James L. Halperin is an American author and businessman. He attended Harvard University between 1970-1971, where he majored in psychology and later philosophy. After three semesters, Halperin took a permanent leave of absence to pursue a career in numismatics. In 1976, he established a rare coin fund for investors, New England Rare Coin Fund (NERCF). Upon liquidation at auction in April 1980, each investor in NERCF received 460% of their initial investment after commissions and fees.
In 1982, he sold his coin company to a former employee, entered into a 50/50 business partnership with renowned numismatist Steve Ivy and settled in Dallas, Texas. Halperin and Ivy still co-direct Heritage Auction Galleries, of Dallas, Texas, which advertises itself as the world's largest rare coin company and third largest auction house.
Halperin also endows The James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, which supports several health and education-related charities.
He has been married to his wife Gayle since 1984 and they have two sons, David and Michael.