Table Of ContentAmerican
Numismatic
Biographies
Pete Smith
© Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved
American Numismatic Biographies was first published as a book in 1992. Just twenty-five
hardbound copies and seventy-five unbound copies were issued. There has been much interest in
making this available to a broader audience. Additional publication in print remains possible.
Included are individuals who have made some significant contribution to American
numismatics at the national level. These include people who appear on government issued coins,
paper money and medals. They include dealers who have conducted sales and issued catalogs for
these sales. They include collectors known through these catalogs. Writers, editors and
publishers of significant works are included. Also included are those who have served as founder
or president of a national collectors organization.3
This document is intended for the private use of individuals. It may not be printed, copied or
distributed. It is also intended to allow individuals to review their listings and offer updates or
corrections.
Send additions, changes or corrections to: [email protected]
If you would like to nominate someone for listing, send a note indicating why they should be
included. Any biographical information would be appreciated.
Last modified April 30, 2022. Updates will be made as information is added.
Send changes to [email protected]
1
Abbey, Lorenzo Harris (b. 1/14/1822 d. 3/17/1881)
Born near Albany, New York. Maried to Ann B. Ackerman, Jennifer Nichole
Loosee with a daughter. Conventions Director for the American Numismatic
Coins from the Abbey collection were included in an Association.
1863 auction by Henry Leeds and an 1864 auction by
Woodward. Adams, Abigail (Smith) First Spouse (b. 11/11/1744 d.
He died at Jacksonville, Florida 10/28/1818)
bio: The Numismatic Mall Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Married to John
Adams, her third cousin,. on October 25, 1764. Mother of
Abbott, Pauline “Polly” (b. 12/19/1921 d. 8/16/2005) six children including John Quincy Adams.
Born in Maine. Married to Edmund with four children. She was the first presidential wife to live in the White
Treasurer of Florida United Numismatists (FUN). House.
Travelling ambassador for FUN at other coin conventions. Abigail appears on the “First Spouse” $10 gold coin
Named a Numismatic News Numismatic Ambassador released on June 19, 2007 and the corresponding bronze
in 1995. Received an ANA President’s Award in 1998. medal. The obverse was designed and sculpted by Joseph
She died at Clearwater, Florida. Menna. Reverse was designed by Thomas Cleveland and
Profile: NN WW 1/5/99 sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.
Abler, Ronald J. “Ron” (b. 3/9/1944 L2022) Adams, Edgar Holmes Author, Dealer (b. 4/7/1868 d.
Served as a pilot in the U. S. Navy during the Vietnam 5/5/1940)
War, retired 1987. Software engineer and partner in AOM Born in Grafton, West Virginia. At the age of 12 he was
Associates. accidently shot in the leg. This injury resulted in a disability
Author of A Cabinet of Centennial Medals (2012). and led to sedentary activities such as numismatics.
Married to Sadie Ellen Degman.
Abrams, Julie A. (b. 5/14/1964 L2021) Adams was a co-founder of the New York Numismatic
Received B. A. from University of Vermont in 1986. Club in 1908. He wrote a numismatic column for the New
Co-founder of Teletrade in 1986. Named president of York Sun. He replaced Albert Frey and served as editor of
the numismatic division of Teletrade in 1992. Consignment The Numismatist 1912 to 1915. In 1912 he became the first
Director for Stack’s 2003 to 2009. President of Legend- paid employee of the ANA at a salary of $60 per month.
Morphy Rare Coin Auctions after 2012. His frequent articles included many on the people in
In 2021 she was on the Coin World list of The Most numismatics. At the 1912 to 1916 ANA conventions he
Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020. exhibited pattern coins and a Confederate Half Dollar. He
In 2022 she joined Hugh Wood, Inc. as global business also exhibited patterns at the ANS in 1914.
development leader. Adams was author of:
Official Premium List of U. S. and Territorial
Abramson, Tony Author Gold Coins published in 1909.
Author of Studies in Early Medieval Coinage; Sceattes: United States Pattern, Trial and Experimental
Al Illustrated Guide; Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits, Fakes, Pieces with William H. Woodin in 1913.
Forgeries, and Facsimilie AD 600-1066; Early Medieval The ANS published 200 copies as the only book
Numismatic Bibliography. President of Yorkshire in their American Numismatic Series.
Numismatic Society in Leeds, UK. Private Gold Coinage of California, 1849-1855,
Its History and Its Issues originally published
Abruzzo, Ben(jamin Lawrence) Balloonist (b. 6/9/1930 in the AJN in 1913.
d. 2/11/1985) Hard Times Tokens Illustrated.
Born in Rockford, Illinois. Received B.S. from the United States Store Cards in 1920.
University of Illinois in 1952. Married Patricia Steer June Adams cataloged William H. Woodin coins for sale
6, 1952. They had four children. Served in U.S. Air Force February 10, 1911. He issued one fixed price list in
1952 to 1954. Real estate developer. Chairman and December 1913. He was employed by the Guttag Bros in
president of Alvarado Realty Company. 1927. Adams coins were included in Thomas Elder sales
In 1978 became one of the first to fly a balloon across June 27, 1932 and April 11, 1935. The 1935 sale included
the Atlantic. For this he received a congressional gold his collection of 350 pattern coins.
medal. In 1981 Abruzzo, Rocky Aoki, Ron Clark and Larry Adams was an invalid for about eight years prior to his
Newman flew the balloon Double Eagle V from death. He died at home in Bayville, Long Island, New
Nagashima, Japan, to northern California. York. In 1969 he was elected to the ANA Numismatic Hall
He and his wife died in an airplane crash in of Fame. In 2014 he was inducted into the PCGS CoinFacts
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Coin Dealer Hall of Fame.
legal ref: Public Law 96-20, 93 Stat. 45 obit: NUM 53 Jun 1940 pages 425-426 (photo); ANAHist 596
bio: ConAut 115; WWWest 84 obit: NYT 2/12/85
see: Transatlantic Balloonists
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2
Adams, Eva (Bertrand) Director of the Mint (b. Dealer in New York City. Adams cataloged 30 auction
9/10/1908 d. 8/23/1991) sales from 1903 through 1906. Five of these named himself
Born in Wonder, Nevada. Graduate with B.A. from the as consignor. In October 1906 he was expelled from the
University of Nevada. She received an M.A. from ANA. No reason was given.
