THE I. N. A. BULLETIN

IOWA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION

Corporate Member American Numismatic Association

HISTORY OF THE

IOWA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION

(The Iowa Numismatic Association will celebrate its Silver Anniversary at its annual convention October 4, 5, 6, 1963. Following are some of the highlights of 25 memorable years,)

PART I

THE INITIAL YEAR

Organizational Convention - June 19, 1938.

The Iowa Numismatic Association was the first state numismatic organization made up of individual members. It was formed June 19, 1938 at Iowa City, Iowa. During that initial year of 1938, important steps were taken and rules laid down which formed the basis of this successful organization.

The Hotel Jefferson in Iowa City was host to the first meeting. Ted R. Hammer of Burlington, Iowa presided and Earl Cole of Des Moines, Iowa acted as secretary. Both were the District Secretaries of the A.N.A. for Iowa and had arranged this meeting through the co-operation of the Ames Numismatic Society and the Quad City, Des Moines, Cornbelt, and Muscatine Coin Clubs.

J. Henri Ripstra, A.N.A. President, said that there were more new collectors in Iowa than any other state. He urged stimulation of interest among junior coin collectors and foster formation of junior clubs. He advised the collectors to be satisfied with a small start. To maintain good domestic relations, he told the men to be frank with their wives and tell them what was paid for coins.

Lee Hewitt, publisher of Numismatic Scrapbook, recommended formation of a state organization. He said his magazine enjoyed a large circulation in Iowa and invited collectors’ contributions of articles.

M. Vernon Sheldon, secretary of the Chicago Coin Club and candidate for the secretaryship of the A.N.A., expressed a desire that the Midwestern states eventually hold a joint convention.

Chairman Hammer next introduced: C. E. Briggs, former District Secretary of the A.N.A.; Clarence A. Hahn, Muscatine Coin Club president; Dr. J. R. Schneider, Quad City Coin Club president; L. G. Rogers, Cornbelt Coin Club president; Walter P. Bohler, Ames Numismatic Society president and Milton Radke, Des Moines Coin Club president.

At the business meeting, a motion for formation of a state organization was adopted unanimously. A motion that the chairman appoint a committee to draw up a model constitution and by-laws suitable for adoption later in the day was carried. V. Leon Belt, Waterloo, was appointed committee chairman.

Ted R. Hammer and Earl M. Cole were elected president and secretary-treasurer respectively, despite Hammer's expressed wish that others be given the honor of office so that he and Cole could continue their work as District Secretaries.

The next state meeting was set for October in Des Moines. R. E. McLain was appointed chairman of the committee for the next meeting.

The youngest collector at the convention was 12-year-old Blair Smith who became interested in collecting through the gift of a penny board. C. E. Briggs, whose A.N.A. number was 307, was the oldest A.N.A. member attending.

George A, Emery won first prize for the most unique display of coins and T. J. Barnes won first prize for best display.

J. Henri Ripstra delivered the featured talk. He told of a woman who had written him in regard to the sale of a Columbian half dollar. She said she had received an offer of $500 for it, and would like to have him sell it for her for a commission, and even sent tracings of the coin. Ripstra in this way illustrated in his speech that many people (even today) are misinformed on the value of coins and expect unreasonable premiums.

Ripstra urged collectors to keep a reasonable amount of gold — in accordance with the amount to be set up by the Treasury Department, and that it was legal to do so. He attacked the racketeering methods used in the distribution of commemorative half dollars and said collectors could stop this by not buying new issues from distributors at prohibitive prices.

The accepted design for the new U.S, nickel (Jefferson nickel), Ripstra said, was done by a man who is not a citizen of the U.S. His dies were not acceptable in their present form and had been returned to him several times for necessary changes. Ripstra wondered if it would be unreasonable for the A.N.A. to have a voice in the acceptance of any new design of a coin.

Ripstra then spoke briefly on his display, consisting of an 1817 Crown of England, George III in silver and a Waterloo medal by Bennedetto Pistrucci. Pistrucci spent 33 years, Ripstra said, in the cutting of the die for this medal.

M. Vernon Sheldon then spoke on the display pieces which were products of Ripstra’s work — a Balboa medal, a Helen Culver medal and a Lincoln plaque. Sheldon also spoke on his display of ancient Greek coins.

After the talks, it was decided that the constitution and by-laws of the INA be filed in Polk County as a non-profit corporation. R. E. McLain and V. Leon Belt were elected first and second vice president respectively. A board of directors was elected by acclamation. They were: Ernest Moore, Elmer Laurent, Walter P. Bohler, Lloyd G. Rogers and L. A. Page.

After the meeting was adjourned, thirty minutes were allowed for viewing exhibits before the auction sale was called. According to the Numismatic Horn-blower, the auction consisted of 150 lots ranging from cents to $10 gold. Only Iowans could submit auction pieces. No mail bids were accepted.

The only fee for the meeting was 75 cents, including luncheon. An auction charge of 10 per cent was made with the money going into the treasury of the newly formed INA. According to the Hornblower, 75 lots had been received by late May from dealers and collectors, including commemoratives, gold, two 1856 flying eagle cents and a 1799 cent fair condition.

That the auction was successful can be seen by the fact that J. B. Simon, the auctioneer, was so busy he forgot to sign up for membership in the INA and had to do so later, sending in his 50 cent membership fee.

Another humorous sidelight to the convention was that the ladies, who had been invited to accompany their husbands, were almost forgotten. The men were so busy with formation of the new organization and the auction that preparations for bridge and other diversions for the ladies were not set up. This situation was corrected at the next meeting in October.

Earl M. Cole had special medals struck and distributed to each person attending the convention. The supply of medals was soon exhausted as people who had not been able to attend the meeting sent in for them.

