Enjoy 2020 “Gold Rush” Prudently, Advises Accredited Precious Metals Dealers

PNG-APMD(Temecula, California) July 31, 2020 – Buyers of physical gold and silver during the 2020 “Gold Rush” should be wary of potential counterfeits in the marketplace, mistaking plated “gold coins” for bullion products, and avoid overpaying for any purchases, cautions the Accredited Precious Metals Dealers (APMD www.APMDdealers.org) division of the nonprofit Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG www.PNGdealers.org).

“Adding gold, silver or platinum bullion coins or ingots to an investment portfolio can be a smart choice, but knowing your seller can be a crucial choice,” advises PNG-APMD President Richard Weaver. “If you don’t know gold, you’d better know your gold dealer.”

Buyers should be cautious of an increase in counterfeit gold coins offered in the marketplace by unscrupulous sellers, and also beware of scam artists trying to lure investors with urgent claims of too-good-to-be-true low prices and quick, guaranteed bullion market profits.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (www.ACEFonline.org) has identified over 100 websites selling counterfeit precious metals coins and ingots. Information about the suspected spurious sellers has been given to the U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General, but buyers should always be prudent before making any purchases from unknown sellers,” cautions Weaver.

He also advises investors seeking bullion to know that base metal replicas in the marketplace, often advertised as “tribute coins,” may be merely plated or layered with just a microscopically thin coating of gold — only about $1 worth of actual precious metal.

“They may have limited secondary market value and should not be confused with genuine, legal tender gold bullion coins, such as the popular American Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf,” explains Weaver.

“To avoid potential scams, investors must know the credentials of the bullion dealer, not just what the dealer may tout in TV advertisements or on a fancy website,” added Weaver.

All members of the Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics (https://APMDdealers.org/apmd-code-of-ethics/) in the buying and selling of precious metals. A list of APMD member-dealers is online at www.APMDddealers.org/apmd-dealers or call the Professional Numismatists Guild at 951-587-8300.

U.S. Rare Coin Market Quite Active Despite Pandemic, Reports Professional Numismatists Guild

Auction houses set records with over $167 million in winning bids during the first six months of 2020

(Temecula, CA) July 6, 2020 – The market for high-quality, rare United States coins remained active during the first six months of 2020 despite pandemic-related closures of many retail locations and cancelation of dozens of coin shows and numismatic conventions around the country, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org). The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and paper money experts.

“Even with economic uncertainty and the lack of face-to-face transactions and in-person floor bidding, major auction firms reported selling more than $167 million of U.S. rare coins in online public auctions during the first half of the year. Dozens of record prices were established for coins selling for five, six and even seven figures,” said PNG President Richard Weaver.

One of the many examples of superb quality rare coins commanding record prices was the $101,251 winning bid for the finest known 1905 Barber design silver quarter-dollar graded PCGS MS68 CAC offered by GreatCollections Coin Auctions. It sold for four times its price guide value.

Over a half dozen coins brought $1 million or more. The two most valuable U.S. coins sold at auction so far in 2020 were a record $2,160,000 for a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens gold $20 (Double Eagle) graded PCGS Mint State 65+ CAC sold by Heritage Auctions, and $1,920,000 for an 1854-S gold $5 (Half Eagle) graded PCGS About Uncirculated 58 CAC sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

With a winning bid of $2,160,000, this 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was the most valuable U.S. rare coin sold at auction during the first half of 2020. (Image courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS.com.)

In addition to the reported auction results, PNG conservatively estimates that least another $150 million of U.S. coins were sold by these auction firms in private transactions in the first half of the year.

“Sales of precious metal bullion coins, such as gold and silver American Eagles, also have been active and premiums over their intrinsic value have risen as supplies dwindled due to pandemic-related interruptions of coin production at the United States Mint,” said Weaver.

“As always, to avoid counterfeits we recommend that buyers of rare coins or bullion coins should only purchase from reputable, knowledgeable dealers, such as members of the Professional Numismatists Guild and its Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program (www.APMDdealers.org),” he emphasized.

Auction firms responding to a PNG request for information were Bonhams (www.bonhams.com): Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers (www.GoldbergCoins.com): GreatCollections Coin Auctions (www.GreatCollections.com); Heritage Auctions (www.HA.com): Kagin’s (www.Kagins.com): David Lawrence Rare Coins (www.DavidLawrence.com): Scotsman Coin & Jewelry (www.scoins.com): and Stack’s Bowers Galleries (www.StacksBowers.com).

