Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Review: A Trusted California Coin Auction House for Over 40 Years

A Family Legacy in Numismatics
Founded by brothers Ira and Larry Goldberg in Beverly Hills, California, the firm draws on decades of combined experience in the rare coin trade, much of it rooted in their earlier work with renowned dealers and auctioneers. Since its inception, the company has maintained a family-run ethos, with an emphasis on long-term client relationships and careful, scholarly cataloging.
Operating from Los Angeles, the Goldbergs have earned a place among the most respected independent auction houses in the United States, particularly for their work with important U.S. coin collections and museum-quality ancient pieces.

Auction Specialties and Notable Sales
Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles conducts several major auctions each year, often timed to coincide with major numismatic conventions in the U.S.
Their sales regularly feature:

• U.S. coins across all series, from colonial issues and early federal coinage to modern rarities.
• Ancient coins, with a strong emphasis on Greek, Roman, and Byzantine gold and silver.
• World coins, often with historically significant pedigrees.
• Numismatic literature and specialized exonumia collections.

The firm has handled landmark consignments, including:

• Portions of the D. Brent Pogue Collection(in partnership with Stack’s Bowers).
• High-grade early U.S. gold coins fetching six- and seven-figure prices.
• Prominent ancient coin cabinets recognized for their rarity and condition.

The Goldberg Auction Experience
Collectors participating in a Goldberg auction can expect detailed printed and online catalogs with professional photography and well-researched lot descriptions. The sales are conducted in a traditional floor auction format, often paired with live internet bidding for global accessibility.
The Goldbergs pride themselves on personal interaction with clients, offering direct communication with senior staff — something less common at large corporate auction houses. Consignors benefit from tailored marketing strategies and the firm’s established network of serious buyers.

Reputation Among Collectors
In the numismatic community, the Goldbergs are known for integrity, deep expertise, and fair dealing. Forum discussions and collector reviews frequently highlight:

• Accurate grading and conservative descriptions.
• Strong realized prices for well-consigned material.
• A comfortable bidding environment that blends tradition with modern accessibility.

While their auctions may not have the weekly pace of platforms like GreatCollections, the selectivity of their sales is part of their appeal — focusing on quality rather than sheer quantity.

Strengths That Set the Goldbergs Apart

• Family-Run Expertise: Direct involvement of the founders in auctions and client relations.
• Proven Market Results: Consistent success with high-value U.S. and ancient coins.
• Personalized Service: Tailored attention for both buyers and consignors.
• Catalog Quality: Rich descriptions that often include historical context and provenance notes.
• Balanced Auction Schedule: Enough events to maintain visibility without saturating the market.

Areas for Improvement

• Digital Bidding Experience: While functional, the online interface could be modernized for mobile users.
• Global Branding: The Goldbergs are highly respected in U.S. numismatics but could expand international marketing to match their world coin offerings.
• Social Media Presence: More consistent use of digital channels could broaden their reach to younger collectors.

Who Should Consider Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctions

• U.S. Coin Collectors: Especially those seeking early federal, gold, and key-date issues.
• Ancient Coin Specialists: Strong offerings of high-grade classical coinage.
• Consignors of Important Collections: The Goldbergs’ reputation helps attract strong bidding from knowledgeable buyers.
• Collectors Seeking a Personal Touch: Those who value direct contact with auctioneers.

Final Thoughts
Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles combines decades of experience, family-driven service, and scholarly cataloging to offer an auction experience rooted in trust and tradition. For collectors who value quality over volume, and for consignors seeking to place their coins in front of serious, motivated bidders, the Goldbergs remain a top-tier choice.
In a numismatic market that often feels dominated by large corporate platforms, the Goldbergs stand out for their personal approach and consistent delivery of outstanding coins. Whether you’re chasing a key-date U.S. rarity or a historically important ancient coin, keeping an eye on their next sale is well worth it.