Creators

Attic Capital

Searching for the world's greatest collectibles, and exploring the journey of legendary creators and cultural icons.

  1. OCT 30

    Willie Mays

    Willie Mays created his own category. A completely unique set of skills on the baseball field, but his joyful personality and positive spirit was remembered by everyone around him. Nobody saw anything like Willie Mays, he was truly an original and unforgettable icon.  He was the first five-tool ballplayer, who could hit for power, run, field, throw, and dominate the game at any moment. He was a fierce competitor but also one of the most likeable and respected athletes of all time.  His plays on the field left spectators stunned in silence. "What in the world did I just witness?" Is a common feeling after seeing a Willie Mays highlight.  The story of Willie Mays is unbelievable, but it all happened, and people will never forget one of the greatest legends to ever play the game.  Willie Mays made 'The Catch' in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, but it was actually, 'The Dagger,' the impact on the game and its historical context is completely laid out in this great book by author James S. Hirsch, titled, 'Willie Mays, The Life, The Legend.' “With Mays contributing glittering heroics each day with his basket catches, his rubber arm, booming bat, and, most important, his contagious, irrepressible zest..." - Sportswriter, Grantland Rice, June 1954 Takeaways Willie Mays' catch was a pivotal moment in the 1954 World Series. The catch effectively ended the 1954 World Series for the Cleveland Indians team. Perspective on the catch evolved after reading about the event. The significance of a play can change over time with context. Sports language evolves to capture dramatic moments. Historical events in sports can redefine our understanding of the game. The 1954 World Series is a key moment in baseball history. Understanding the context of a play enhances its significance. The emotional weight of sports moments can be profound. 1954 World Series, Willie Mays, The Catch, sports history, baseball, legendary plays, sports terminology, comeback, The Dagger, 1951 World Series  https://atticcapital.com/

    46 min
  2. OCT 15

    The Lincoln Cent (Victor David Brenner)

    This conversation delves into the fascinating story of Victor David Brenner, the artist behind the Lincoln Cent, the most reproduced piece of art in history.  It explores the challenges he faced with the U.S. Mint, particularly with Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver, and the political dynamics that led to the removal of his initials from the coin.  The discussion highlights the public's frenzy for the new coin, the artistic integrity of Brenner, and the legacy of the Lincoln Cent that continues to endure. Takeaways Victor David Brenner created the Lincoln Cent, the most reproduced piece of art in history. Brenner's full name was initially included on the coin but later changed to his initials. The U.S. Mint's director, Frank Leach, played a significant role in the coin's design process. Charles Barber, the chief engraver, opposed outside artists designing coins. Brenner's initials were removed due to political pressure and Barber's influence. The public's demand for the Lincoln Cent led to a frenzy upon its release. Brenner expressed his indignation over the removal of his initials. The Lincoln Cent has been produced over 427 billion times since its inception. Brenner's story reflects the struggles of artists against institutional powers. Despite the challenges, Brenner's work remains a significant part of American history.  Chapters 00:00 The Birth of the Lincoln Cent 02:51 Victor David Brenner's Artistic Journey 06:14 The Role of the U.S. Mint and Charles Barber 09:05 The Initial Design Controversy 11:56 The Initials Debate and Public Frenzy 14:48 The Removal of Brenner's Initials 18:04 The Aftermath and Public Reaction 20:50 Brenner's Legacy and the Lincoln Cent's Impact 24:12 Reflections on Art and History Keywords Lincoln Cent, Victor David Brenner, U.S. Mint, coin design, Charles Barber, numismatics, art history, coin collecting, American history, engraving, wheat penny, most valuable wheat pennies, most valuable Lincoln cent, valuable pennies worth money, rare pennies worth money, valuable wheat pennies in circulation, Lincoln cents worth money, old coin values, pennies with errors worth money Sound Bites "I shall write to Mr. McVeigh about it" "the spirit of Victor David Brenner" "Brenner's work remains" https://atticcapital.com/

