From the Editor

Hello everyone,

Another season has come and gone, and with it, we head into the next with another newsletter. This month turned out pretty good, and we managed to get a borderline murderer’s row of content. For those unfamiliar, that is an old phrase often used to describe a spectacular lineup, and though I may be biased by the nature of my position, I do think it comes an inch or two away from describing everything here.

Someone writes about their experience meeting a former president. We get another piece about some of the world’s smallest coinage, our fearless leader, Thad Streeter, chimes in, and yours truly has some more conceptual pieces to show you.

On that last front, I must admit, artificial intelligence being used to supplement areas where I do not have skill, such as drawing, is a concept that is growing on me. In this issue, you will see more of what I think could or should become standard U.S. coin designs, and, in some spaces, some filler to show what the U.S. coinage would look like if the nation ever decided to just commemorate winter.

So be well, happy coin collecting, and may you get things you want or need to fill spots in your albums this Christmas. Or at least some money to buy them later on.

Evan J. Pretzer
November 28, 2025.

The image is a $20 commemorative coin from Canada, but, in an editorial oversight, we misplaced the link to it online and had trouble finding it before the deadline. Editor Evan J. Pretzer is not one to back down from a challenge, however, and, so, he will say in this space that such pieces are a common part of Canadian numismatics and anyone searching online can find a variety of designs from various artists that call attention to the better parts of winter and not the shoveling many do loathe with strong passions.

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!