From the Editor

Hello everyone,

Here we are again with another installment of N.O.W. News. For starters, there are some housekeeping issues I need to address. Number one, I have been very busy lately, and several things have caused me to be forgetful and make mistakes when putting together prior releases. I am truly sorry, wish it had not happened, will try to avoid doing so in the future, but I can guarantee nothing as I am only a human.

Second of all, we are going to try and double the size of N.O.W. issues going ahead. In the past, the previous editor owned a print shop and gave the organization a deal, but, as I do not, things have slimmed down. Recent meetings have encouraged me to try and recapture the earlier era mentioned, so if you are going to submit something in the future, feel free to make it big. I am open to any experimental ideas, and if you want to make an epic across four issues, make one!

Finally, before we move into discussing the included content, you may see some new graphical efforts from me coming up. These are made with artificial intelligence, as while I can write, I am not the best artist, and though normally I am vehemently against A.I., in this moment I opted to try and let the readers decide. If enough people tell me I should not use the tool, I will completely cease.

So, with all this addressed, enjoy! There is work from a youngster, tributes to the end of the cent, another column from me, and even something related to toning.

Be well, and, as always, happy collecting!

Evan J. Pretzer
May 30, 2025.

The image is a 2019-P Apollo 11 Commemorative Silver Dollar. This coin was selected to touch on the coming 56th anniversary of the 1969 Moon Landing. The moment was one of a few after the Second World War that have served as a point of unification for most Americans. According to P.C.G.S., the coin has a curved design and proof, gold, and clad variants. The coins sold well, are popular with collectors today, and, interestingly, several major American historical events have happened in the summer. While everyone is aware of Independence Day, Nixon resigned the presidency, etc.

Welcome to the Numismatists of Wisconsin!

BRIEF HISTORY

N.O.W. was established in 1960 by a small group of Wisconsin collectors including facilitator Chet Krause. Their objective was simple; to encourage and promote interest in numismatics, to cultivate friendly relations between Wisconsin collectors and local coin clubs, and to educate and assist new hobbyists.

It was decided to formally organize N.O.W. that summer at an open house in Iola at the offices of Krause Publications. On July 8th, 1960 a large crowd attended, nominations of officers were set forth and elections were made. By day’s end, N.O.W. had been formally established and the membership roll had reached nearly 100. As Chet put it, “From that day on, collectors of the state had one more element of common ground to talk about, for the idea of a state organization had come to reality.”

And, as they say, the rest is history... N.O.W. has not changed its objectives and is still going strong some 60+ years later.

ORGANIZATION

The N.O.W. board of governors meets three times yearly to discuss organizational issues for the betterment of the club. These meetings are held at predetermined sites throughout the year, usually in conjunction with one of the many state local coin shows. One of these shows is designated as the annual N.O.W. show, which is co-sponsored by a host club and N.O.W. The yearly general membership meeting is held at this show.

NOW NEWS

What started out as the organization’s excellent newsletter, has become an award-winning quarterly club journal/magazine. Recognized by the American Numismatic Association as an Outstanding Club Publication, NOW NEWS aims to continue the long-established tradition of publishing original articles written by N.O.W. members, as well as interesting items from outside sources around the world of numismatics.

WEBSITE

Our website is designed so visitors can get a feel for the organization. Here you can see some photos, learn about local shows, read a select few of our award-winning articles, and of course, join N.O.W.

So, after checking out this site, I urge you to join our state club, get involved, and start enjoying all the perks of membership asap!