Updated NLG 2018 Awards Competition news release

May 3, 2018 | Announcements

An important paragraph was mistakenly omitted during the (much too lengthy!) editing process for the 2018 Numismatic Literary Guild Awards Competition announcement.

The new ​(and now 4th) ​paragraph is below and the original NLG news release has been updated to reflect the change.

NLG Announces New Award Categories for 2018

May 3, 2018 | Announcements

The Numismatic Literary Guild (www.NLGonline.org), a nonprofit organization composed of editors, authors and writers who cover news and feature stories about all forms of money, medals and tokens as collectibles, has substantially revised its annual awards competition categories for 2018 and beyond.

“Working with awards coordinator Scott A. Travers and NLG board members John Albanese, David T. Alexander, Michael R. Fuljenz, Charles Morgan, Maurice Rosen, and other veteran hobby editors and writers, we reorganized the categories and brought the Guild into the 21st century,” said NLG Acting Executive Director Donn Pearlman. “We were overdue in recognizing that important numismatic-related information is available online and in media other than print.”

To be eligible for consideration in any of this years categories, entries must have been published, released, or posted on the Internet between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. With the exception of the Portfolio category, three (3) copies of each entry must be submitted, and each copy must also be accompanied by a cover sheet listing the category and other information spelled out in the rules.

Only one entry per category is allowed per submitter. Each submission must be accompanied by a cover sheet or label attached to each entry copy and containing the following information:

• CATEGORY NUMBER
• CATEGORY TITLE
• NAME OF PUBLICATION
• TITLE OF SUBMISSION
• DATE OF PUBLICATION
• NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF ENTRANT
• NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF AUTHOR IF DIFFERENT THAN ENTRANT

All entries must be received no later than Tuesday, June 12, 2018. They should be sent to the contest coordinator at the following address: Scott A. Travers, c/o Sal Germano, SGRC Inc., 625 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

“Entries in a number of categories will be judged by editors and other well-qualified individuals within and outside the numismatic field,” Travers commented. “We ask you to take special care in making sure that each copy is accompanied by a completed cover sheet listing all the information printed in boldface type in the preceding paragraph.”

Winners will be announced, and awards presented, at the 2018 NLG Bash and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, August 16® in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

If you submit an entry and can not be at the awards ceremony in person, you should indicate on your entry cover sheets the name of designated person who can accept the award on your behalf and deliver it to you.

For information about joining the Numismatic Literary Guild, visit www.nlgonline.org/membership.

Here are the NLG 2018 Awards Competition categories and criteria.

The printed or electronic media work having the greatest potential impact on numismatics. Criteria include overall reader appeal, research quality, photographic and graphic excellence, cover and typography where applicable. Books submitted in the specialized categories are automatically considered for Book of the Year.

Three printed copies or three digital e-books are required to be submitted for each entry category.

2. United States Coins
3. World Coins (pre-1500)
4. World Coins (1500 to present)
5. United States Paper Money
6. World Paper Money
7. Tokens & Medals
8. Error or Variety
9. Numismatic Investments

Best article or series of articles in print or online from U.S. and overseas numismatic media whose core staff are paid professionals. Three copies, photocopies or PDF files of the submission are required to accompany each entry.

10. U.S. Coins to 1900
11. U.S. Coins 1901 to Date
12. World Coins to 1500 (includes Ancients)
13. World Coins 1501 to Date
14. U.S. Paper Money
15. World Paper Money
16. Tokens & Medals
17. Numismatic Spot News, Marketplace, or Analysis
18. Numismatic History or Personalities

Submit three hard copies or photocopies of three different columns published in a numismatic print publication or online.

The best feature article or news story involving coins, paper money, tokens or medals that was published in print and/or online. Submit three copies or photocopies.

Three copies of two successive issues of the for-profit, professional numismatic publication may be submitted by the publisher or editor of any daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual for-profit numismatic publication in the U.S. or overseas. Criteria include overall numismatic appeal, features, departments, graphics, journalistic and editorial excellence as applicable.

Open to any local, regional, national or international nonprofit numismatic organization in the U.S. or overseas. Submit three copies of the two different issues.

Submit link(s) to entry pages or three copies of printed selected entry pages.

Submit link(s) to entry pages or three copies of print out of selected entry pages.

The award will be presented for the best numismatic-themed page or feed posted on a collector forum site (or message board) or social media site such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google Plus. Entries will be judged based on the quality of articles, external links, and graphics posted. Audience engagement also will be considered by the judges. Submit link(s) to entry pages or three print outs of selected entry pages.

Submit three copies or photocopies of three different columns. Entries may be submitted by the publisher, editor or columnist of any coin column appearing regularly in any non-numismatic newspaper, magazine or website.

This category is for web sites that are used to buy or sell coins, offer supplies or sell books or other forms of information related to numismatics. Three copies of the web site home page and all posted items linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor, are required to accompany this submission.

This category is for web sites maintained by coin clubs and other non-commercial organizations and individuals devoted to the coin hobby. Three copies of the web site home page and all posted items linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor, are required to accompany this submission.

This award recognizes the best interactive blog that communicates information and personal commentaries about the numismatic hobby. Please submit hard copies of three complete blog entries.

