Numismatists Of Wisconsin
 

From the Editor

Hello everyone,

With this issue, we’ve come to the conclusion of another year of collecting. I myself have managed to get my hands on a few major pieces I have long wanted, but find I am increasingly conflicted about what to do next. Like Alexander, it can be hard when it feels like there are no more worlds left to conquer, but even so, I still feel the love for all of this at the same level I did when I started way back in 2004 and cannot wait to see what is next as I enter into my 20th year of this hobby adventure.

Maybe I will get into currency? It is also possible I could get back into my extensive amount of comic books or even take a dive into the wild world of Civil War tokens. Whatever the case, I am having fun and definitely will be continuing with this role in the coming year. After, I am not certain, but before that, we’ve got more great articles, and in this issue, one looking at a dear and departed friend to many a collector, innovative dollars, and ballots for this year’s awards contest in addition.

Evan J. Pretzer
Nov. 15, 2023

This issue’s front cover features a 2008 50-pence coin from the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom. It was chosen for the obvious reason of commenting on the coming Christmas holiday and season and it is based on a popular children’s story in the nation. First published in 1978 under the title “The Snowman,” the original work has no words and follows a young boy who meets a snowman only to see him die in the morning.

While some see it as Christmas-oriented, its creator Raymond Briggs disputed the notion and before his death last year pointed out Christmas was only introduced in the television adaptation pushed out in 1982. It is made of copper-nickel and curiously, there do not appear to be any American coins that commemorate the holiday and general season, at least to this editor’s knowledge as of this issue being produced and filed.



Welcome to the Numismatists of Wisconsin!

BRIEF HISTORY

N.O.W. was established in 1960 by a small group of Wisconsin collectors including facilitator Chet Krause. Their objective was simple; to encourage and promote interest in numismatics, to cultivate friendly relations between Wisconsin collectors and local coin clubs, and to educate and assist new hobbyists.

It was decided to formally organize N.O.W. that summer at an open house in Iola at the offices of Krause Publications. On July 8th, 1960 a large crowd attended, nominations of officers were set forth and elections were made. By day’s end, N.O.W. had been formally established and the membership roll had reached nearly 100. As Chet put it, “From that day on, collectors of the state had one more element of common ground to talk about, for the idea of a state organization had come to reality.”

And, as they say, the rest is history... N.O.W. has not changed its objectives and is still going strong some 60+ years later.

ORGANIZATION

The N.O.W. board of governors meets three times yearly to discuss organizational issues for the betterment of the club. These meetings are held at predetermined sites throughout the year, usually in conjunction with one of the many state local coin shows. One of these shows is designated as the annual N.O.W. show, which is co-sponsored by a host club and N.O.W. The yearly general membership meeting is held at this show.

NOW NEWS

What started out as the organization’s excellent newsletter, has become an award-winning quarterly club journal/magazine. Recognized by the American Numismatic Association as an Outstanding Club Publication, NOW NEWS aims to continue the long-established tradition of publishing original articles written by N.O.W. members, as well as interesting items from outside sources around the world of numismatics.

WEBSITE

Our website is designed so visitors can get a feel for the organization. Here you can see some photos, learn about local shows, read a select few of our award-winning articles, and of course, join N.O.W.

So, after checking out this site, I urge you to join our state club, get involved, and start enjoying all the perks of membership asap!