From the Editor

Hello everyone,

Here we are headed into the Fall. The smoke, storms, and heat of the Summer will be giving rise to cold and the reflection that comes with the world being blanketed under snow before a transition to a new year. I would say I had a good 2026, albeit a quieter one when it comes to my collecting habits, as prices of gold and silver have risen and shifts in my employment and priorities have left me with less money to burn.

In this issue, we have an examination of love tokens from Tom Casper, which illuminates others I did not know existed. After this, new writer Darren Kirby (who could not get back to me before filing with his member number, so I do not recall if he is a N.O.W. member, but he does have a great piece) dives into a topic I have long wondered about, and from there, correspondence from our fearless leader Thad and Mr. Matt Janzen on the colors present on our currency fills out the issue.

This Fall will have several shows, undetermined releases from the United States Mint, and, personally, I hope for another privy-marked circulating commemorative like the one that came about around Independence Day. I liked that, but felt it was not rolled out properly, and government employees got an unfair advantage in being provided some before they were distributed. So, second chances and all of that.

Best wishes, and happy collecting!

Evan J. Pretzer
August 31, 2026.

ON THE COVER: The image is a commemorative five Hryven (a part of the Hryvnia currency of Ukraine, whose name in English comes from an old Slavic word meaning “mane or neck,” as in medieval times people in the region wore silver neck ornaments as a sign of wealth) released by Ukraine in 2023 to mark the borshch soup which originated in the nation and is a part of their culture. Your editor chose this because, in the fall, cold weather gives rise to “soup mode” and the character who initially said that is referenced later.

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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!