ANA Recognizes Membership Boosters, Numismatic Author & Medallic Artist

At this year’s World’s Fair of Money®, several hobby supporters were honored for encouraging coin enthusiasts to join the American Numismatic Association (ANA). The recruitment period was January 1 to December 30, 2020. The John and Nancy Wilson Booster Award (named after the duo who have recruited more than 2,000 new members) went to ANA Past President Steven K. Ellsworth, Ronald I. Macfarlane and John Youngblood III.

Numismatic professionals and companies who have sponsored members through their business activities are recognized with the Dealer Booster Award. This year’s recipient is Coin World. The 2021 Century Club Award, presented to those who have signed up a cumulative total of 100 or more ANA members, was awarded to Michael Contursi, Governor Mark Lighterman and Mike Dinger.

Recognized Researcher

The Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing is presented annually to a researcher, author or journalist in recognition of their body of work and career contributions to numismatics. First conferred posthumously on its namesake in 1999 at the ANA’s 108th Anniversary Convention, the award is intended to recognize quality and integrity in numismatic wordsmithing of every kind. The recipient is selected in a cooperative process by the ANA, the American Numismatic Society and the Numismatic Literary Guild.

This year’s recipient is Joel J. Orosz, a prolific researcher and writer who has been working in the field for four decades. Burnett Anderson’s son Mark Anderson accepted the ward on Orosz’s behalf at the Awards Banquet held August 13 at the World’s Fair of Money®.

Orosz found a vocation in philanthropy and an avocation in numismatics. These interests brought balance to his life, for, as he puts it, he dedicated his workdays to giving away large sums of money and spent his leisure hours trying to claw a little bit of it back. Over the years, he has focused on tracing the literary byways of early American numismatics and also on gathering association copies (books inscribed by their authors and notable previous owners).

His numismatic corpus originated in the early 1980s. His research has been published in Rare Coin Review, The Numismatist, The American Journal of Numismatics and several other periodicals, and he is currently a columnist for The Asylum and Coin World. He’s authored two numismatic books and co-authored three more. His three most recent works – The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint (2011); Truth Seeker: The Life of Eric P. Newman (2016); and 1792: Birth of a Nation’s Coinage (2017) – all received the Numismatic Literary Guild’s (NLG) prestigious Book of the Year Award.

The philanthropic numismatist also has been honored with three first-place ANA Heath Literary Awards (2000, 2010 and 2017) and the Wayte and Olga Raymond Memorial Literary Award (2018). In addition to the NLG, Orosz has earned numerous accolades from the Professional Numismatists Guild, the John Reich Collectors Society and the Society of Paper Money Collectors. The Numismatic Bibliomania Society named its annual writer’s award after Orosz, who shared the 2020 NLG Clemy Award (the organization’s highest honor) with Len Augsburger.

Recognized Medallic Artist

The ANA’s Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture is an annual honor given to an artist whose lifetime work in the field rises above all others. The 2021 recipient is Belgian artist Paul Huybrechts.

Over the course of 50 years, Huybrechts has designed countless medals, coins and dies. His work displays exceptional quality and innovation.

In his younger years, Huybrechts honed his artistic skills in Belgium and Germany. He spent time in Switzerland engraving at the firm Huguenin to further refine his technique. At age 23, Huybrechts returned to Belgium to establish himself as a professional in medal engraving and currency art.

In an interview with the Société Archéologique de Namur, Huybrechts explains that his desire to enter the field blossomed during his childhood. He recalls digging through the trash and cutting out stamps from letters his father received from various European countries. Huybrechts notes that history – and what we can learn from it – serves as a major source of inspiration for his work. He enjoys learning from ancient cultures and significant past events while employing modern artistic techniques.

