The Rochester Numismatic Association celebrated its 2,000th meeting Sept. 6. It was planned by a committee chaired by Gerard Muhl.
Twenty-nine members gathered at a local restaurant before the meeting and joined another 30 members at the meeting location.
Charlie Ricard, member No. 1, attended. He joined the RNA March 2, 1948. At the dinner, he related several stories about his family, career and collecting. He also shared historical club information.
Charles Ricard, Douglas Borden, and Arthur D. Cohen, all former presidents, attended the meeting. They are the remaining members who also attended the 1000th meeting on May 23, 1958.
Scott Fybush, 2002 past president, gave a talk about the RNA founding and history. Ted Vaccarella, the club?s 96th president, presided over the historic meeting.
On display were exhibits related to the RNA collection, such as Chinese material from the founding members and RNA presidential, anniversary and special issue medals.
In appreciation for chairing the special committee, William Coe presented Gerry Muhl with a computer mouse pad and a tee shirt. Both Muhl and Coe are RNA Honorary Life Members.
No coin club has held as many as 2,000 meetings. This indicates the interest and dedication the members have displayed for nearly a century.
The Rochester Junior Numismatic Association is the oldest continuously meeting separate junior coin club in the U.S. It was created in 1947.
A wooden nickel and a medal were issued to mark the occasion. An in-committee design displaying the owl of education and higher learning is featured on both pieces. The reverse of the medal also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Rochester Junior Numismatic Association.
Meeting attendees received a wooden nickel and souvenir program.
Wooden nickels may be ordered from William Coe, P.O. Box 16444, Rochester, NY 14616-0444 at a cost of 75 cents each plus a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Pictures are at www.the-rna.com.
