From Your President
It’s February, and Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind. Cold one day, pleasant the next; in other words, business as usual in Indiana.
Since I became president, I’ve been perusing past issues of the Planchet, which are available on our website indianapoliscoinclub.org under “Archives.” I found several articles I didn’t realize existed that helped me with coins I currently have, and I found the following inspiring words from past president Vinton Dove:
“If anyone has a question about coins, either in general (grading, pricing, cleaning, etc) or specifically (what should I look for to determine if a 1937-D three-legged Buffalo nickel is genuine?), just stand up in the meeting and ask. There are always people here who can help you. Remember, the general purpose of the club is educational [my emphasis]. This club is YOUR club, and you will benefit the most by attending the meetings and participating in the club’s activities.”
Wow. That’s great advice. I’d like to bring this back. Certainly there are opportunities to ask questions before and after the meeting, but I think I’m going to add to the club agenda a Q&A time, perhaps during or just before interesting numismatic finds.
This past Sunday, President Trump announced that he has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to stop minting pennies, citing the ever-rising cost to produce them, currently 3.7 cents each. This direction, while understandable from a fiscal viewpoint, is disheartening from the numismatic perspective. It raises many questions: Will Congress vote to make the president’s act official? Will cents go the way of the half dollar, which is still produced for mint sets and collectors? Will Congress lift the ban on melting pennies, and if so, what will that do to the value of existing cents? Canada, after discontinuing their penny, still enforces the ban on melting or defacing Canadian coins or currency that is legal tender, and while Canadian pennies are no longer circulating, they are still legal tender. I for one hope we keep the penny, even if just for collector sets.
Just a friendly reminder that annual membership dues remain $20 per person. Club Secretary Jim Sukup will be available to take your dues if you need to pay for 2025.
– Andy Nahrwold
Officers
President Andy Nahrwold
Vice-President Donn Wray
Secretary Jim Sukup
Treasurer Gerald Coraz
Editor the Bolings
Sgt-at-Arms Jim Warden
Past President Sharon Bower
Board Member 24-25 Louise Boling
Board Member 24-25 Jeff Bercovitz
Board Member 24-25 Steve Howery
Board Member 25-26 Vinton Dove
Board Member 25-26 Jim Roehrdanz
Board Member 25-26 Chris Bower