YN Spotlight: Wade Spencer

Wade Spencer began his numismatic journey at the age of five, influenced by his grandfather who was a numismatist himself. "I started collecting Buffalo Nickels because I loved the Indian design on the obverse, and that is still my favorite coin. I am actually doing a gem or near-gem set of Buffalo Nickels for myself right now."

It was Spencer's love for the hobby that inspired him to become a numismatic entrepreneur. At the tender age of 12, Wade joined US Coins in Houston, Texas, an early career decision that set him on a path of success. "I learned so much there, and I would like to give them a lot of credit because without them I don't know where I would be."

Where he went was on a path toward building his own business, which he opened in 2021 under the banner of Legacy Coin Auctions, a venture he spun off from his initial entrepreneurial tilt as owner of Republic Numismatics. "The goal was and still is to supply collectors with nice, high-end coins for their collections and have a big wholesale presence as well," the 19-year-old says. He's handled some incredible coins, including a PCGS-encapsulated 1893-CC Morgan Dollar graded PR64CAM. "That is the coolest coin I have ever owned."

It was Spencer's passion for numismatic knowledge and his clearly demonstrated knack for handling top-tier coins in a wholesale setting that poised him for his next career move: relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to work for Stack's Bowers Galleries. "Working for Stack's Bowers Galleries, I have been able to see and handle many notable coins and every day is a surprise."

Spencer is a highly motivated self-starter, but he's not only about selling coins. He also has a heart for educating others about the hobby. That compelled him to teach others at the American Numismatic Association Summer Seminar, something he began doing at age 17 when he became the event's youngest grading instructor. "I have had a lot of tremendous mentors over the years, but some YNs are not in the same boat and I love to help upcoming dealers and YNs any way I can."