Leon Hendrickson Named Numismatist of the Year

   

Leon Hendrickson is the recipient of the American Numismatic Association’s 2008 Numismatist of the Year for his many contributions to the hobby. He will be presented the award during the ANA Membership Reception at 4 p.m. Aug. 1 during the World’s Fair of Money® in Baltimore.

Hendrickson is widely known as the founder and president of Silver Towne, a coin dealership and mint he founded in 1949 in Winchester, Ind. He began by selling coins out of a cigar box stashed under the counter of his restaurant, and the business grew from there. Today, Silver Towne employs 100 people and features a coin shop, jewelry and collectibles departments, and custom mint.

"It’s just beyond my imagination how much business is out there. But the hobby’s fellowship has meant so much more to me than the money," Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson is an active member of more than 30 numismatic organizations and a tireless advocate and promoter of the hobby. He is a former president of the Professional Numismatists Guild, Central States Numismatic Society and Indiana State Numismatic Association.

An ANA life member, Hendrickson previously won the ANA Medal of Merit (1990) and Presidential Award (2003). He has received lifetime achievement awards from the National Silver Dollar Roundtable, the Blue Ridge Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild.

"Whenever the hobby community has presented a challenge to him with a request for his participation, Hendrickson has simply done what was asked and what was right," ANA Governor Clifford Mishler said.

"He always has time for the individual collector seeking information, or a marketplace for buying or selling coins. It doesn’t matter if the object is a proof set or an 1804 dollar."

The ANA Numismatist of the Year Award is given annually for career achievement in the field of numismatics. Past winners include John Dannreuther (2007), Mark Salzberg (2006), Adna G. Wilde (2005) and Kenneth E. Bressett (2004).

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About American Numismatic Association

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 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 visit www.money.org.