The existence of a previously unreported collection of the world’s most famous and valuable ancient, world and United States rare coins is being revealed for the first time. The Tyrant Collection, which includes a treasured 1937 Edward VIII proof set, will be publicly displayed over the course of several years through a series of exhibits at upcoming Long Beach Expo conventions.
“Tyrants go by many titles: Kings and Queens, Emperors and Empresses, Czars and Czarinas, Dictators, Regents, Popes, Caliphs, Sultans, and Khans. But what defines them is their absolute power over a territory containing millions of people. Tyrants have been the primary shapers of history for thousands of years. One of the first things tyrants do upon obtaining power is strike coins with their name and likeness, announcing their claim to their territory. And they continue to mint coins to maintain their claim until the day they die or are deposed. Everyday coinage is the primary means by which tyrants notify their subjects and rivals of their tyranny,” the collector said.
The Tyrant Collection is divided into sections, one for each of the major civilizations which issued coins for an extended period of time. Civilizations require access to water for irrigation and transportation, so they tend to develop around bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and seas. Each section of The Tyrant Collection is named after the body of water it dominates.
One section of The Tyrant Collection, “The Tyrants of the Thames,” is the most valuable collection of English coins in private hands. Dozens of major rarities are contained within this collection, but the highlight is the single most valuable English numismatic item: the only complete proof set of Edward VIII in private hands.
When Edward VIII became King of England, the Royal Mint prepared five proof sets of the coins bearing his portrait, and these were scheduled to be issued in January of 1937. But on December 11, 1936, Edward VIII abdicated his throne to marry the woman he loved. By this act, Edward VIII became the only king of England for whom no coins were issued as money within the United Kingdom.
“Large portrait coins are works of art commissioned by tyrants who commanded the greatest artists of their realms to render their effigies to last for thousands of years. The artistry is amazing. The few paintings or statues of the most influential and powerful people in history are locked away in museums that the public almost never sees. But here at the Long Beach Expo you will be able to see thousands of contemporary portraits, from life, of the most famous and powerful figures of history. I had so much fun assembling this collection that I want to share with the public the centuries of art, history, power, and money it comprises,” he stated.
Now, for the first time, collectors everywhere and the general public may view the coins which form this spectacular collection. The first exhibit from The Tyrant Collection will be held at the February 22 – 24, 2018 Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Collectible Expo.
