Collector Spotlight: Vasilike Miksa

When Vasilike Miksa first began collecting coins in 1996, his aim was to build a set of 1/20-ounce gold coins from around the world. As time rolled along and Miksa became familiar with the vast beauty and diversity of the coins that span eras and nations, his tastes evolved.

“What inspired me most was the designs of the coins and the beauty of the artwork,” explains Miksa. His tastes have also migrated into gold issues of larger physical dimension and heft. “Now I only collect one-ounce gold coins.”

Like so many collectors, Miksa has also joined the PCGS Set Registry, where he can build and expand on sets that are of both premier and competitive quality. The bulk of his PCGS Registry Sets are grouped under the common banner of the V.M. Collection. “I joined the PCGS Set Registry around 2019 and started to submit my coins to be graded,” Miksa says, reflecting on a time when protecting the quality and value of his coins became of even greater importance to him.

“The reason I wanted to have my coins graded is to maintain the quality of the coins and to have them protected in the slab for years to come. I also wanted to compete with other collectors to make it more interesting.”

And more interesting it has indeed become for the intrepid collector. Miksa says he now has 21 completed sets in the PCGS Set Registry. “And I have a few others in the works,” he adds.

His expansive collection of more than two dozen sets, both completed and in progress, includes a multitude of desirable coins. Among them are Australian $100 Gold Swans, Chinese 100 Yuan Gold Pandas, and Somalia Leopard African Wildlife 1,000 Schillings. He also turned his attention to coins of the United States, including the American Buffalo, American Eagle, and some U.S. commemoratives – like the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary coins.

However, Miksa’s tastes involve more than modern mintings alone. Among his many diverse sets is a stunning United States Gold Dollar Type Set (1848-1889). “I cannot say I have a favorite coin,” he says, concluding that, “all my coins are my favorites.”

He urges other collectors to approach building PCGS Registry Sets not as overnight sprints but as long-running marathons. “It takes time, patience, and love toward the coins. It took me almost 30 years to build my sets.”