ANA names Cliff Mishler 2002 Numismatist of the Year
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) confers its “Numismatist of the Year” Award in recognition of overall devotion and dedication to the ANA and numismatics.This year’s recipient is former chairman of the board of Krause Publications, Clifford L. Mishler of Iola, Wisconsin.
Mishler’s numismatic roots were established early in his childhood and grew robustly. From 1959 to 1962, while working as a carpenter in Vandalia, Michigan, his birthplace, Mishler issued a series of three Historical Artistry medals commemorating the statehoods of Alaska and Hawaii, the 100th anniversary of the Civil War, and aviation pioneers John Glenn and the Wright brothers. He authored and published United States and Canadian Commemorative Medals in 1958.
He joined Krause’s editorial staff in 1962, when he was hired by Numismatic News managing editor Edward C. Rochette (currently executive director of the ANA). Mishler’s admirable work ethic and reliability led him to become Krause’s executive vice president in 1975, senior vice president in charge of operations in 1989, and president in 1991. He assumed the role of chairman in January 2000.
Says Rochette, “Clifford offered both innovation and imagination to Krause Publications, which would not be where it is today had he not come on board.”Mishler retained his affection for tokens and medals and presided over the Token and
Medal Society (TAMS) for several years. He also served as editor of TAMS Journal from 1964 through 1988 and is a recipient of the Society’s Distinguished Service Award. Mishler is a past president of Numismatists of Wisconsin and a recipient of the organization’s Meritorious Service Award. He also received the Society for International Numismatics Award of Excellence.
Mishler served on the United States government’s annual Assay Commission and on the Coins and Medals Advisory Panel of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. An active lobbyist for numismatic issues, his efforts helped create the Bicentennial quarter, half and dollar coins.
“To say that I was honored and humbled upon learning of my selection [as Numismatist of the Year would certainly be an understatement,” says Mishler. “My surprise was totally in league with that experienced on only two prior occasions – in 1997 when I received the ANA’s Lifetime Achievement Award from Ken Bressett, and in 1984 when Dave Bowers presented me with the ANA’s highest honor, the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award.”
Mishler notes that while he is “most appreciative of the recognition, I can’t help but step back and ponder my personal merit. There certainly are many in this hobby who have contributed more importantly without realizing the benefit of such recognitions. That these honors have accrued to me over the years is in no small part attributable to the good fortune that has been mine.”
In addition to crediting his parents for encouraging his coin-collecting interests, Mishler also is “deeply indebted to Ed Rochette for hiring me as a Numismatic News associate editor nearly 40 years ago. The faith [company founder] Chet Krause extended me cannot be overstated. The understanding provided by my wife, Sally, and my children, who have always accepted my sometimes quixotic habits and inclinations without truly understanding or appreciating my personal interests, has always been above and beyond the call of reasonability.”
Mishler appreciates encouragement from “the outstanding people I’ve had the opportunity to work with in Iola, and the vital support from the hobby community. All have contributed significantly to nurturing my lifelong interest in collecting, which gave me a hobby diversion and a most rewarding career. Without question, the ANA Numismatist of the Year recognition offers me a most appreciated marker for my 52nd year in the hobby, and 45th year as a member of the ANA.”
In bestowing this award, the American Numismatic Association expresses the sincere appreciation of its members to Cliff Mishler, Numismatist of the Year.
Originally Release Date: August 2, 2002
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872
Email: pr@money.org