    46 min
  3. SEP 24

    Racing with the David Brown Aston Martins

    The DBR1 Triumph: John Wyer, David Brown, and the Aston Martin Le Mans Victory Explore the definitive Aston Martin Le Mans victory 1959. This episode chronicles the intense, decade-long quest of the David Brown Aston Martin racing team. The journey began when successful industrialist David Brown purchased Aston Martin "more or less on a whim" for £20,000 and immediately set the ambitious long-term goal of Winning Le Mans 24 Hours. In 1950, Brown hired John Wyer as team manager, a partnership that would last thirteen years. We detail John Wyer's management style, renowned for his "meticulous attention to detail and a complete mastery of administration and logistics". Wyer successfully molded "fiercely competitive, egocentric men" into a highly efficient organization. Drivers, including Roy Salvadori, admired Wyer’s "absolute" control and the fact that his race plans were so accurate they seemed prepared "after the event". The road to success involved relentless iteration, famously propelled by David Brown's insistence, after catastrophic losses, to "get back into a race as quickly as you can". The team utilized wind tunnels with scale models to refine the aerodynamics of the DBR1 for its tenth attempt. Finally, in 1959, the DBR1, driven by Salvadori and Carroll Shelby, secured the long-coveted overall victory and the Sports Car World Championship. Yet, the triumph was an "anti-climax" for Wyer. Discover David Brown's surprising post-race reaction as he flew home with Wyer, remarking: "Thank God we need never go to that bloody place again". This is the compelling History of Aston Martin Racing under legendary John Wyer team manager. Takeaways The Aston Martin team had a unique atmosphere under John Wyre's management. Racing stories often highlight failure and the journey to success. David Brown's vision was crucial in shaping Aston Martin's legacy. John Wyre learned valuable lessons about team management through experience. The rivalry among drivers is a natural part of competitive racing. Winning Le Mans was a long and arduous journey for Aston Martin. The 1954 season was a significant setback for the team. The tragic events of 1955 impacted the racing world profoundly. The introduction of the DBR1 marked a turning point for Aston Martin. Success in racing requires constant iteration and improvement. Chapters 00:00 The Legacy of Aston Martin and John Wyer 04:13 David Brown's Vision and the Birth of a Racing Team 08:49 The Challenges of Team Management in Racing 12:37 Rivalries and Dynamics Within the Team 19:54 The Long Road to Le Mans Victory 30:44 Reflections on Winning and Moving Forward Sound Bites "How does a brand like Aston Martin rise up?" "We had done what we set out to do." "A man's reach should exceed his grasp." Summary This conversation delves into the rich history of Aston Martin, focusing on the pivotal role of John Wyre as a racing team manager. It explores the challenges faced by the team, the dynamics of managing competitive personalities, and the long journey to their first victory at Le Mans. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of motorsport. https://atticcapital.com/

    43 min
  4. AUG 27

    Walter Johnson, Baseball's Big Train

    Dive into the life and legacy of Walter Johnson, 'The Big Train,' and one of baseball's greatest pitchers of all time.  We explore his rise from a late starter in baseball at the age of 16, to a dominating force in the Major Leagues.  His character and humility, his friendships with other legends like Ty Cobb, and the challenges he faced in negotiating his worth as a player.  We'll highlight key moments in Johnson's career, his pitching prowess, and the respect he garnered from teammates and opponents alike. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Walter Johnson 03:48 The Character of a Legend 08:06 From Catcher to Pitcher 12:00 Minor League Dominance 15:47 Breaking into the Major Leagues 20:07 The Big Train's Early Success 23:56 The Evolution of a Superstar 28:13 Negotiating a Legacy 32:00 Friendship with Ty Cobb 36:13 Facing the Greats 39:59 The Legacy of Walter Johnson Takeaways Walter Johnson was known for his incredible strikeout record. He started playing baseball at 16, which helped preserve his arm. Johnson's humility set him apart from other players of his time. He had a unique friendship with Ty Cobb, despite their contrasting personalities. Johnson's pitching style was characterized by speed and control. He faced challenges in negotiating his salary with team owners. His nickname, 'The Big Train,' reflects his powerful pitching. Johnson's character was admired by fans and players alike. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Hall of Fame. The book about Johnson is filled with amazing anecdotes and quotes. https://atticcapital.com/

    41 min
  5. AUG 19

    The King of Coins, Louis E. Eliasberg

    The King of Coins: Louis E. Eliasberg's Legacy Dive into the fascinating world of coin collecting with the story of Louis E. Eliasberg, the only collector to assemble a complete collection of U.S. coins. Discover how his banking career and passion for history intertwined to create a legacy that continues to inspire collectors today. Learn about his beginnings in Baltimore and his conservative banking approach that helped him navigate the Great Depression.  Explore the intriguing tale of the 1933 Double Eagle coin and Eliasberg's connection to this rare piece of history.  Understand how Eliasberg viewed coins as a gateway to history, art, and culture.  Reflect on Eliasberg's influence on the numismatic world and the ongoing efforts to trace his legendary collection. "Coins became a historic education to him, and over a period of time, he became an expert on American monetary history."  "Engraved on the face of the coins of the world is a panorama of man's history from the dim reaches of the ancient times right down to the present." Eliasberg's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His collection not only represents a remarkable achievement in numismatics but also serves as a reminder of the rich history encapsulated in every coin. Chapters 00:00 The Early Life and Career of Louis E. Elisberg 02:56 The Impact of the Great Depression on Coin Collecting 06:03 The Role of Gold in Banking and Collecting 08:52 Elisberg's Philosophy on Gold and Currency 12:12 The Evolution of Coin Collecting 14:59 Lessons from History: Elisberg's Insights 17:49 The Legacy of Louis E. Elisberg 21:10 The Connection Between Coin Collecting and History 23:59 The Future of Coin Collecting and Its Community https://atticcapital.com/