Columbia University in 1936. Employed as a school Author of The History of the Dollar (1905). Edited The
teacher in Las Vegas and assistant dean of women at the Coin Cabinet 1905-1906.
University of Nevada 1937 to 1940. She received an LL.B. He died in San Francisco.
from the Washington College of Law at American bio: Adams II
University in 1950 and was admitted to the Nevada bar in
1950. Adams, Henry Sewall (Sewell) Collector (b. 8/3/1831 d.
She served as administrative assistant to Senator Pat 9/27/1916)
McCarran 1940 to 1954, for Senator Ernest Brown in 1954, Born in Derry, New Hampshire. A deceased brother
and for Senator Alan Bible 1954 to 1961. (1827-1831) had the same name. Married to Hannah Mary
Appointed 27th Director of the Mint by President Little. They had three daughters and two sons. .Resident of
Kennedy and reappointed by President Johnson. She Boston. Member of the Boston Numismatic Society.
served from October 1961 to September 1969. On May 19, He purchased the 1804 dollar from the Cohen
1966, she received the Exceptional Service Award from the collection for $325. Loren Parmelee bought it for $500 in
Treasury Department. 1876. His collection was sold at auction by Edward Cogen
The Adams era included several changes important to October 30-November 1, 1876. The collection included a
numismatics. Mint production was increased to reduce the Virginia Shilling (sold for $110) and Lord Baltimore
shortage of circulating coins. In an attempt to reduce Groat. An 1815 half eagle realized $150.
hoarding by coin collectors, mint marks were eliminated. He died at Newbury, Massachusetts.
Proof set production was discontinued from 1965 to 1967. [His middle name appears in numismatic references as
Special mint sets were issued during these years. both Sewall and Sewell. However, the name Sewall
The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized, designed and appears more frequently in other generations of the
produced in a few months after his assassination. Rising family.]
costs of silver led to the elimination of this precious metal
from circulating coinage. Copper nickel clad coinage was Adams, Jewett W(illiams) Superintendent (b. 8/6/1835 d.
introduced in 1965. 6/18/1920)
A new Philadelphia Mint was constructed at 16th and Born at South Hero Island, Grand Isle County,
Spring Garden Streets. Groundbreaking was September 17, Vermont. Moved to California in 1852. Employed in
1965; the cornerstone was laid September 18, 1968; the mining 1852 to 1857. Moved to Carson City, Nevada,
facility opened August 14, 1969. Adams' term ended the about 1864. He became a successful cattle rancher. Married
following month. From 1969 to 1978 she was assistant to Emma Lee in 1878.
the chairman of Mutual of Omaha and a lobbyist in Elected Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and served
Washington. 1874 to 1882. Elected Governor and served 1882 to 1886.
In 1970 she was named a director of the Medallic Art Adams served as Superintendent of the Carson City
Company of New York City. She served on the ANA board Mint May 20, 1894 through September 1898. He died in
of governors 1971 to 1975. In 1974 she received the NLG San Francisco.
"Clemy" Award. She received the ANA Medal of Merit in bio: NCAB 11; WWWA-1
1984. In 1986 she was elected to the ANA Hall of Fame.
She died in Reno, Nevada. Adams never married. The Adams, John President (b. 10/30/1735 [10/19 O.S.] d.
Numismatist listed P. M. (Pearl Mae) Williams as her 7/4/1826)
"longtime friend and companion." Born in Braintree, now called Quincy, Massachusetts.
Adams appears on two mint medals (first term USM He Graduated from Harvard in 1755. Taught school at
318; second term USM 319) with obverse dies by Frank Worcester, Massachusetts. Studied law and was admitted
Gasparro and reverse dies by Michael Iacocca. to the bar in 1758. Opened a law office in Suffolk County.
Adams appears on the Assay Commission Medal for Married Abigail Smith October 25, 1764. Father of five
1967 (AC-111). The obverse was reduced from the regular children including John Quincy Adams.
Adams medal (USM-318). The reverse was by Michael Adams served as a delegate to the first and second
Iacocca. Continental Congress in 1774 and 1775. He was a signer
bio: NUM 104 Nov 1991 page 1717; WWA 86; WWAW 86 obit: of the Declaration of Indepen
CW 9/11/91; NN 9/10/91; NYT 8/27/91; NUM 104 Nov 1991 page dence. He supported the appointment of George
1823
Washington as general of the American Army. Appointed
Adams, Geoffrey Charlton Author, Dealer (b. 5/11/1864 Commissioner to the court of France in 1778 and minister
d. 5/23/1939) to Holland and minister to England 1785 to 1788. He
Born in Covington, Kentucky. negotiated a treaty with Holland.
He served as Vice President under Washington 1789 to
March 3, 1797. Elected as 2nd President and served March
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3
4, 1797, through March 3, 1801. His Vice President was bio: ApCAB; BDEB; DAB; Drake; Failor; Limpert; Loubat; NCAB
Thomas Jefferson who defeated him in the presidential 5; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H profile CW 1/1/2001
election of 1801. He was a delegate to the Constitutional
Adams, John W(eston) Author, Collector, Researcher (b.
Convention of Massachusetts in 1820. He died in Quincy,
4/2/1936 L2019)
Massachusetts, on the same day as Jefferson, on the 50th
Born in Boston. Received AB from Princeton in 1957
anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
and MBA from Harvard in 1960. Married Mary Markle
Independence.
