From the Editor

Hello everyone,

It’s a pleasure to introduce another issue. I will not bore you this time with long rambling from myself – that can be found in my column :P later in this release. Apart from work from me, we have some new archival content, an experiment with artificial intelligence, I will not spoil here, and a piece from Mark Benvenuto on the end of a cent-sized coin in one of America’s European allies. Enjoy, and soon we will get into the winter season of collecting, which keeps so many of us passionately engaged in the hobby and, in the case of my spouse, sighing and rolling her eyes.

As well, there is a slight housekeeping issue I need to get into. The deadlines for all content will be firm going forward. My day job has gotten busier, and so if items are not in by the time listed on the next page, I cannot take them and will not take them until the next issue. I recognize sometimes we do not always know dates for things, but, worst case, I encourage people to write what they know and add later.

Be well, and, as always, happy collecting!

Evan J. Pretzer
August 28, 2025.

The image is the front of the 2025 Austrian 20 Euro “Supernova.” The piece was selected as the Coin of the Year at the annual award show during the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money show on Aug. 21. It also won the Most Artistic Coin category, and Austria is a regular contest contender, having won the Coin of the Year award in 2000, 04, 15, 22, and 2023 in addition. It has a concave obverse, features the Crab Nebula, and is the inaugural issue in the Austrian Mint’s ongoing “The Beauty of the Universe” series.

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!