The World’s Most Famous Rare Coin Collectors

In the world of numismatics, a select group of individuals has left an indelible mark. With unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise showcased in their extraordinary rare coin collections, they’ve crafted a legacy that continues to inspire modern-day collectors. This article will introduce some of the most famous old coin collectors, highlighting:

• The contributions of renowned rare coin collectors to the field of numismatics.

• Notable treasures within their collections.
• The most reputable avenue for acquiring coins as a contemporary old coins collector.

Watch this amazing video for intriguing personal stories about some of the world’s greatest numismatists:

List of rare coins collectors

In the fascinating realm of collectibles, rare stamps, coins, art, and antiques are items on which investors can make a large profit. Rare coins, in particular, attract dedicated collectors, some of whom have made significant contributions to numismatics. The following individuals are known for their legendary collections and profound impact on the field.

1. Joseph J. Mickley: one of the nation’s pioneering old coins collectors.

Joseph Mickley, one of America’s most important numismatists, shaped the field of coin collecting. A man of many interests, he excelled as a piano manufacturer and musical instrument repairman until his passion for collecting old coins took over.

In 1817, he began searching for a cent from his birth year, 1799, one of the most elusive large cents, sparking his lifelong dedication to numismatics. This interest led him to found the Numismatic Society of Philadelphia in 1857 and write several influential books on the subject.

He became an honorary member of the American Numismatic and Archeological Society, which would later become known as the American Numismatic Society, in 1867. For his contributions, U.S. Mint curator William E. Dubois dubbed him the “Father of American Numismatics.” Mickley’s extensive travels enabled him to collect many significant coins from both the U.S. and Europe, inspiring many collectors of old coins. One notable piece from his collection is this special piece:

1827 50C, CAM PR66CAM

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1827

Photo by PCGS

2. Virgil M. Brand: among the most esteemed rare coin collectors of all time.

The son of a German father, Virgil Brand was born in Blue Island, Illinois. He worked as a bookkeeper for his father’s successful brewery business before becoming president of the United States Brewing Company and establishing the Brand Brewing Company.

Brand began collecting coins in 1889, and his financial success enabled him to amass an extraordinary collection of 350,000 coins from all around the world. As an old coin collector/buyer, he was a true scholar of numismatics and approached the field with an academic zeal. As a member of the Chicago Numismatic Society, where he served as librarian and curator, Brand contributed to The Numismatist and was frequently consulted to authenticate coins.

Among the treasures in his incredibly valuable collection was this remarkable specimen:

1875 $5 J-1438, CAM (Proof)

• Metal: Gold
• Year: 1875

Photo by PCGS

3. Edward Howland Robinson Green: a notable collector of old coins.

Edward Howland Robinson Green, a prominent numismatist and renowned old coins & money collector, was the only son of the famous eccentric financier Hetty Green. Known as the “Witch of Wall Street” and the richest woman in America during the Gilded Age, Hetty left her vast fortune to her son. Unlike his frugal mother, E.H.R. Green was extravagant, spending his inheritance on lavish indulgences such as yachts, cars, exotic flowers, and his collecting interests.

Despite his success as a businessman, Green’s legacy lies in his remarkable collections. His stamp collection was considered the second greatest of the early 20th century, only behind that of King George V. His numismatic collection, valued at $5 million at the time of his death, included significant pieces such as this one:

1834 1/2C Cohen 1, RB (Proof)

• Metal: Copper
• Year: 1834

Photo by PCGS

4. The Garrett family: rare coin collectors and Johns Hopkins benefactors.

The Garrett family is considered one of the world’s most significant rare old coin buyers. Their remarkable coin collection was started by T.Harrison Garrett, who came from a prominent Baltimore family.

Due to an accident that limited his physical activity in childhood, his parents encouraged him to pursue hobbies in the arts and academia, including coin collecting. Garrett developed his interest in numismatics as a student at Princeton in the 1860s, with a New Jersey copper being among his first acquisitions. After a distinguished diplomatic career in Europe, he dove deeper into this hobby, amassing a great collection of coins that he left to his sons Robert and John. Deeply passionate about numismatics, John expanded the collection in the 1920s to include ancient, American, European, and Asian coinage.

The Garretts’ Baltimore home at Evergreen House, along with their coin collection, was bequeathed to Johns Hopkins University in 1941, which later sold the ancient coins in three sales held in 1984 and 1985.

5. King Farouk I of Egypt: an eccentric royal rare coins buyer.

Within the vast amount of rare coin collectors‘ stories, King Farouk’s stands out as an exceptionally captivating one. As Egypt’s last king from 1936 to 1952, Farouk earned the moniker “playboy king” for his lavish lifestyle. With access to Egypt’s treasury, he pursued extravagant interests like collecting art, cars and coins.

Capitalizing on the Great Depression, a time when many collectors in the US were forced to liquidate assets, Farouk managed to amass an impressive collection of over 8,500 coins, including an extremely coveted 1933 Double Eagle. Following his ousting in 1952, the Egyptian government auctioned off his collection, which today is estimated to be worth over $150 million.