Pierce August 29, 1959. They have three children. Married
No Indian peace medals were produced for Adams
Regina on June 28, 2000. Employed in research department
during his term in office. The Washington seasons medals,
for Kuhn Loeb & Co. in New York City 1960 to 1961.
produced in England, were not delivered until July 1798.
Assistant treasurer at Corning Glass Works 1961 to 1966.
They were used during the Adams administration and later.
Chairman of Adams, Harkness & Hill, later Canacord
Adams medals were produced to satisfy collector
Adams, investment bankers in Boston. He is a fellow of the
demand for a complete series of presidential medals. A
Massachusetts Historical Society, the ANS, and the
51mm medal (Julian IP-1) was produced in December
American Antiquarian Society.
1878. The larger 76mm medal (USM 102) was issued
Adams was editor of Monographs on Varieties of
about 1904. Obverse die was by Moritz Furst. The reverse
United States Large Cents 1793-1794 published in 1976 at
is the common die by John Reich. Modern copies (USM
$20. Author of United States Numismatic Literature
102) have been sold by the mint.
Volume I Nineteenth Century Auction Catalogs issued in
The John Adams presidential dollar coin was released
1982. Volume II covering twentieth century catalogs was
May 17, 2007. A launch ceremony was held in Quincy,
published in 1991.
Massachusetts on May 22, 2007. The obverse was designed
Author of The Indian Peace Medals of George III
by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Charles Vickers.
(1999), The Medals Concerning John Law and the
bio: ApCAB; BDEB; DAB; Drake; Failor; Loubat; NCAB 7;
TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H Mississippi System (2006); with Anne Bentley of Comitia
Americana and Related Medals (2007; with Fernando
Adams, John Quincy President (b. 7/11/1767 d. Chao of The Medallic Portraits of Admiral Vernon (2010).
2/23/1848) Adams assembled a collection of 1794 cents that was
Born in Braintree, now called Quincy, Massachusetts. sold at fixed prices by Bowers and Ruddy in 1982. Their
Son of President John Adams. Graduate of Harvard in catalog, The Celebrated John W. Adams Collection, is an
1787. Admitted to the bar in 1790 and practiced law in important reference in the field.
Newburyport, Massachusetts. Married Louisa Catherine Adams consigned part of his library including
Johnson July 26, 1797. manuscripts, correspondence and documents relating to
Adams served as minister to the Netherlands 1794 to large cents to auction by George Frederick Kolbe June 1,
1797. He negotiated a treaty in Berlin. Elected Senator and 1990. Duplicates from his library were sold at auction by
served 1803 to 1808 where he opposed the purchase of the Money Tree March 13, 1989, February 26, 1990, and July
Louisiana Territory. Served as minister to England 1815 to 30, 1990. His Indian peace medals were sold via Stack’s
1817 re-establishing relations following the War of 1812. January 6, 1909.
Appointed Secretary of State and served March 5, 1817, to Vice President and board member for NBS 2001 to
March 3, 1825. Elected as sixth President and served 2007, President 2007-2009. President of Medal Collectors
March 4, 1825, through March 3, 1829. His Vice President of America (MCA) 2005-2009; editor of Medals
was John C. Calhoun. He was defeated by Jackson in his Collectors Advisory after 2004.
attempt for a second term. He served in the House of In 2016, John and Regina received the ANS Trustees’
Representatives from 1831 until his death in 1848. He died Award.
in Washington, D. C. bio: WWA 82; WWF&I 83; CAT Bowers and Ruddy;
Adams appears on Indian Peace Medals. Three sizes correspondence, 1990. Email 2010
were produced; 76 mm (Julian IP-11), 62 mm (Julian IP-
Adams, Louisa Catherine (Johnson) First Spouse (b.
12), and 51 mm (Julian IP-13). The obverse die was by
2/12/1775 d. 5/15/1852)
Moritz Furst. The reverse is the common die by John
Born in London. (The only foreign born First Spouse)
Reich. The modern mint copies are 76 mm (USM 106).
Married to John Quincy Adams on July 26, 1797. They had
Adams appears on a $500 1869 United States legal
four children. She died in Washington, D.C.
tender note and $2 Southern Bank of Indiana, Terre Haute
Louisa appears on the “First Spouse” $10 gold coin
note.
released May 29, 2008, and corresponding bronze medal.
He appears with President Monroe on the 1923 Monroe
The obverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted
Doctrine Centennial half dollar.
by Phebe Hemphill. Reverse was designed by Donna
The John Quincy Adams presidential dollar coin was
Weaver and sculpted by Charles Vickers.
released May 15, 2008, with an unofficial launch
ceremonay in Quincy, Massachusetts. The obverse was
Adams, Mervin W. Auctioneer (b. 1/9/1928 d. 5/1/2018)
designed and sculpted by Don Everhart.
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4
Married to Edith Landis. They had a son and two Member of PNG after 1985. President of the
daughters. Professional Numismatists Guild in 2008 to 2009.
Professional auctioneer. He conducted one numismatic President of Industry Council for Tangible Assets in 2010.
auction listed by Gengerke in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, Served on ANA board 2011-2015, elected ANA Vice
in 1975. He conducted additional sales 1964 to 1987 not President for 2015-17, and ANA President in 2017.
listed in Gengerke. He received an ANA Presidential Award in 2009. In
2010 he received the American Numismatic Association’s
Adams, Phineas Collector (b. 6/20/1814 d. 7/23/1883) Harry J. Foreman Dealer of the Year award. In 2016 he
Born in Medway, Massachusetts. Married to Elizabeth received the PNG Lifetime Achievement Award.
P. Simpson September 24, 1839, with two children, At one time Adkins employed numismatists Ken
Elizabeth and Phineas. Worked in weaving mills, director Bressett, Mary Sauvain and Pete Smith.
of a local bank, agent for Stark Mills. In 2021 he was on the Coin World list of The Most
He bought an 1804 dollar from Haseltine for $550 in Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020.