Eighty-one persons registered at this first meeting. Pieces to be given as door prizes were donated by: Stack's, New York City; Wayte Raymond, Inc., New York City; Tatham Stamp and Coin Co., Springfield, Mass.; Kenneth W. Lee, Glendale, Calif.; Nelson T. Thorson, Omaha, Neb.; Ted Hammer, Burlington, and Earl M. Cole, Des-Moines. A letter of thanks and an official medal of the meeting was mailed to these contributors.

When the first convention came to an end, the groundwork had been laid for a numismatic organization which would soon have a strong voice in national numismatic ventures. Those attending went home eager to begin work which would soon make the INA one of the strongest state numismatic organizations in the country. The new members looked eagerly ahead to the October meeting in Des Moines.

FIRST-YEAR PROGRESS

The INA, official publication of the Iowa Numismatic Association, was one of the notable accomplishments of the association's first year. The first issue of this bulletin, published on July 20, 1938, was distributed to all known collectors in Iowa. A notice was placed in the bulletin saying that subsequent issues would be sent only to INA members and coin associations with whom an exchange agreement had been worked out. Ted R. Hammer, INA president, was editor of the publication.

Items such as the following, which were in the five issues of 1938, made the INA both informative and entertaining from its inception:

"Indians may have been thick out west once, but not today, says Cleo Loserth of Burlington. She found only 3 Indianhead cents in going through 5,500 while on a motor trip to the west coast recently. She found: 1909-S VDB —1, 1909 S(LH) —3, 1910-S —16, 1911-S —10, 1912-S —11, 1913-S —19, 1914-S —8, 1914-D —1, 1915-S —11, 1922 —1, 1922-D —6, 1924-D —2, 1926-S —45, 1931-S —6, 1931-D —2."

(INA — Dec. 5, 1938)

"Congressional investigations are nothing new...in the 1780’s when a handful of patriots were trying to start the mint, there was plenty of opposition. And after it got going in 1793 (built in 1792)...numerous senators and congressmen supported moves to abolish it. Last serious effort was made in 1802, but this action was lost in the committee in 1803. This is also something which happens even with New Dealers. Some individuals blackened the character of various mint officials and otherwise tried to interfere with the mint. Is it news to you that at the start we had free coinage? And that for years and years no means were provided to buy bullion? And that the mint cost hundreds of thousands of dollars more than was coined?"

(Aug. 5, 1938)

"The Quad Cities Coin Club of Davenport is working hard on the juvenile end of collecting and as a special project is preparing packets for young people."

(Oct. 6, 1938)

(Note: Many clubs began projects during this first year of INA and reported on them at conventions or wrote about them to the INA editor.)

"Down in Burlington, Margaret Vandevert, teller at the Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank, took an 1862 $2 bill, fine condition, over the counter the other day, This same teller, a collector herself, handed yours truly (Ted R, Hammer) a 1922 plain cent in fine condition along with some change recently.”

(Aug. 5, 1938)

"Every bidder in the INA auction will receive FREE copy of prices received at the October 16 auction."

(Oct. 6, 1938)

"(INA) Secretary W. M. (Bill) Baker of Davenport has worked out a special system for INA auctions. Each lot will be in an envelope to which will be attached the lot number, description, price bought, purchaser, etc., to be filled out in duplicate, at the same time giving this information on the envelope which goes to the purchaser. This will be tried out by the Quad-Cities Club of Davenport.”

(Dec. 5, 1938)

“V. Leon Belt, who has one of the finest U.S. collections in the entire middle west, began collecting in 1893 when his father brought home a Columbian commemorative from the World Fair.”

"His father operated a store, which proved a help to the youth's hobby — up to a point. The store was robbed and all his coins were stolen. It was only then however, that he took up the hobby seriously.”

(Dec. 5, 1938)

“Walter Bohler of Ames, an INA director, was appointed district secretary of the ANA to fill the terra of Earl Cole who had to resign because of health.”

(Oct. 25, 1938)

(Note: Mr. Bohler was one of many INA officers who also served in executive positions with the ANA. These men and the offices they filled will be listed later.)

“Jefferson’s home is shown on the reverse of the new 5 cent piece to demonstrate you can’t get far from home on a nickel.”

(Dec, 5, 1938)

* * *

The INA held its state convention in Des Moines on October 16, 1938 with 81 members in the organization and $44.73 in the treasury. Guest speaker was John Adams, secretary of the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, who asked the INA to support a measure to get a centennial coin for the 100th anniversary of Iowa statehood in 1946. This action was unanimously approved by members.

It was announced that the INA constitution and by-laws had been completed and filed in the Polk County Recorder's Office. The INA was thus incorporated.

Members voted unanimously that a president could serve two years in succession and that a retiring president would automatically take his place on the board of directors. It was also voted that five members from three counties would constitute a quorum.

M. Vernon Sheldon, secretary of the ANA, exhibited the applications of Iowa's three oldest ANA members, all from Cedar Rapids: l) Charles Briggs, No. 307, who became a member in May, 1901 at the age of 42. His sponsor was Dr. Heath, founder of the ANA; 2) B. H. Saxton, No. 921, became a member in September, 1907 at age 31. He was also sponsored by Dr, Heath: 3) Bert Gillham, No, 1369, became a member in 1910. He was sponsored by B. Max Mehl.

W. M. Baker submitted to the convention a design for an INA seal and emblem. Baker designed the emblem with proposed minor changes by J, Henri Ripstra. The seal was to be the size of a silver dollar in split planchet effect, showing a partially shucked ear of corn centered on design. The word "Iowa" was to be in larger lettering than “Numismatic Association”. The organizational date was to be placed upon the field of the seal or the corn leaves. No definite decision was made by the convention concerning the seal.