6. Josiah K. Lilly, Jr.: a renowned rare coin collector and Smithsonian patron.

Josiah K. Lilly Jr. was born into a distinguished family of pharmacists and followed in their footsteps, eventually inheriting the Lilly Pharmaceuticals firm. However, while he achieved significant success in his business pursuits, his lasting legacy lies primarily in his contributions to numismatics.

As is the case with other collectors, old coins fascinated Lilly. His journey in the field began modestly when, as a child, he found a Lincoln cent, igniting a lifelong passion. Over time, his dedication grew, leading him to assemble one of the most valuable private coin collections in the United States.

A collector of books and manuscripts, Lilly was intellectually curious and contributed extensively to the numismatic community through publications and exhibitions, sharing his knowledge. Following his passing in 1966, his collection of 6,113 coins was entrusted to the Smithsonian Institution, where visitors can still appreciate his legacy through remarkable pieces like this one:

1787 1/2 Db Brasher (Regular Strike)

• Metal: Gold
• Year: 1787

Photo by PCGS

7. John Jay Pittman: one of the most prominent American rare coin investors.

A man of humble origins from North Carolina, John Jay Pittman was driven by a profound appreciation for the beauty and historical significance of coins. Unlike many investors who buy rare coins for their future value and other collectors mentioned here, who amassed collections with their substantial wealth, Pittman was the son of a teacher and a railroad worker. He diligently worked and saved throughout his life, employing savvy techniques in his collecting endeavors.

Pittman was renowned for his patience, avoiding big auctions and meticulously researching undervalued and obscure coins. His keen eye for rarities was legendary. Notably, he even mortgaged his house to acquire the 1838 Proof Ten Dollar Gold Piece at King Farouk’s auction in Cairo in 1954.

Pittman’s collection, acquired for less than $100,000, realized over $25 million in sales during auctions held in 1997 and 1998, cementing his legacy in numismatics.

8. Louis E. Eliasberg: an unmatched old coin collector.

A successful financier from Alabama, Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. is famous for assembling the only complete collection of United States coins in history.

Beginning in 1925, Eliasberg embarked on a mission to acquire every regular-issue coin of every date, metal, denomination, and mint mark produced by the U.S. Mint. In 1950, he achieved this monumental feat, culminating with the acquisition of the 1873-CC no arrows dime. His collection, which did not differentiate between proofs and strikes or specify die variations like modern collections, remains unmatched in comprehensiveness to this day.

Following his death in 1976, the Eliasberg collection was dispersed through auctions by Bowers and Merena Galleries from 1982 to 1997. Today, many pieces are held in private hands and prestigious numismatic institutions worldwide, cherished by rare coin buyers and historians alike.

9. Harry W. Bass Jr.: a distinguished gold rare coin buyer.

Harry W. Bass Jr., an American businessman and philanthropist, earned his fortune in the oil and gas exploration industry amidst the Texas oil boom. Alongside his business pursuits, he became renowned in numismatic circles for his expertise in highly sought-after old collectors’ coins, mostly U.S. gold coins and patterns.

Bass’s numismatic journey began in 1965 when he purchased a roll of quarters at face value and realized he could later sell them for profit. Fourteen years later, having invested millions in rare coins, he became the president of the American Numismatic Society.

Bass’s collection, amassed over decades, evolved into one of the most significant compilations of US gold coins in history and was showcased at the Money Museum from 2001 to 2022. Today, portions of it, like this extraordinary specimen, are preserved at the American Numismatic Association Museum and the Harry W. Bass Jr. Research Foundation, where they continue to serve as a source of inspiration for collectors:

1838 Judd-77 Pattern Half Dollar

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1838

Photo by NGC

10. Bob Simpson: among the most legendary buyers of rare coins.

A highly successful entrepreneur, Bob Simpson is the co-founder of XTO Energy and co-chairman of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball (MLB). But unlike other affluent businessmen who began collecting coins after amassing wealth, Simpson’s fortune merely allowed him to deepen a passion he had nurtured since childhood, when he regularly visited banks in search of Mercury dimes and rare pennies.

An old coin collector at heart, Simpson’s collection features an impressive array of U.S. pattern coins and exceptional proof coins, showcasing rare and unique pieces that reflect his discerning taste and profound knowledge of numismatic history. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has ranked his collection as one of the finest ever amassed.

If you’ve been inspired by these famous rare old coin buyers, browse through Blanchard’s exclusive selection of numismatic rarities.

Where do old coins collectors buy their coins?

Famous coin collectors like Eliasberg, Bass, and Simpson have made significant impacts on the numismatic world. These individuals have shown how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements in coin collecting.

If you are inspired to start or expand your collection, Blanchard offers an exclusive selection of rare coins. For all inquiries related to rare coin collectors and beyond, contact Blanchard’s team today. Blanchard’s expert professionals are always available to help you build a distinguished collection, offering unmatched expertise and guidance.

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