Nov 7, 2018 | News
40 millionth PCGS-certified coin part of historic Japanese set
PCGS 40 millionth coin
That particular coin, a Kano Natsuo 1 Yen graded PCGS SP64 and now with a distinctive certification number of 4000000 on the encapsulation insert label, is part of a five-coin set of historic 1869 (Meiji 2) experimental model Japanese coins. The set was submitted to the PCGS Hong Kong office for express service.
“This coin is the highest denomination in an amazingly beautiful set designed by Japanese artist Kano Natsuo (1828-1898) who was famous for engraving swords,” explained PCGS President Don Willis.
“Every coin in this set was actually hand engraved, and these became the prototype for the pattern coins that were later used for regular circulation. These all grade as specimens, and are all choice gem 63 or 64. The 40 millionth coin has incredible detail and a three-dimensional design. You can see that it was hand carved. It’s an amazing piece and I’m sure it took a long time to create and was a great labor of love. We are really happy to have this as our 40 millionth coin,” Willis stated.
The other four coins in the Kano Natsuo set are: 1/20th Yen, graded PCGS SP63; 1/10th Yen, PCGS SP63; 1/4th Yen, PCGS SP63; and 1/2 Yen, PCGS SP64.
“On behalf of PCGS and the hundreds of employees we have around the world, I want to thank you, our customers, most sincerely for all of the support you have given us. Without you, we never would have gotten to 40 million certified coins. We appreciate the support and trust you have put into our company which has helped us grown to where we are today,” said Willis.
A division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLCT), PCGS was established in 1986 and now certifies coins from over 100 countries.
“Reaching 40 million coins certified embodies many things. First, it represents the hard work put in by so many different people at Collectors Universe. That effort, which has spanned four decades, helped make PCGS the premier brand for grading in the coin industry. This milestone also captures the level of trust consumers have for the PCGS product,” stated Collectors Universe Chief Executive Officer and President Joe Orlando.
“Our staff realizes that customers have choices in our market. Our company would never have reached such heights without the consistent, loyal support of collectors and dealers alike. We can’t thank them enough for helping make PCGS the preferred choice for coin grading,” emphasized Orlando.
In addition to its international headquarters in Santa Ana, California, PCGS has submission centers in Europe (www.PCGSEurope.com), Hong Kong and mainland China (www.PCGSAsia.com).
The popular PCGS Set Registry® (www.PCGS.com/setregistry) now contains more than 87,000 U.S. and world coin sets. The free PCGS Photograde™ Online (www.PCGS.com/photograde) feature makes it easy to determine the approximate grade of your coins, and the ever-expanding www.PCGSCoinFacts.com is the most comprehensive online resource for information and illustrations about United States coins.”
For additional information about PCGS and its services, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
Nov 1, 2018 | News
(Santa Ana, California) October 30, 2018 – The fourth known 1854 San Francisco Mint Liberty Head Half Eagle, discovered earlier this year and subsequently sold at auction this past August for more than $2 million, now is in a Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) holder. The current owner took the coin to the Baltimore Winter Expo to submit to PCGS, which was running their popular Crossover Special, and the historic coin today is encapsulated as PCGS XF-45.
“This underscores what we’ve been saying for years: the best coins always end up in PCGS holders because collectors and dealers know that PCGS certification helps maximize the value, liquidity, and security of their coins,” stated PCGS President Don Willis.
“This is a national numismatic treasure from the height of the California Gold Rush, and I never thought I’d ever have the opportunity to acquire one! I enjoy buying major numismatic rarities, and I’m surprised, delighted and honored I’m able to own this historic coin that is among the top elite of American numismatics,” said Brian Hendelson, President of Classic Coin Company in Bridgewater, New Jersey, who submitted the coin to PCGS.
“Of the four known surviving examples from a small mintage of only 268 1854-S Half Eagles, one is in the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection, another is in a private collection in Texas, and the third has been missing since it was stolen in Florida in 1967. There are several options now for this fourth coin, including possibly being loaned to a museum or exhibited elsewhere, or placing it in the right collection,” explained Hendelson.
