A spotlight on...
Ian Russell
President, GreatCollections
Top 10 Coin World's 2025 Most Influential People in Numismatics
Ian Russell's passion for collectibles started early in life. He grew up near Sydney, Australia. He began collecting stamps and paper currency as a teenager.
At age 13, he was offered a part-time job at a stamp and coin shop. He initially declined the job. His father encouraged him to reconsider.
Ian returned the following week and took the job. He soon became immersed in philately and numismatics.
That weekend job led to a role at Stanley Gibbons Australia. This is one of the world’s most respected stamp and coin auctioneers.
In 2000, Russell moved to the United States. He accepted a position with the online coin auction firm Teletrade.
He expanded his experience in the American numismatic market. He met and married Raeleen Endo.
Together they launched GreatCollections. The company has grown into a premier online auction firm.
Ian’s leadership has been critical to this growth. He emphasized offering both high-end rarities and affordable coins.
“We have people who buy million-dollar coins who will also buy a $30 coin,” he says. That broad appeal is central to GreatCollections’ success.
The platform regularly lists over 1,000 certified coins valued under $100. It also lists elite rarities.
GreatCollections has handled many of the finest U.S. coins. Russell orchestrated the purchase of the “Holy Trinity” of coins. This was acquired in a $13.35 million transaction.
In 2024, GreatCollections sold a Proof 1975-S Roosevelt dime. The news was reported on over 42,000 websites. It set new standards for page views and drew a record number of bids.
In 2023, Russell was honored as Dealer of the Year. He also launched MyCollect, a social media platform for collectors.
The business isn’t just about coins—it’s about relationships. Russell recalls collectors like Stewart Blay.
Ian has made it a priority to give collectors access to legendary rarities. He arranged public displays of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 double eagle.
Russell holds memberships in several numismatic associations. Outside numismatics, he collects Australian bank notes and music memorabilia.
Find out more about Ian Russel and get in touch with him at IanRussell.com
This article is an excerpt from Coin World's 2025 Most Influential People in Numismatics. This Special Interest Publication was published and distributed for FREE to all active Coin World subscribers at the time. You can still access digital copy of the full issue, or order a back issue (while supplies last).
Coin World subscribers can look forward to receiving these complementary special issues throughout the year as part of their subscription. Check out our best subscription offers to join the ranks of Coin World magazine subscribers.
See the full list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics