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I was born in Tacoma Wa. in 1960. My Great grandparents taught me about history and collecting. My
Grandmother taught me about “nice” things. When I was eight we moved to Portland Oregon. I began
collecting stamps ( my most prized were given to me by my great grandfather) but I remembered being
envious of the kids that could afford to collect coins.
After high school I joined the Marine Corps and served for four years. When I got out I went to work for
my father as an apprentice cabinet maker. ( I’m a 5th generation woodworker)
Having a bit of a survivalist mentality after the service, I began putting my savings into gold coins. One
day I spotted a new coin shop and having some extra cash in my pocket decided to peek in. In the case
was a Corinthian Pegasus. The engraving of Athena bit me. Soon after I began searching the Portland coin
stores for similar items. One day a dealer gave me a Cederlind catalog and suggested that I call Tom.
Our first conversation was interesting. He explained that he was very busy and didn’t want to waste his
time on someone looking for two hundred dollar denarii. By that time I owned my own business custom
manufacturing architectural millwork and furniture. I assured him I was serious and made an appoint-
ment to meet. For 17 years I collected seriously often buying catalog cover coins.
Collecting ancients has enriched my life, forcing me to learn, history, art, finance, war, geography and
politics. I have only bought coins that moved me, either with the beauty of the engraving, the subject, or
the story behind the coin. I trust the new owners will feel the same.
Tom C. Peterson
The TomPeterson Collection