While Huybrechts has designed dies for over 40 postage stamps and 12 coins for the Belgian government, his medallic work is where his artistry truly shines. Shown here is Huybrechts’s 2005 Kraepelin-Alzheimer medal that was exhibited during the 2007 International Art Medal Federation (FIDEM) congress. The obverse of this bronze piece features Emil Kraepelin, a German doctor who is considered to be the founder of modern scientific psychiatry. The reverse depicts Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who helped identify the disease that later became his namesake.

A retrospective of Huybrechts’s work commemorating his 50-year career will be on display in Leuven, Belgium, in April-June 2022.
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 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 money.org.

U.S. Mint 2021 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set Featuring American Eagle Coins Available on October 1

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the 2021 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set–American Eagle Collection on October 1 at noon EDT. Production is limited to 50,000, with orders limited to one per household for the first 24 hours of sales.

This exquisite set includes the following six proof quality coins:

  • One American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin – New Design, “S” Mint mark
    The obverse (heads) of this coin features a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. For the 2021 coin, the Mint returned to its original historical assets to render a closer reflection of Weinman’s original vision that includes the addition of his traditional artist mark.

    The new reverse (tails) depicts a single eagle as it approaches a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”

  • One American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin – Classic Design, “W” Mint mark
    The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s original Walking Liberty design depicting the full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.” The reverse displays former Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s rendition of a heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon, and arrows in the left. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR.”
  • One America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin
    The final quarter in this series honors the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama. The coin’s obverse (heads) depicts a restored 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The reverse depicts a Tuskegee Airman pilot suiting up to join the fight during World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The pilot looks upward with pride and confidence as two P-51 Mustangs pass overhead. The inscription “THEY FOUGHT TWO WARS” is arced across the top as a reference to the dual battles the Tuskegee Airmen fought—fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home. Inscriptions are “TUSKEGEE AIRMEN,” “ALABAMA,” “2021,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
  • One Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter
    The obverse marks a return to the familiar depiction of George Washington by John Flanagan as it appeared on the quarter from 1932 to 1998. It was modified for the 50 State Quarters and America the Beautiful Quarters Programs. In this depiction, Washington’s portrait is larger, with higher relief. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.” The reverse depicts General George Washington commanding his troops through the overnight crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River prior to the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “CROSSING THE DELAWARE,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
  • One Kennedy half dollar
  • One Roosevelt dime

The quarters, half dollar, and dime are struck in 99.9 percent silver. All coins are housed in a single lens and inserted in a black presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

The 2021 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set is priced at $235.00. To set up a REMIND ME alert, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/limited-edition-2021-silver-proof-set-american-eagle-collection-21RCN.html (product code 21RCN). This product is not included in the Mint’s Bulk Purchase Program.

View additional United States Mint American Eagle products at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins/

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of October 1, 2021, at noon EDT.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

Long Beach Expo Opens Doors This Week

The First Long Beach Collectibles Show Since 2020 Will Be Held This Week at Long Beach Convention Center September 30-October 2, 2021

(Long Beach, California — September 28, 2021) The Long Beach Expo, the largest coin, currency, stamp, and sports collectible show on the West Coast, will return for the first time since 2020 when it opens its doors to the public this week from September 30 through October 2, 2021, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The Long Beach Expo will be headlined by lot viewings for a multimillion-dollar sale by Heritage Auctions and sport more than 400 collectibles dealers. Among the attractions are a rare collection of copper United States large cents dating back to the 18 th century, opportunities to meet with coin and sports memorabilia experts, on-site collectibles grading, the chance to win gold coins and sports rarities, and much more.

For free admission to this week’s Long Beach Expo September 30 through October 2, 2021, visit: https://www.longbeachexpo.com/visitors/registration and use promo code “LBEPR”.

“We are excited to kick off the first Long Beach Expo in more than 18 months,” says PCGS Interim President Stephanie Sabin. “There is so much pent-up energy across all areas of collectibles right now, and we’ve seen this in record prices for coins, sports cards, and more. With all the excitement in the coin and collectibles community and a wide variety of popular attractions at the Long Beach Expo, I’m sure we will have a very busy convention floor this week!”

