Collecting coins is a hobby that combines the thrill of the hunt with the allure of history.
Throughout the centuries, certain coin collections have risen to legendary status, not just because of their monetary value, but due to their historical significance, the rarity of the coins, and the sheer dedication of the collectors.
These collections tell stories of empires, cultural shifts, and human ingenuity.
In this article, we will explore five legendary coin collections that have made history and continue to be a source of pride for collectors worldwide.
1. The Eliasberg Collection
The Eliasberg Collection is often regarded as the most complete collection of United States coins ever assembled.
Louis E. Eliasberg, a Baltimore financier, began his collection in the early 20th century with a goal to acquire one of every U.S. coin ever minted.
By the time he finished, his collection included nearly 3,000 coins, representing every major U.S. coin type from the 1790s to the 20th century.
What makes this collection truly legendary is its completeness; Eliasberg is the only collector known to have accomplished such a feat.
Many of the coins in his collection were extremely rare and valuable, including the 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the 1804 silver dollar, both of which are among the most coveted coins in numismatics.
The collection was sold off in several high-profile auctions after Eliasberg’s death, with individual coins fetching record prices.
2. The Garrett Collection
The Garrett Collection, assembled by the Garrett family of Baltimore, Maryland, is another legendary collection that has left an indelible mark on the numismatic world.
The collection began with T. Harrison Garrett, a successful businessman and avid collector in the late 19th century.
His sons, Robert and John Work Garrett, continued to expand the collection, adding significant rarities and historical pieces.
The Garrett Collection is renowned for its breadth and depth, including a wide array of U.S. and foreign coins, medals, and tokens.
Noteworthy highlights include a Brasher Doubloon, one of the earliest gold coins struck in the United States, and a nearly complete set of colonial and early American coins.
The Garrett Collection was eventually donated to Johns Hopkins University and later sold through a series of auctions, attracting global attention and achieving record-breaking sales.
3. The Norweb Collection
The Norweb Collection is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Norweb family, particularly Emery May Norweb and her husband, Ambassador R. Henry Norweb.
The couple began collecting coins in the early 20th century, focusing on both U.S. and world coins.
Their collection grew to include some of the rarest and most significant coins in existence.
Among the highlights are an 1804 silver dollar, known as the “King of American Coins,” and an 1861 Confederate half dollar, one of only four known specimens.
The Norweb Collection also included an impressive array of colonial coins, early American issues, and foreign coins of great rarity.
After Emery May Norweb’s death, the collection was sold in a series of auctions, with many of the coins fetching astronomical prices and further cementing the collection’s legendary status.
4. The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection
Harry W. Bass, Jr. was a dedicated numismatist whose collection of U.S. gold coins is unparalleled in its comprehensiveness and quality.
Bass began his collection in the mid-20th century, focusing on early American gold coins, patterns, and experimental pieces.
His meticulous approach led to the acquisition of some of the most significant and rare U.S. gold coins ever struck.
Highlights of the Bass Collection include an 1870-S $3 gold piece, one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins, and a complete set of all known die varieties of early U.S. gold coins.
Bass’s dedication to documenting and studying his collection has also contributed significantly to the field of numismatics.
His collection is now housed at the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, where it continues to be a source of study and admiration for coin enthusiasts and scholars alike.
5. The King Farouk Collection
The King Farouk Collection, amassed by King Farouk of Egypt, is one of the most famous and eclectic coin collections in history.
King Farouk, who ruled Egypt from 1936 to 1952, was an avid collector with a penchant for rare and unusual items.
His coin collection included thousands of coins from around the world, with a particular emphasis on gold coins and historical rarities.
Notable highlights include a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, one of the rarest and most controversial U.S. coins, and a wide array of ancient and medieval coins.
After King Farouk was overthrown in 1952, his collection was auctioned off by the Egyptian government in 1954.
The auction attracted bidders from around the world and solidified the King Farouk Collection’s legendary status.
Many of the coins from this collection continue to be prized pieces in other significant collections today.
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Conclusion
The world of coin collecting is filled with stories of passion, dedication, and discovery.
The legendary collections highlighted in this article are not just about the monetary value of the coins, but about the history they represent and the legacy of the collectors who assembled them.
These collections have set benchmarks in the numismatic community and continue to inspire new generations of collectors.
Whether it’s the completeness of the Eliasberg Collection, the historical depth of the Garrett Collection, the rarity of the Norweb Collection, the focus of the Bass Collection, or the eclecticism of the King Farouk Collection, each one has made a significant impact on the world of coin collecting and remains a source of pride for collectors everywhere.