Board of Governors supports updates to Amend Hobby Protection Act

Members encouraged to call their congressional representatives

 

The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors voted unanimously to issue a resolution of support for a bill that will extend and strengthen provisions of the Hobby Protection Act, during an Aug. 10 meeting during the World's Fair of Money^SM in Philadelphia. 

The House of Representatives bill, HR-5977, will enable citizens to take legal action against and recover damages from those who sell counterfeit coins. It expands targets of litigation to include "any person" who provides substantial assistance or support to any manufacturer, importer, or seller "knowingly engaging in any act or practice that violates the Act." It also adds trademark violation provisions to criminalize the counterfeiting of certification service packaging and capsules.

Barry Stuppler, chairman of the Gold and Silver Political Action Committee, spoke at the meeting and encouraged members to call their congressional representatives or speak to them personally, as many are holding meetings in their home districts during the August congressional break.

To learn more, go to www.ictaonline.org . Click on "What's New?" to read a copy of the bill and find out how to contact your congressman.

Executive Director report

The ANA's new Executive Director Jeff Shevlin delivered an update on the ANA website, noting that the current site had been stabilized. Shevlin will soon ask technology companies to present proposals on developing a new site. The association plans to conduct a security assessment on its current site and look into server hosting options, he said.

Shevlin also announced that Stack's Bowers Galleries was named the auctioneer for the 2013 National Money Show, May 9-11 in New Orleans, following a board vote during executive session.

New exhibit awards

The board unanimously approved a $10,000 donation on behalf of the Society for United States Commemorative Coins, which will be used to create an award for exhibits on U.S. commemoratives and related items.

"I think it will be a very interesting exhibit class," Governor Jeff Garrett said. "There are a lot of possibilities in this category."

An official name for the award has yet to be announced.

Hall of Fame

The board unanimously approved a motion by Cliff Mishler and Walter Ostromecki to revise the Numismatic Hall of Fame constitution, bylaws and election procedures as presented by the Council Committee. It is the first major revision since guidelines were established in the 1960s.

One major change is the creation of two panels, one for modern-era numismatists and one for historical figures, responsible for the nomination and election of inductees. Modern-era numismatists will be elected in odd-numbered years, and historical figures in even-numbered years.

"Initially, when the Hall of Fame was established, quite a few 19th Century individuals were recognized, but they have been lost, in favor of popular contemporary numismatists," Mishler said. "If there aren't strict criteria established, it becomes a popularity contest."

Other business

A motion by Scott Rottinghaus and Mike Ellis led to unanimous approval of the Library Archive Policy, which will help to guide the library staff in determining materials suitable for inclusion in the library's archive collection.

A motion by Greg Lyon and Wendell Wolka to accept the fiscal year end 10-31-2011 audited financial reports passed unanimously.

A proposal to change the pricing structure for World's Fair of Money banquet tickets was withdrawn following board discussion.

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or go to www.money.org.