Among the many Long Beach Expo highlights are:

  • Heritage Auctions — The official auctioneer of the Long Beach Expo and world’s largest collectibles auctioneer will showcase many exciting lots for its upcoming Signature Auctions (U.S. Coins #1334 and U.S. Currency #3585) to be held October 7-10 from their headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about Heritage Auctions, explore their complete Signature Auction schedule, and find out how to consign to future Heritage Auctions events by visiting our Auctions [https://www.longbeachexpo.com/auctions] page.
  • PCGS Set Registry Presents: The Walter J. Husak Collection of Large Cents, 1793-1814 (Booth #413) — The culmination of indescribable patience and effort, this collection includes 87 remarkable specimens of large, heavy copper coins totaling more than $7 million in value. This collection consists of many of the finest specimens known of the very first coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint for mass circulation, predating the silver and gold coinage that came along in the mid-1790s.
  • PCGS On-Site Grading (Booth #401) — PCGS is offering on-site grading submissions for banknotes at Express or higher service level through Thursday, September 30 at 5 PM and for coins through Friday, October 1 at 5 PM. Be sure to take advantage of a special PCGS $10 Crossover special for U.S. coins that don’t cross.
  • PSA Grading & PSA/DNA Authentication (Booth #1061) — PSA will be offering on-site and drop-off grading for limited trading card authentication and grading services and accepting drop-off submissions for autograph authentication services.
  • “Meet the Expert” Coin Sessions at the PCGS (Booth #401) — Come by the PCGS booth to meet Steve Feltner, PCGS director of numismatic education and outreach. You can receive in-person insights on your collectible coins, and collectors of all ages and experience are welcome! Visit Steve at the PCGS booth (#401) 10:30 AM through 12:30 PM on Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1.
  • “Meet the Expert” Sport Sessions at the Memory Lane Booth (Booth #1047) — Bring your sports items for an evaluation by the Memory Lane experts. You might even receive an offer! Get an opportunity to find out more about your sports collectibles and what they’re worth 11 AM through 12 PM on Thursday, September 30; Friday, October 1; and Saturday October 2.
  • Win A Free Gold Coin and Sports Prize — Each day of the show we’ll award an American Eagle One-Half Oz. Gold coin and an authenticated sports jersey to a show attendee! Preregister for the show and be automatically entered to win! Drawings take place at 2 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. * Attendees must be present to win.

The Long Beach Expo will be held from September 30 and runs through October 2. Doors open 10 AM through 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1, and 10 AM through 4:30 PM on Saturday, October 2. The Long Beach Expo will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center — Hall C, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California 90802.

About Long Beach Expo

Since 1964, the Long Beach Expo (LBE) has been the leading international trade show in the coin, currency, stamp, and sports collectibles industry held by Expos Unlimited. Located in Long Beach, California, the Long Beach Expo brings together more than 10,000 dealers and collectors worldwide at its three shows held three times per year, hosted by Expos Unlimited, a division of  Collectors Universe  and a sister company of  Professional Coin Grading Service  (PCGS),  Professional Sports Authenticator  (PSA),  Certified Coin Exchange  (CCE),  Collectors Corner  and  Coinflation. To learn more about the Long Beach Expo, visit  www.longbeachexpo.com  or follow on  Instagram Twitter  and  Facebook.

Treasury Announces New U.S. Mint Acting Director

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Alison Doone as the new Acting Director of the U.S. Mint. Doone previously served as Chief Administrative Officer at the Mint. Doone’s first day as Acting Director will be on October 1 as Director David J. Ryder leaves the bureau to pursue new opportunities.

“I’m excited to serve the U.S. Mint as Acting Director to help it continue its important work,” said Alison Doone. “I look forward to working alongside the devoted Mint employees across the country and supporting our ongoing efforts to ensure that we are operating efficiently and producing quality products for the American people.”

