A spotlight on...

Raeleen Endo
Director, Client Services, GreatCollections

Coin World's 2025 Most Influential People in Numismatics

Raeleen Endo's experience in numismatics provides a solid foundation for the fast-paced ever-changing environment that challenges those who wish to be successful today. She began her career working as a translator with Professional Coin Grading Service. When Collectors Universe acquired Lyn Knight Currency and Bowers & Merena, the door opened to the world of numismatic auctions. At the time, that included plenty of travel. "I enjoyed all the travel involved going to the live auction venues," she said. "I relished getting the opportunity to visit Graceland, the Gateway Arch, the Liberty Bell and various baseball stadiums."

The next change on the career path came when Spectrum Numismatics acquired some of the auction companies and Raeleen made the move to go along to the new venture. She assumed the management position to run the auction divisions. With that experience, she was able to team up with Ian Russell to start what has become a major player in the modern numismatic auction world. GreatCollections was born on March 22, 2011.

"Before launching, we spent almost a year on the technology so we could handle a large number of coins. It was essential. We're still updating and improving -- we've made over 25,000 programming changes to our core system since we launched (which is nearly five a day). With the help of Todd Pollock and our programmers, we launched a photography department with the capability to image every coin we auction (thousands a week). We train our team in multiple areas. Not only does it build camaraderie, it has helped the business grow by having team members that can do so many different tasks."

Many times the items being sold will take the spotlight, but successful auctions are not always about what's being offered. Raeleen is keenly aware of the importance of the people, especially those who have played critical roles in growth and development. "I have been blessed to work with some of the best people in the business. Many of them are behind the scenes folks, like Rebecca Tran, the person who hired me and introduced me to the world of collectibles and auctions. She was my first boss and I learned so much from her about the industry and being a professional in the workplace. I worked with Cassi East when CU acquired Lyn Knight and Bowers and Merena. Running live auctions was something new to both of us; we worked our butts off and built an auction department that I was really proud of.

"What I find most fortunate in my life was crossing paths with Steve Deeds. We started working together in 2004 when he was brought in to head the auction division at Spectrum. He was someone I considered a mentor, a savior and a friend. Mr. Deeds was one of the few people Ian and I invited to our very small wedding reception in Hawaii. He was also our unofficial partner in the creation of GreatCollections. If it wasn't for him, I don't think we would be as successful as we are today."

The success is shown by the track record enjoyed by GreatCollections. The company is the official auctioneer of the American Numismatic Association and has been selected by consignors to sell some of the most exciting coins to come to market. Raeleen has been there for many pivotal moments. "I will never forget the first time I saw a Saint-Gaudens double eagle when I first started in the industry. I don't think I had ever seen a gold coin in my life, and I was awestruck by its beauty."

See the full list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics