The MAGIC of Ancient Coins with Jeff Garrett

At the 2025 ANA World’s Fair of Money in Oklahoma City, legendary numismatist Jeff Garrett shares some of the most remarkable stories in collecting today.

Jeff reveals a rare 1852 gold pattern “ring dollar”, a coin struck with a hole to enlarge its diameter, with fewer than 10 known and valued at over $50,000. He also discusses his personal acquisition of a blazing Alexander the Great tetradrachm, a 2,500-year-old Greek coin that he considers a miniature work of art in mint condition.

The highlight of the interview is a hoard of 200 Columbian Exposition half dollars, purchased by a family in 1892 at the Chicago World’s Fair and kept in original paper rolls for over 130 years until Jeff acquired them in 2025

Jeff also reflects on the future of numismatics, predicting continued growth driven by stories, technology, grading services, and social media while cautioning that the U.S. Mint needs to do more to engage young collectors.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Jeff Garrett at the 2025 World’s Fair of Money
00:25 – The ultra-rare 1852 Ring Dollar gold pattern explained
01:20 – Why gold pattern coins are mega-rarities worth $50,000+
02:40 – Alexander the Great tetradrachm – 2,500 years old and mint state
04:10 – Greek coins as miniature works of art compared to U.S. Mint issues
05:20 – A 200-coin hoard of Columbian Exposition halves surfaces in 2025
07:00 – Family history: coins held since 1892 World’s Fair in Chicago
08:20 – Why stories make coins collectible beyond their market value
09:30 – The future of numismatics: AI, social media, and grading services
11:00 – Jeff Garrett on the U.S. Mint and the need for affordable coins