Unearthing History: My Collection of Coins from Famous Pedigrees

The Allure of Famous Collections

There’s a special magic in coins that come with a story. I’m always drawn to pieces with documented histories, especially those from legendary collections. Holding something that once belonged to a famous numismatist feels like touching history itself – it adds layers of meaning that transform how I see my collection.

Treasures from Iconic Sources

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to acquire several coins with impressive pedigrees. My Colombia AV 9 Escudos from the Norweb Collection started my love affair with Wildman designs and sent me hunting for ex-Newman pieces. I’ll never forget winning that Strasbourg Mint Louis d’or 1751-BB from the Caranette Collection through Heritage Auctions, or adding the Austria AV Dukat 1584 from the Terner Collection (graded MS-64 by NGC) to my cabinet.

• One of my proudest finds is a Trajan Decius Tetradrachm from the Michael Prieur Collection – a true rarity with just 10 known examples, now graded NGC MS 4/5 – 3/5.
• Then there’s my 1848 Halfcrown from the Colin Adams Collection, remarkable for its condition and as a non-overdate variety (though I once mixed up its photo with an overdate version – collector’s brain fog!).
• Don’t overlook shipwreck coins either! They’re like sunken treasure chests that bring pirate-worthy stories to their pedigrees.

Grading and Pedigree Insights

Here’s something I’ve witnessed firsthand: pedigrees can completely change how a coin is graded. I owned one piece originally called EF that jumped to MS-GEM 65 after NGC identified its Preussag collection roots. This taught me to always dig deeper – check auction archives (that Preussag sale catalog is fascinating) and double-check details. I’ve seen mint names butchered (“Medellin” instead of “Mendillin”), and getting these right matters. Accurate records preserve the coin’s journey and can seriously boost its charm.

Practical Advice for Collectors

If you’re exploring this world, here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

• Follow the Provenance: A solid pedigree adds prestige and value – collections like Newman or Adams (nearly a century in Newman’s case!) carry serious weight.
• Grading Guidance: Use services like NGC for authentication – pedigrees often lead to pleasant surprises. Always look for original labels and paperwork.
• Market Savvy: Famous sales like the 2003 David Cervin auction can yield steals if you bid smart – I grabbed 11 coins from that event. Heritage and CNG are fantastic hunting grounds.
• Dig Into History: Reading about figures like John Quincy Adams brings coins to life – it turns our hobby into a personal time machine.

Connecting with History

For me, coins from famous collections aren’t just metal – they’re physical connections to the past. Whether it’s a Victoria-era piece from Dr. Jacob Terner’s hoard or that rare dukat, each one whispers stories that make collecting endlessly fascinating. If you get the chance, chase these treasures yourself. They’ll turn your collection into a living museum.