This fourth example of an 1854-S $5 was first reported in early 2018 by a New England resident who wants to remain anonymous. It was acquired by Hendelson for $2,160,000 this past August when it was offered by Heritage Auctions.
“Buyers and sellers trust the PCGS brand. Each of our holders has covert and overt security features, and is virtually impossible to replicate providing collectors and dealers with anti-counterfeiting as well as environmental protection for their PCGS-certified and encapsulated coins,” Willis stated.
Since its founding in 1986, PCGS experts have certified over 40 million coins with a total market value of over $34 billion. For information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
Oct 30, 2018 | ANA, News
Brianna Victor was named the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Seminar Manager in September after Amber Bradish departed to pursue a post-graduate degree. Victor will lead the Association’s annual Summer Seminar—the hobby’s premier educational event—as well as Technical Series seminars and educational programs at the ANA National Money Show® and World’s Fair of Money®. Bradish will remain on staff temporarily to aid the transition.
“What attracted me to the position was the event planning, multitasking (juggling multiple seminars plus Summer Seminar) and getting to meet and work with so many instructors and students,” says Victor. She has extensive event-planning experience, having worked for the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado for five years. During her tenure, Victor served as coordinator and eventually program manager for the nonprofit’s Cooking Matters® initiative, which teaches low-income families how to cook and eat healthy food on a tight budget. “The Cooking Matters positions required a lot of planning, both pre- and post event, plus working closely with educators and students,” she notes. “I believe these skills have adequately prepared me for the seminar manager position.”
“We’re thrilled to have Brianna leading our seminar program,” adds ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “Her background makes her a perfect fit. I know our members are going to love working with her.”
Victor most recently served as Care and Share’s USDA programs manager, where she oversaw its two commodities programs. She is a 2013 graduate of Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in health promotion.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Oct 30, 2018 | News
NGC has certified an additional 137 coins, medals and tokens from the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. These selections are included in Newman Part XI, the final iteration in a series of auctions of the legendary collection, which Heritage Auctions will hold November 7–10, 2018.
Among Newman’s many contributions to the field of numismatics was his comprehensive study of Continental Dollars, which were struck in brass, pewter and silver with a 1776 date. The obverse features a sundial at the center, with the words CONTINENTAL CURRENCY near the edge; the reverse shows circles with the 13 original colonies’ names linked together like a chain.
So important was Newman’s research on Continental Dollars that their varieties are named after him: Newman 1-A, Newman 1-B, Newman 1-C, Newman 2-C, Newman 3-D, Newman 4-D and Newman 5-D. They feature the word CURRENCY on the obverse with one of three different spellings, and other design elements differ, as well.
A pewter example of the “CURENCY” spelling, attributed as Newman 1-B and graded NGC AU 55, is one of the highlights of Newman Part XI. Only a half dozen specimens of this variety are known.
Other auction highlights include a Libertas Americana Bronze Medal, graded NGC MS 64 BN, and a 1792 Washington President Pattern Silver Half Dollar, graded NGC XF Details.
Learn more >
Oct 24, 2018 | ANA, News
American Numismatic Association Board of Governors Approves $5.79 Million Budget for FY 2018-19
At an Oct. 16 teleconference meeting, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors unanimously passed a $5.79 million budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19.
“The 2019 budget covers ANA operating expenditures while also continuing our investment in the future of numismatics and the hobby,” said ANA President Gary Adkins. “It expands our reach and capacity for engagement, grows our online outreach and education initiatives, and also addresses some infrastructure needs such as updating the ANA’s security system and changing the featured exhibit in the Money Museum.”
“If the ANA is to remain relevant, we must make the commitment to providing the necessary resources to propel the organization forward and engage a future generation of collectors,” said Adkins. “That also means committing to fiscal responsibility. We continue to seek and identify revenue sources to augment income whenever possible, but the future growth of the Association cannot risk dependence upon those opportunities alone.”