“We thank Director Ryder for his dedicated service to the U.S. Mint and welcome Alison to serve in this role,” said Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo. “It is essential for the U.S. Mint to continue its critical operations to produce our coinage amid increased demand and safeguard American assets. I have confidence that Alison’s leadership will help us carry out this mission.”

“It was an honor to serve as the 34th and the 39th Director of the U.S. Mint,” said Director David J. Ryder. “During this global pandemic, the U.S. Mint has showcased American excellence. Not only did the Mint meet its primary mission of producing circulating coinage, but it generated near-record revenue by introducing wildly popular numismatic products at a time in which many of its peers around the world ceased operations. Thank you to all of the employees who work tirelessly and play a role in ensuring that the Mint can meet the demands of the public, deliver quality products, and operate effectively. I know that with Alison serving as Acting Director, the Mint will continue to do just that.”

Doone, a member of the Senior Executive Service since 2004, has served as the Mint’s Chief Administrative Officer since March 2021.

Before beginning her work with the Mint, Ms. Doone served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Education from August 2018 to March 2021; Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Energy from January 2013 to August 2018; Chief Financial Officer at the General Services Administration from September 2010 to January 2013; Chief and Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Internal Revenue Service from August 2005 to September 2010; and, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Drug Enforcement Administration from June 2004 to August 2005. Prior to her appointments in the SES, Ms. Doone served as a Senior Level (SL), Deputy Staff Director for Management at the Federal Election Commission from November 1999 to June 2004.

Ms. Doone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in finance from the University of Michigan.

2021 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® Available September 28

WASHINGTON – The 2021 United States Mint (Mint) Uncirculated Coin Set® will be available for purchase on September 28 at noon (EDT). This year, the set contains two folders with seven coins each—one with coins from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and the other with coins from the United States Mint at Denver. The following coins are included along with a Certificate of Authenticity:

One America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin honoring the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama—the final coin in the program.
The reverse (tails) depicts a Tuskegee Airman pilot suiting up to join the fight during World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The pilot looks upward with pride and confidence as two P-51 Mustangs pass overhead. The inscription “THEY FOUGHT TWO WARS” is arced across the top as a reference to the dual battles the Tuskegee Airmen fought—fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Chris Costello created the design, which United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill sculpted.

The obverse (heads) depicts a restored 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

One General George Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter
The reverse features General George Washington commanding his troops through the overnight crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River prior to the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “CROSSING THE DELAWARE,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” AIP Designer Benjamin Sowards created the design, which was sculpted by former Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso.

The obverse design marks a return to the familiar depiction of George Washington by John Flanagan as it appeared on the quarter from 1932 to 1998. It was modified for the 50 State Quarters and the America the Beautiful Quarters® Programs. In this depiction, Washington’s portrait is larger, with higher relief. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.”

One Native American $1 Coin
The theme of the 2021 coin is Native Americans in the U.S. Military. The reverse features eagle feathers, which were traditionally earned in battle or by performing a brave deed. Eagle feathers are revered and respected, receiving the utmost care and handling, and are to be displayed proudly in homes. Stars representing five branches of the U.S. Military are in the foreground, while a circle provides an additional reference to Native Americans. Inscriptions are “NATIVE AMERICANS – DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE SINCE 1775,” “$1,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” AIP Designer Donna Weaver created the design, which Chief Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted.an additional reference to Native Americans. Inscriptions are “NATIVE AMERICANS – DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE SINCE 1775,” “$1,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” AIP Designer Donna Weaver created the design, which Chief Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted.

The obverse retains the central figure of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coin.

  • One Kennedy half dollar
  • One Roosevelt dime
  • One Jefferson nickel
  • One Lincoln penny

The 2021 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set is priced at $25.25. To set up a REMIND ME alert, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/uncirculated-coin-set-2021-21RJ.html (product code 21RJ). This recurring set may also be purchased through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program and the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program. Click on the respective links for details.

To view additional United States Mint products, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of September 28, 2021, at noon EDT.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

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