This article was originally printed in the latest issue of Numismatic News.
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Lester G. Davis died Oct. 2 at the age of 94 in Atlanta, Ga.
The longtime hobby activist was given a Numismatic Ambassador Award July 30, 1981, at the American Numismatic Association convention in New Orleans.
He was also the recipient of an ANA Presidential Award in 1994.
A native of Cobb County, Ga., Mr. Davis spent 32 years in the Federal Bureau of Investigation before retiring in 1974.
In 1960, he developed his interest as serious coin collector. He discovered Jimmy Cohen’s Coin Shop on Royal Street and another across from his office on St. Charles Ave. that was operated by Red Brown.
He started with bus tokens and then broadened out to U.S. coins.
Mr. Davis was one of four individuals who were instrumental in forming the Crescent City Coin Club. He was named the club’s first treasurer. He also served as president.
In the late 1960s he moved back to Atlanta and became a member of the Atlanta Coin Club, as well as the Georgia Numismatic Association and Blue Ridge Numismatic Association.
In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson appointed him to the annual Assay Commission.
In 1977 Mr. Davis was the general chairman of the ANA’s summer convention in Atlanta.
His wife, Mary Ellis Davis, preceded Mr. Davis in death in 1996. He is survived by two sons and other relatives.
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