President Adkins commended Executive Director Kim Kiick on her fiscal prudence. “Kim and her team have done an outstanding job of keeping expenses as low as possible, but we recognize the increased costs of doing business is a fact of life.” The ANA adheres to the zero-based budgeting method, which means all expenses must be justified each year and every function within the organization is analyzed for its needs and costs.
As of October 31, 2017, the ANA had total assets of $79.48 million and net assets of $76.99 million. Net assets exclusive of the museum collection are $39.45 million. “The ANA’s financials are healthy,” said Budget and Finance Board Liaison Greg Lyon. “We had a 12.3% increase in assets for FY 2017 and expect to report an increase in assets for FY 2018.”
ANA Treasurer Larry Baber noted that the ANA is extremely fortunate to have received Kenneth Keith’s bequest in 1977 of Ben E. Keith corporate stock to support the Association’s mission and programs. “The value of the stock the ANA holds has grown from under $5 million in 2006 to nearly $23 million in 2018, with additional stock, currently held in trust for the ANA, to be received in the future,” he said.
Kenneth Keith of Jolly and Wichita Falls, Texas, was the nephew of Ben E. Keith and an heir to the food and beverage company bearing his uncle’s name. He also was an avid numismatist. In 1976 Kenneth Keith set up his will naming the American Numismatic Association one of the remainder beneficiaries to his shares of stock in the Ben E. Keith Company, a closely held company that is one of the largest Anheuser Busch Inbev distributors in the world. Kenneth Keith died the following year.
Ben E. Keith Company stock is held in trust for the income benefit of 13 individuals and as each one dies, half of his or her non-voting stock is distributed from the trust to the ANA. (The other half is distributed to Texas Tech University.) “When Kenneth Keith died in 1977, the stock received by the ANA was valued at several hundred thousand dollars,” said Baber. “Today, the 1,334 shares currently held by the ANA are valued at $22.8 million – a 23 percent increase over last year, which is an unprecedented increase in value. When the last four living shareholders pass, the ANA will receive an additional 2,442 shares of stock.”
“The Ben E. Keith Company is a tremendous success story,” Baber added. “It is very well diversified and not readily affected by the gyrations of the stock market.” The company was listed by Forbes in 2017 as the 127th largest privately held company in the United States.
A copy of the approved budget is available online at www.money.org/financial-reports.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Oct 4, 2018 | News
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the 2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set™ (product code 18AC) on October 10 at noon Eastern Time (ET). The set is priced at $8.95.
The 2018-dated set includes 10 circulating quarters—five from the Philadelphia Mint and five from the Denver Mint—with reverse (tails) designs honoring: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin), Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota), Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia), and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (Rhode Island).
The obverse (heads) of the quarters features the restored 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan. Required obverse inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
The coins are held in a durable plastic card that features a picturesque image and a brief description of each site and coin. The packaging allows the coins to be easily removed and placed in albums or other collecting tools. A Certificate of Authenticity is printed on the back of the card.
The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
Oct 4, 2018 | ICTA/NCBA, News
ICTA executive director Jimmy Hayes
Said John Fisher, newly appointed ICTA chair, “The recent Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair has already created massive compliance problems for rare-coins and precious-metals bullion dealers and their customers, just as it has for state governments, all small businesses, and consumers nationwide. This issue will be the top priority for ICTA in the immediate future. In appointing Jimmy Hayes as the new executive director, ICTA is availing itself of someone who has broad experience on this issue and in seeking to create the optimum solution for state governments, dealers, and consumers.”