1876. He sold it to Henry Ahlborn in 1880.
He died at Manchester, New Hampshire. Adler, Jonas Auctioneer (b. 4/23/1859 )
Born at Cincinnati, Ohio. Married 12/31/1885 to Julia
Adamski, Joseph J. Auctioneer (b. 4/27/1918 d. A. McCarthy. He had a reputation among other dealers as
8/12/1997) a swindler and he served time in prison for fraud.
Served in the Army during World War II. He joined the He issued a fixed price list in 1879 and conducted one
ANA in 1946 and ran ads in The Numismatist. He was a auction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1879.
prominent mail order dealer. Member of NBS.
He conducted three auctions in Naugatuck, Affleck, Charles J(ackson) Author, Collector (b.
Connecticut, in 1953-58. 6/22/1892 d. 9/21/1974)
Born in Winchester, Virginia. Graduate of the
Addison, Joseph (b. 5/1/1672 d. 6/17/1719) Shenandoah Valley Military Academy. Employed with
Born in Milston, England. Washburn Crosby Company as a sales manager. That
Author of Dialogues Upon the usefulness of Ancient company became General Mills. Afflect retired in 1951.
Medals, Especcially in Relation to the Latin and Greek Past president of Virginia Numismatic Association.
Poets. Author with Ben M. Douglas of Confederate Bonds and
He died in Kensington, England. Certificates in 1960. Author of The Obsolete Paper Money
of Virginia in 2 volumes 1968 and 1969. Received
Adelson, Howard Laurence, Dr. Author (b. 7/16/1925 Numismatic News Numismatic Ambassador Award in
d. 12/5/2003) 1974. In 2015 he was inducted into the SPMC Hall of
Born in Brooklyn. Served in the Army 1947 to 1948 Fame.
and the Air Force 1952 to 1954. Received B.A. from New He called himself a “Confederate millionaire.” The
York University in 1945, M.A. from Columbia University Affleck paper money collection was sold by NASCA in a
in 1948, M.A. from Princeton in 1950 and Ph.D. from series of four sales 1977 to 1983. Cataloging was by
Princeton University in 1952. Married Helen Ruth Douglas B. Ball who had been a friend of Affleck.
Gottesman August 17, 1958. They had two children and He died in Winchester, Virginia.
were divorced in 1970. obit: CW 10/9/74, NNW 10/8/1974; NUM 87 Dec 1974 page 2579
Employed as instructor at Princeton and at the DOB:SSDI
University of Alabama in 1952. Professor at the College of
New York after 1954, chairman of the history department Agassiz, Louis Naturalist (b. 5/28/1807 d. 12/14/1873)
1969 to 1972. Born Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz at Motier en-Vuly,
Author of books on ancient coinage. He wrote a weekly Canton Fribourg, in Switzerland. Received medical degree
column in The Jewish Press for more than 30 years. from the University of Munich in 1830. Married Cecile
Assistant Editor for ANS October 16, 1953, to January Braun in October 1833. Their son was Alexander Emanuel
14, 1956. Associate Editor for ANS after January 14, 1956. Agassiz. Accepted post as professor of natural history at
Author of the centennial history American Numismatic Harvard in 1848. Married Elizabeth Cabot Cary in 1850.
Society 1858-1958. The elder Agassiz became an American citizen in 1861. He
bio: DAS 82H; WWA 90-91 studied glaciers, their movements, and evidence of a
previous "ice age." Agassiz established the Anderson
Adkins, (Russell Garrett) “Gary” Dealer (b. School of Natural Science in 1873. He died at Cambridge,
12/23/1949 L2021) Massachusetts.
Married with children. Agassiz appears on a 44 mm mint medal (Julian PE-1)
Conducted four auctions in Southfield, Michigan, in with dies by William Barber. Later a 63 mm medal (Julian
1980 to 1982. PE-2, USM 619) was produced.
Owner of Numismatic Services, Inc. and later Gary bio: ApCAB; BDAS; DAB; Drake; NCAB 2; TCBDA; WAB;
Adkins Associates. WWWA-H
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5
He worked in Paris 1904 to 1907. Later he taught at the Art
Agre, John Dealer (b. 7/29/1963 L2020) Students League. He was a director of the National
Attended Northwestern University and Cornell Academy of Design.
University. Married to Mary Ann. Owner of Coin Rarities Aitken sculpted monuments and architectural features.
Online. His best known work was the west pediment of the U. S.
Supreme Court Building.
Ahlborn, Heinrich “Henry” T. Dealer (b. 4/17/1835 d. He designed these commemorative coins:
11/29/1907) Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 round and
Born in Hanover, Germany. Came to America in 1855 octagonal 1915-S
and settled in Dedham, Massachusetts. Employed as a Missouri Centennial half dollar 1921
tailor. He moved to Boston in 1860. California-Pacific International Exposition (San
In 1875 he published a premium list for coins he would Diego) half dollar 1935
buy. His collection included an 1804 dollar. He sold his He won a contest and $1000 to design the official medal
business to Herbert Morey. Ahlborn coins were included in (HK 399-401) struck by the mint at the Panama Pacific
two Haseltine sales in 1875 and 1881. Exposition in San Francisco.
bio: Attinelli (gives date of birth as 4/17/1835. Lupia gives date He died at home in New York City.
of birth as 12/23/1830. bio: ApCAB; CCUS; Fielding; NCAB 15; P-F; WWAAM; WWWA
2; WWWAmArt, obit NYT 1/4/49
Ahr, Jack L. Designer (b. 6/23/1931 d. 11/19/2017)
Akerman, John Yonge (b. 6/12/1806 d.11/18/1873)
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Served in the Army during
Born in London. Founder of the Numismatic Journal.
the Korean War. Married to Harriet with three daughters.
Contributed to the founding of the Numismatic Society of
Attended Bowling Green State University. Resident of
London. Editor of the Numismatic Chronicle.
Arlington Heights, Illinois. Owner of Jack Ahr Design and
Sales. He was the founder and first president of The
Akers, David W(arren) Author, Dealer (b. 9/26/1941 d.