Baker was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Earl M. Cole who resigned as secretary-treasurer because of health.

A suggestion was made at the Board of Directors meeting that the auctioneer announce, before the sale, that all coins offered at auction had been carefully classified by a committee. Purchasers of coins had to make any complaints on purchases to this committee before the close of the sale and abide by the committee's decision as to disposal of their claim. No exchanges could be made after the sale.

All lots were on exhibition at least one hour prior to the sale, The auctioneer accepted no bids under 10 cents to start a lot: no advance under 5 cents; no advance under 10 cents after the price reached $2.00; no advance under 25 cents after $5.00 and no bid under 50 cents after $10.00. All INA members could bid on auction lots by mail or in person.

There was no charge for executing bids. Members bidding by mail were charged postage and insurance on their lots received in addition to the cost of the lot. Persons submitting auction material were permitted no reserve but could enter protective bids by mail or from the floor. A person bidding in his own material was charged 5 cents per lot to cover costs. No claims were allowed unless the fault of the cataloguers and no lots were exhibited during the sale.

Following are some of the coins and the prices they were sold for at the auction:

1856 Flying Eagle small cent, about fine-$17.00

1836 Milled edge half dollar, Rare, Ext. Fine-$10.50

1870-S half dollar, V, Fine-$3.50

Boone 1937 Set commemorative half dollar, 3 mints, Brill. Unc.-$23.50

1883-0 silver dollar, Brill. Unc.-$3.60

1904-S silver dollar, Unc.-$4.40

1906 Proof Set (5 pieces)-$5.25

1907 Proof Set (5 pieces)-$5.00

Colonial Bar Cent, original, strictly unc.-$ll.00

1791 Washington Cent, Large Eagle, Unc. Proof Surface-$7.00

1855 Large Copper Cent, Flying Eagle, Large Wreath, Bronze, V, Fine-$4.50

1858 Small Cent, Large Flying Eagle, Laurel Wreath, Copper-Nickel, Brill,

Proof-$7.50

1858 Small Cent, Indian Head, Oak Wreath and broad shield, Copper-Nickel,

Brill, Proof-$9.00

1884 Small Cent, Thin planchet, small hole in center, Nickel, Brill,

Proof-$10.50
1905 Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar, Brill. Unc.-$13.25
1878 $3 Gold Ext, Fine-$6.75

1849 #10 Gold, Moffat & Co. , Ten Dol., V, Fine Very rare-$52.50 *

1896 $2 Silver Certificate, Science presenting steam and electricity

to commerce and manufacture, Tillman and Morgan, V. Fine-$3.10
1919-D Quarter, Brill. Unc., Rare-$7.25
1923-S Quarter, Brill. Unc., Very rare-$12.75
1909-S VDB, small cent, Unc,-$2
1914-D small cent, V, Fine-$1.20

* Highest price realized at auction.

Many of the coins listed above have increased greatly in value in the past 25 years. However, a quick glance at 1938 INA receipts for services and items purchased shows that, just as many coins have gone up, so has the cost of living.

The INA paid in 1938 $1.50 for the recording fee for articles of incorporation, $10 for a duplicator and paper for the INA bulletin, $.60 per person for the Iowa City luncheons and $.75 per person for the Des Moines luncheons, $4 for police protection for the Des Moines exhibits and for rubber stamps, which now cost more than a dollar, $.25 each.

PART II

GROWTH AND RECOGNITION

Building Prestige

Many officers of the Iowa Numismatic Association went on to gain national recognition in numismatics. Ted R. Hammer and Earl M. Cole, first president and secretary-treasurer of I.N.A. respectively, were district secretaries of A.N.A. at the time of their election. Cole resigned because of illness and was replaced as district secretary by another I.N.A. member, Walter Bohler.

Hammer was appointed national chairman of Coin Week in 1939 and later became curator and librarian of A.N.A. He used experience which he gained editing the I.N.A, Bulletin to good advantage and became a widely read coin columnist.

V. Leon Belt, former I.N.A, president, became First Vice President and later sat on the Board of Governors of A.N.A, Burton H. Saxton, former I.N.A. secretary-treasurer and president, was appointed business manager of A.N.A. and editor of "The Numismatist”. In 1947, I.N.A. members filled 7 of 13 A.N.A. posts and by 1948, the number rose to 8, headed by A.N.A. President Loyd B. Gettys, former I.N.A. president.

Joint Convention

Approximately 400 numismatists attended the successful joint convention of I.N.A. and the Central States Numismatic Society in April, 1940 at Burlington. B. Max Mehl and Professor R. E. Davis were the principle speakers. A sad aftermath of the convention was the news that Professor Davis, who had been just elected C.S.N.S. president and who had been ill at the convention, died six days later.

Many visitors viewed the excellent displays at the joint convention. They were called the finest seen in the Midwest. The I.N.A. Board of Directors decided it would be impossible to properly judge the displays of noted dealers and the numerous displays of rarities prepared by members of both associations. Therefore, the coin awards for display were turned over to the Association for sale at the auction with the money going to the Association's treasury.

In addition to the principle speakers, there were prominent numismatists and dealers from all parts of the country including: J. Henri Ripstra, Lee Hewitt and M. Vernon Sheldon, Chicago; A. B. Kelley, St. Louis: A. A. Grinnel and George Needels, Detroit; Arthur Grav, Saginaw, Michigan; Eric Newman, St. Louis: A. Kosoff, New York; Jim Kelley, Dayton; M. H. Bolender, Freeport, Illinois; John Snow, St. Louis and Bans Schulman, Antwerp, Holland and New York.

The I.N.A. seal; co-designed by Miss Marjorie Ankeny and W. M. Baker, had been approved in 1939, J. Henri Ripstra surprised I.N,A. members at the 1940 joint convention by having ready for sale small bronze buttons which he had struck. They carried the I.N.A. seal in relief and looked somewhat like ancient coins.

