About Me
Hello, and welcome! My name is Dwayne Garvan Thomas, though many in the numismatic community know me as ‘The Barefoot Coin Guy.’ I am a lifelong numismatist, a dedicated barefoot advocate, a full-time traveler, a naturist, an author, and an off-grid enthusiast. I live an unconventional life by design, one that reflects my deep passion for freedom, exploration, and authenticity.
I have been a numismatist since 1996, and it has remained my primary profession and passion for nearly three decades. I founded The Vertexium Exchange that same year, which has grown into a highly respected world coin company specializing in buying, selling, trading, grading, appraising, and shipping valuable world coins. While my expertise extends across all world coins, my deepest passion lies in British coinage, particularly pre-decimalization issues. I am especially fond of British sovereigns, which hold a special place in my personal collection.
As part of my profession, I routinely travel to numismatic events, trade shows, conventions, and symposiums across the United States of America, where I lecture, appraise, and conduct business. My lifelong passion for numismatics has also led me to write several books on the subject, including The Hidden Wealth of Coins: A Numismatist’s Guide to Collecting Rare Coins and From Pennies to Guineas: The Evolution of British Coinage. My work in numismatics has been more than just a career; it has been an extraordinary adventure, filled with history, culture, and the pursuit of knowledge.
One of the most defining aspects of my identity is my barefoot lifestyle. I have lived exclusively barefoot since 2005, completely eschewing footwear in all aspects of my life. For me, going barefoot is more than a preference; it is a fundamental philosophy of natural living, personal freedom, and connection to the earth. My unwavering dedication to this lifestyle has led me to advocate for barefoot living as a healthier, more natural way of being.
Barefoot advocacy is the most important cause in my life, even beyond my work in numismatics. I incorporate this philosophy into everything I do, whether it’s through my writings, videos, public speaking engagements, or daily life. I am committed to dispelling myths, educating people about the benefits of barefoot living, and promoting the freedom to live naturally.
Alongside my barefoot lifestyle, I am also a dedicated naturist and have been since 1992. Naturism is not just about being clothes-free; it is about embracing natural freedom, self-acceptance, and living harmoniously with the world around us. I frequently stay at naturist-friendly locations, and I am regularly invited to speak at naturist associations, resorts, events, and festivals.
My love for natural living extends to my passion for off-grid and nomadic living. Since 2015, I have been a full-time nomad, traveling across the United States of America in my 1992 Foretravel Grand Villa Motorhome. I stay mostly in state and national parks, remote off-grid locations, and private nomadic-friendly facilities, where I can enjoy a lifestyle of true freedom and self-sufficiency. My motorhome is fully equipped for off-grid living, with a 7500-watt Onan Diesel generator, 1200 watts of solar panels, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and extensive water storage. I travel with the weather, avoiding harsh winters and settling in places like Quartzsite, Arizona, where I stay at The Magic Circle, a 450-acre public land designated for nudity.
Beyond numismatics and advocacy, I am also a passionate writer and videographer. I have authored multiple books on barefoot living, naturism, and off-grid homesteading, including Natural Freedom: A Guide to Barefoot Living and Naturism and The Barefoot Homestead: Embracing Off-Grid Living and Natural Freedom.
Additionally, I run a YouTube channel called Barefoot Naturist Travel, where I document my adventures, share insights into barefoot and naturist living, and explore unique locations across the country. My channel features interviews, location visits, and documentary-style storytelling, all with the goal of inspiring others to embrace natural, free living.
I also write a popular weekly blog on my personal website, www.barefootnaturist.com, covering topics related to my lifestyle and philosophy. Through my writing and videos, I strive to educate, inspire, and connect with like-minded individuals who value freedom, authenticity, and self-sufficiency.
I have a deep appreciation for scotch whisky, particularly Islay and Campbeltown expressions. Some of my favorites include Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Springbank, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia. When it comes to beer, I enjoy traditional English bitters such as Tetley’s and Thwaites, as well as American craft brews like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
Music is another passion of mine, and I enjoy playing the acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. It is one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind. I also have a long-standing interest in videography, which I have pursued as a hobby since 1986.
Growing up on my family farm in Newnan, Georgia, instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and sustainable living. I often write about farming practices, off-grid sustainability, and self-sufficient homesteading. Though I do not farm professionally, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in natural, independent living.
At the core of everything I do is a strong belief in personal freedom and self-determination. As a lifelong Libertarian and staunch supporter of the Constitution of the United States of America, I advocate for individual rights, personal sovereignty, and the freedom to live life on one’s own terms. I firmly reject societal norms that seek to impose unnecessary restrictions on personal choices, and I strive to lead by example in living a life that is true to my values.
Ultimately, my life is about embracing natural freedom, pursuing my passions, and inspiring others to do the same. Whether through my work in numismatics, my barefoot advocacy, my naturist lifestyle, or my off-grid adventures, I am dedicated to sharing my journey and helping others discover their own path to freedom and fulfillment.
