Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:31 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
In the riveting world of coin collection, or numismatics, there are many stories of passion, dedication, and incredible collections. These tales provide not just a peek into the past, but also inspiration for all—the experts, the beginners, and the curious minds. Today, we are set to embark on a journey, exploring the stories of two notable coin collectors who have marked their indelible imprints on numismatic history.
We have selected these two numismatic giants not only for their extensive collections but also for their intriguing stories. In this blog post, we will delve into the lives of American financier Louis E. Eliasberg and King Farouk of Egypt. Join us on an enthralling journey as we explore the captivating tales of these master collectors. Keep reading to uncover the fascinating stories that await!
The Birth of a Passion: How Louis E. Eliasberg Became a Legendary Coin Collector
Born in 1896 on a small farm in Selma, Alabama, Louis E. Eliasberg is often hailed as the most significant coin collector in history. Now, you might wonder, what led this Alabama-born child to be the world’s most famous numismatist? Explore his awe-inspiring journey that can ignite your passion to achieve new milestones in your collector’s quest.
Originally, Eliasberg’s ascent in the world of coin collecting wasn’t premeditated. His entrée into coin collecting was rather serendipitous, a hobby that received an unexpected spur. It was in 1925 when he bought coins from a banker to settle a $2,000 business debt. Little did he know at that time, this would be the starting point of his lifelong passion.
As he fell more and more in love with the mysterious charm and rich history of coins, Eliasberg set his sights high. He made it his mission to compile a collection of U.S. coins, consisting of every coin minted by the United States, organized by date, mint, and denomination.
From 1925 to 1950, Eliasberg singularly pursued his dream of owning a complete set of U.S. coins. In his pursuit, he fearlessly shelled out large sums of money to add rare and valuable coins to his collection.
Eventually, Eliasberg’s relentless pursuit came to fruition in 1950. He became the first person ever to assemble a complete set of regular-issue United States coins. His monumental collection, known as the ‘Eliasberg Collection’, has never been matched in terms of completeness and quality since then.
Today, the Eliasberg Collection is recognized as a supreme achievement in the numismatic world. Even after his demise in 1976, the astonishing Eliasberg Collection continues to inspire and enthuse numismatists all across the globe. Some coins from his collection have fetched staggering amounts at auction, cementing Eliasberg’s legacy in the world of numismatics.
The Eliasberg Touch: Great American Numismatist
| If you are in coin-collecting circles you’re bound to come across the name Louis E. Eliasberg quite frequently. This Baltimore financier is celebrated as an unparalleled figure in the numismatic domain. His journey towards becoming a symbol for all coin enthusiasts is truly inspiring, so let’s take a closer look at how it all unfolded.
As mentioned above his passion for collecting began in 1925 when a bundle of gold coins landed on his desk at work. Interested in the intricate designs of the coins, Eliasberg became spellbound and decided to dive into the world of numismatics. Eliasberg’s collection grew over time, transcending borders and eras, showcasing his deep knowledge of coins and his relentless pursuit of the rare and the unique. |
 |
|---|
Eliasberg’s United States collection is also renowned, for he is the only numismatist to have assembled a complete set of every coin ever minted by the U.S. federal government – a feat no other collector has managed to repeat.
Five examples of coins that Eliasberg’s United States collection included are:
- The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: This is one of the most famous in American numismatics, with only five ever minted.
- The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar: Known as the “King of U.S. Coins,” it’s one of the most sought-after in the world.
- The 1861 Confederate States Half Dollar: Only four were minted, making it a rare piece of Civil War history.
- The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar: Eliasberg’s collection held one of the nine known existing samples of this coin.
- The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle: This gold coin is considered one of the most beautiful pieces ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
With a sharp eye for detail, a knack for identifying the value of a coin, and a relentless pursuit of acquiring unique and rare coins, Eliasberg created a rich legacy that set new standards in numismatics. His mantra of acquiring the ‘best that exists’ not only sets him apart but also inspires countless numismatists worldwide.
One simply cannot talk about the realm of coin collecting without acknowledging the impact of Louis E. Eliasberg. A true force in the field, his contributions and accomplishments serve as a beacon for all coin lovers, promising the excitement and reward that awaits in the world of numismatics.
Eliasberg’s journey truly exemplifies the transformative power of a seemingly simple hobby and the adventure it can take you on.
King Farouk of Egypt’s Exquisite Collection Journey
King Farouk of Egypt’s love for coins wasn’t just a whimsical hobby; it was an enduring passion. Born into the lap of luxury, King Farouk ruled Egypt from 1936 to 1952. An eccentric personality with a penchant for lavishness, his coin collection reflected the same opulence that marked his reign.
