Garrett seeks V.P. post

Jeff Garrett will seek the vice presidency of the American Numismatic Association in the 2013 election.

The professional rare coin dealer from Lexington, Ky., is serving his second term as a member of the board of governors
“Over the last four years the ANA has faced many challenges, and I believe my 35 years of numismatic experience has been a significant help,” he said.

“I have enjoyed working with the strong ANA board that is currently in place and the wonderful staff of the ANA. I hope to be able to build on the work this board has accomplished,” he said.

Garrett declared that strengthening the membership base of the organization, the future of conventions and fund-raising are his primary concerns.

“I have attended every ANA summer and spring show since 1974. The selection of ANA convention cities has been a hot topic in recent years. My knowledge as a dealer who has attended all of these shows (good and not-so-good) will be used to guide the association in selecting sites which bring the most benefit to the membership.”

Larger in size than the average folder, this unit has room for 144 coins, the most of any similar folder.

Garrett began coin collecting with Lincoln cents in 1969. Since then he has never looked back. While growing up in Clearwater, Fla., he became active in several local clubs and served as a junior officer of the Clearwater Coin Club in the 1970s. He was mentored at an early age by many of the area dealers. He has been a member of the ANA for nearly 30 years, with life membership number 3124.

Several years ago Garrett organized the Bluegrass Coin Club in Lexington. Today, the club is healthy, with over 30 members in attendance each month, he said.

In the mid-1970s, Garrett said he was fortunate to have received a scholarship to the ANA Summer Seminar.

“This was my first time to fly on an airplane, and the Summer Seminar had an incredible impact on my early numismatic journey. It was after that trip that I decided I wanted to be a professional coin dealer,” he said.

Garrett is co-author of the “Encyclopedia of United States Gold Coins,” a major study done in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution.

He has helped raise over $1.2 million for the Smithsonian, saying “I am excited to be a part of the new rare coin exhibit that will be opening in the main gallery of the Museum of American History in the Spring of 2015.”

Garrett said he believes his experience will give the ANA a boost. “Education is critical for the success of numismatics. We all need to be a part of sharing the wonderful world of coin collecting.”

Professionally, he describes himself as a “dealer’s dealer.” He said he helps with research, strategy, and the sale of acquisitions. He said he has handled nearly every United States rarity.

Garrett joined the Professional Numismatists Guild in 1982, serving as president and holding other PNG leadership posts for over 15 years.

In 2003 he was given the Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the PNG’s highest honor.

Garrett’s research and study led in 2003 to the publication of his first book, 100 Greatest United States Coins, which was named best book by both the PNG and the Numismatic Literary Guild.

He is valuations editor of the Red Book.

Garrett can be reached by email at coinman4u@aol.com, or by telephoning (859)-276-1551.