Additional information also was obtained through online auction archives at Christie’s (www.Christies.com); Legend Rare Coin Auctions (www.LegendAuctions.com); Sotheby’s (www.Sothebys.com); and Spink (www.Spink.com).

Professional Numismatists Guild members must adhere to a strict code of ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise. For additional information, visit www.PNGdealers.org or contact the PNG by phone at 951-587-8300 or email at info@pngdealers.org.

Taking Advantage of Gold & Silver Prices But Some Inventories Are Low

Accredited Precious Metals Dealers Urge Caution Against Market Scams

PNG-APMD(Temecula, California) April 2, 2020 — The recent jump in the price of gold due to stock market decreases and fear of the coronavirus has attracted new retail customers. The financial and public health concerns have also lured a return of many previous gold and silver bullion customers, but some inventories of physical bullion are low, according to members of the Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program (www.APMDdealers.org), a division of the nonprofit Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org).

“The ‘Gold Rush’ of significantly higher prices that started almost a year ago for gold continues with more new customers entering the market as well as current or former customers now adding more precious metals to their investments. We’ve had reports of increases of 10 to 20 percent in recent business,” said PNG-APMD President Richard Weaver.

“Some elderly investors are taking advantage of the price increase to sell their bullion coins and ingots to raise cash for paying taxes, medical expenses and buying food,” added Weaver. “We are also hearing from bullion dealers facing dwindling inventory, such as silver American Eagles, because of delivery delays from the United States Mint and private mints that produce silver rounds. The premiums charged over the spot price of the bullion have risen significantly, double in some cases from a few weeks ago.”

An informal survey of APMD member-dealers indicates some bullion coin and ingot buyers are focusing on silver because of the approximately 110 to 1 price ratio with gold.

“Buyers should be wary of counterfeit gold coins in the marketplace, many of them apparently made in China, and also be cautious of scam artists trying to lure them with urgent claims of too-good-to-be-true low prices and quick, guaranteed bullion market profits,” warned Weaver.

He also cautioned that investors should not confuse so-called tribute coins with actual bullion items.

“Many of the privately created tribute coins are made of base metal and merely coated with a microscopically thin layer of gold worth only about a dollar. Genuine American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf legal tender bullion coins are over 99 percent gold,” he explained.

“If you don’t know precious metals coins, you’d better know your precious metals coins dealer! You don’t want to pay too much or unwittingly purchase counterfeits when you buy, receive too little when you sell or send money to an unscrupulous seller who completely fails to deliver ordered merchandise,” he cautioned.

There are 51 Accredited Precious Metals Dealer members across the United States and each must adhere to a strict code of ethics (https://APMDdealers.org/apmd-code-of-ethics/) in the buying and selling of numismatic bullion items and guarantee the authenticity of the merchandise they sell.

A directory of APMD members can be found at www.APMDdealers.org/apmd-dealers. For additional information, contact the Professional Numismatists Guild at 951-587-8300 or by email at info@PNGdealers.org.

PNG Now Accepting 2020 Awards Nominations

(Temecula, California) March 19, 2020 – The Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) is now accepting nominations for its 2020 awards, according to PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

“Each year the PNG publicly recognizes outstanding achievements in the hobby and the profession by honoring deserving recipients with awards in a half-dozen categories. We cordially welcome and strongly encourage nominations from all collectors and dealers,” said Brueggeman.

Award nominations must be made by May 29, 2020, and should be sent directly to the appropriate award category officials. The categories and contacts are:

Abe Kosoff Founders Award: Presented to a PNG member-dealer with steadfast dedication to the entire numismatic community and who has made a significant contribution to the Guild or to the numismatic fraternity in general the past year. The award is named after PNG’s Founding President who spearheaded the 1953 launch of the organization. Committee Chairs: Richard Weaver and Wayde Milas. Emails: RWeaver@dvrcc.com and WMilas@rarecoa.com.

Sol Kaplan Award: To recognize efforts and contributions in combatting crimes against the numismatic community, this award is presented to someone who has given their time in an attempt to rid the profession of fraud and thievery. The award is jointly presented by the PNG and the Lewis M. Reagan Foundation. It is named after a former PNG President and Ohio dealer who was personally responsible for the apprehension of several people suspected of committing numismatic-related crimes. Committee Chair: Robert Brueggeman. Email: Bob@ppius.com.

