From the Editor

Hello everyone,

By the time this is in hands, the worst parts of winter (with a little luck, because, this is Wisconsin after all) will soon be behind us. Shows will kick into high gear, I will be preparing for the one at my home club in Wausau, and for this issue, I think we have some cool stuff to share. No spoilers, but one item touches on a coin product I previously did not know even existed, and in the future, I honestly may put the hobby on hold to save for original art by my personal hero, Jack Kirby. Next to my gold coins, his work is probably the costliest cool thing I really, really want.

Be well, happy collecting, and if that saving is too wild, do let me know!

Evan J. Pretzer
February 28, 2025

The image on the cover is a Dutch jeton from 1600. This piece was selected as, with each new season, the N.O.W. News editor likes to feature something that comments on the transition or a major event ahead. Here, the healthy flowers on the left and the rising sun suggest the better weather on the way while on the right, the dying plant and setting sun almost comes across as the winter season exiting the grand stage we all play our parts in. As for the coin's actual meaning, it is designed – once you see the backside at the end of this issue to commemorate the capture of Fort St. Andries in Bommelerwaard by the Dutch from the Spanish during the Eighty Years’ War for Dutch independence. The fort fight ended with the Dutch commander paying some of the enemy to cede the fortress!

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!