start small if needed: Half Laurels deliver the same historical punch at a friendlier price point.
- Patience pays: Check multiple dealers and auctions—and if possible, examine coins in person. They often look better than photos suggest!
Why This Coin Matters
Adding this Laurel has been a career highlight. Beyond its monetary worth, there’s magic in owning something touched by such a pivotal historical figure. If coins, precious metals, or British history captivate you, I can’t recommend this era enough. These pieces reward you with both financial value and the sheer joy of stewardship. Now if you’ll excuse me—I have some 400-year-old gold to admire!
