MEET JOHN MERCANTI AND ED MOY AT ANA SHOW

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V19 2016 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 19, Number 30, July 24, 2016, Article 18

So, how often you you get a chance to meet in person a U.S. Mint Director or Chief Engraver? Well, you'll have a chance if you're planning to attend next month's ANA convention. This CoinWeek article based on an NGC Press Release announces the times John Mercanti and Ed Moy will be on hand to meet the public. -Editor

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has announced that visitors to the ANA World’s Fair of Money in August will have the opportunity to meet John M. Mercanti, the 12th US Mint Chief Engraver, and Edmund C. Moy, the 38th US Mint Director, at its booth during select times. Mercanti and Moy will also sign a limited number of portraits that will be given away for free to visitors.

The two notable hobby figures will be at booths 924 and 926 at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Anaheim, California, at the following times:

Wednesday, August 10, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Thursday, August 11, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Friday, August 12, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

They will sign up to 250 glossy 8.5” x 11” portraits during each time slot, which will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mercanti and Moy have had an extraordinary impact on modern coins and the collecting hobby. During his 36-year tenure at the US Mint, Mercanti designed well over 100 coins and medals—more than any other employee in US Mint history. The coins designed by Mercanti include many of the most popular US modern coins.

Most notably, Mercanti designed the reverse of the American Silver Eagle, which is considered to be the world’s most widely collected silver coin today. He also designed the obverse of the American Platinum Eagle, numerous commemoratives and several state quarters.

After his retirement from the US Mint in 2010, Mercanti remained active in numismatics. In 2014 he created an Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle design for the Perth Mint, which is now used for an annually issued series of silver and gold coins. He also wrote American Silver Eagles, A Guide to the U.S. Bullion Coin Program with Michael “Miles” Standish, an NGC vice president.

Moy led the US Mint at a time when modern coin collecting began to dramatically increase in popularity due, in large part, to the exciting new programs introduced under Moy’s leadership. His term started just as the Mint was releasing the 20th Anniversary Silver and Gold Eagles, which included the first Reverse Proofs ever struck by the US Mint.

The success of this program promoted the US Mint to experiment with other new concepts and types. Moy is particularly proud of the 2009 Ultra High Relief $20, which featured Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ original design for his Double Eagle. The coin was an immediate success and continues to be highly desired by collectors.

Moy also oversaw the launch of the Presidential Dollar program in 2007 and the America the Beautiful Quarters program in 2009 as well as completion of the monumental 50 State Quarters program. After his retirement in 2011, Moy remained involved in numismatics and in 2013 he wrote the reference book American Gold and Platinum Eagles.

Mercanti and Moy entered into exclusive agreements with NGC in late 2015 to individually hand-sign NGC certification labels. These unique labels enhance the presentation of modern coins with a personal touch from important historical figures.

I can personally attest that these two gentlemen are friendlist, most unassuming folks you could encounter, but with many important achivements to their credit, as discussed below. I'm sure they'll be delighted to talk numismatics and answer your questions if time allows. -Editor