LOUIS HAROLD COLLINS (1941-2021)

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V24 2021 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 24, Number 35, August 29, 2021, Article 8

Jeffrey Zarit passed along word of the passing of Heritage foreign coin specialist Louis Collins. Thank you. Sorry to hear the news. Here's an excerpt from his online obituary. -Editor

Louis Harold Collins, 80, passed away on August 9, 2021, at the Delaney at Lake Waco. The service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 14, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Dr. Kourtney Aylor Lee officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Waco Memorial Park for immediate family.

Louis grew up in the Houston area, but loved the time he spent at the family cabin on the San Bernard River in Brazoria, where his passion for boats and boating was born. That passion grew into racing on lakes and rivers across America and eventually national championships and world records. Just a few weeks ago, from his hospital bed, Louis looked at his friend Chris Ray and said, "Let's ride." Louis and his wife Judy had a mutual friend Phyllis Trice, who "made sure" they met. Within six months, they married on February 6, 1983, at Peace Park in Salado.

Louis never did anything halfway! With the help of his Aunt Blanche, he began collecting and dealing coins at a young age, specifically world coins. Eventually, his passion turned into a profession and often satisfied his need for "what's next." In this professional capacity, Louis was honored to become a member of the National Numismatist Guild.

Louis spent many years as the foreign coin director in Dallas with Heritage Auctioneers and Galleries. After his retirement from the coin business, Louis moved to the Texas hill country to delight in the Highland Lakes. Maybe it was the beauty in those settings which captured his eye to venture into yet another occupation highlighting his great analytical ability, fine art. Louis had a real passion for western art and became a formidable presence at auctions across the country. Louis often identified value in art, not only monetarily, but also in the remarkable talent of artists.

Over the years, Louis shared his various passions and abilities with others. He could find the perfect home, or car, or piece of art for his friends and family. Many have received his solid advice, and to that, they're more than happy to attest.

"He was a ‘straight shooter' and could always tell me a story about other colleagues around the world. In my mind, his knowledge of world coins in this country was first rate and I know of only two others (both European) that could match his numismatic knowledge. He was very proud to be a PNG member.

"Many of his friends have passed away previously, including Doug Weaver, Jess Peters, Henry Christensen, Tom Becker, and many others. While an active coin dealer, he knew everyone in the trade. I still have some of his old price lists and I still treasure them for his numismatic knowledge."

To read the complete article, see:
Louis Harold Collins 1941 - 2021 (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wacotrib/name/louis-collins-obituary?pid=199741602)