Peoples Mint about 1975.
7/11/2012)
His design was selected by competition for the reverse
Born in Seattle, Washington. Graduate of the
of the Bicentennial Quarter Dollar. He also won the design
University of Notre Dame in 1963. Received master’s
competition for the obverse of the 1976 ANA medal.
degree from Oregon State University. Married Sharron
bio: P-F, WWAAM
Osterhout in 1969. They have a daughter. He served with
distinction during the Vietnam War. Head of mathematics
Ahwash, Kamal M. Author (b. 1/6/1924 d. 5/1/1983)
department at St. Martin’s College in Olympia,
Born in Charleston, West Virginia. Served in the Army
Washington.
during WW II. He studied at the National Conservatory of
Employed with Paramount in 1971; executive vice
Music in Paris and graduated in 1951. He performed in the
president of Paramount 1974 to 1981; appointed president
opera in Europe including the Paris Opera Company.
of Paramount in 1981. Principal in the firm of David W.
Married Delores Keenan. They had one daughter.
Akers, Inc. after September 1, 1987, one of four firms
As an actor Ahwash appeared in the Broadway
producing the "Apostrophe" sales. Originally Paramount
production of Infidel Caesar 1962 to 1963. He appeared in
participated in these sales from 1979 through 1987. Akers
two movies, Requiem for a Heavyweight and Girl in the
new firm replaced Paramount for Auction '88, '89 and '90.
Country.
Author of United States Gold Coins An Analysis of
He began collecting coins at age nine. Founder and first
Auction Records:
president of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club. He was a
Vol I Gold Dollars 1849-1889 (1975)
columnist with "Kam's Korner" for Coin World and co-
Vol II Quarter Eagles, 1796-1929 (1975)
editor of The Gobrecht Journal. Author of Encyclopedia of
Vol III $3 Gold Pieces and Stellas $4 Gold Pieces
United States Liberty Seated Dimes in 1977. Five hundred
(1976)
copies were printed. It was reprinted in 1981.
Vol IV Half Eagles 1795-1929 (1979)
Selections from the Awash collection were included in
Vol V Eagles 1795-1933 (1980)
the Kagin's auction February 2-4, 1984.
Vol VI Double Eagles 1849-1933 (1982)
He died in Philadelphia.
Author of United States Gold Patterns (1975) and
Profile CW 5/4/1977; obit: CW 5/18/1983; NN 5/14/1983
Handbook of 20th Century U. S. Gold Coins (1988).
DOB:SSDI
He received an ANA Lifetime Achievement Award in
2011.
Aitken, Robert Ingersoll Sculptor (b. 5/8/1878 d.
1/3/1949) bio by interview 5/11/91
Born in San Francisco. Married Lole Louise Ligny in
Albanese, Dean Matthew Author (b. 12/19/1974 )
1908. They had one child. Married Joan Louise Bruning.
Son of David. Author of King of Eagles: The Most
They had a son. Served as a captain in the U.S. Army
Remarkable Coin Ever Produced by the U. S. Mint (2009).
during WW I. Studied at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art
CEO of Albanese Rare Coins.
in San Francisco and taught at Mark Hopkins 1901 to 1904.
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6
1848 to 1856. During the Civil War he was a brigadier
Albanese, John Dealer (b. 3/6/1959 L2021) general in the Army of Mississippi. He was taken prisoner
Born in Akron, Ohio. Attended Rutgers University for at Helena, Arkansas.
one year. Coin dealer after 1978. Married with a family. Following the war he was elected to the United States
Employed at Raab Coin Shop. An original founder of Senate in 1865. The Senate refused to seat him. Elected
Professional Coin Grading Service in 1986. Founder with Governor of Mississippi in 1869. He resigned November
Mark Salzberg of the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation 30, 1871, to serve in the United States Senate. He remained
(NGC) in 1988. Co-founder of California Gold Marketing in the Senate until May 3, 1877. He died at Eagle Nest,
Group. Founder of Intercept Shield. Founder of Certified Mississippi.
Acceptance Corp (CAC) in 2007. PNG member after 2011. In 1874 he commissioned a 39 mm mint medal (Julian
In 2021 he was on the Coin World list of The Most SC-2) to be struck for Alcorn University. Dies were by
Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020.Profile NN William Barber. Twenty five medals were struck and
11/7/1995 delivered to Alcorn in June 1874.
Alcorn appears on paper money:
Albert, Alphaeus Homer Author (b. 1/23/1891 d. 2/1983) $1 1870 State of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
Resident of Hightstown, New Jersey (1957). $2 1870 State of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
Author of Washington Historical Buttons in 1949; $3 1870 State of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
Political Campaign and Commemorative Buttons in 1966; $5 1870 State of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
and Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons bio: ApCAB; BDC; DAB; NCAB 13; TCBDA; WWWA-H
in 1973.
Selections from the Albert library were included in Cal Alderdice, James D. (ca. 1957 )
Wilson's auction December 3, 1983. Brother of William. Married to Sherri. Vice president
DOB:SSDI and secretary of International Gold Bullion Exchange
[IGBE]. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and
Albino, Augustine A. “Gus” Superintendent (b. mail fraud and served five years in prison.
6/14/1930 d. 4/30/2018) Following prison he became the pastor of the New Life
Resident of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Married to Center Church of God in Peoria, Arizona.
Josephine Gugliucello.
Employed at the Mint after 1961. Superintendent of the Alderdice, William Lynn (b. 2/2/1944 d. 7/15/1984)
Philadelphia Mint from September 1996 until retirement Born in Morris, Pennsylvania. Brother of James. He
on October 30, 1998. was a high school dropout with several unsuccessful
The Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) businesses.
raised $3600 to commission a portratit of Albino. It was President of the International Gold Bullion Exchange
painted by David Baker. (IGBE). Alderdice faced federal charges of defrauding
Profile CW 11/23/1998 customers of IGBE.
