The American Numismatic Association board of governors voted unanimously to acknowledge that the Lamp of Knowledge is and remains the association?s official seal.
The vote, taken during a conference call June 2, authorizes the use of the Lamp of Knowledge on certificates, awards, the ANA Federal Charter, bylaws and code of ethics documents. The ANA will continue its use of the current ANA logo for marketing purposes until a new logo is selected by the membership and confirmed by the board. The current logo, created around the Peace dollar, has been in use since 2003.
President Barry Stuppler announced plans last winter to ask five accomplished medallic artists to develop designs for a new logo. The designs were to be vote on by the membership.
?We received some beautiful artwork,? said Stuppler. ?However, the designs we received would be difficult to use in a variety of ways as required for a logo. As a result, we have decided to seek additional input from artists from a variety of disciplines.?
Stuppler said that once artists have been identified and additional submissions received, the membership would be asked to provide input.
?We want to be sure that we make the right decision in selecting a logo for this association and that the voices of our membership are heard,? he said.
Stuppler said the decision to use the Lamp of Knowledge as the official seal recognizes the desire of many members to utilize the time-honored symbol.
?It?s an important icon to so many of our members,? he said. ?I think that placing the old logo on official medals, awards and documents is a vital step in responding to the wishes of the membership.?
The Lamp of Knowledge was adopted for use by the ANA from the University of Michigan seal. According to an article by Q. David Bowers, ANA historian, in the June issue of The Numismatist, it appeared in the ANA magazine as early as 1908.