Jimmy Hayes’s name is recognized by many collectors as part of the pedigree of numismatic rarities from his own collection, which was among the first to be awarded PCGS “Hall of Fame” status. After graduating from Tulane Law School, Jimmy practiced for several years in Louisiana before holding the title of Louisiana Commissioner of Financial Institutions and Commissioner of Securities. He co-authored the current Louisiana banking code. After serving ten years in Congress, during the latter part of which he was a Ways and Means Committee member, Jimmy left Congress and took a position as vice president of ACLI, the life insurance industry’s trade association. In 1999, Jimmy Hayes formed Washington Matters LLC, which served such clients as GE, the Miccosukee tribe, Dade County Farm Bureau, the Chicago Sun-Times, and others, including ICTA’s “sister” organization, CERT. Jimmy’s passion for American history has led to his previous service on the boards of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, the National First Ladies’ Library, and the American Numismatic Society. His efforts for CERT led to the passage of the Collectible Coin Protection Act of 2014.
At ICTA’s recent board of directors and general membership meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Industry Council for Tangible Assets installed its new officers for 2018–2020.
John Fisher, president of Fisher Precious Metals in Deerfield Beach, Florida, was named as the new chairman. Fisher served on the ICTA board for several years prior to being named the chair.
The remaining officers named during the meeting include vice chair David Greenstein (Aurum Trading, Chicago, Illinois); secretary Richard Weaver (Delaware Valley Rare Coins, Broomall, Pennsylvania); and treasurer Pat Heller (Liberty Coin Service, Lansing, Michigan).
New board members elected were Bob Brueggeman (Positive Protection), John Brush (David Lawrence Rare Coins), Simon Codrington (Hugh Wood), Tom Hallenbeck (Hallenbeck Coin Gallery), Patrick Ian Perez (CDN Publishing), Gary Linthicum (Universal Coin & Bullion), Scott Schwartz (FideliTrade Incorporated), and Max Spiegel (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
About ICTA
ICTA is a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt trade association that represents the coin, currency, and precious metals industries. ICTA is supported solely by dues and donations. To join and/or learn more about ICTA, please visit our website—ictaonline.org.
Oct 2, 2018 | Bureau of Engraving and Printing, News, U.S. Mint
Beginning Monday, October 1, BEP products may be purchased at the U.S. Mint’s website.
BEP customers, remember to set up a new online account on the Mint’s website to take advantage of the Mint’s loyalty program, to track purchases, and to receive BEP and Mint product and promotion notifications. Opening an account on the Mint’s website is easy and takes only a few minutes!
BEP products are still available for purchase at BEP’s Washington, DC and Ft. Worth, Texas Visitor Center gift shops. BEP bulk sale customers should continue to place orders through the BEP at 1-800-456-3408.
For information about the BEP-Mint partnership and benefits, visit this FAQ page.
For questions regarding orders placed on the Mint’s website, call 1-800-872-6468.
Oct 1, 2018 | Auctions, News
Two-Session Auction Brings Record Prices In Bust Halves and High-End 20th Century Coins.
(Lincroft, NJ)— Legend Rare Coin Auctions is proud to announce the very strong results of 28th Regency Auction. After 28 Regency Auctions, held as the official auctioneer of the PCGS Members Only Show, Legend has more than proven that their boutique style auctions bring out the most serious buyers and coins consigned bring in prices that exceed similar coins at other auction companies. Featuring 665 hand-selected, high-quality rare coins, this was the second auction in the firm’s history that required two sessions to present the wide variety of important, historic, and rare coins. Like the firm’s May Regency Auction, the first day’s auction focused on a single denomination, this time being half dollars. The second day of the Regency Auction featured half cents through patterns.
