Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The official journal of the Rochester Numismatic Association
The Tom Kraus Medal Arrives PLUS: Getting ready for our 2000th meeting •Charlie
Ricard on Chicago’s club history •The 2007 Meinharts
July-August 2007
RRNNAA NNeewwss
“ THIS DEAL
WAS D NE
N TRUST AND
G D FAITH.”
O
O
OO
NOW IN OUR
Dear Richard,
W.S., Connecticut
Now that our transaction is complete with yoursuccessful sealed bid sale of my collection and
immediate payment in full beyond myexpectations, I want to say thank you again. AfterI had talked to you on the phone a few times andthen met you at my bank, this deal was done ontrust and good faith. It was clear to me you arean expert on coins. You were up front, fair and
honest. As you studied my coins and made up theinventory listing, I decided I was going to trust
you with my large collection.
You offered me a solid mid-six figure buy out.You also offered a guaranteed $25,000 higherminimum if I agreed to your proposal to sell my
coins the following week by sealed bid at amajor national show, less your reasonable 10%
commission. I chose the latter and you left mybank with my coins. I knew then that I did the
right deal.
A week and a half later, you called to give methe “outstanding” results from your sale at the
show. Here again you were very honest as the netamount to me exceeded your guarantee by
$125,562.30. I received payment in full the nextmorning by FedEx, an excellent return for my
coins.
My wife asked me the day we left the bank why Ilet you take my coins without demanding payment
on the spot. My answer was, “Richard is honest.He will pay us more money after the sale.”
You did exactly that. Richard, thanks for yourwork and effort on my behalf. I would
recommend you to anyone who has coins to sell.
Regards,
$85,250 $80,256 $123,000 $72,507
RNA News
The official journal of the Rochester Numismatic Association Established January 1912
One of America’s oldest local coin clubs
ANA Branch #2 Life Club #8
Member:Member:Member:Member: American Numismatic Society, Empire State Numismatic Association, Canadian Numismatic
Association, Token and Medal Society, Rochester Museum &
Science Center
Newsletter Editor: Scott Fybush Associate Editor: Lisa Fybush
2006-2007 Officers:
President: Ted Vaccarella 585-538-6945
Vice President: John Stephens [email protected]
Secretary: Steven Eisinger [email protected]
Treasurer: George Irwin 585-621-4607
Curator: John Zabel Librarian: Mike Luck Historian: Robert Doty
Board of Directors: Gerard Muhl, David Gottfried
(2007-2010) Alec Ollies, Chip Scoppa
(2006-2009) John Bixler, Scott Fybush
(2005-2008)
Visit the RNA Web site: www.the-rna.com P.O. Box 10056P.O. Box 10056P.O. Box 10056P.O. Box 10056
Rochester NY 14610Rochester NY 14610Rochester NY 14610Rochester NY 14610----0056005600560056
Material published in RNA News is copyright by its authors or by the
Rochester Numismatic Association, and may not be reproduced without
permission of the author or the RNA. All rights reserved.