He was stabbed to death by a criminal acquaintance
Album, Stephen M. Author (b. 12/31/1942 L2021) living with him and his brother, James, who was also
Born in New York City. Received M.A. from injured. He died in Broward County, Florida.
University of California at Berkeley in 1969. Employed as
a numismatist after 1975. He is an authority and writer on Aldrich, Ann Marie Publisher (b. 3/14/1954 L98)
Islamic coinage. Born in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Received
Author of Catalogue of California Merchants Tokens MBA from New York University in 1978. Married David
(Vol 1) issued in 1971. Author with Duane Feisel of M. Aldrich January 1, 1982. They have one child.
California Trade Token Place Names in 1971. Author of Employed by Yankee Magazine in Dublin, New
Catalogue of California Trade Tokens (Vol 2) issued in Hampshire, 1979 to 1984. She joined the staff of Coin
1974. Author with Feisel of California '76: Tokens and World in 1984. Vice president of Amos Press Inc. after
Medals of the American Revolution issued in 1980. November 1987. Publisher of Coin World.
In 2003 he received the ANS Huntington Memorial bio by correspondence, 1991
Award.
In 2021 he was on the Coin World list of The Most Alexander, Byron T. Auctioneer
Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020.io by He conducted two auctions in Tampa, Florida, in 1959-
correspondence, 1992 60.
Alcorn, James Lusk Governor (b. 11/4/1816 d Alexander, David Thomason Writer, Cataloger
12/20/1894) (b. 1/6/1940 L2021)
Born near Golconda, Illinois. Educated at Cumberland Born in Brooklyn, New York. Received B.S. from the
College. Practiced law in Mississippi. Married in 1839 to University of Miami at Coral Gables, Florida, in 1961 and
Mary C. Stewart who died in 1849. Married in 1850 to M.A. in 1962. He did graduate work at the University of
Amelia Walton Glover. Member of the Mississippi Senate California at Los Angeles 1962 to 1963. Married to Debra
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7
Lee Price who died in 1974. Married to Patricia Ann Professor of Education at Nova Scotia State Teachers
LaBranche French December 3, 1977 with two adopted College. In 1970 he received the ANA Outstanding Club
children. They issued a medal to commemorate the Representative Award. In 1980 he was given the Royal
wedding. Employed as director of the Historical Museum Canadian Mint Award for dissemination of numismatic
of Southern Florida 1963 to 1974. knowledge. Biographer of James E. Charlton.
Employed by Coin World in 1974 to 1981 as staff obit: CW 8/10/2020
writer and international editor. Appointed executive editor
of Numismatic Scrapbook in 1975. In 1981 he joined the Allen, Ira Patriot (b. 5/1/1751 d. 1/15/1814)
publishing division of Johnson & Jensen. Employed with Born at Cornwall, Connecticut, younger brother of
Kagin's in 1983. Director of Alexander Numismatic Ethan Allen. Ira and other landowners formed the
Services Inc. in 1984. With Numismatic Investments of convention that declared Vermont's independence in 1777.
Florida. Served as executive director of the Numismatic He served with his brother as one of the Green Mountain
Literary Guild from August 1982 to August 1990. Winner Boys. Married Jerusha Enos about 1789. They had three
of Clemy Award in 1987. In 1990 he joined the staff of children. Allen donated land for the University of Vermont
Stack's as a cataloger. Historian for the ANA in 1998. He in 1789. He died in poverty in Philadelphia.
is the founder of Medal Collectors of America (MCA). Allen served on the committee that evaluated a
Alexander has been a contributor to COINage, First proposal by Reuben Harmon for coinage of Vermont
Strike, FUN Topics, Numismatic News and PNG Report. coppers.
Editor of Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine. Appointed Allen appears on the obverse of the Vermont
editor of The Shekel in 1981. Editor of Coin World Sesquicentennial Half Dollar. Design was by Charles
Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Keck. Originally 40,000 were struck but only 28,108 were
Coins in 1990. He contributes “The Research Desk” issued. The remaining 11,892 were melted.
column to Coin World. bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; NCAB 4; TCBDA; WWWA-H; profile
Author of American Art Medals, 1909-1995 The Circle CW 12/18/2000
of friends of the Medallion and the Society of Medalists.
Author of An Island of Civility the Centennial History of Allen, James (b. 10/1/1947 d. 1/31/2012)
the New York Numismatic Club 1908/09 – 2008.09. Born in Brooklyn, New York. Graduate of the College
He received the ANA Glenn Smedley Memorial Award of Staten Island. Married to Barbara with three daughters.
in 1999, Medal of Merit in 2000. In 2010 he received the Served in the U. S. Air Force in Vietnam from 1966 to
Burnette Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in 1971. Electrician with the New York City Transit
Numismatic Writing. In 2013 he was named ANA Authority.
Numismatist of the Year. In 2021 he was on the Coin He served as property manager for New York
World list of The Most Influential People in Numismatics International Convention and the Cetral States Numismatic
1960-2020. In 2021 he received the ANA Lifetime Society convention.
Achievement Award, Obit: CW 2/27/2012
Profile CW 6/24/1981, NN 12/9/1986
Allen, Jane Brand Collector (b. 11/28/1908 d. 7/13/1981)
Alexander, William Julius Superintendent (b. 3/1797 d. Born in New York City. Daughter of Armin Brand and
2/15/1857) niece of Virgil Brand. She married Baron Rupprecht von
Born in Salisbury. Graduated from University of North Boecklin in Germany. They had a daughter Jeanne. The
Carolina in 1816. Admitted to the bar in 1818. Married marriage ended in divorce. She married John Hall Allen
Catherine Wilson. October 5, 1946. They had two sons.
An 1826 representative to the North Carolina House of She inherited remnants of the Virgil Brand coin
Commons. Speaker of the House collection from her father Armin Brand in 1946. The
Served as Superintendent of the Charlotte Mint 1846 to remainders were sold at auction by Bowers and Merena.