Half dollar day, as it was dubbed, proved that half dollars, “could bring big dollars,” as Laura Sperber put it. The surprise of the session was when lot 172, a monster toned 1958 Franklin half, arguably one of the finest examples of the entire series rocketed out of the stratosphere with a final bid at $129,500, setting a world record for any Franklin half-dollar! However, the session was anchored by two important collections, of very popular series. Starting off the Session was the famous Konstantine Collection, the #1 PCGS Registry set of Capped Bust Half Dollars, 1807-1836, featuring the major “Red Book” varieties. This was the first time that we could ascertain that such a set of the 73 major varieties were sold in a single auction, and the results proved to be very strong, thrilling the consignor and all the successful bidders alike, as they were able to acquire some once in a generation coins. Coins like lot 1, the beautiful, Bearded Goddess, which was previously in the Norweb Collection, now graded PCGS AU53 CAC and is among the three finest known kicked off the fireworks when several Bust Half Nuts bid it to $58,750 from an opening bid of $33,000. (Note: all prices realized include the firms 17.5% Buyer’s Premium).
“From the moment the Konstantine Collection was announced back in July, every major collector of Bust halves has been waiting for this auction,” said Julie Abrams, President of Legend Auctions. “We took out all the stops in the marketing efforts, including hosting a small gathering of collectors during the ANA show in Philadelphia, where every coin was on display. The event was very well attended by the ‘who’s who’ among serious collectors. These efforts proved to get the strong action going, with a standing room only crowd who came out to the auction to bid in person. This record attendance was led to the impressive list of prices realized below.”
Highlighted results of the Konstantine Collection include:
- Lot 1 1807 Bearded Goddess, O-111B. PCGS AU53 CAC realized $58,750
- Lot 4 1807 O-114. PCGS MS65 CAC, ex Green-Newman realized $188,000
- Lot 14 1812/1 Large 8, O-101. PCGS AU50 realized $31,725
- Lot 22 1815/2 O-101A. PCGS MS63 realized $55,813
- Lot 41 1823 Broken 3. O-101. PCGS MS64 CAC Ex Green/Newman realized $38,775
- Lot 51 1827/6 O-102. PCGS MS66 CAC Ex Pogue realized $36,425
“In all, when the hammer fell on lot 73, over $1.3 million dollars were spent on Capped Bust half dollars,” explained Laura Sperber, founder of LRCA. She noted, “for nearly two months, the entire market has been buzzing with excitement for these coins, so going into the session, I knew the Konstantine Collection was going to bring very strong to beyond strong money. My expectations were quickly blown away!”
Following the Konstatine Collection was a great offering of Early, Seated, and Barber half dollars. The selection included the following important highlights that found their way into important collections such great type coins like: Lot 93 1830 Large 0. PCGS MS66 realizing $24,675 and Lot 95 1836 Reeded Edge. PCGS MS64 CAC realized $79,313.
The Sommelier Collection of Early Date Walking Liberty Half Dollars was the second anchor collection, and when the hammer gaveled the last lot, the 25 coins realized over $400,000! Julie Abrams was sitting in the back of the room when the collector “looked back at me at one point and just smiled and gave a huge ‘thumbs up.’” Clearly, they should be happy, just take a look at these amazing results:
Lot 110 1917-D Obverse. PCGS MS65+ CAC realized $21,150
- Lot 115 1918-D PCGS MS65 CAC realized $27,025
- Lot 121 1920-D PCGS MS65 CAC realized $27,025
- Lot 125 1921-S PCGS MS65 CAC realized $117,500
- Lot 128 1928-S PCGS MS65 CAC realized $15,863
The session ended with additional Walking Liberty, Franklin and Classic Commemorative Half Dollars from various consignors. Franklin Half Dollars have really become a very popular series recently. Whether the market for them is maturing and realizing enough time has passed that they can now be considered a classic series in the annals of American Numismatics. Either way, there are many serious collectors vying for the very finest. Two such coins were offered in the Half Dollar Day auction session, far surpassing any previous records, and bringing prices that are just way beyond “moon money”! The first was the aforementioned record-shattering realization of $129,500 for the magnificent and wildly toned 1958 and the finest 1949-S half dollar, also graded PCGS MS67+ FBL CAC realized $31,725.
