My Treasure Hunt: Collecting Coins from Legendary Collections

As a coin enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to pieces with stories to tell, especially those connected to famous collections. Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a few coins tied to big names in numismatics. Each one brings extra layers of history and excitement to my collection. Let me walk you through my journey with these special pieces—why pedigrees matter, how they impact grading, and what I’ve learned along the way.

Why Pedigreed Coins Captivate Me

For me, pedigreed coins go beyond rarity—they’re physical connections to history. When you hold a coin from the Dr. Lawrence Adams or Norweb collections, you’re touching something with a documented past that often makes it more desirable and valuable. I love how these pieces spark conversations and deepen appreciation. Whether it’s a Colombian AV 9 Escudos from the Norweb Collection or a Roman tetradrachm from Michael Prieur’s hoard, that thrill of holding a piece of numismatic legacy never gets old.

Highlights from My Pedigreed Finds

Building this part of my collection has been one wild ride. Here are a few favorites I’ve been lucky to find:

• A Colombia AV 9 Escudos from the Norweb Collection—this beauty got me hooked on pedigrees and led me to more ex-Newman coins. One even surprised me by jumping from EF to MS-GEM 65 after grading. Pro tip: Always double-check labels for errors like ‘Colombia’ vs. ‘Columbia’—it can make a real difference!
• An Austrian AV Dukat 1584 from the Terner Collection (graded MS-64) that I grabbed at a Goldberg auction. Pedigrees like Dr. Jacob Terner’s add such a scholarly feel, especially for coins tied to figures like Queen Victoria.
• A rare Strasbourg Mint Louis d’or 1751-BB from the Caranette Collection—I actually won 15 coins from his estate through Heritage auctions. Shows how pedigrees pop up in major sales.
• A Trajan Decius tetradrachm from the Michael Prieur Collection—only 10 known! NGC graded it MS 4/5 – 3/5 and noted its pedigree, which really boosts its appeal.
• Coins from David Cervin’s collection—I snagged 11 pieces from the 2003 sale. His focus on early dated coinage makes these perfect for specialists.

Grading and Provenance: Key Insights

Pedigrees can seriously sway grading outcomes. Remember that ex-Newman coin I mentioned? Its documented history helped it reach MS-GEM 65. Services like NGC often note pedigrees on slabs, which validates authenticity and can lift grades. But stay sharp—I’ve seen mix-ups like confusing overdates in photos. Always verify details using catalogues (that Preussag sale catalogue saved me with a Brunswick taler). And pedigrees aren’t just for people—I count shipwrecks too, since they’re essentially historic “collections” with amazing stories.

Market Tips for Collecting Pedigreed Coins

From my experience, pedigrees add a premium, but smart collecting makes all the difference. Stick to auctions from houses like Heritage or CNG—I’ve scored great finds there, including a John Quincy Adams-related piece that connects to my own family history. Do your homework: dig into online catalogues (like that Preussag sale) to understand a collection’s theme. Watch for undervalued pedigrees too—collections from researchers like McCloskey (Seated Liberty experts) sometimes fly under the radar. And never forget: condition rules. Aim for coins like that 1848 halfcrown ex-Colin Adams, which is tough to find in high grades.

All said, collecting coins from famous collections adds such richness to the hobby—stories and substance you can’t get anywhere else. If you’re starting out, focus on pedigrees with strong documentation and soak up their history. That’s what makes our passion for coins shine.