1849. bio: WWAW 72; WWEast 74
He died at Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Allen, Lyman L. Author (b. 1/25/1941 d. 6/10/2016)
Allen, A. J. Collector (fl. 1940-1946) Born in Miami Beach, Florida. Married to Clair with
Resident of Plainfield, New Jersey. two sons and a daughter. Served in the U. S. Navy.
His collection included an 1804 dollar, an 1823/2 Proprietor of Lyman L. Allen Rare Coins in Virginia
quarter dollar, an 1827/3 quarter dollar and 1834 quarter City, Nevada.
eagle. Author of The Franklin Half Dollar Collector/Investor
Guide (1983). Author of U.S./Philippine Coins (2009).
Allen, Harold Don (b. 7/2/1931 d. 7/11/2020) He died at home.
Born in Montreal. Graduate of McGill University
1952, Santa Clara University 1966 and Rutgers University Allan, Walter
1977. He had four children.
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8
Scottish numismatist and dealer. Served as SPMC served as a lieutenant colonel in the Union Army during
governor 1982 to 1988. He was inducted into the SPMC the Civil War.
Hall of Fame in 2016. Elected to Congress and served March 4, 1863, to
His collection of Scottish countermarked dollars was March 3, 1871. He was an unsuccessful candidate for
sold at aucion by Spink in 1984. Senate in 1870. Elected to the Senate in 1872 and served
March 4, 1873 until his death. In 1908 he was the oldest
Allenbaugh, Carl H. Writer (b. 11/3/1918 d. 11/7/1981) member of the Senate. He died in Dubuque, Iowa.
Born in Punxsutawny, Pennsylvania. Unmarried. He was Senate sponsor of the Bland-Allison Act. It
Resident of Pittsburgh. Employed in an aircraft factory resulted in the issue of the "Bland" or "Morgan" dollar in
during WW II. He operated a mink ranch in Pennsylvania 1878.
until the 1960's. bio: ApCAB; BDC; DAB; NCAB 1; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H
Author of many articles for Numismatic News. His
regular "Expertease" column ran in COINS Magazine Allston, Washington Artist (b. 11/5/1779 d. 7/9/1843)
January 1972 through June 1981. Some of his articles were Born at Waccanaw near Georgetown, South Carolina.
published under the pseudonym of Charles Atherton. He Graduate of Harvard in 1800. He was a painter responsible
contributed to the fractional currency section of Standard for introducing the romantic style to the United States. In
Catalog of U. S. Paper Money. Author of COINS: 1798 he became engaged but travel would postpone the
Questions and Answers in 1976 and 1978. He died in West wedding. He studied under Benjamin West in London in
Newton, Pennsylvania. 1801. In 1803 he went to Paris and later Italy. He returned
Profile: NN/WWH 12/19/72; obit: NUM 95 Jan 1982 p 101; home in 1808 to marry Ann Channing, sister of William
COINS 29 Feb 1982; NN 11/21/81; BNR 12/81; WCN 12/1/81 Ellery Channing, the founder of American Unitarianism,
and a Harvard classmate.
Allgire, Richard L. Auctioneer (b. 8/21/1926 d. In 1811 Allston and his wife went to England with their
3/21/1982) pupil Samuel F. B. Morse. Following the death of his wife
He conducted four auctions in Roundhead, Ohio, in he returned to the United States in 1818. The period 1811
1953-55. to 1818 was his most prolific period. His second wife was
Martha R. Dana, sister of novelist Richard Henry Dana.
Allgood, Jordan J. Dealer (b. 7/17/1960 d. 11/25/2003) She was a cousin of his first wife. He died at
Married with three children. Owner of Allgood Coins Cambridgeport, Massachusetts.
in St. George, Utah. He died by gunshot during a robbery Allston appears on one of three 63mm mint medals
of his store. (Julian PE-3) produced for the American Art union. Dies
A tip to “America’s Most Wanted” led to the arrest of were by Charles Cushing Wright.
a suspect, Daniel Robert Campbell. He pleaded guilty and bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; Fielding; NCAB 5; NYHSD; TCBDA;
was convicted of first degree felony murder. WAB; WWWA-H
Alones, Vincent William Exhibitor (b. 8/23/1916 d.
Allison, John Register of the Treasury (b. 8/5/1812 d.
2/1/2012)
3/23/1878)
Born in Long Island City, New York. Married to Agnes
Born in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He studied law, was
Rose Jeckewicz with a son and daughter. Served in the
admitted to the bar and practiced law. He operated a
Navy in the Philippines during WWII. Employed with
tannery and manufactured hats.
Allison was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Long Island Railroad until 1970.
Representatives in 1846, 1847 and 1849. He was elected to Certified by New York State Education Department as
the U. S. House of Representatives and served 1851 to a teacher of numismatics in adult education. ANA club,
1853 and again 1855 to 1857. He served as a delegate to district and regional representative.
the Republican National Convention in 1856 and 1860. At Received Numismatic News Numismatic Ambassador
the 1856 convention he placed the name of Abraham Award in 1974. Received ANA Presidential Award in 1994
Lincoln in nomination for vice president. and Medal of Merit in 1995.
Served as Register of the Treasury April 3, 1869, to At one time he had the record for most ANA exhibits
March 23, 1878. His signature appears on paper money during his exhibiting career.
issued during that period. He died in office in Washington, He died at home in Lychburg, Virginia.
D.C. WWH NN 12/5/1995
bio: BDC; TCBDA (states DOD in 1873); WWWA-H
Alpert, Stephen Paul Dealer (b. 10/22/1947 L2006)
Allison, William Boyd Senator (b. 3/2/1829 d. 8/4/1908) Received Ph.D. in geology from UCLA. Teacher of
Born in Perry, Ohio. Graduate of Western Reserve geology. Dealer in Los Angeles. He conducted 33 auction
College, Hudson, Ohio, in 1849. Admitted to the bar in sales from 1980 through 1989.