Other highlights:
- Lot 142 1920 PCGS MS66+ CAC realized $31,725
- Lot 146 1929-D PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $82,250
- Lot 150 1938-D PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $41,125
- Lot 156 1943 PCGS MS68 CAC realized $35,250
- Lot 161 1947-D PCGS MS67+ realized $34,075
- Lot 188 1935 Hudson. PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $22,913
The second session of the 28th Regency Auction took place on Thursday evening, September 27. You could sense the how active bidding was going to be the moment the sale opened, as many collectors added great coins to their collections. Twentieth-century coins had great results overall. The Hallett Collection of Mercury Dimes, the current #5 and all-time #9 Registry set brought impressive prices. “It is not often that a top ten Registry Set comes up for auction, and the prices prove that when a great collection comes up, the buyers run out to buy the coins. In many cases our estimates proved way too low,” Julie Abrams said. The surprise of the collection was lot 367, the PCGS MS67+ FB CAC 1925 dime that realized $25,850 on an estimate of $3,500 to $4,000. Other Mercury dimes consigned alongside the Hallett coins fared extremely well, with beyond moon money realized for multiple coins including. Overall the prices were indicative of the overall market, with great coins selling for great prices.
Highlights of the second day’s session include:
- Lot 214 1C 1839 Silly Head, N-4. PCGS MS66 BN CAC realized $14,100
- Lot 225 1C 1877 PCGS PR66 RD CAM realized $29,375
- Lot 238 1C 1911-D PCGS MS67 RD realized $61,688
- Lot 291 5C 1926 PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $16,450
- Lot 312 H10C 1849 PCGS PR66 CAC realized $52,875
- Lot 322 10C 1845-O PCGS MS63 CAC realized $58,750
- Lot 340 10C 1911 PCGS PR68 CAM CAC realized $36,425
- Lot 413 10C 1942/1-D PCGS MS65 FB CAC realized $28,200
- Lot 421 10C 1945 PCGS MS65 FB realized $15,275
- Lot 430 10C 1923 PCGS MS68 FB CAC realized $18,800
- Lot 431 10C 1923-S PCGS MS66 realized $105,750
- Lot 438 10C 1968 No S. PCGS PR68 CAM realized $39,950
- Lot 497 $1 1885-O PCGS MS67 CAC realized $11,456
- Lot 529 $1 1892 PCGS MS66 realized $49,938
- Lot 538 $1 1903-S PCGS MS66+ CAC realized $25,850
- Lot 545 $1 1900 PCGS PR67 DCAM CAC realized $52,875
- Lot 570 $2.50 1866 PCGS PR65 DCAM CAC realized $79,313
- Lot 572 $2.50 1890 PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC realized $37,600
- Lot 584 $3 1881 PCGS PR66 CAM CAC realized $73,438
- Lot 609 $10 1912-S PCGS MS65 realized $36,425
- Lot 621 $20 1870-S PCGS MS63 CAC realized $76,375
- Lot 633 $20 1907 High Relief, Wire Rim. PCGS MS64 CAC realized $34,075
- Lot 646 $20 1915 PCGS MS65+ CAC realized $55,813
- Lot 658 $1875 J-1426. PCGS PR65 CAC realized $70,500
Laura Sperber noted after the last lot sold on Thursday evening, “The market is continuing to show renewed strength, as new, well-heeled collectors are building epic collections. Whether they are working on one set or many different projects, if they see a coin they need, they just go after it. In the current environment, clearly, PCGS/CAC coins were bringing the absolute strongest realized prices throughout the auction. These collectors equate PCGS/CAC with the best quality coins.”
“The market for high-quality rare coins is healthy, robust, and we are seeing lots of new names and faces. The public turnout at the PCGS Members show was very large, larger than normally seen. We know with so few opportunities going into the last months of 2018, there will be only a few more opportunities to buy great coins. Legend’s 29th Regency Auction, being held on November 15 in San Antonio will be one of the last, and we have lots of great coins consigned to that sale,” noted Julie Abrams. “Consignments are now closed, but we are always taking consignments for upcoming auctions, so give us a call. Our boutique auction venue gets the best prices for the best coins!”
