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1st
| This is
my first letter as president. I would like to extend my gratitude for all
the support and well wishing that has been extended. It is much appreciated.
I would also like to reiterate my thoughts on the direction of the club
and would entertain any input from the membership. First a few statistics.
As of the beginning of the year 2000, we have 449 members, 400 of which are annual memberships and 49 lifetime members. In addition, we have extended six (6) pro bono memberships. This compares to John Reich Collector’s Club membership total of 540 and the Liberty Seated Club membership of 580. Although we lag a bit behind our brother clubs, this is not a membership kick announcement. In fact, it is just the opposite. We need to avoid placing minimums on membership levels. Our goal should be that of maintaining a fruitful and enjoyable partnership amongst the membership, whether it is 449 or 49. Our focus should be the quality of the relationship, not the quantity. The
best tool we have at our disposal is our Ledger. This is our Main Street
for interaction and diffusion of knowledge, collecting techniques, market
conditions as well as plain old enjoyment. Since taking over the helm,
I have enlisted a number of our members who are leading experts in segments
of the series to commit to writing on a regular basis. These include Ken
Hill, an error expert; Marv Erickson, a pioneer in misplaced dates (no
other series has more than the Indian cents); Joe Haney, Bill Walker and
Larry Steve, both variety enthusiasts; and Rick Snow—perhaps no
one in the whole numismatic community knows the marketplace and grading
of Flying Eagles and Indian cents as well a Rick and Brian Wagner. In
addition to this, the one person who has researched Flying Eagles more
than anyone is Don Curry. Also noteworthy is the expertise of Frank Leone,
without a doubt the leading authority on 2-cent pieces (Frank can determine
the date of a 2-cent piece by looking at the reverse only). The two-cent
piece is another popular Longacre design. Vern Sebby and Keith Meyer have
a keen eye for quality. I am sure I have missed some and apologize now
for so doing, as there are many others of you who have valuable experience
to share as well as we have a juggernaut of talent within our ranks. I
would also like to see more articles with a historical or biographical
flavor—if anyone knows a person or an event of interest please write
it up. It would be welcomed. |
