ROGER H. DURAND (1935-2022)

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V25 2022 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 25, Number 7, February 13, 2022, Article 7

Numismatic researcher and author Roger H. Durand has passed. John Ferreri of NENA submitted these notes. -Editor

The New England Numismatic Association is sad to announce the passing of member Roger H. Durand, collector and author of U.S. Obsolete Currency books. He was predeceased by his second wife, Cheryl. He is survived by his first wife, Claire and his daughter Karen and three sons, Roger, Jr, Timothy and Christopher.

Durand Obsolete Notes and Scrip of Rhode Island

Roger's interest in collecting had its roots in Rhode Island where he started collecting coins and Civil War Tokens. His interests changed about 1970 and he became interested in paper money, especially the obsolete type from the State of Rhode Island. Roger shared what he learned from his hobby with others by writing about it. His first book, The Obsolete Banknotes of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations is considered the bible of Rhode Island paper money. He also published a series of thirteen books following the theme, Interesting Notes about Interesting Bank Notes. Then, in 2011 he published the profusely illustrated 85 large page book, The Fabulous Roger H. Durand Santa Claus Notes Collection.

Roger served the collecting community as an officer in the various local clubs he belonged to and when regional and national clubs beckoned, he also served in various capacities there also. He was a past president of the Society of Paper Money Collectors, a past president of the Currency Club of New England, a past president of the Western Rhode Island Coin and Stamp Association and past president of the Pawtucket Numismatic Society.

Roger's involvement in the hobby led to many awards. He received the SPMC First Literary Award and two Awards of Merit. He also received the Numismatic Ambassador Award at that time given by Krause Publications. Roger's influence was felt throughout the hobby!

"Roger's great Santa Claus collection was sold by Heritage auction company some years back and we were able to add two important notes to our collection from that sale. If our nickname is mrmrsclaus Roger's would be mrclausSr. He spent a few nights at our house some years ago and came along with us to a Whitman Show at the Cobb Galleria Center. The show had an auction that was held which had notes we needed. He was as knowledgeable as anyone when it came to obsolete notes and helped us at times with our collection. We were very sad to hear of his passing and he will be missed greatly by not only us but the many friends he had in the Numismatic hobby. Rest In Peace Roger and we send our prayers and thoughts to your family."

Roger H. Durand was born in Central Falls, Providence County, Rhode Island, on March 24, 1935. His parents were Harold and Elsie Beck Durand. He worked for the John Hancock Insurance Co. and owned the Durand Insurance Agency in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He served with the Rhode Island National Guard. He was married twice with a daughter and three sons.

Durand's collection of Santa Claus notes was sold by Heritage Currency Auctions on January 5, 2012, lots 15689 through 15723.

Thanks, everyone. I didn't know Roger but greatly appreciated his books. I have a new set of his Interesting Notes series and I consult them frequently. The illustrated books are in my library. -Editor

To read his online obituary, see:
Roger H. Durand (https://www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com/obituary/Roger-Durand)