Sep 28, 2018 | ANA, News
The achievements of numismatists do not go unnoticed. Each year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) presents an award to a researcher, author or journalist in recognition of his or her body of work and career contributions to numismatics. Numismatists working to expand interest in coin collecting by recruiting new ANA members also are recognized for their efforts.
During the Philadelphia World’s Fair of Money in August, The Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing was presented to Kenneth E. Bressett, best known for his dedicated work as editor of A Guide Book of United States Coins (the “Red Book”).
First conferred posthumously in 1999 to its namesake—a newsman’s journalist—the award is sponsored by Krause Publications. The recipient is selected in a cooperative process by the ANA, the American Numismatic Society and the Numismatic Literary Guild.
Bressett, who will celebrate his 90th birthday next month, became active on the Red Book’s editorial staff in 1956, and in 1973 was named editor, effective with the 27th edition. To date, Whitman Publishing has printed more than 24 million copies, making the reliable hobby reference one of the best-selling nonfiction books in American publishing history.
The readily recognizable guide was first edited by R.S. Yeoman, with whom Bressett became acquainted in the mid-’50s. Their long collaboration was cordial and fruitful, and together they created more than 300 hobby-related books and products, including a monthly magazine, Whitman Numismatic Journal (1964-68).
During his 75 years of numismatic involvement, Bressett has focused his efforts on more than United States coins, expanding his knowledge base and books to include ancients, biblical coins, British issues and U.S. paper money, as well as all aspects of grading, buying, selling and collecting. In 1962 he and fellow numismatic scholar Eric P. Newman co-wrote the quintessential Fantastic 1804 Dollar. Among his other notable works as author or editor are Basics of Coin Grading for U.S. Coins; Buying and Selling United States Coins; Collectible American Coins; A Guide Book of English Coins; A Guide Book of Modern United States Currency; A Guide Book of United States Currency; The Handbook of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins; Handbook of United States Coins (the “Blue Book”); Milestone Coins: A Pageant of the World’s Most Significant and Popular Money; Money of the Bible; The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins; and The Official Whitman Statehood Quarters Collector’s Handbook.
Writes Bressett in the 72nd (2019) edition of the Red Book, in his new role as editor emeritus, “Throughout the years it has been my privilege to work with many of the leading numismatic dealers and scholars…My involvement has been a richly rewarding experience, for which I will be eternally grateful to my friend Dick Yeoman.”
Says Jeff Garrett, ANA past president and now senior editor of the Red Book, “A Guide Book of United States Coins is the most important numismatic book that has ever been produced. …It has been the foundation for knowledge of collectors for generations. Most serious collectors and coin dealers have a copy within arm’s reach. Ken Bressett has been the guardian of this important resource for many decades. His dedication to accuracy and his unwavering integrity are the foundation of the book’s long success.”
Photo: ANA Executive Director, Kenneth Bressett and Mark Anderson present Bressett with the Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing.
ANA Booster Awards Presented in Philadelphia
At the World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, August 14-18, three members were honored for encouraging fellow coin enthusiasts to join the ANA. The John and Nancy Wilson Member Booster Award (named after the dynamic duo who has recruited more than 2,000 new members for the Association) went to ANA Vice President Don Kagin. Between November 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017, he increased the organization’s rolls by 21 members.
Rare Coin Wholesalers of Irvine, California, represented here by company president Michael Contursi (left), accepted the Dealer Booster Award from ANA President Gary Adkins.
ANA President Gary Adkins is the newest inductee into the ANA Century Club. This distinction is reserved for individuals who have recruited a cumulative total of 100 or more members.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
The other four coins in the Kano Natsuo set are: 1/20th Yen, graded PCGS SP63; 1/10th Yen, PCGS SP63; 1/4th Yen, PCGS SP63; and 1/2 Yen, PCGS SP64.