Supplies Proof

Russell Daniel, a U.S. Secret Service agent, who had addressed the May, 1939 convention on counterfeiting, proved that he knew what he was talking about several months later when he made arrests in Ottumwa which broke up a counterfeiting ring.

Auctions to Dealer

The I N.A. Board of Directors decided in 1941 that future auctions would be given to a responsible dealer because of the great amount of work performed by auction committees, the lack of available material and the small commission realized in past auctions which did not compensate adequately for the work involved.

Mrs. Betty Laurent was appointed I.N.A. historian and curator in 1940 and began compiling a Scrap Book Record of interesting Iowa numismatic items.

J. Henri Ripstra was awarded a special medal, for all his services to INA, since its birth, at the May, 1941 convention in Davenport.

Shoo the Members In

C. David Pierce expressed concern at the 1942 meeting in Des Moines that perhaps conventioneers were enjoying themselves a little too much. He proposed a committee of ten to act as Sergeants-at-Arms to "shoo the members out of the display rooms, away from the bourse tables, into the meeting and to see that the members conducted themselves with decorum". The motion was carried unanimously.

Another successful joint convention was held with the Central States Numismatic Society in May, 1942 at Des Moines, At the semi-annual convention in Muscatine that October, I.N.A. members were relieved to learn that the government would not try to collect coins from Iowa’s coin collectors. Burton H. Saxton read a letter from the Treasury Department saying, due to the nature and purpose of I.N.A., it would not be subject to income tax.

War Priorities

Programs, tokens and badges from the October, 1942 convention were sent to I.N.A. members in the armed forces. Loyd B. Gettys reported that government priorities prevented preparation of medals for the convention. One hundred were on hand with only the obverse struck. Members were told that, when conditions permitted, 50 would be struck for the convention and those who had registered would be notified.

Past I.N.A. President V. Leon Belt extended an invitation in 1942 to A.N.A. to hold their national convention in Iowa in 1946, which marked the centennial of Iowa statehood,

I.N.A Bulletins continued to carry interesting news such as this Associated Press item from Canada during the war which said a 12-sided nickel of copper and zinc had been put in circulation. It was called a "blackout nickel" because its distinctive shape made it identifiable in the dark.

The I.N.A. adopted and sent a proposal in October, 1943 to Governor B. B. Hickenlooper to extend the 1946 Iowa Centennial to World's Fair status. Hickenlooper acknowledged the proposal in a news release and said Iowa's resources and facilities would have to be studied extensively to decide the feasibility of the project.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll of I.N.A. members serving their country read as follows in 1944: Warren Alien, Muscatine; Richard Albaush, Ames; G. W. Borschell, Cedar Rapids; Harry Boosel and Lee Hewitt, Chicago; Everett Dietz, Kenneth Hunt and W, E. Ruebush, Waterloo; Lewis Ferguson, Algona; Carl Kynell, Sioux City; Paul and Arthur Kagin, Des Moines; J. J. Rasper, Guttenburg; Stanley Smith, Burlington and James Malloy, Muscatine.

I.N.A. had two honorary members in 1944, Carl F. Hodek of Vinton and Dr. Walter Norera of Muscatine, who was serving in a hospital in Iran.

Two important resolutions were adopted at the May, 1944 convention in Cedar Rapids. The first was that I.N.A. would work for a commemorative silver dollar for the 1946 Centennial and the second was to make every effort to secure the 1946 A.N.A. convention for Iowa.

Escapes Invasion

Principle speaker at the convention was Hans M. F. Schulraan who came to New York from Holland in 1939 just ahead of the German Invasion. Schulraan established a coin house in New York which specialized in foreign coins, mainly from the Netherlands. He spoke on Netherlands history and described certain Allied operations to combat the Germans. The coins exhibited at this convention were valued at about $400,000, one of the most expensive collections ever assembled at a state convention at that time.

Due to wartime restrictions on travel and accommodations, the I.N.A. Board of Directors decided to cancel the 1945 spring convention and hold a business meeting for officers and directors on May 6, in Iowa City. Mrs. Hellene Bohler was appointed I.N.A. Bulletin editor. One meeting a year in May was recommended. No fall meeting was held in 1945, again on action by the Board of Directors.

The first I.N.A, convention held out of Iowa took place in Omaha, Nebraska in May, 1947. Motions were carried that I.N.A, begin writing a history of Iowa numismatics and that 18-year-olds of good moral character could become I.N.A. members and 12-year-olds could become junior members without voting or office-holding privileges.

Pieces of Eight

Dr. J. Jewitt Judd, foremost authority on pattern coins and member of A.N.A. Board of Governors, addressed the convention. Elmer Laurent exhibited the world's smallest coin, the “Gangu of Kolinga," minted in India about 1150 A,D, and worn on tiny chains attached to the nose to show friends that the wearer had so much cash he didn’t know what to do with it all. Don C. Reefer exhibited the world's largest silver coin, minted in Madrid in 1637. Reefer also explained, in a feature article in the Omaha World-Herald, that the quarter was called "two-bits" because it replaced the Spanish Two Real Piece. Reefer displayed his collection of Spanish pieces of eight, minted in Mexico and Peru from 1580 to 1750.

Jackass Bill

Loyd B. Gettys had a 1689 ten-dollar note, the first in which silk threads were used. The note was called the "jackass $10" and was, according to legend, an English engraver's joke on the United States. The engraver drew an eagle on the note in such a way that, inverted, it is the head of a mule.

F. K. Saab, Egyptian collector, had rare Siamese gold bullet money. One piece was the size of a filling for a tooth.

Vernon L. Brown of the Chase National Bank addressed the May, 1948 convention on "Moneys of the World". At this meeting, the date of the annual convention was changed to the fall, either October or November.