Robert Friedberg Award: Presented to an author in recognition for an outstanding book or other literature. Named in honor of a publisher and author of numismatic reference books, this award is not automatically given each year. It is only given when there is deemed to be a worthy recipient or recipients. Committee Chair: James A. Simek. Email: nge3@comcast.net. Note: A copy of each book nominated for this year’s award must be submitted for delivery no later than May 30, 2020 to James A. Simek, P.O. Box 7157, Westchester, IL 60154-7157.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a numismatist for his/her extraordinary devotion to numismatics and who, over their lifetime, significantly contributed to the hobby or profession. Committee Co-Chairs: John Brush and James Sego. Emails: John@DavidLawrence.com and JSego@JMScoins.com.

Significant Contribution Award: Given to those who have made exceptional, beneficial efforts over the years on behalf of PNG and the profession, and also added to the hobby. Committee Co-Chairs: Barry Stuppler and Duston Johnston. Emails: Barry@Stuppler.com and Dustin@ha.com.

Art Kagin Ambassador Award: This award is named after a former PNG President and nationally-known Iowa dealer who provided distinguished service as an advocate of numismatic goodwill. Committee Co-Chairs: Don Ketterling and Don Rinkor. Emails: DHKconsulting@verizon.net and Don@rinkor.com.

The award winners will be announced at the annual PNG Day banquet scheduled for August 3, 2020 following the planned PNG Day show (www.PNGdealers.org/png-events). The PNG Day show, at the David L. Lawrence Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be open to the public and conducted the day before the start of the planned American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money® (www.WorldsFairofMoney.com) at the convention center.

The Professional Numismatists Guild is a nonprofit trade association composed of the country’s top rare coin and paper money dealers who must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics (www.PNGdealers.org/code-of-ethics) in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For additional information about the PNG awards, contact Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590. Phone: 951-587-8300. Email: info@PNGdealers.org. Online: www.PNGdealers.org.

Hundreds of Rare Coin Record Prices In 2019, Reports PNG

(Temecula, California) December 30, 2019 — The emphasis in the United States rare coin market in 2019 was again on superb quality and exceptional rarity with hundreds of record prices reached at major public auctions, according to a year-end tabulation by the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org). The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and paper money dealers.

Based on responses to a year-end PNG questionnaire, the aggregate prices realized for U.S. rare coins sold at major public auctions in 2019 totaled more than $325 million, compared to $345 million in 2018 and $316 million in 2017.

Six U.S. coins sold for $1 million or more during the year, five at auction and one by private transaction. Although sales of paper money were not included in the aggregate auction total, three rare U.S. bank notes also sold at public auction in 2019 for $1 million or more.

“The coin market overall seems very healthy,” stated PNG President Richard Weaver.

“As in past years, fresh ‘quality’ coins coming back on the market or appearing for the first time are very easy to sell. One of the main purchasing criteria for us is ‘eye appeal’ versus simply a ‘coin in a holder.’ On the other hand, common generic coins are plentiful, and values for some continue to slide. The market for coins not independently certified for authenticity and grade also appears to be sliding on non-bullion-based items such as semi-key Lincoln cents, Liberty Head nickels in fine/very fine and others,” explained Weaver.

“Bullion-related coins such as silver Washington quarters and Franklin half dollars in circulated condition also seem to be only staying at or very slightly above bullion value. One of the highlights of bullion value related numismatic items seems to be the increased interest in circulated, pre-1933 US gold coins. We saw steady sales in this market sector throughout the year. The bullion market is obviously stronger dollar-wise with the spot prices increasing led by palladium at roughly 50%, platinum 18%, gold 15% and silver at 8%,” he noted.

“There seems to be an accumulation of precious metals taking place which hopefully can spill over into the numismatic marketplace. Also, we cannot overlook the United States Mint’s release of the 2019 Enhanced Reverse Proof Silver Eagle. We saw some renewed interest in collectors buying older date American Eagle bullion coins to start or complete their sets by date,” said Weaver.

While prices declined during 2019 for some U.S. coins in easily available lower grades, hundreds of noteworthy coins that are among the finest known of their kind from early American to modern set price records at auctions. For example, a silver 1964 Kennedy half dollar from a previously unreported United States Mint special mint set, graded PCGS SP68, established a record price for any modern, non-error U.S. coin, $156,000, in an auction conducted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries which sold an aggregate total of $59.7 million of rare coins at auctions in 2019.

The most valuable U.S. rare coin sold in 2019 was a proof 1885 silver Trade dollar, graded NGC PR66, for a record $3,960,000 at an auction by Heritage Auctions which sold a total of $181.3 million of U.S. rare coins at auctions in 2019.

