The American Numismatic Society NEWS RELEASE

96 Fulton Street New York, 10038 Tel: (212) 571-4470 Fax: (212) 571-4479 info@numismatics.org http://www.numismatics.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Geoff Giglierano, Director of Development

(212) 571-4470, extension 1304

Giglierano@numismatics.org

THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY'S ANNUAL GALA DINNER AND FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS A SUCCESS

The American Numismatic Society, Manhattan's second oldest museum, held its annual fundraising dinner and benefit auctions on January 12, 2006 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. 

At this year's dinner--during which the ANS honored numismatic scholar and author Q. David Bowers with its Trustees' Award--attendance was more than double that of the previous year.  Income generated from ticket sales, sponsorships, and an after-dinner auction of distinctive collectibles and special opportunities, will substantially assist the Society in carrying out is mission to assemble, preserve, and make accessible significant collections of numismatic artifacts and research materials. Furthermore, an auction of numismatic publications and rare books was held earlier in the day to raise additional funds for the Society's ongoing effort to endow the Francis D. Campbell Library Chair.

The gala and auctions coincided with opening of the New York International Numismatic Convention, which attracts many notable coin collectors and dealers from across the nation and abroad.  The NYINC organizers generously donated table space for the ANS at the show, so that the Society could recruit new members and promote its programs and publications.  According to ANS President Don Partrick, "The cumulative effect of these events and the Society's presence at shows like the NYINC is to help bring together and energize a growing community of collectors and scholars who will shape the future of the Society and move it forward.  And on top of that, everyone had a lot of fun."

ANS Director Wartenberg Kagan stated, "This year's gala has been a great success, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, auction bidders and ticket buyers, the hard work of our staff, trustees and volunteers, and of course, the participation of Q. David Bowers.  We can't thank David and everyone else who took part enough." 

Fifty-one individuals and firms served as sponsors or contributors to the gala and after-dinner auction.  Among these were the dinner co-sponsors Whitman Publishing and American Numismatic Rarities, and reception and auction sponsors Bowers and Merena Auctions and Stack’s Coins.  Among the many other friends of the ANS who had helped make the event a success were Gala Chairman Rick Witschonke, Gala Auction caller Harmer Johnson, Book Auction caller Herb Kreindler, and Beth Deisher.