Thank you for visiting my website. I invite you to explore, connect, and join me on this incredible journey of discovery, adventure, and natural living. If you share my passion for numismatics, barefoot living, naturism, or off-grid freedom, I’d love to hear from you!
I have been a numismatist since 1996, and it has remained my primary profession and passion for nearly three decades. I founded The Vertexium Exchange that same year, which has grown into a highly respected world coin company specializing in buying, selling, trading, grading, appraising, and shipping valuable world coins. While my expertise extends across all world coins, my deepest passion lies in British coinage, particularly pre-decimalization issues. I am especially fond of British sovereigns, which hold a special place in my personal collection.
As part of my profession, I routinely travel to numismatic events, trade shows, conventions, and symposiums across the United States of America, where I lecture, appraise, and conduct business. My lifelong passion for numismatics has also led me to write several books on the subject, including The Hidden Wealth of Coins: A Numismatist’s Guide to Collecting Rare Coins and From Pennies to Guineas: The Evolution of British Coinage. My work in numismatics has been more than just a career; it has been an extraordinary adventure, filled with history, culture, and the pursuit of knowledge.
One of the most defining aspects of my identity is my barefoot lifestyle. I have lived exclusively barefoot since 2005, completely eschewing footwear in all aspects of my life. For me, going barefoot is more than a preference; it is a fundamental philosophy of natural living, personal freedom, and connection to the earth. My unwavering dedication to this lifestyle has led me to advocate for barefoot living as a healthier, more natural way of being.
Barefoot advocacy is the most important cause in my life, even beyond my work in numismatics. I incorporate this philosophy into everything I do, whether it’s through my writings, videos, public speaking engagements, or daily life. I am committed to dispelling myths, educating people about the benefits of barefoot living, and promoting the freedom to live naturally.
Alongside my barefoot lifestyle, I am also a dedicated naturist and have been since 1992. Naturism is not just about being clothes-free; it is about embracing natural freedom, self-acceptance, and living harmoniously with the world around us. I frequently stay at naturist-friendly locations, and I am regularly invited to speak at naturist associations, resorts, events, and festivals.
My love for natural living extends to my passion for off-grid and nomadic living. Since 2015, I have been a full-time nomad, traveling across the United States of America in my 1992 Foretravel Grand Villa Motorhome. I stay mostly in state and national parks, remote off-grid locations, and private nomadic-friendly facilities, where I can enjoy a lifestyle of true freedom and self-sufficiency. My motorhome is fully equipped for off-grid living, with a 7500-watt Onan Diesel generator, 1200 watts of solar panels, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and extensive water storage. I travel with the weather, avoiding harsh winters and settling in places like Quartzsite, Arizona, where I stay at The Magic Circle, a 450-acre public land designated for nudity.
Beyond numismatics and advocacy, I am also a passionate writer and videographer. I have authored multiple books on barefoot living, naturism, and off-grid homesteading, including Natural Freedom: A Guide to Barefoot Living and Naturism and The Barefoot Homestead: Embracing Off-Grid Living and Natural Freedom.
Additionally, I run a YouTube channel called Barefoot Naturist Travel, where I document my adventures, share insights into barefoot and naturist living, and explore unique locations across the country. My channel features interviews, location visits, and documentary-style storytelling, all with the goal of inspiring others to embrace natural, free living.
I also write a popular weekly blog on my personal website, www.barefootnaturist.com, covering topics related to my lifestyle and philosophy. Through my writing and videos, I strive to educate, inspire, and connect with like-minded individuals who value freedom, authenticity, and self-sufficiency.
I have a deep appreciation for scotch whisky, particularly Islay and Campbeltown expressions. Some of my favorites include Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Springbank, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia. When it comes to beer, I enjoy traditional English bitters such as Tetley’s and Thwaites, as well as American craft brews like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
Music is another passion of mine, and I enjoy playing the acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. It is one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind. I also have a long-standing interest in videography, which I have pursued as a hobby since 1986.
Growing up on my family farm in Newnan, Georgia, instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and sustainable living. I often write about farming practices, off-grid sustainability, and self-sufficient homesteading. Though I do not farm professionally, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in natural, independent living.
At the core of everything I do is a strong belief in personal freedom and self-determination. As a lifelong Libertarian and staunch supporter of the Constitution of the United States of America, I advocate for individual rights, personal sovereignty, and the freedom to live life on one’s own terms. I firmly reject societal norms that seek to impose unnecessary restrictions on personal choices, and I strive to lead by example in living a life that is true to my values.
Ultimately, my life is about embracing natural freedom, pursuing my passions, and inspiring others to do the same. Whether through my work in numismatics, my barefoot advocacy, my naturist lifestyle, or my off-grid adventures, I am dedicated to sharing my journey and helping others discover their own path to freedom and fulfillment.
Thank you for visiting my website. I invite you to explore, connect, and join me on this incredible journey of discovery, adventure, and natural living. If you share my passion for numismatics, barefoot living, naturism, or off-grid freedom, I’d love to hear from you!
