Kagin seeks ANA post

Donald H. Kagin declared his intention to seek the presidency of the American Numismatic Association in next year’s election on Aug. 13.

The Tiburon, Calif., dealer has spent a lifetime in numismatics. He holds the only Ph.D. in the American field and is the son of the late coin dealer Art Kagin.

Kagin currently is ANA vice president.

“Numismatics is in my blood – literally,” said Kagin.

“I’ve been a collector for over 60 years and began working for my father and uncle 50 years ago and never lost my passion for almost all aspects of the hobby,” he continued.

According to his statement, “the ANA’s mission is numismatic education to which I have devoted my entire matriculation and career. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve three full terms on the board as chairman of several committees including education twice.

“Now as vice president I have been shepherding a major initiative to provide numismatic education online 24/7. In effect, we are transforming the way numismatic education is delivered! As ANA president, I’ll be able to continue leading that program among other innovations and long-term strategies to increase membership and further our mission,” Kagin said.

Since attaining the first B.A. degree in Numismatics from Northwestern University and the first Numismatic Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University, Kagin has written scores of articles that have appeared in professional journals and magazines such as the Journal of Economic History and The Numismatist, where he received the Heath Literary Award.

Kagin’s first book, Private Gold Coins and Patterns of the United States, is considered the reference book for that series, and his Numismatist manuscript, “Treasury Notes of the War of 1812,” is considered the definitive work on the subject.

In addition, Kagin has received numerous service awards including the Glenn Smedley Memorial Award, Numismatic and PNG Ambassador awards, National Silver Dollar Lifetime Achievement and two ANA Presidential Awards. He has lectured and taught numismatics internationally and conducted seminars and educational forums, including several ANA Summer Seminars, where he co-founded “Coins in the Classroom.” This year, he became ANA’s “Recruiter of the Year.”

Other numismatic innovations include his nationally acclaimed one-man shows, “The Oldest Living Pioneer” and “Colonial Man,” and creating the currency “Green Sheet.” Additionally, he inspired, shepherded and successfully received Congressional approval for the 2006 San Francisco Old Mint Centennial commemorative coins, which brought in $4.5 million through the ANA for the San Francisco Old Mint museum renovation.

For more information or to share your ideas, email Don at kagin@money.org.

More Collecting Resources

• The 1800s were a time of change for many, including in coin production. See how coin designs grew during the time period in the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900 .

• Start becoming a coin collector today with this popular course, Coin Collecting 101.