Starting from a young age, his fascination with beautiful and rare coins was nurtured, and as he grew, so did his collection. Over the years, he compiled an impressive collection, replete with rare, precious and often unique coins. King Farouk’s collection was not just about quantity but, more importantly, about quality. Like a true collector, he cherished each coin, understanding not just its economic worth, but its historical significance and aesthetic value.
Unfortunately, following the revolution in Egypt in 1952, his collection was seized by the new government. It was then auctioned off in Cairo in 1954, breaking the heart of the dethroned king, but also providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for coin collectors across the globe to own a piece from King Farouk’s esteemed collection.
Today, King Farouk’s name lives on in the annals of numismatic history, not just as a ruler of a country, but as the ruler of one of the most opulent and important coin collections of the 20th century. The legacy of his passion has left indelible inspiration, reminding us all that coin collecting isn’t just a hobby, it’s a journey of historical discovery.
The Exquisite Treasures of King Farouk
The lavish lifestyle of King Farouk of Egypt was legendary. He was a man of endless fascination, with his elaborate palaces, grandiose meals, and most intriguingly, his passion for coin collecting. Yes, his sovereign majesty has turned heads from history book pages not only as a ruler but also as one of the most notable coin connoisseurs the world has ever seen.
Arguably one of the chief reasons King Farouk is known in the numismatic field is because of his breathtaking collection, which was as diverse and rich as the land he ruled. His collection was a testament to his discerning eye and insatiable curiosity about the historic and artistic value of the coins.
At a time when coin collecting was considered a pastime of the elites, King Farouk introduced a sense of grandeur that was almost unmatched. His coins, from ancient Greek and Roman currencies to the Victorian golden sovereigns, icons of colonial power, were treasures in their own right, transcending the barriers of time and geography.
Key Highlights from King Farouk’s Collection
- The 1938 Royal Wedding gold coin is a remarkable piece of numismatic history, commemorating one of the most significant events of King Farouk’s reign, his wedding in 1938.
- The 1885 US Trade Dollar achieved six-figure sale prices during the 1980s. Its value reached an impressive milestone in 2004 when the King Farouk specimen, the last of the five to be auctioned, fetched over a million dollars.
- The “Olsen” Liberty nickel, one of five coins secretly minted in 1913 by Samuel W. Brown, was bought by King Farouk in 1949. It stayed in his collection until his deposition in 1952.
- In the 1940s, King Farouk acquired the illegal 1933 Double Eagle, its export possibly being permitted due to his good relationship with Roosevelt. However, after Farouk was deposed in 1952, many of his coins were auctioned off in 1954. The U.S. government intervened to exclude the 1933 double eagle from the sale, after which it disappeared for years, only to resurface in 1995.
This level of an unparalleled opulence in his collection led to the creation of a term specific to this grand obsession: “Faroukism”. The term echoes King Farouk’s relentless pursuit of rare and precious coins, encapsulating his profound impact on the world of coin collecting.
Today, King Farouk’s collection serves as a salute to the glamour, grandeur, and fascination of historical coin collecting. It is a concrete example of the legacy that a collector can leave behind, an inspiration for upcoming hobbyists and professional collectors alike.
Add More to Your Collection With Colonial Acres Coins
Here at Colonial Acres Coins, we celebrate the undying spirit of these numismatic trailblazers by bringing you a plethora of unique, rare, and captivating coins to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned collector like Eliasberg, a monarch with an extravagant taste like King Farouk, or just a beginner stepping into this fascinating world, we have something that’ll pique your interest.
As a part of the numismatic community, we are continually pushing boundaries to fulfill your collection needs. Our vast inventory spans various geographic territories, historical times, and themes.
With us, you’ll have a chance to continue the legacy of top-class coin collectors like Eliasberg and King Farouk, or chart your path and create a collection that reflects your unique taste. Embark on an exciting shopping adventure at Colonial with these coin categories that are bound to captivate you.
World coins: Travel across different continents, eras, and cultures with our incredible range of world coins.
Royal Canadian Mint: If you crave the newest, top-of-the-line coins, the Royal Canadian Mint releases are guaranteed to satiate your hunger for freshness.
Paper money: Expand your horizons with our exquisite collection of paper money from Canada and different countries around the world.
Bullion: Investment or a hobby? Bullion coins made of precious metals answer both calls.
At Colonial Acres Coins, our goal is simple; to help you add to your collection effortlessly. Services like online auctions, a user-friendly purchasing process and expert advice make coin collecting an exhilarating experience rather than a daunting task.
We believe that every coin has a story to tell and we are excited to help you discover and become a part of that story. Let your collection be a testament to your passion, just like those of Louis E. Eliasberg and King Farouk. Begin your coin-collecting journey with us today, and who knows, you might be the next notable collector in our tales of numismatics.
