When dealers, collectors, or the general public contacted the southern California headquarters of the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) during the past two decades, they likely received prompt, courteous assistance from Tina Bellanca.
After 21 years, Bellanca will retire at the end of August from her prominent role as PNG Executive Assistant.
"I enjoyed working and traveling with Bob Brueggeman, who was PNG Executive Director for 28 years from 1995 to 2023. He is a great man, father, and mentor. Working with his successor, John Feigenbaum, has truly been a pleasure. John is a dynamic individual and has infused new life into the PNG," Bellanca emphasized.
According to Feigenbaum, "Taking over the reins as Executive Director at PNG in 2023 was a huge step for me as Bob (Brueggeman) left big shoes to fill. Tina Bellanca made the transition seamless. Her historic knowledge of the organization and her unmatched positivity have been a huge part of my success in the organization. I cannot thank her enough. Speaking for the entire PNG Board and membership, Tina, you will be sorely missed!"
PNG President James Sego echoed those sentiments.
"I’ve been on the Board of the PNG for the last ten years, through five different Presidents and two Executive Directors. I can truly say that Tina was the glue that held the PNG together. She is the consummate professional. Details are critical in an organization, and Tina was on top of them all. She’ll be missed by all."
During Bellanca’s tenure, there have been 11 biennial selections of PNG Board of Directors members. There are now more than 300 PNG members in the U.S. and other countries.
"It’s been interesting to see how the PNG has evolved, with each new group of Directors every two years bringing their own perspectives and initiatives," Bellanca said.
"Early on, I remember one Board member in particular who welcomed me with a statement that still makes me laugh to this day. On learning that Bob Brueggeman was my dad, Boston dealer Tom Denly said, ‘I just don’t see it, you’re so nice.’ I wasn’t exactly sure how to take that, but it was the beginning of a long-standing friendship," she explained.
Tamara Collett, who worked for many years for Positive Protection Inc. (PPI), a security company that provided on-site security services for coin and jewelry shows, will be the new PNG Executive Assistant.
As retirement nears, Bellanca considers herself lucky to have worked closely with some of the icons of numismatics and calls many of them friends.
"It’s certainly bittersweet to be walking away from the profession and its cast of characters. It became such an integral part of my life. I’m excited for my next chapter, though, and know that I’m leaving the PNG in good hands," she stated.
Founded in 1955, the Professional Numismatists Guild is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin and paper money dealers in the United States and four other countries. PNG member-dealers must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics (www.PNGdealers.org/ethics) in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.
For additional information about PNG, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.
