From the Editor

Hello everyone,

Here we are, in the summertime (somewhere, Mungo Jerry collectively perked up when I typed that), and people have wound their way through coin shows in between spending time with their families and friends. My home club recently wrapped up theirs, and while I said last year I would not attend it or spend money, that pledge was broken faster than peace in the Middle East between enemies.

In this issue, we have another small coin piece from Mark Benvenuto, a look at a fondly fraught memory and the tokens that came with it from Tom Casper, a letter to the editor in response to a question I raised in our last issue, a paper money piece from Matt Janzen and some new, archival and experimental content I will not spoil here apart from, on a couple of regular features, I raised the text size.

That came about for no real reason. Instead, I just wanted to see whether bigger wording has any demonstrable appeal, and at the end, there is a call to action I will not spoil here, but if enough people respond, it will impact our future course.

Be well, happy collecting, and the cover sparked the filler images I placed on some pages in this issue. What other non-coin products that mention or incorporate coins could be made? Are we due for the return of the clear toilet seats of old? Could you make kitchen products out of coins? Or something you would really eat?

Evan J. Pretzer
May 31, 2026.

The image is a picture of an ashtray or coaster your N.O.W. News editor picked up over the Memorial Day weekend at a consignment store in Eau Claire, W.I. It has him thinking about some of the novelty products out there, which are either made from or replicate coins. What is the most unusual? Why aren’t so many of these available now, and when found at a shop, why is it so hard to find information on just what the heck one is looking at? Perhaps someone will do some research, and we will have an article later on?

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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!