Coins Proposed

The I.N.A passed a resolution calling for immediate minting and circulation of U.S. coins of 2½, 7½, and 12½ cent denominations in addition to the existing coinage. The purpose was to halt price inequities and inflationary trends in the national economy.

The 10th Anniversary Convention of I.N.A. was held in Ottumwa in November, 1948. Coins valued at $500,000 were exhibited.

A.N.A Loyd B. Gettys exhibited his outstanding collection of U S. paper money, silver coins and double eagles and double and triple foreign crown thalers, including medical, religious and historical thalers. (The thaler was the forerunner of the dollar.)

Lester S. Wright, I.N.A, President, showed his medals including one struck for each U.S. President, a Lincoln medal group and an assortment struck for artists and musicians.

First prize for coin exhibits went to Delzell N. Green for his collection of large cents, all dates and many varieties, his paper currency and Cherokee nation bill photostats (originals in Chase National Bank), postage currency, ancients, colonials and medals.

Youth Saluted

At this convention which celebrated ten years of Iowa numismatic growth, special recognition was given to the numismatic leaders of the future. Junior Collector Awards were given to Darrell Staats, Tommy Hart, Marsha Ann Workman and Donald Fackler, all of Ottumwa, the host city.

Recession and Comeback

The Iowa Numismatic Association almost perished in 1950. President Lester S. Wright had been moved by his company from Davenport to Kansas City and had to resign. The 1949 meeting at Ottumwa had been poorly attended, disappointing dealers as well as members present. No call apparently was issued for a fall meeting and there was none, nor was there a spring meeting in 1950.

A special meeting was called for July 16, 1950. It was held, fittingly, in Iowa City, birthplace of the association. Acting President Laurent made a few remarks on the state of the association. I.N.A. carried 163 active members on its rolls and a treasury balance of $296.71 at this time of near dissolution. Laurent put the question squarely: Did the membership wish the Association to continue to exist? The membership did — unanimously.

Robert Stahl, representing the Cedar Rapids Stamp and Coin Clubs, extended an invitation at this meeting for I.N.A. to hold a 1950 fall convention in Cedar Rapids in conjunction with the Mid-Century Stamp and Coin Exhibition with no convention expense to I.N.A. The gracious offer was accepted and a $25 token of appreciation was voted to the Cedar Rapids Clubs.

A letter, mailed through the instigation of D. N. Green of Fairfield, was sent to I,N.A. active and former members. It pointed out that I.N.A., was once the largest and most active state coin association in the nation and urged participation in the fall convention at the Hotel Montrose in Cedar Rapids to restore I.N.A. status. The letter ended with the quote: "Enjoy life while you live for you will be a long time dead.”

An advertisement was drawn up and $18.75 worth of space taken in "the Numismatist" to announce the fall convention. One of the most important steps taken at the July meeting was election of new officers and Elmer Laurent, who had called the meeting, was elected president.

The convention was held September 23 and 24. The Regional Meeting of the American Philatelic Society and the Boy Scouts of America Exhibition were also held at the same time in conjunction with the Mid-Century Exhibition. The I.N.A. convention was a success and thirteen new members were signed on the spot. I.N.A. had begun a successful comeback.

At the conclusion of the May, 1951 convention in Burlington, the members all stood and expressed their thanks to the officers and all who worked for a successful convention and the general comeback of I.N.A.

Speakers Again

Distinguished speakers were once again featured at conventions. Colonel James Curtis, A.N A. Vice President, spoke on "Coins of Egypt" in November, 1951 at Des Moines. Ninety-nine members attended this convention including seven A.N.A. officers and four past presidents of I.N.A.

The May 1952 meeting was convened on a sad note. President Elmer Laurent, who had been a driving force in the re-birth and revitalization of I.N.A., had died. His work, however, and that of other members was paying off. By fall, thirty new members had joined the association since its re-activation.

First Flight

Lewis M. Reagan, general secretary of A.N.A., drove 1400 miles to be guest speaker at the fall convention in 1952 at Davenport. He told the convention that he had flown more than 200,000 miles to attend numismatist meetings. His first flight had been to an I.N.A. meeting in Des Moines.

Fifteen years of I.N.A. activity were noted at the fall meeting in Cedar Rapids in 1953. Gold lapel pins were presented to former presidents and Mrs. Betty Laurent read a newly compiled history of I.N.A.

Mr. and Mrs. C. David Pierce sponsored the 1954 fall convention in Ottumwa after no bid had been entered by any city or club.

A vigorous membership drive was conducted in 1954-55 with a resulting increase of 65 new paid memberships which brought the total to 190 members in 15 states.

Credit Due

Much of the credit for this drive belonged to President Burton H. Saxton and Secretary-Treasurer Mrs. Betty Laurent. Saxton traveled to numismatist meetings across the state, issued personal bulletins and wrote letters to every new I.N.A. member as well as prospective members. Mrs. Laurent urged members to help the membership drive in the I.N.A. Bulletin. She sent letters to every new A.N.A, member living in Iowa who had not joined I.N.A. The efforts of both paid off handsomely.

Education Important

For several years, noted speakers were not enlisted for I.N.A. conventions, When Dr. John Davenport, author of several books on Dollar and Crown Size pieces, spoke at the 1960 fall convention in Davenport, his address was hailed in the I.N.A. Bulletin. It was pointed out to members that I.N.A. should not just stress the commercial side of numismatics; the education of the "new crop of collectors" was not important.

The size and interest in conventions has grown with each recent convention. In 1961, the convention was held in Marshalltown and in 1962, it was held at Ottumwa with a record number of coin dealers and collectors present. In the past 25 years, the convention has been held in almost every corner of Iowa and once out of the state in Omaha.