In this first letter, I want to update you about several recent and pending events, then look ahead to activities that, with your help, will shape our future in the coming years. The Meinhart Speaking Contest was held on May 17; the details are highlighted elsewhere in this issue. The enthusiasm of our RJNA speakers is contagious. Also, the reports we regularly receive from our RJNA advisors (Ursula Loose, Joe Lanzafame, Tom Kraus and others) provides hope that new ideas and energy will contribute to the future of our association. RNA had a table at the Ropex event held at ESL May 18 to 20. Thanks to Bill Coe, Joe Lanzafame and Tom Kraus who each spent considerable time at our table. Our annual banquet on May 25 honoring Tom Kraus was well attended (85); details are included elsewhere in this issue. In addition to Tom’s family and friends, and our members and spouses, eight members of the RJNA came as Tom’s guests. Other attendees included parents of RJNA members. Their participation in our events helps strengthen our ties to the junior club while setting a good example of adult conduct, honor for numismatic accomplishment and respect for longevity and hard work in our hobby. Thanks to each of you who participated in the program. I am pleased to report that Gerry Muhl and Bill Coe were both approved as honorary life members at our annual meeting on June 7 by more than the required 90 percent of members present. The contributions made to RNA and numismatics by Gerry and Bill are well known and often observed; we are very fortunate to have these two gentlemen as members. In other annual meeting news, a proposed increase in dues to $25 per year was not approved. Also, the proposal to change the RNA by-laws to eliminate the “three readings”
requirement for membership was tabled until September 6. Thanks to Arthur D. Cohen, we determined that part of the text of the proposed change was inadvertently omitted from the May-June RNA News. The complete text appears on page 7. Please mark your calendar with the date of the RNA Summer Picnic, Sunday, August 5 at 1 p.m. at Wadhams Lodge in Powder Mills Park. A board meeting will be held at noon, followed by a social hour and dinner. The cost is $10 per person, but is free for those under 12. The cost covers lodge rental, two barbecue dishes, rolls, salt potatoes, baked ziti, tossed salad, plasticware, plates cups and drinks. Bring a dish to pass (side, snack or dessert) and an item for the White Elephant Auction that benefits RNA. This event begins our new year and is great fun, especially the auction, where there is a good deal of humorous give-and-take. As we begin our regular meetings in September, please help us celebrate our 2000th meeting on September 6, details of which are enclosed. We will have dinner together beforehand, then gather at Eisenhart to continue the meeting. Scott Fybush will present a talk on the “History of the RNA.” There will also be a short auction after the meeting, limited to five items or fewer per consigner; if possible, include auction items that have a theme related to RNA history. If you need transportation to RNA 2000, please call Tom Adams at 424-2888. The theme of the second September meeting will be “What I Did This Summer,” hosted by Ira Stein. My preliminary review of current year income and expense indicates that we will have a modest surplus, thanks largely to the budget process Joe initiated in 2006, and which we will continue in the future.
continued on page 7
July-August 2007 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Looking ahead
DEPT. OF CLUB MILESTONESDEPT. OF CLUB MILESTONESDEPT. OF CLUB MILESTONESDEPT. OF CLUB MILESTONES
Ready for the RNA’s 2000th Meeting? Even outside the numismatic world, there are probably very few clubs of any kind that have logged 2000 meetings without interruption. It took the RNA more than 95 years to get to that milestone, but we’ll get there on Thursday, September 6 – which, conveniently enough, is also the club’s first meeting this fall. September 6 will be the celebration of the RNA’s 2000th meeting. Club members who choose to will gather before the meeting at Cipriani’s Italian Seafood Grille at 155 Pattonwood Drive in Irondequoit (by the east end of the new O’Rorke drawbridge). An informal dinner begins at 5:45 p.m. Attendees may order from the menu. At 7 p.m., members will head to the RMSC Eisenhart Building for the 8 p.m. meeting and the unveiling of the club’s new 2000th-meeting commemorative medal. The medal also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the RJNA. Scott Fybush will present a very special program for that evening that focuses on RNA history and the world of numismatics, circa 1912. Exhibits of club history and parts of the RNA collection will be on display. There will also be refreshments served at the meeting. Please call Gerry Muhl at 585-336-9459 if you intend to come to the dinner. Reservations are limited to the first 40 people.
If you have trouble getting out at night or need a ride, call Tom Adams at 424-2888, and we’ll get a volunteer to pick you up. Know anyone who’s been thinking of coming to an RNA meeting for a while, but just hasn’t found a good excuse? Why not bring them along and show them the RNA at its finest? And if you’re a longtime member who hasn’t been to a meeting in a while, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with your friends.
Let’s make this meeting one of the RNA’s best, and a great start to the new club year.
• • •
2000th Meeting Pins Available
The new RNA 2000th meeting lapel pins have arrived! As seen at left, they are gold and blue porcelain on bronze. The center shows a cluster of oak leaves and acorns from a design by early RNA member Floyd Newell.
The oak represents strength, and the acorns, growth – two qualities necessary for a club to thrive and grow through almost 10 decades. You can be the first on your block to have the new RNA pin and wear it with pride. Everyone going to the ANA summer meeting should have at least one. To get yours, send $5 plus 50 cents postage to Gerry Muhl, 50 Rogers Parkway, Rochester NY 14617 – or see Gerry at the picnic!
4 RNA News
It’s RNA Summer Picnic Time!
