Interview with Larissa Wasserthal: Insight into numismatic collecting passion, expertise and education
In conversation with Larissa Wasserthal, co-managing director of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store. She is an internationally recognized numismatic expert and committed to numismatic education by developing informative and entertaining materials that facilitate collectors’ access to rare coins, their history, and their authenticity. In this interview, she discusses her personal collecting journey, offers valuable tips for beginners, and explains why Austria plays a special role in numismatics.
Question 1: Ms. Wasserthal, how did you get into numismatics?
Answer:
My passion for coins began very early, when my grandfather gave me an old coin. This small piece of history immediately fascinated me because it not only had material value but also carried a piece of culture and history. Many years later, my husband, Dirk Wasserthal, the founder of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store, convinced me to change my career and support him in this exciting field. Thus, I ultimately turned my personal passion into my professional endeavor.
Question 2: Why do you think Austria is an exciting market for collectors?
Answer:
Austria has a strong collecting tradition, which is reflected in many areas. This is evident in the fact that the Austrian Mint enjoys a high international reputation and its issues, such as the Vienna Philharmonic, are in demand worldwide. At the same time, in my discussions with our customers, I’ve noticed that many Austrian collectors are very open to international rarities. They want not only classic domestic issues, but also coins from South Africa, Canada, or Mexico, which are otherwise rarely available in Austria. This is precisely where our work at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store comes in: We bring these special pieces directly to collectors who are looking for precisely this kind of diversity.
Question 3: What distinguishes Wasserthal RareCoin.Store from other providers?
Answer:
We place great importance on tested and certified quality. Therefore, all our coins come exclusively from trusted sources and are often graded by PCGS, NGC, or even CAC. We also work closely with international mints such as the South African Mint and the Japan Mint . This allows us to offer pieces that are very rare in Austria. Many of our regular customers order from us regularly because they can rely on absolute authenticity, reliability, and secure shipping.
Question 4: What tips do you have for beginners in the world of numismatics?
Answer:
My most important tip is: Opt for quality over quantity. It’s better to buy a few, high-quality, certified coins that promise long-term enjoyment and appreciation. It’s also helpful to choose a personal collecting area, be it a specific country, a motif, or a series. And most importantly, always look for reputable dealers, because a PCGS or NGC certificate provides the necessary security.
Question 5: What developments do you currently see in the international collectors’ market?
Answer:
We’re seeing growing interest worldwide in strictly limited proof issues and rare series. Platinum coins and more exotic issues are increasingly coming into focus. In Austria, I’m particularly noticing a trend toward seeking out international series that are rarely available on the domestic market. This opens up exciting opportunities for collectors to add true rarities to their collections early on.
Question 6: Finally, what does numismatics mean to you personally?
Answer:
For me, numismatics is far more than just a market or a business. Every coin tells a story, connecting eras and people, and that’s precisely what makes it so fascinating. I especially love being directly connected to the coin designers—the creative minds who design motifs, elaborate details, and ultimately shape the face of a coin. It’s always impressive to witness firsthand how an initial sketch or idea is transformed into an artistic relief, which is later immortalized in gold or platinum. This closeness to the people behind the designs makes my work even more inspiring and gives me a very special insight into the history of modern collectibles.
For us, our passion and knowledge of coins aren’t just words on a website, but lived practice. We deal with rare coins, their stories, their authenticity, and their value every day. We want to pass on precisely this enthusiasm and experience to our customers, because they demonstrate that every coin carries not only material but also cultural and artistic value. Furthermore, I am heavily involved in numismatics and education: I develop engaging materials that make complex topics easier for collectors to access and convey background knowledge in a clear and concise manner.
I feel very fortunate to be able to share this passion with other collectors and, together with my husband, to inspire collectors in Austria and far beyond with exceptional coins.