The Iowa Numismatic Society, first state organization of its kind, has 25 years to look back on proudly. Included in the October festivities will be presentation of life memberships to charter members still in the association. A noted speaker will address the convention. Further details will be announced later. The aim of the convention will be to start the I.N.A. on its next 25 years with an impetus that will carry the association to even greater heights than those realized in the first 25 memorable and illustrious years.

HISTORY OF THE IOWA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION—PARTS I AND II.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY DEAN OAKES, SECRETARY-TREASURER, IOWA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION. 1963

I.N.A. Presidents and the terms they served:

Ted R. Hammer 1938-39

V. Leon Belt 1940-41

M. A. Radke 1942-43

Loyd B. Gettys 1944-45

C. David Pierce 1946-47

Lester S. Wright 1948-49

Elmer Laurent 1950-51 (Died in Office)

Charles Altraan 1951-54

Burton H. Saxton 1955-56

Harold Baker 1957-58

Lewis K. Ferguson 1959-60

Wyard Troja 1961-62

Don Jenson 1963

Part III

(The Iowa Numismatic Association will celebrate its 50th (Gold) Anniversary at its annual convention September 30, October 1 and 2, 1988 in Iowa City, Iowa. Following are some of the highlights of the last 25 years.)

October 4, 5, 6, 1963 marked the Silver Anniversary of INA in Sioux City, Iowa. A 1796 XF dime sold at auction for $810; 1793 VF half cent sold for $405; 1928 St. Gauden $20 gold piece sold for $62.50; 1824 divided date uncirculated cent rated by Walter Breen as 3rd finest in the world sold for $107; 1818 $3 gold piece sold for $177.50. Members reelected the entire slate of officers:

President Don W. Jensen

Vice President Philip Budd

2nd Vice President Kenneth Benedict

Secretary/Treasurer Dean Oakes

Historian W.E. Van Hook

Board of Directors John Alvey

Golbly C. Uhlir
Albert Eidt
Wyard Troja
Bill Ott

Thirty-two dealers and 1,200 visitors attended. The following Charter Members were honored with life memberships:

Walter P. Bohler

Lewis K. Ferguson

T.J. Barnes

A.R. Goodman

Andrew Klitgaard

M.A. Radke

Arnold Swanson

Paul Campbell

Lee F. Hewett

F. W. Alien

Earl Petitt

A.M. Kagin

E.J. Asthalter

Lauren Benson

Lester S. Wright

It was decided to present a Best of Show award at all shows sponsored by any of the 19 member clubs. It was to be engraved "Best of Show awarded by INA (year)." It may be won by a person only one time during the course of a year. A motion was made for a $50 donation to be given annually to the Lewis M. Reagon Memorial Fund as long as the group is financially able to continue. Another motion was made to donate a $50 check to the drive to replace the coin collection stolen from the Truman Library. This was the year that Eugene Morris had a large portion of his national bank note collection stolen.

1964 convention was held in Cedar Rapids with Joseph Marshek (President of Cedar Rapids Coin Club) and James Reed serving as Co-Chairmen of Bourse. Don W. Jensen won the 1st place award with his complete set of 1954-1889 $3 gold coins - one of 5 or 6 complete sets in existence. There were 9 categories for exhibits. An 1890 Indian cent sold for $955 at auction.

At the Directors meeting held in March of 1965 it was voted that INA: adopt ANA judging rules for all exhibits at conventions; trade the mimeograph for a typewriter; authorize $65 for a typewriter to be used for the INA Bulletin; contribute $100 (first installment of 5 year program) to ANA Building Fund if INA finances permit. INA strongly recommended Dubuque, Iowa be considered site of the ANA Home.

September 1965 saw 439 paid up members, 46 paid up clubs and a balance on hand of $954.71. There were approximately $350,000 of value in coins on display as exhibits and for sale. 6,000 attended the 3 day event with 65 exhibits (10 categories) and 150 persons attended the banquet. There were 30 dealers and an 800 lot auction was held with the following realized:

1856 Flying Eagle cent in proof $2,900

1783 Cent $1,050

1869 Indian Head Cent $ 375

Also a Civil War penny token made by the "New York Store” in Cedar Rapids was on the auction list.

The 100 member strong coin club in Fort Dodge sponsored the 1966 convention. Bill Mertes exhibited his 1879 $4 gold piece (Stella) ($5,000 value) and $50 round California gold piece minted by Wass Monitor and Company in 1855 ($6,000 value). A 50 cent door prize ticket gave you a chance to win: 1st prize, $20 gold piece; 2nd prize, $10 gold piece; 3rd prize, $5.00 gold piece. Chester Krause of Numismatic News spoke at the banquet. Iowa Depression script was featured in an auction held by Dean Oakes of A & A Coins, Iowa City. Registration reached 1,000. President Philip Budd wanted to secure something suitable in the way of medals or lapel pins.

In 1967 a new reverse for the INA medal - hawk in flight with an outline of our state boundary - was developed. 100 silver and 250 bronze were struck selling for $5.00 and 2.00 respectively. Members and visitors to the convention were treated to an exhibit of the finest known uncut sheet of rare national bank notes from the 1st National Bank of Fairbanks, Alaska (value over $5,000).

In 1968 there were two outstanding noncompetitive exhibits on display: the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel owned by Aubrey Bebee of Bebee's, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska and the original plaster casts of the Iowa Commemorative with letters of authentication from Adam Peitz. There were 33 exhibitors entering 41 exhibits in competition for awards. R.S. Yeoman (25 year member) spoke at the banquet. Roy Lawrence died this year - he and his brother were famous for their news media "The Coin Collector." Secretary of the Treasury, Miss Eva Adams was invited to attend the convention. The INA placed into office a husband and wife team - Bill Ott, President and Martha Ott, Secretary/Treasurer. Board of Directors was enlarged. Every association member had a chance to nominate and vote for a candidate of his choice where in the past only members who attended the business meeting at the convention had that opportunity.

