Below is a list of collections which I would like to add at least one specimen from to my own collection. The downside is that, aside from hitting the lottery, I can not drop more than $30,000 on a single coin. With that in mind, I'll look for common dates. Josiah Lilly, Harry W. Bass, Virgil M. Brand, Louis E. Eliasberg, John J. Pittman, Eric P. Newman, John J. Ford, Col. E.H. R. Green, William H. Woodin, Edward Milas, The Norweb Collection and The Garrett Collection. So I'm trying to be realist about this since I'm 52. If I could acquire only three or four that would be an accomplishment. Thoughts on the matter? Hecklers welcome.
Not much to add except if I had your money I would burn mine. I'll just sit back and watch. Next heckler......
With all of these pedigrees, there are the showstopping centerpieces that sell for hundreds of thousands. But, there are also many, many, thousands of smaller value coins available. Depending on teh pedigree, you might have to wait a while. It might not be something you normally collect. But it's available. For example, I bought a certified 8 coin set of Pittman coins a few years ago for $2000. They were Moroccan Patterns (which just happened to be what I collected), but the point is - 8 (very high grade) coins for $2000 is nowhere near unreasonable.
Many of the pedigrees have also come down to the point where they trade nearly equal to un-pedigreed examples. When the Newman collection first hit the block, they sold for ridiculous premiums. However, nowadays that premium has mostly subsided. You can get a Newman (ex Green) for just a small premium now.
WOW and to think what that money could do if it were to be spent on something other than a single coin. A new car for someone who has none. A junior college education for someone who may currently have no future. A prosthetic arm or leg for someone who needs one. A lot of food for a lot of people who are hungry. Next heckler, please.....
I had an Eliasberg coin once which only cost me $350 at the time (early 2000s). Zeno (emperor of the East, A.D. 476-491). AV Solidus. Thessalonica, A.D. 476 or later. Pedigreed to the famous Louis E. Eliasberg Collection. RIC 941. Metcalf 223. Choice VF. 4.27 grams, 20.40 mm. Obv Helmeted, cuirassed bust three-quarters facing of Zeno, holding spear and decorated shield. Rev Victory standing l., holding long cross, two stars in field. A scarcer issue. Scratched in right obverse field and holed, otherwise Choice VF. I used it as the centerpiece of my "Holey Gold Hat". The one famous pedigree that I really, really want is an ancient from the John Quincy Adams collection sold by the Massachusetts Historical Society in the ealy 1970s. They come up on the market occasionally, and at prices still affordable by mere mortals like yours truly. (I am a descendant of JQA.) .
There are plenty of inexpensive Newman coins. I have a 1755 Mexican 2 Reales that I maybe paid $150 for, and a 1721 Spanish 2 Reales that was less than $300. There are less expensive Eliasberg coins out there, including a bunch of 1883 No Cents nickels. I have the Wisconsin commem out of the Eliasberg sale. Many of the commems in his collection were mishandled, and this was no exception. It's in an ANACS MS60 holder.
Not being a heckler but I suppose it depends on what grade/ quality level and variety you would be satisfied with. I specialize in low grade early copper and this rare 1794 S-66 was within my personal price point...
Yes! That's what I'm referring to Jack. Not necessarily rare or high grade. Very nice example. Others may disagree but they either do not or will not own one. As evident, they are out there at reasonable prices.
I’ve had quite a few especially Newman coins. I bought a bunch at the auctions. Yet to have an eliasberg coin tho