Ambassador Johnson dies

Numismatic Ambassador Gerald E. “Gene” Johnson died Nov. 24 at the age of 84.

The Wisconsin native helped found the Numismatists of Wisconsin organization in 1960 and held all of its elective offices.

His profession saw him work 43 years in the quality control department of Consolidated Papers.

His passion in numismatics led him to publish in 1967 the first state trade token book, “Trade Tokens of Wisconsin.” This effort expanded to listings for 32 states.

Mr. Johnson was given the Numismatic News Numismatic Ambassador Award in 1980.

A memorial service was planned for Dec. 8 in his longtime home city of Wisconsin Rapids.

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