The 1969 convention was held in Des Moines. The billion dollar exhibit of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of the Treasury Department attracted a great deal of attention during the convention. Six states were represented by 34 dealers, more than 2,000 attended seeing 39 displays and the banquet cost $6.00. Alien Schrock won Best of Show, Jack Huggins 1st place in US Coins and L.L. Owen 1st place in paper money.

In 1970 Dean Oakes was named President of INA. The Cedar Rapids Coin Club, Marion Collectors Club and Old Capitol Coin Club sponsored this event with John and Marlene Kelso as official host and hostess. The Vern Clark Memorial Award (given in memory of the late Iowa dealer) went to Paul Lyons of Burlington. Clem Bailey of Numismatic News was guest speaker at the banquet.

At the 1971 convention the Treasury Departments Bureau of Engraving and Printing exhibited an uncut sheet of $100 bills, a $100,000 bill as well as a $5,000 and $10,000. Also on display was a printing press demonstrating the printing of currency. Richard S. Yeoman addressed the INA awards breakfast. Father Greteman won Best of Show for his US Barber exhibit.

Keokuk, Iowa was the site of the 1972 convention with Eric Newman, from St. Louis, the breakfast speaker. His talk was on “Rare and Unusual Library Items That Make Numismatics Interesting.” Mr. Newman is the author of “1804 Silver Dollar” and has written several books on colonial currency. Thirty-five dealers representing Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Iowa were present on the bourse floor. Charter member T.J. Barnes of Norwalk, Iowa, was recognized as having never missed an Iowa State Convention since 1938. President Dean Oakes served on the Iowa American Revolution Bicentennial Commission as a judge (one of 12) in the semi finalist competition for Iowa's bicentennial medal being struck by Franklin Mint. If a design acceptable to the panel of judges is chosen, it will become the official 1776-1976 medal for Iowa. The Franklin Mint was represented at the convention by Dan and Irene Harley of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In 1973 members reminisced of 12 or more years ago when numismatics literally exploded with action. Everything numismatic soared to unbelievable heights. Over a period of 9 or 10 years tranquility existed but now again the prices for choice type, gold, commemoratives, silver dollars and some rolls began to soar again to unbelievable heights. A bill was introduced to the US Senate to allow public ownership of gold, known as the Par Value Modification Act. Port City Coin Club contributed 184 numismatic reference books to public libraries and school libraries in the Muscatine area purchased with net proceeds of annual coin shows held each year since 1959. In addition, during the last several years they also donated 200 or more numismatic reference books to the Veterans’ Hospital at Iowa City and arranged with club funds for 5 different numismatic newspapers and magazines to be mailed each month. The club also made cash contributions to the Muscatine Junior Chamber building fund, the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce Flag Fund, the ANA Building and authentication funds and the Lewis Regan Memorial fund. (What a wonderful history for the Port City Coin Club to have!!) The General Services Administration sold 700,000 of the Carson City dollars at $30.00 each and had 1.6 million left. Bids were reopened April of 1973. Gold was $100 an ounce.

Des Moines was the site of the 1974 convention. Eugene Morris was named president. There were 41 dealers and 30 exhibits. Daniel C. Parker, President of Central States Numismatic Society, spoke at the Sunday Awards Breakfast.

Secretary-Treasurer JoAnn Peters reported 10 living charter members in 1975. The Board of Directors approved a new "Winner's Circle” trophy beginning in 1976. Bill Ott, past president, passed away. Franklin Mint representative Dan Harley was banquet speaker. Metal life membership cards were approved and INA conventions will be held alternately in Des Moines. Dues were $2.00 for adults and juniors. Secretary's report shows 277 paid up members, 30 life members, and 25 paid up clubs.

In 1976 we saw bicentennial sets minted and a $2 bill released in April. A new bicentennial plaque was designed for Best of Show trophy. Veteran midwestern numismatist, 2nd Vice President Lowell Owen passed away. The "Winners Circle" was opened to previous winners of the Best of Show trophy. W.E. Van Hook, serving as INA Historian from 1956-76, retired. Charter Member Paul Campbell became the new Historian.

Fortieth anniversary medal reverse (only) designs were called for in 1977 with Jack Pohl winning the design contest. Don Mark was voted in as our 1st show co-ordinator to handle the stress of duplicate scheduling of shows. Five charter members (of the 10 living) attending the evening banquet were honored:

Lewis Ferguson

Everett Dietz

Walter Bohler

Arthur Kagin

Paul Campbell

INA purchased the historical collection from Van Hook for $550. Art Kagin started donations toward the purchase and Don Mark made the 1st item addition.

The Eisenhower Silver dollar was a hot item in 1978 at the convention in Davenport. There were 85 dealers representing 12 states on the bourse floor. Bulk silver was being bought and electronic counters were in great evidence. The most valuable coin on display was a 1795 half dime worth about $14,500. R.S. Yeoman acted as one of the exhibit judges. We had 22 exhibitors with Bill Houser taking Best of Show with his $2 bill exhibit. Bill Higgins opened a museum in the spring of this year in Okoboji, Iowa, housing his national bank notes from each town in Iowa. His collection is missing only 12 notes of being complete.

