Franklin Mint gets Johnson, ventures back into numismatics
The Franklin Mint has announced its first new numismatic items in nearly five years and the appointment of former Mint director Jay Johnson to the position of chief numismatist.
The firm has created a collection of Presidential art medals, limited to only 30,000 sets. The set will have medals bearing portraits of every U.S. President from George Washington to George W. Bush.
The medals are being offered as a result of a collaboration between the Franklin Mint and the White House Historical Association.
The series will begin with the George Washington medals being made available in February, with two Presidential medals issued every other month until the series is completed. The medals are struck in brass and coated in 24 karat gold.
?The release of our unique and exclusive Presidential Medal program is just the first step in following our commitment to offering the finest, hand-crafted products that collectors desire. Moving forward, we will continue to offer additional proprietary products while seeking out unique, historic finds to bring to our customers,? said M. Moshe Malamud, chairman of The Franklin Mint
According to a company spokesperson, the Franklin Mint plans to commence its teleservice efforts and add other expert numismatists to the team led by Johnson.
Johnson joins the Franklin Mint after serving until August of 2001 as the director of the U.S. Mint. During his tenure at the Mint, the Mint set new and unbroken records by producing more than 28 billion coins and returning a $2.6 billion profit to the U.S. Treasury. He also oversaw the launch of the 50 State Quarter program.
?Jay?s addition as chief numismatist brings not only credibility but also industry-wide anticipation of what will come next now that the Franklin Mint is positioning itself once again to be the leader in this space,? said Malamud.
In addition to his role as chief numismatist, Johnson will serve as the spokesperson and face of the Franklin Mint for any future television sales programs for medallic art products.