The auction firms that responded to the PNG year-end questionnaire are: Bonhams (www.Bonhams.com); Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers (www.GoldbergCoins.com): GreatCollections Coin Auctions (www.GreatCollections.com); Heritage Auctions (www.HA.com); Kagin’s (www.Kagins.com); David Lawrence Rare Coins (www.DavidLawrence.com); Legend Rare Coin Auctions (www.LegendAuctions.com); Sotheby’s (www.Sothebys.com): and Stack’s Bowers Galleries (www.StacksBowers.com).

The Professional Numismatists Guild was founded in 1955, and its member-dealers must adhere to a strict code of ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For additional information and a list of PNG member-dealers, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call the PNG headquarters in Temecula, California at (951) 587-8300.

PNG 2020 YN Scholarship Competition Opens

(Temecula, California) December 2, 2019 — The annual Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) Young Numismatist (YN) Scholarship Competition has opened. The PNG will provide a scholarship to a deserving YN to attend one session of the 2020 American Numismatic Association (www.money.org) Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 27-July 2 or July 4-9.

“This is the 16th consecutive year that PNG will be providing airfare, tuition for one of the ANA Summer Seminar sessions, meals and five nights of dormitory accommodations on the campus of Colorado College, site of the ANA headquarters,” said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

“All young numismatists between the ages of 13 and 22 are eligible to enter and are cordially invited to apply for the scholarship. Entrants must submit a short essay outlining why they should be chosen as this year’s scholarship recipient. The deadline for receipt of the entries is Friday, March 13, 2020,” explained Brueggeman.

Entries must include the applicant’s name, age and contact information. The essays can be sent by email to info@PNGdealers.org or by mail to the PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590.

“We’re most appreciative to PNG for again making a scholarship available to a young numismatist,” said ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow into a more informed collector. Many previous Summer Seminar attendees have gone on to become hobby leaders and successful dealers.”

The two Annual ANA Summer Seminar six-day sessions will be held Saturday, June 27, to Thursday, July 2, and from Saturday, July 4, to Thursday, July 9, 2020. Participants ranging from teenagers to seniors take class instruction on specific numismatic-related topics or the hobby’s technical and business aspects. Additional information about the ANA Summer Seminar can be found on the ANA website at www.money.org/summerseminar.

“The money to pay for the annual PNG YN Scholarship is administered from the PNG’s Gerald Bauman Memorial Fun,” explained PNG President Richard Weaver. “Bauman, who died in 2001, served for many years as a prominent coin dealer with Manfra, Tordella & Brookes in New York City.”

The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin and paper money dealers in the United States and four other countries. PNG member-dealers must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics (www.pngdealers.org/code-of-ethics) in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For additional information about PNG or the young numismatists scholarship program, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.

PNG tips to avoid gold scams

(Temecula, California) November 4, 2019 – Adding gold, silver or platinum bullion coins or ingots to an investment portfolio can be a smart choice, but knowing your seller can be a crucial choice, advises the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org), a nonprofit organization of many of the country’s top rare coin and bullion coin experts.

In recent months, law enforcement officials in Florida, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Utah have charged several reputedly unscrupulous merchants with selling counterfeit coins to unsuspecting investors and/or not paying for genuine coins submitted for sale by customers.

“To avoid potential scams, such as counterfeits, and to avoid paying too much when you buy or receiving too little when you sell, investors absolutely must know the credentials of the bullion dealer,” cautioned PNG President Richard Weaver. “If you don’t know gold, you’d better know your gold dealer.”

The PNG has established an Accredited Precious Metals Dealer (APMD) program to provide consumer and investor protection in the marketplace. Every APMD member must follow a strict Code of Ethics (https://www.apmddealers.org/join-apmd#code) in the buying and selling of precious metals. The merchants recently charged with unlawful activities are not members of PNG or APMD.

In addition to only dealing with APMD expert members when buying or selling physical precious metals, Weaver also offers these tips to bullion investors.

“Know the current spot price of the precious metal you want to buy or sell. Bullion items, such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand, usually sell for only about three to five percent above the current spot price depending on the quantity purchased,” explained Weaver.

He also advises to take prompt delivery of the bullion items you purchase.

“Be wary of sellers who want to keep and store your gold, or claim it will take months to deliver items to you. Also, beware of high-pressure selling prices that would force you to wait for gold or silver to double or triple in value before you could make a profit,” Weaver added.

For additional information about the Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program, call the Professional Numismatists Guild at (951) 587-8300 or visit the APMD website, www.APMDdealers.org, where an online directory of APMD member-dealers is available.

