Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.: King of Coins
In the world of numismatics, few names carry the prestige of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Known as The King of Coins, Eliasberg achieved what no other collector has ever matched—assembling a complete collection of every U.S. coin ever minted for circulation, by date and mintmark.
Born in 1896 in Selma, Alabama, Eliasberg was a successful Baltimore banker whose passion for coins began in the 1920s. His approach was systematic and disciplined: he sought only the finest examples he could find, often upgrading pieces as better specimens became available. By 1950, his collection included over 2,500 coins, covering every denomination from the half cent to the double eagle.
The crown jewel of his collection was the legendary 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, a coin shrouded in history and controversy. His holdings also included rarities such as the 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the 1804 Draped Bust dollar.
Eliasberg’s dedication elevated coin collecting into the public eye, inspiring generations of numismatists. When parts of his collection were sold in the 1980s and 1990s, they set record prices, underscoring the enduring allure of his achievement.
For collectors today, Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. remains a symbol of what is possible in numismatics—patience, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to completeness.
📜 Timeline: Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.
• 1896 – Born in Selma, Alabama.
• 1925 – Begins collecting U.S. coins in earnest.
• 1935 – Purchases the John H. Clapp Collection, providing a strong foundation.
• 1950 – Completes the only known full collection of U.S. coins by date and mintmark.
• 1969 – Passes away in Baltimore, Maryland, leaving the collection intact.
• 1982 – Eliasberg Gold Coin Collection auctioned, setting multiple records.
• 1996–1997 – Remaining silver, copper, and nickel coins sold in landmark auctions.