William Frederick “Bill” Spengler, well-known South Asian and Islamic numismatist, passed away at age 82 Nov. 8 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mr. Spengler was a fellow at the American Numismatic Society and the Royal Numismatic Society, an active member of the American Numismatic Association and recipient of its Medal of Merit, and founder of the Numismatic Society of Pakistan.
Spengler co-authored the Standard Guide to South Asian Coins and Paper Money for Krause Publications and Turkoman Bronze Coins and their Iconography with Wayne G. Sayles, as well as articles in numismatic journals.
He was born Jan. 12, 1923, in Menasha, Wis., to Silas L. and Margaret (Melaas) Spengler, who were consummate collectors.
A veteran of World War II, he joined the U.S. Foreign Service. His assignments led him to become the Department of State’s leading specialist on Pakistan and Afghanistan from 1958-1976: and he also served in various capacities in Thailand and Norway.
He married Phillis “Phid” Watkins of Lincoln, Neb., in 1950. He is survived by her and three children and four grandchildren. His wife, Phillis, would like for individuals to send donations to the following organization, as Spengler spent such a large part of his life in the Indian subcontinent: U.S. Fund for UNICEF, South Asia Earthquake Emergency Response, 333 E. 38th St., New York, NY 10016; 800-4-UNICEF; www.unicefusa.org/site/ c.duLRI8O0H/b.25933/k.AE95/US_Fund_for_UNICEF.htm.
