HARVEY STACK ON INFLUENCE IN NUMISMATICS

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V24 2021 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 24, Number 21, May 23, 2021, Article 16

Harvey Stack submitted these thoughts on Coin World's discussion of influence in numismatics. Thanks. -Editor

I have written to Bill Gibbs of Coin World complementing his dedication in answering your readers about his feature article "Influential People In Numismatics"

Yes, many of the people, some 60, were professional dealers, who have contributed immensely to numismatics and its growth. We professional dealers have shops and offices about the USA, all will open doors for the public to see our displays and at the same time answer their questions. "What is coin I found worth... What do the grades mean, I have an earlier date of one in your showcase, is it rarer, How do I start a collection for myself or my children, How do I store coins, Is there a series we could start with coins in circulation, or must we always have to buy them from dealers like you, Are there books to read to get started," and probably a thousand more general questions, all usually answered with courtesy and information, all provided free", and usually with a smile.

Yes, I am duly proud and honored to be considered among the "top ten influential people in numismatics" !!!

Many of the professional dealers help start collections and also service the more advanced collector, to try to finish or complete a series of coins they start out assembling. They issue price lists, auction catalogs, both public and mail bid, write in various publications, lecture at coin shows and conventions, and also attend with part of the inventory they have to show and sell at the same shows and conventions, many times a month, nationwide, and also overseas.

The professional dealer buys and sells, and helps create a market to accommodate the collector, and general public. He spends most of his mature life providing a service to the collector, while endeavoring to make a living from his avocation.

So because they spend most of their time serving their hobby, as they contribute to the growth and interest in numismatics, they become known for their "influence" in the hobby.

I have been a professional numismatist over 70 years and knowing the hobby and numismatics like I do feel capable of making the evaluations I have just made. As I am 93 years old in June, I have observed those around me and admire virtually all of them. I work mostly at home these days and enjoy trying to help each day as best that I can, interest in my beloved hobby, Numismatics !!

That to me is why the most influential people are termed "influential" and that is why we are honored by the recent "Coin World Monthly" as we have been selected.

I hope this answers the numerous questions "why" so many professional dealers are considered "the Most Influential."

"I got this discussion started with my opinion published in the May 2 issue of The E-Sylum. I mentioned that I have now written about 3000 bios for people who have made a contribution to numismatics. That list is published on the Newman Numismatic Portal.

"There are three people on the Coin World list of most influential numismatists who have not made contributions worthy of inclusion on my list. I admit that they may have accomplishments that have just not come to my attention.

"It was not my intention to say there were too many dealers on the list. It was my intention to question if some of those selections were justified."