Best presentation of new numismatic-related software or mobile application published in CD-Rom, DVD, App Store or any other electronic format or electronic delivery system. For physical media, three copies of the work needs be submitted. For digitally distributed software or apps, three copies must also be provided, and if the entry is distributed on the Android or Apple store, written instructions must be provided about how to locate and download the app. Each entry must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of first use.

Three copies of each catalog are required for entry. Criteria includes cover design, overall eye appeal, format, graphics and layout, [content deleted] research and quality of description. Entries may be submitted by auction firm, auctioneer or cataloger. ONLY ONE CATALOG FROM EACH AUCTION FIRM will be considered in each category. Multiple entries in any category will be disqualified.

31. Best U.S. Coins Auction Catalog
32. Best World Coins Auction Catalog
33. Best Paper Money Auction Catalog
34. Best Books or Exonumia Auction Catalog

For best investment newsletter: Criteria include overall reader appeal, quality of research and writing, and graphics, as applicable. Submit three copies each of three different issues – total, nine submitted items per entry.

Collection of writings and/or photographs and related items demonstrating numismatic writing ability and versatility published within the contest year. The emphasis is on quality, not quantity, and organization and presentation will count as heavily as volume. One copy of the portfolio entry needs to be submitted and can be submitted as PDF files on a flash or thumb drive. Items included in the portfolio may also be submitted in other relevant categories at entrant’s option.

Best news story, feature report or continuing series involving numismatics. Entries must include three copies of a standard-size CD, flash/thumb drive or URL of a story or feature report or three selections from continuing series, accompanied by written statement citing date(s) of broadcast, call letters and location of radio station.

Best audio program or podcast involving numismatics, but non-broadcast. Includes audio tracks from numismatic slide shows, educational tapes, audio newsletters and other presentations such as podcasts. Entries must include three copies of a standard-size CD or flash/thumb drive of the audio, written statement citing date(s) of first use.

Best spot news story, feature report or continuing series involving numismatics shown on television or cable. Entries must include three standard-size CD, flash/thumb drive or VHS videocassette recording of the television story or feature report broadcast or three selections from a continuing televised series. Entry must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of broadcast, call letters and location of station.

Best non-broadcast slide film, PowerPoint®,movie film or videotape presentation involving numismatics made for educational purposes. Entry must include three copies of the audio as well as visual materials – either written script or soundtrack of DVD or CD, film, audio or video cassette or flash/thumb drive used in presentation.

This award, honoring the co-founder and longtime publisher of COINage magazine, recognizes the best numismatic article to appear in any medium, including both numismatic and non-numismatic magazines, newspapers and Internet Web sites. Submit three (3) copies or print-outs of an article dealing with any subject related to numismatics. Criteria include overall reader appeal, research quality and writing excellence. Articles submitted in this category may also be submitted in other applicable categories.

This award was endowed by Jim Miller of Miller Magazines in memory of an especially beloved member of the numismatic writing community and NLG founder, Clement F. Bailey. This award recognizes excellence among new writers in numismatics whose first published writings in this field appeared in hobby publications during the previous year. Nominees are supplied solely by numismatic publishers.

The winner is selected by the Numismatic Literary Guild in consultation with Professional Coin Grading Service.

This award recognizes service to the hobby and to the NLG. The winner is selected by the previous year’s recipient.

The winner of this award, the Guild’s highest honor, is chosen by the previous year’s recipient(s) from a list of nominees provided by the NLG Board of Directors.

UPDATE: Added the rules in the 4th paragraph. (May 3, 2018)

3rd Edition of Whitman’s Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars Expanded With New Research and Market Analysis

Apr 18, 2018 | Announcements

(Pelham, Alabama) — Whitman Publishing announces the release of the updated and expanded new third edition of A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, by professional numismatist Rick Tomaska. The 320-page book will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide on May 8, 2018, for $19.95. Before then it is available for preorder (including online at www.Whitman.com).

Franklin (1948–1963) and Kennedy (1964 to date) half dollars are two of the most popular series in modern U.S. coinage. “Collectors can enjoy challenges and rewards with these coins whether their hobby budget is $50 a month or $50,000,” said author Tomaska, who provides pricing in multiple grades for each coin. In addition to sharing behind-the-scenes knowledge of the retail and auction markets, Tomaska gives the history of their designs, production, and other technical and cultural aspects. He explores transitions in Mint craftsmanship and reveals why Franklin and Kennedy half dollars represent the end of an era. He studies the coins date by date with commentary on exceptional and highly toned specimens, describes how Proof coins are made and graded, and teaches about Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast, Full Bell Lines, certified coin populations, and other factors important to value and rarity. Collectible die varieties, tips for smart buying, and hundreds of full-color photographs round out the contents.

The third edition has been expanded by more than 10 percent, to 320 pages, with no change in its retail price of $19.95. New features in this edition include record auction and retail prices; coverage of the 1964–2014 gold and silver Kennedy half dollars; and new illustrated appendices on “Exceptional Cameo Contrast” and remarkable error and misstruck Franklin and Kennedy halves. In addition, Tomaska has included an illustrated chapter on Proof Liberty Walking half dollars, which he describes as “true classics born during the wonderful Renaissance era in American coin design” and as precursors to the Proofs of the Franklin series.

“Longtime specialists will appreciate the new information in this volume,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker, “while beginning collectors will benefit from an immersion in its two very popular and historically significant coin series.”

Numismatic historian Q. David Bowers, writing in the foreword, said, “By reading this book you can become an expert on these widely collected coins.”