• WHERE: Wadhams Lodge, Powder Mills Park, off Rt. 96 (Pittsford-Victor Road), Perinton
• WHEN: Sunday, August 5 – board meeting at 12:00 PM, picnic starting at 1:00 PM
• WHAT: Lots of great food, an auction (bring your white elephants!), and plenty of good times with your RNA friends. (And don’t forget – the picnic is also the club’s 1999th meeting…)
• WHO: You, we hope!
• HOW: If you haven’t already signed up, contact VP John Stephens at [email protected] or
President Ted Vaccarella at 585-538-6945.
Club News and NotesClub News and NotesClub News and NotesClub News and Notes
Four members of the Rochester Junior Numismatic Association presented talks May 17 as part of the annual Meinhart Speaking Competition, named after former RNA president and RJNA advisor Edward F. Meinhart. This year’s speakers were Thalia Irwin, speaking on “The Sacajawea Dollar”; Josh Blodgett, speaking on “Error Coins”; Sam Kashtan, speaking on “US Type Coins”; and Thomas Kuhn, speaking on “The American Silver Eagle.” As always, the judges had a tough time choosing among a group of excellent speeches – but this year’s Meinhart Award goes to Thomas Kuhn. Thanks to all who participated – and watch the video of the Meinhart talks in the lobby this year at the RNA’s Annual Coin Show and Sale, November 3 and 4 at the Eisenhart Auditorium!
• • • Tom Kraus was the honoree at this year’s Annual Banquet, held May 25 at the Green Lantern Inn in Fairport, and a fine time was had by all.
Tom’s medal, seen on the front cover of this issue of RNA News, includes some special features – an incuse design inspired by the Ira Stein medal a few years back, military insignia to honor Tom’s service and that of his family, and a small outline of a dog to honor Heather, the Bernese mountain dog who’s constantly at Tom’s side. We’ll have more pictures from the banquet in the September-October issue of RNA News.
• • • RNA members have a golden – or more likely gilded, since it’s paper – opportunity to acquire some works from a late, great member of the club. Portions of John Jay Pittman’s numismatic library have been put on the fall 2007 auction schedule for George Frederick Kolbe. At press time, the company had not yet announced a date. The sale will feature a dozen plated Chapman Brothers catalogues, other 19th- and early 20th-century auction catalogues that have photographic plates and classic works on American coins.
The auction will also feature an example of the first illustrated numismatic book, which was published in 1517. That item comes from another consignor. Interested collectors may order a catalogue for $15 at George Frederick Kolbe, PO Drawer 3100, Crestline CA 92325. They can also view the catalogue at www.numislit.com.
• • •
Who are those guys blocking a fine view of Niagara Falls? Why, it’s Gerry Muhl, Donovan Shilling, Jason Childers and Bill Coe, several of the RNA members who traveled west to the Canadian Numismatic Association convention in July. Next year’s CNA takes place in Ottawa – anyone up for a bus trip?
• • • The next RNA News, dated September-October, will appear in your e-mail in late August. Got something to add? Because of tight travel schedules, please be sure to get it to your editor by August 12!
• • •
In Memoriam The RNA lost two longtime and respected members at the end of May. Edwin Quagliana, member #4 and an RNA life member, passed away on May 21. He had been a member of the RNA since 1953, and was the 51st president in 1963, after serving in other club offices. He also enjoyed advising the RJNA. Quagliana joined the Board of Directors of the Empire State Numismatic Association in 1975. He also contributed articles to numerous numismatic publications. He left Rochester to become an ambassador for the Franklin Mint. Although he remained in Pennsylvania after his retirement, he would sometimes return to the area for the RNA picnic. Ronald D. Winegarden, member #28, died on May 29. He was 69. Winegarden joined the RNA in 1969. He served in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of captain, and worked for the Eastman Kodak Company for 33 years. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Virginia Robertson Winegarden; three sons, Eugene R. (Natalie), Norman K. (Vicki) and Colin M.; and three grandsons, David, Douglas and Thomas. Those who wish to make donations in memory of Winegarden may contact The American Cancer Society.