1852 and practiced in Ashland, Ohio. Married Anna Carter Author with Kenneth E. Smith of Amusement Tokens of
in 1854; she died in 1860. Married Mary Neally in 1873. the United States and Canada in 1979. Author with
Moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 1857 and practiced law. He Lawrence E. Elman of Tokens and Medals A Guide to the
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9
Identification and Values of United States Exonumia was publisher 1976 to 1989. Linda Coffman, not one of the
published in 1991. Author of OHNS Hobo Nickel Amos family, was named publisher for the Sidney Daily
Guidebook (2001) and Alpert’s Catalogue of Charge Coins News February 12, 1990.
(2003). Delia Amos, daughter of James, was the first editor of
SDN from 1891 to 1905. Howard Amos (d. 1944), third
Amato, Jon P(aul), Ph. D. Author (b. 1/20/1940 d. son of James, was editor 1905 to 1936. J. Oliver Amos was
8/5/2017) editor 1936 to 1955. William Thomas Amos, Jr., was editor
Born in Niagara Falls, New York. Received bachelor’s 1955 to 1970. Marion Russell, not one of the Amos family,
degree from Arizona State University, masters from State was editor 1971 to 1976. Jeffrey Billiel has been editor for
University of New York and Ph.D. from University of SDN since 1976.
Toronto. Ptofessor of geography and planning at Buffalo The Sidney Printing and Publishing Company began
State College and State University of New York at Albany. publication of Coin World in 1960. World Coins Monthly
Employed with Heritage Auctions as a cataloguer. was started in January 1964. They purchased Numismatic
Author of Numismatic Background and Census of 1802 Scrapbook Magazine in 1968. In 1976 World Coins and
Half Dimes (2017). Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine were merged into Coin
World.
Ambio, Jeff Author D. Wayne Johnson was the first editor of Coin World.
Graduated from Cornell University in 1998. Received Margo Russell served as editor 1962 to February 28, 1985.
MBA from Pepperdine University in 2007. Beth Deisher served as editor March 1, 1985 to 2006. Ann
Employed with Heritage Auctions 2001 to 2003; Marie Aldrich has served as publisher since 1984.
Cataloger with Superior Galleries 2003 to 2004; Director The company has been involved with several other
of Numismatics for Bowers and Merena 2004 to 2006; hobby publications. They began printing Linn's Stamp
Vice President of Numismatics with Rare Coin News in 1942 and bought the publication in 1969. Gun
Wholesalers 2006 to 2007;Market Analyst with Stanford Week was started in 1966 and sold in 1979. The company
Coins & Bullion 2007 to 2008; Consultant with Capital bought Cars & Parts magazine in 1978. Stamp World was
rarities 2008; Researcher with Rare Coin Wholesalers 2007 published from May 1981 through November 1983. In
to 2009; consultant with Park Avenue Numismatics 2010; 1984 the company bought Scott Publishing Co., publishers
consultant with Bowers and Merena 2007 to 2011. in the philatelic field.
President of Ambio Rare Coin 2007 to 2011. The Sidney Printing and Publishing Company became
Consultant with Marc One Numismatics 2008 to 2011; Amos Press, Inc. July 1, 1973. Amos Press bought eight
Analyst for Coin World Trends 2009 to 2011; Vice suburban newspapers in 1990. In 1990 Amos Press
President with Stack’s Bowers 2011 to 2019. purchased the ANACS grading service.
Summer Seminar instructor. Author of Collecting and source: Coin World 4/17/85 (25th Anniversary Issue); The
Investing Strategies for Walking Liberty Half Dollars Sidney Daily News 5/4/91 (Centennial Edition)
(2008).
Amos, J(ohn) Oliver Publisher (b. 8/28/1909 d.
5/19/1997)
Ames, Mary Estella Clemmer (b. 5/6/1836 d. 8/18/1884)
Born in Sidney, Ohio. Received A.B. from Miami (OH)
Born as Mary Clemmer at Utica, New York. Married
University in 1931 and M.J. from Northwestern University
the Reverend Daniel Ames on May 7, 1851. The marriage
in 1932. Married Margaret Barr September 26, 1936. They
was annulled in 1874. She married Edmund Hudson on
have two children including John O. Amos II.
June 19, 1883.
Employed with family owned business after 1921.
Author of Ten years in Washington; life and scenes in
Editor for the Sidney Daily News 1936 to 1955; publisher
the national capital, as a woman sees them (1879).
1962 to 1976; chairman of the board until retirement in
Chapters 29 through 35 describe the Treasury Department
1988. Amos has also been very involved with community
including illustrations.
activities.
She died in Washington, D.C.
It was under his leadership that the company expanded
into various hobby publications. They had a new press and
Amos Family - Amos Press - Coin World
were looking to expand. Amos and Cecil Watkins
General James Oliver Amos (3/30/1833-12/7/1918 see
developed the concept into a trial issue of Coin World for
NCAB 19) came to Sidney, Ohio, to take over publication
March 1960.
of the Shelby County Democrat in January 1876. He began
He received an ANA Presidential Award in 1988. He
publication of the Sidney Daily News (SDN) in 1891. The
died in Sidney, Ohio.
Sidney Daily News merged with the Sidney Daily Journal
in 1928. The Shelby County Democrat ceased publication bio by correspondence, 1991 obit: CW 6/9/1997, NN 6/3/97
in 1940. William Thomas Amos (d. 1/6/1932), first son of
Amos, John O(liver) II Publisher (b. 11/10/1938 L94)
James, served as publisher 1918 to 1932. Ernest C. Amos
Son of J. Oliver Amos. Graduate of Miami (OH)
(d. 1/6/1962), second son of James, was the publisher 1932
University. Married Carolyn Minniear. They have a son
to 1962. J. Oliver Amos, second son of Ernest, was
and a daughter.
publisher 1962 to 1976. John Amos, son of J. Oliver Amos,
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10