Former Police Chief Doug Davis Named Anti-Counterfeiting Director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation

Doug Davis(Rosemont, Illinois) August 13, 2019 – Doug Davis, founder of the Numismatic Crime Information Center (www.NumismaticCrimes.org) and a former Police Chief of the Dallas suburb of Pantego, Texas, has been selected by the nonprofit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF www.ACEFonline.org) to be its next Director of Anti-Counterfeiting.

Davis has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and in helping to combat numismatic-related crimes. He served the past two years as Chair of the Education-Law Enforcement workgroup for the ACEF Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force.

The Task Force’s Expert Network is composed of more than 90 volunteer experts who assist local, regional and federal law enforcement agencies on cases involving counterfeit coins and precious metal bullion products. The Task Force also provides education to consumers about how to protect themselves from being defrauded by counterfeit coins and precious metals bars they may encounter.

Doug Davis

Beth Deisher

The ACEF Board of Directors announced the appointment of Davis at the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) awards banquet on August 12, 2019, on the eve of the American Numismatic Association Chicago World’s Fair of Money®. He will succeed former Coin World Editor Beth Deisher who is stepping down as ACEF Director of Anti-Counterfeiting to devote more time to research and writing projects. She will continue to serve as a consultant during a transition period.

In the past two years, Deisher and the Task Force provided assistance in more than 70 active cases of counterfeit coins and precious metal bullion products being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General.

In 1987, Davis established the Numismatic Crime Information Center within the Pantego Police Department to assist law enforcement officers in the investigation of crimes against collectors and dealers. Later that same year he was instrumental in assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the development of the National Stolen Coin File.

Both the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild have honored Davis for his work to prevent, combat and solve numismatic-related crimes.

The Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation is composed of volunteer members of the Professional Numismatists Guild board who handle the administrative duties and assist with fund-raising needed to support the Task Force’s efforts to fight fakes.

“The ACEF is a 501(c)(3) corporation and separate from the PNG. All donations to ACEF are tax deductible. The important work of the foundation and the task force are supported entirely by donations,” explained the foundation’s and PNG’s Executive Director Robert Brueggeman whose background is in law enforcement and security.

For additional information and to make a donation, contact the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation at 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590. The phone number is 951-587-8300. Or visit the web site at www.acefonline.org.

PNG Honors Paul Nugget With 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award

Paul Nugget

Paul Nugget thanked the PNG for receiving the 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award at the organization’s annual awards banquet. (Photo credit: Donn Pearlman.)

(Rosemont, Illinois) August 12, 2019 – The Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) has honored Paul Nugget of East Meadow, New York with the PNG 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award for his steadfast dedication to the entire numismatic community and significant contributions to the Guild and the numismatic fraternity in general. The award is named after PNG’s Founding President who spearheaded the 1953 launch of the organization.

The announcement of the award to Nugget was made at the organization’s annual banquet held on PNG Day this year in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois on August 12, 2019, the eve of the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money®.

In 1969, Nugget decided that his job at the time as a crane operator at the Brooklyn Navy Yard was not the career path he wanted. So, he took his childhood passion for Indian Head cents and coin collecting and went to work at a local coin shop.

In 1971, he joined Manfra Tordella & Brookes in New York, and over the years worked at several other numismatic firms. He is currently affiliated with David Lawrence Rare Coins. A PNG member since 1980, Nugget has been a respected mentor to many of today’s outstanding dealers and avid collectors.

John Brush, Paul Nugget, Robert Brueggeman

Paul Nugget (center) was presented the PNG 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award by PNG member-dealer John Brush (left) and PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman (right). (Photo credit: Donn Pearlman.)

The Sol Kaplan Award, to recognize efforts and contributions in combatting crimes against the numismatic community, was presented to Buddy Alleva of Massapequa, Long Island, New York. He has spent many hours assisting federal law enforcement agencies investigating tons of counterfeit coins arriving from China through the Port of Long Island.

The Sol Kaplan Award is jointly presented by the PNG and the Lewis M. Reagan Foundation and is named after a former PNG President and Ohio dealer who was personally responsible for the apprehension of several people suspected of committing numismatic-related crimes.

The Robert Friedberg Award, presented to an author in recognition of an outstanding book or other literature, was given to Catharine C. Lorber for her reference book, Coins of the Ptolemaic Empire, Part I (Ptolemy I through Ptolemy IV): Volume I (Precious Metal) and Volume 2 (Bronze), published by the American Numismatic Society. The Friedberg Award, named after a longtime publisher and author of numismatic reference books, is not automatically awarded each year.