July-August 2007 5
TALES FROM MEMBER NUMBER ONETALES FROM MEMBER NUMBER ONETALES FROM MEMBER NUMBER ONETALES FROM MEMBER NUMBER ONE
A Piece of Numismatic History
By Charles J. Ricard
The Annual Chicago Coin Club Auction, in November 2006, included items from the estate of a deceased member. The item shown here is a CHICAGO BRANCH 1 AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP RECEIPT FOR DUES PAID 1914 ISSUED TO MEMBER NO. 39. It is struck in bronze, size 20 x 51 mm. These membership cards were only issued for the years 1913 & 1914 by the Chicago Numismatic Society. In 1919, the Society reorganized and was renamed the Chicago Coin Club, which was later incorporated in 1938.
The Rochester Numismatic Association was organized in 1912 and designated by the American Numismatic Association as Branch 2. These were the only ANA
branches ever named. It has been my privilege to be the only person to have served as president of each of these organizations. They both contribute to numismatics with coin shows, newsletters, written articles, research and auctions. The Rochester Junior Numismatic Association, founded in 1946, is also
very active. The annual Meinhart Speaking Competition is second to none. The Chicago Coin Club does not have a separate junior club.
Charles J. Ricard began collecting in 1938, under the guidance of George J. Bauer, ANA LM 4 and RNA past president. Mr. Ricard served as a charter officer and program director of the RJNA. He joined the RNA in 1948, holding all offices. He became an honorary life member of the RNA in 2005, served as the first historian of the club, and is now the club’s member #1. The RNA Writer’s Medal was created and named for him in 2005. Since joining the ANA in 1952, Ricard has served in many capacities, including club, district and regional representative. He is a recipient of numerous ANA awards, including the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award, the association’s highest honor, in 2003. He has served as vice president and president of the North Shore Coin Club of Illinois, and as president of the Chicago Coin Club, 1987-88.
He was appointed to the 1965 Annual Assay Commission by President Lyndon B. Johnson, serving as co-chairman of the counting committee and as chief counter (treasurer) and chief assayer (president). Mr. Ricard is a charter member of the Token and Medal Society, serving as president 1992-94. He was named an honorary life member of TAMS in 2006. He has served as secretary, vice president and president of La Societe Americaine pour l’Etude de la Numismatique Francaise, and has received their Distinguished Service Medal. He is the great-grandson of John C. Lighthouse (1844-1909), ANA member 479, ANA board member and a prominent collector, exhibitor and promoter of numismatic education in the 19th century. Mr. Lighthouse was posthumously awarded the ANA’s Farran Zerbe Award in 2003.
6 RNA News
A Chicago Coin Club 1914 membership receipt
President’s Letter continued from page 3
In August we will continue our discussion of membership, the RNA Collection, the elaboration of our mission statement, our relationship with the Rochester Museum & Science Center, our educational outreach and other matters. I will report on those issues in the September-October RNA News. During the past year we added nine new members and lost 12 for various reasons. Of the remaining 140 members, between 50 and 55 attend some meetings during the year, and about half of that number rarely miss a meeting. Increasing our membership is important to our continued vitality, and approval of the proposed change to our by-laws could help in that regard. RNA, with its regular meetings and special events, has varied appeal to different members, depending on their collection interests, their ability to volunteer time given the demands of family, work and other organizations, their proximity to Rochester and other factors. We understand that. But do try to get involved. Winston Churchill wrote that “the longer you look back, the farther you can look forward.” When I joined RNA in
1998, it took me a while to get oriented to the way things are done, to see what is routine and what is special, and to learn our traditions. Over time, the truly rich history of our association has become more apparent, and like many of you, I am still learning. During the next year I hope to enlist your help to keep RNA a valued and respected organization, not only to its members, but also to the RJNA, our local region and the greater numismatic community. By “your help” I mean taking the time to prepare and give a talk about your numismatic interest(s) at one of our meetings and then again before the RJNA. I mean assist in your area of specialty in evaluating a portion of the RNA collection. I mean assisting at the November RNA coin show. I mean writing or emailing me or another board member with an idea for enhancing our educational or community outreach. If you are a member of other coin clubs, tell us what you like about what they do. Last year, Joe wrote of our stewardship: We are entrusted to manage the collection and library carefully and responsibly; this, combined with the knowledge and energy of our members, can and will make a difference with how our association proceeds into the future.