    37 min
  6. JUL 30

    The Sauber-Mercedes C9

    The story of the Sauber-Mercedes C9 race car is almost too good to be true.  Step into the golden age of endurance racing with "Sauber Mercedes C9," a deep dive into one of the most dominant and iconic Group C race cars in history. This video tells the amazing story of how a small Swiss company, led by Peter Sauber, partnered with the mighty Mercedes-Benz to create a championship-winning machine. Discover the behind-the-scenes events, the technological innovations, and the fearless drivers that led to the Sauber-Mercedes C9's incredible success, culminating in its overwhelming victory in the 1989 World Sportscar Championship. We explore how this historic collaboration crushed the competition, securing its place as a legendary collector car and a symbol of automotive excellence. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of the Sauber-Mercedes C9 and the incredible journey that cemented its place in racing history.  The tire blowout was the last straw for a team already on edge... But it didn’t take long, and they got a new plan in place. So the Sauber C9 was born straight from this near-disaster.  With two cars up and running, they won four out of the last six races in the 1988 season.  So here’s the big moment. There’s big time momentum building for Team Sauber Mercedes. They get through a gut wrenching disappointment with the tire blowout at Le Mans in 1988, recover, build up the team, fine tune the car, and close out the season with four victories… The moment that would define this entire era for Team Sauber Mercedes, the iconic C9 car, and really this would define the entire era of late 1980s racing, this was it. Heading right into the 1989 racing season, and the big moment was not testing the car on the track - it was with a guy named Werner Niefer, the chairman of the Daimler-Benz board… Max Welti, Sauber's long-time team manager, remembers it like this:  "Niefer had these big hands and he banged his big fist down on the table and said that we were going to race silver cars. The beer glasses literally sprang up in the air. It was all done by him, Mr Niefer. It was his decision and his decision alone.” And with that swift blow… the silver arrows were back.  Benz was back on the track.  I had a great time making this episode of the amazing Sauber-Mercedes C9, enjoy!  Chapters 00:00 The Adventurous Spirit of Racing 00:53 The Significance of Le Mans 03:14 The Saber Mercedes C9: A Unique Collaboration 06:06 The Road to the C9: Challenges and Triumphs 09:02 The 1988 Le Mans Incident 11:53 The Silver Arrows Return 14:48 The C9's Dominance in 1989 18:02 The Legacy of the C9 and Le Mans 20:46 Connecting the Dots: Other Racing Legends 24:04 Personal Reflections on Racing Adventures https://atticcapital.com/