Our beloved historian for 20 years, W.E. Van Hook passed away in 1979. Dues were raised to $3. Central States Numismatic Society officials held their interim meeting at our 1979 convention. Margo Russell, Editor of Coin World, was the breakfast speaker. Charter Member T.J. Barnes (90 years of age) attended this year's convention in a wheelchair. Burlington Coin Club celebrated their 40th Anniversary. The Tri-County Coin Club of Perry, Iowa donated a Perry National Bank note to the Historian exhibit. There were 100 silver and 1,000 bronze INA 40th anniversary medals struck. #1-5 were auctioned and #40 was given to the Historian. The silver were $20 and were numbered and available 1 to a member. Glenn Baird won Best of Show with his Ottumwa National Bank Note exhibit entitled "Hometown USA." Eight year old Eric Kelso won 2nd place in the junior division with his quarter exhibit.

"Wildly erotic" bullion markets were taking place when we held our convention in Sioux City in 1980. A person could get $25 times face for silver and a lot of collectible coins found their way to the bullion pile.

INA hosted the ANA Certification Service Counterfeiting Seminars at the 1981 convention held in Des Moines. There were a record number of bourse dealers. President of CSNS, Ralph Hardman Jr. was the awards breakfast speaker. Philip Budd, INA President 1965 and 1966 passed away. Clarion Coin Club challenged all clubs in Iowa and INA to a membership drive contest with Oskaloosa wining with a 106% increase. Largest membership award went to Keokuk with 132 members. A proposal was made to change districts.

Ted Hammer, one of the founders and 1st president of INA died at 78 years in March, 1982. Clint Koever was sent to Colorado Springs with an all expense paid INA scholarship to the ANA Youth Seminar this summer. Half dollars were popular with exhibitors at this year's convention. JoAnn Peters was honored on retiring after 10 years service as Secretary/Treasurer serving under 5 presidents. Clarion Club challenged all to another membership contest again. Cedar Rapids Coin Club hosted the Central States Numismatic Society convention at the Five Seasons Center. Iowa Obsolete Notes and Script was published by Dean Oakes, Iowa City, Iowa.

Paul Campbell, Charter Member and Historian from 1976 passed away in May, 1983. John Hickman and Dean Oakes issued a 1216 page Standard Catalog of National Bank Notes. An updated Constitution and Bylaws and convention manual was approved by the membership October, 1983. INA Board invited all Club Presidents or representatives of clubs to the INA board meetings for their input. There was art increase from 11 to 15 directors. Banquet tickets now cost $15.

Seven districts were established in 1984. Charter Member, Lewis Ferguson authored a 2nd issue of “Iowa Trade Tokens” with 520 pages. Fred Carson of Albert Lea, Minnesota was presented with a trophy by the Forest City Coin Club commemorating 25 years as a dealer and member of the club. The convention this year was held in Fort Dodge with 31 dealers representing Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska. Cliff Mishler spoke at the banquet. Don Watts, Clarion Coin Club, has written the Clarion Coin Collectors bulletin since 1958. Bob and Marilyn Douglas were appointed Historians.

Waterloo hosted the 1985 convention with 67 dealers in attendance. This was the year David Banford won 4 exhibit awards. Best of Show went to Nevin Roberts. Seminar speakers were Bob Hendershott, Art Kagin, Ralph Allan, Ron Lashmit, Don Mark, and Owen McKee. Helen Wallace passed away in December.

In 1986 the tax on bullion sales loomed in the horizon. The commemorative centennial of the Statue of Liberty was proposed. The silver dollar would be emblematic of the use of Ell is Island as a gateway for immigrants to America. The half dollar would honor the contributions of immigrants to America. The sale of the gold, silver and copper nickel coins will raise up to 137.5 million to pay for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ell is Island. One-quarter ounce gold, silver dollars (each with 3/4 ounce of silver) and copper-nickel half dollars will be struck. ANA President Florence Shook attended this convention placing a special emphasis on the junior collector and also served as banquet speaker. INA dues were raised from $3 to $5. A major collection, Iowa National Bank Currency, billed as the largest group of Iowa nationals ever shown at a coin show was on display at the Des Moines Convention Center for the fall convention. Theme of the show was “A Coin Club Remembers: Des Moines Club turns '50’!” The following presented seminars to members and visitors:

Youth in Numismatics Florence Shook

Ancient Bizentine Coins:
Ugly, Forgotten, Fascinating Ralph Allen

Coins of the Bible Bob Hendershott

Post Cards - the connecting link to
National Bank Notes Don Mark

Iowa Centennial Medals Charles Moore

Iowa Trade Tokens Louis Ferguson

In 1987 a tax on the sale of coins became a concern to everyone in numismatics. A letter writing campaign to the state representatives was suggested to ask them to support a repeal of sales tax on numismatic items. There was enough money raised by CSNS Governor Florence Shook to purchase 100 of the old CSNS cases for INA. Also included in the donation to INA was enough money to inscribe nameplates to be mounted on the cases. A call for the 50th Anniversary medal design was made.

Past president Jim Hamling passed away early in 1988. 1988 - Old Capitol Coin Club and Cedar Rapids Coin Club have joined forces to sponsor the Iowa Numismatic Association's 50th Anniversary Convention in Iowa City - what more fitting a place to hold this memorable occasion than in Iowa City where the Iowa Numismatic Association had its beginning back in June, 1938.

History of the Iowa Numismatic Association - Part III

Compiled and Edited by Marilyn M. Douglas, Historian

Iowa Numismatic Association, 1988

INA Presidents and the terms they served:

Don Jensen 1963-1964

Philip L. Budd 1965-1966
Kenneth Benedict 1967-1968

Bill Ott 1969-1970

Dean Oakes 1971-1972

Vince Davis 1973-1974

Eugene Morris 1975-1976

John Kelso 1977-1978

Harry Peters 1979-1980

Don Mark 1981-1982

James Hamling 1983-1984

Marjorie Owen 1985-1986

Robert Douglas 1987-1988