Louis E. Eliasberg

Louis E. Eliasberg
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Name	Louis E. Eliasberg
Birth date	1896
Birth place	Baltimore, Maryland
Death date	1976
Death place	Baltimore, Maryland
Occupation	Numismatist, Collector

Louis E. Eliasberg was a renowned numismatist and collector from Baltimore, Maryland, who is best known for assembling the only complete collection of United States coins ever formed, including rare specimens like the 1804 Draped Bust dollar and the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. His collection is considered one of the most impressive in the history of numismatics, rivaling those of other notable collectors like Henry Clay, John J. Ford Jr., and Q. David Bowers. Eliasberg's pursuit of rare coins took him to various auction houses, including Stack's Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions, where he would often bid against other prominent collectors, such as Harvey Stack and B. Max Mehl. Throughout his life, Eliasberg was an active member of various numismatic organizations, including the American Numismatic Society and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.

● Early Life and Career

Louis E. Eliasberg was born in 1896 in Baltimore, Maryland, to a family of businessmen and entrepreneurs. His early life was marked by a strong interest in finance and economics, which led him to pursue a career in banking and investments. Eliasberg worked at several financial institutions, including the Baltimore Trust Company and the Maryland National Bank, where he developed a keen eye for rare and valuable assets. His professional career took him to various cities, including New York City and Philadelphia, where he would often visit museums and galleries, such as the American Numismatic Society Museum and the Philadelphia Mint. Eliasberg's interactions with other numismatists, including Wayte Raymond and William H. Woodin, further fueled his passion for coin collecting.

● Collecting Interests

Eliasberg's interest in numismatics began at a young age, and he quickly developed a passion for collecting rare and historic coins. He was particularly drawn to United States coins, including error coins and pattern coins, which he would often purchase from dealers like B. Max Mehl and Harvey Stack. Eliasberg's collecting interests also extended to paper money and medals, which he would often exhibit at numismatic conventions and coin shows, such as the American Numismatic Association convention and the World's Fair of Money. His collection included rare specimens like the 1861 Confederate States of America $10 note and the 1907 Ultra High Relief double eagle. Eliasberg's pursuit of rare coins and paper money took him to various auction houses, including Sotheby's and Christie's, where he would often bid against other prominent collectors, such as John J. Ford Jr. and Q. David Bowers.

● The Eliasberg Collection

The Eliasberg Collection is considered one of the most impressive in the history of numismatics, with over 17,000 coins and paper money specimens. The collection includes rare error coins, such as the 1943 copper cent and the 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent, as well as historic coins like the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar and the 1836 Gobrecht dollar. Eliasberg's collection also features a complete set of United States gold coins, including the 1933 Double Eagle and the 1854-S half eagle. The collection has been exhibited at various museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the American Numismatic Society Museum. Eliasberg's collection has been recognized by various numismatic organizations, including the American Numismatic Association and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, for its exceptional quality and rarity.

● Numismatic Legacy

Eliasberg's legacy in the world of numismatics is immeasurable, with his collection serving as a benchmark for other collectors and dealers. His pursuit of rare coins and paper money has inspired generations of numismatists, including Q. David Bowers and John J. Ford Jr.. Eliasberg's collection has also been the subject of various books and publications, including A Guide Book of United States Coins and The Coin Collector's Survival Manual. His contributions to the field of numismatics have been recognized by various awards and honors, including the American Numismatic Association's Farran Zerbe Memorial Award and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation's Lifetime Achievement Award. Eliasberg's legacy continues to be felt in the numismatic community, with his collection remaining one of the most iconic and revered in the world.

● Personal Life

Eliasberg's personal life was marked by a strong commitment to his family and his community. He was married to Elizabeth Eliasberg and had two children, Louis Eliasberg Jr. and Elizabeth Eliasberg. Eliasberg was an active member of various civic organizations, including the Baltimore Rotary Club and the Maryland Historical Society. He was also a supporter of various charitable causes, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Throughout his life, Eliasberg maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Baltimore, where he was a respected member of the community and a prominent figure in the world of numismatics. Eliasberg's passing in 1976 was mourned by the numismatic community, which remembered him as a pioneer and a legend in the field of coin collecting. Category:Numismatists