    29 min
  7. JUL 22

    Babe Ruth

    Journey into the larger-than-life legacy of the "Sultan of Swat" in this deep dive podcast episode. We explore the extraordinary career of baseball icon Babe Ruth, from his dominant years with the New York Yankees in the Roaring Twenties to his unparalleled status as a pop culture legend. Discover how "The Great Bambino" became more than just a home run king, captivating fans on and off the field. This episode also uncovers the untold story of his post-baseball life, examining the same struggles with retirement that many sports legends face. If you're a baseball history fan, Yankees fan, or just fascinated by American legends, you won't want to miss this definitive look at the man behind the myth.  Think about this - in 1920, when Babe Ruth crushed his own record from the year before, with 54 home runs in a single season, the next closest player was George Sisler, who hit 19 homers…  The Babe had almost triple as many home runs as the second highest total!  Then, in 1921, the very next year, The Babe hit more than double as many home runs as the second highest… breaking his own record for the third year in a row, completely shocked baseball fans, and changed the game forever.  'The Babe Ruth Story,' by Babe Ruth, as told to writer, Bob Considine -  I read an amazing book published in 1948!  It was the only authorized book that was published straight from the The Babe himself.  The book includes the entire life story of the the iconic baseball superstar. It's hard to image baseball fans watching Babe Ruth back in the day. They couldn't believe their eyes!  He completely redefined what anyone thought was possible. He says in his book, “I don’t think I’m bragging when I say I made the country home run conscious.” And that’s exactly how it went…  The Yankees also crushed their attendance record with over 1.2 million fans attending games in 1920 at the Polo Grounds, their home stadium….  Setting the stage for a new Yankee Stadium, "The House That Ruth Built."  The Babe didn't just pack the home stands, but fans packed stadiums around the country whenever Babe came to town.  And captivating the entire country with his larger than life, profound human spirit to push boundaries. I had a absolutely great time making this episode -  Enjoy!  Chapters 00:00 The Legend of Babe Ruth: A Personal Brand 02:52 Babe Ruth's Rise to Stardom 06:06 The Home Run Craze Begins 08:53 Babe Ruth's Impact on Baseball 12:11 The Cultural Icon: Babe Ruth's Lifestyle 14:53 Challenges and Controversies 18:11 The Yankees' Glory Years 21:04 Babe Ruth's Legacy and Life After Baseball Summary This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Babe Ruth, exploring his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a baseball legend. It highlights his unique ability to push boundaries, both on and off the field, and his impact on the sport and culture. The discussion covers his record-breaking home runs, the challenges he faced, and his life after baseball, ultimately painting a picture of a larger-than-life figure who redefined what it meant to be a sports icon. Takeaways Babe Ruth was the original creator of a personal brand. He had a profound human spirit to push boundaries. Ruth's home run records changed the landscape of baseball. His cultural impact extended beyond the baseball field. Ruth faced challenges and controversies throughout his career. The Yankees' success was closely tied to Ruth's performance. Life after baseball was a struggle for many legends, including Ruth. Ruth's spending habits reflected his larger-than-life persona. The mentorship he received shaped his early career. Ruth's legacy continues to influence sports today. Learn More -  https://atticcapital.com/

    41 min
  8. JUN 30

    Creating the Iconic Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles

    Embark on a numismatic journey with "Creating the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle," my episode that uncovers the fascinating history behind one of America's most beautiful gold coins. We delve into the captivating story of how President Theodore Roosevelt, determined to elevate U.S. coinage to the level of ancient Greek art, commissioned the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This video explores the collaborative efforts with figures like Frank Leach and others at the U.S. Mint, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that led to the creation of the iconic double eagle gold coin. Discover the intricate details, the unique design, and the historical significance that make the Saint-Gaudens double eagle a cornerstone for rare coin collectors and a treasure in American numismatics. Learn about the rarest versions, from the ultra high relief 1907 to the legendary 1933 double eagle, and understand why this valuable gold coin continues to be a holy grail for collectors worldwide.  You won't believe the amazing creators story behind the Saint-Gaudens double eagle gold coins.  The driving force behind redesigning America's coinage was called many names...  "The Bull Moose" "The Trust Buster" "The Lion" "TR" "The Colonel" "Telescope Teddy" or even just plain old, "Teddy"  President Theodore Roosevelt wanted America to have coinage as beautiful as the ancient Greeks. And if it wasn't for this "human dynamo" of a President, we would have never seen the epic Saint-Gaudens double eagle gold coins.  I hope you enjoy this story, I had an absolute blast learning all about this incredible epic coin.  Summary This conversation delves into the fascinating history of the St. Gaudens double eagle gold coin, exploring President Theodore Roosevelt's vision for redesigning American coinage, the artistic contributions of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and the challenges faced during the design process. It highlights the controversies surrounding high relief designs, public reception, and the legacy of these coins in American history. Takeaways President Roosevelt aimed to redesign American coinage for artistic value.Augustus Saint-Gaudens was chosen for his artistic prowess in coin design.The process of coin design faced bureaucratic challenges at the US Mint.High relief designs were initially impractical for mass production.The St. Gaudens double eagle became a symbol of American prosperity.Public reception of the new coins was mixed, with some criticism.The omission of 'In God We Trust' sparked public outcry and debate.Roosevelt defended the omission, citing a clerical error in the coinage act.The legacy of the double eagle continues to influence coin design today.The story of the double eagle reflects broader themes in American history.Chapters 00:00 The Roosevelt Coinage Initiative 10:15 The Role of Augustus Saint-Gaudens 20:36 Challenges in Coin Design 30:58 The High Relief Controversy 40:43 The Legacy of the Double Eagle 51:01 Public Reception and Criticism 01:01:59 Final Thoughts on Coinage and History https://atticcapital.com/

    1h 9m

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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Searching for the world's greatest collectibles, and exploring the journey of legendary creators and cultural icons.