Ted Vaccarella
The following proposed change in club bylaws received the requisite 10 sponsors and was presented to the Secretary:
Current Membership rules: ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP: Section 1. Any person over the age of 18 years whose membership has been recommended by the Membership Committee as provided herein may become a member by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members present at a regular meeting. ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES: Section 2. The Membership Committee shall consist of three members. The committee shall review each application. The committee is to request that any member who has pertinent information about an applicant contact the Membership Committee for private discussion. The Membership Chairman shall then recommend approval or denial of the application. After reading the application at three future regular meetings, at which the applicant must be present, a vote shall be then taken of the members present in the absence of the applicant. After the vote and before returning to the meeting room, the applicant shall be informed of his acceptance or rejection by an Officer. Upon acceptance, he will receive his membership card/number as soon as possible. Proposed Membership rules: ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP: Section 1. Any person over the age of 18 years whose membership has been recommended by the Membership Committee as provided in Article VI Section 2, may become a member. ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES: Section 2. The Membership Committee shall consist of three members. The committee shall review each application. The committee will publish the name of the applicant in the RNA newsletter and request that any member who has pertinent information about an applicant contact the Membership Committee for private discussion. Members shall have 45 days from the date of publication to come forward with any pertinent information. If no objection to the applicant is made to the Membership Committee, the applicant will become a member 60 days after publishing of his name in the RNA newsletter. If any objection to the applicant is made to the Membership Committee, the committee will report to the Board of Directors that an objection has been made and, concurrently, will ask the applicant to respond to the objection. The Membership Committee is charged with investigating any objections and will meet within 60 days of the original filing of the complaint. The Membership Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, shall then recommend approval or denial of the application to the Board of Directors who will make a final disposition of the application within 120 days of the filing of the original complaint at a meeting of the Board of Directors; acceptance of the contested application will require ¾ vote of Board Members in attendance. The applicant shall be informed of his acceptance or rejection, in writing, by an Officer. Upon acceptance, he will receive his membership card/number as soon as possible.
July-August 2007 7
RIDGE COIN & STAMP
LIFE MEMBER ANA – RNA – [email protected]
FULL SERVICE DEALERSHIP SPECIALIZING INRARE COINS – BANK APPRAISALS – GOLD/SILVER
ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS – CONSULTATION585-342-8206 – 2064 East Ridge Rd., Rochester, NY 14622
MICHAEL OMELUCH, Professional Numismatist
The Calendar August-September
• Sunday August 5 – RNA Summer Picnic Wadhams Lodge, Powder Mills Park, Perinton. The picnic starts at 1 PM, with a board meeting at noon preceding the picnic. All are welcome!
• August 8-12 – ANA World’s Fair of Money, Milwaukee Contact Scott Fybush if you’re going! • Thursday September 6 – 5:45-7 PM – The RNA’s 2000th Meeting Dinner Cipriani’s Italian Seafood Grille, 155 Pattonwood Drive, near the new O’Rorke Bridge. Call Gerry Muhl at 336-9459 to make your reservation.
• Thursday September 6 – 8 PM – The RNA’s 2000th Meeting Join the celebration! Details, page 7 • Thursday September 20 – 8 PM – RNA Meeting Ira Stein speaks on “What I Did This Summer” • Friday September 21 – 7:30 PM – Rochester Junior Numismatic Association
• Saturday-Sunday November 3-4 – The RNA’s 35th Annual Coin Show and Sale, Eisenhart Auditorium, Rochester Museum &
Science Center, 657 East Ave. More details in upcoming issues of RNA News! • Additional 2007 RNA meetings: October 4, October 12, November 1, November 15, December 6, December 20
Regular RNA meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of every month, except July and August, at the Eisenhart Auditorium of the
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue. Enter through the Eisenhart or Gannett School doors and follow the signs downstairs to our lower-level meeting room. All are welcome! Call Dave Gottfried at 738-0908 if you need a ride or directions.
RJNA meetings are held in either the ballroom of the Eisenhart Auditorium building or an upstairs classroom at the Gannett School; follow the signs posted on the building’s doors or call Steve Lanzafame at 288-1932 for more information.
The Calendar welcomes meeting notices from other area clubs. Send them to [email protected] or PO Box 10056, Rochester NY 14610.
RNA News PO Box 10056 Rochester NY 14610-0056