Dana Samuelson of Austin, Texas was honored with the PNG Distinguished Service Award for 10 years of service as a member of the PNG Board and as PNG President (2015-1017). This was only the second time this award has been given since its inception in 2015.

The PNG 2019 Significant Contribution Award was presented to former PNG President Q. David Bowers of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, who also is a former ANA President. This award is given to those who have made exceptional, beneficial efforts over the years on behalf of PNG and the profession, and also added to the hobby.

The Art Kagin Ambassador Award, named after a former PNG President who provided distinguished service as an advocate of numismatic goodwill, was presented to Jack Beymer of Santa Rosa, California.

In a related announcement at the PNG awards dinner, the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (www.acefonline.org) presented its Alan Kruezer Memorial Award to Dayton, Ohio coin collector Jack D. Young for his extensive work assisting researchers and numismatic specialists combat deceptive fakes offered in the marketplace. He is a member of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force Expert Network and founder of the Facebook counterfeit watch group, “The Dark Side.”

The Kruezer Award is named after the late Alan “Al” Kreuzer who was instrumental in alerting the hobby about counterfeit third-party certification holders and fake insert labels.

PNG leaders recognized three dealers for 50 years of membership in the organization: Ira M. Goldberg, Lawrence S. Goldberg and Joel D. Rettew.

Four others were recognized for 25 years of PNG membership: dealers Donald H. Kagin, Thomas J. Smith and Chris Napolitano, and PNG Executive Director Robert R. Brueggeman.

The Professional Numismatists Guild is a nonprofit trade association composed of the country’s top rare coin and paper money dealers who must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics (www.PNGdealers.org/code-of-ethics) in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For additional information about the PNG awards, contact Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590. Phone: 951-587-8300. Email: info@PNGdealers.org. Online: www.PNGdealers.org.

Richard Weaver Selected As New PNG President

Richard Weaver(Rosemont, Illinois) August 12, 2019 – Officers of the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) have selected Richard Weaver to be the organization’s President for the 2019–2021 term. Weaver was selected during the PNG Board of Directors meeting in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois on August 11, 2019.

Weaver is President of Delaware Valley Rare Coin Company in Broomall, Pennsylvania.

He grew up in the coin business and began his full-time career in numismatics in 1983. Weaver is well known for his expertise in United States coinage and bullion items from around the world, and is a leader in combating counterfeits in the marketplace. For the past two years he served as PNG Vice President.

“My initial goals as PNG President are to reacquaint the collector and public with what the PNG is and what its members stand for. Help dealers realize that membership is not an ‘elite old boys club,’ but rather it is for dealers who have good reputations and are looking to help and not take advantage of collectors or the public. For the membership to remember what they stand for: knowledge, integrity and responsibility; the motto of the PNG. And, to continue the important fight against counterfeiting,” Weaver stated.

The other PNG officers selected for the 2019-2021 term are: Vice President Wade Milas of RARCOA in Willowbrook, Illinois; Treasurer Don Rinkor of Rinkor Rare Coins in Santa Rosa, California; and Secretary James A. Simek of Numisgraphic Enterprises in Westchester, Illinois.

In addition to the officers, PNG Board members for the new term are returning directors John Brush of David Lawrence Rare Coins in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Don Ketterling of D.H. Ketterling Consulting in Reno, Nevada; and immediate Past President Barry Stuppler of Mint State Gold by Stuppler and Company in Woodland Hills, California.

Two new members have joined the PNG Board. They are Dustin Johnston of Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, and James Sego of JMS Coins in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho who previously served on the board from 2015-2017.

“Under PNG Bylaws, member-dealers of the organization elect the board members at large, and then the elected board members select the officers from within their group. During their August 11 meeting, the nine-member board chose the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary,” explained PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

The new PNG Board members also serve as volunteer board members for the nonprofit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (www.ACEFonline.org) to handle administrative duties and assist with fund-raising needed to support ACEF’s efforts to fight fakes.

“The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation and separate from PNG. All donations to ACEF are tax deductible,” explained Brueggeman.

Founded in 1955, the Professional Numismatists Guild is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and paper money dealers. A directory of dealers, the PNG Member Code of Ethics and the organization’s Collector’s Bill of Rights can be found at www.PNGdealers.org.

For additional information, contact the PNG by email at info@PNGdealers.org or by phone at 951-587-8300.

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