GreatCollections
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Online auction, Numismatics |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Ian Russell, Raeleen Endo |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California , United States |
Key people | Ian Russell (President) |
| Products | Auction services for authenticated rare coins and paper currency |
| Website | greatcollections |
GreatCollections is a United States-based online auction platform specializing in authenticated rare coins and paper currency. Established in 2010, the company is headquartered in Irvine, California and functions as an auctioneer for numismatic items that have been graded by third parties.
History
GreatCollections was co-founded by Ian Russell, who serves as president, along with Raeleen Endo. The team spent approximately six months developing the website and operational framework prior to the official launch in late 2010. Russell brought extensive industry experience from his previous roles as president of Teletrade, Inc. and chief operating officer at Bowers and Merena Auctions, both prominent North American coin auction firms. Endo contributed her expertise from earlier positions at Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Collectors Universe.
The company rapidly established a reputation for offering rare American currency, including distinguished collections such as the Cigarra Collection and Indian Head nickels that sold for over $500,000. In 2012, GreatCollections handled the auction of the Turino Collection, which featured a 1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle that fetched $110,000. That same year, they sold the only verified Sacagawea dollar bearing edge lettering.
In 2014, GreatCollections broadened their catalog by introducing the "Capuano Everyman" Morgan Dollar sets. The following year, Ian Russell appeared on Larry King's show to discuss both the firm and the coin collecting industry. Later in 2015, the company relocated to a larger facility in Irvine situated closer to PCGS headquarters.
In subsequent years, GreatCollections secured ownership of notable numismatic treasures such as the finest graded example of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel—one of just five known specimens—and acquired the first U.S. Silver Dollar for $12 million. The firm was appointed as the official auctioneer for the American Numismatic Association in 2022 and has loaned valuable coins for exhibitions to strengthen its market presence.
Key sales achievements include auctioning ten proof pennies over a century old for $1.1 million in 2022. To accommodate its expansion, GreatCollections moved into a new building eight times larger than its previous location in 2023.
In October 2024, the company sold an exceptionally rare 1975 No "S" Dime for more than $500,000; this coin is one of only two known proof examples lacking a San Francisco mint mark.
GreatCollections has graded two of the most valuable coins ever recorded: the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle with an estimated worth of $19 million and the "Gold Cas," a Casascius Physical Bitcoin containing 1000 BTC valued at $48 million—highlighting its leadership and competitive edge in premium numismatic auctions.