Written by: Jake Sherlock

The ANA published a press release Wednesday announcing the donation of several historical ANA documents by Dwight Manley. He bought the documents during an auction Oct. 6 that was conducted by David Sklow Fine Numismatic Books (that would be the same David Sklow who serves as the ANA's historian and secretary). 

 

So which lots did Manley win? Let's take a look: 

 

 

This is the earliest-known surviving ANA membership certificate, which Manley has requested be put on display in the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library. This particular speciman is dated July 1, 1894, and is co-signed by ANA Founder Dr. George F. Heath and Secretary O.W. Page. The member's name on the certificate is Joseph M. Potichke of Waltham, Mass. He was member number 196. 

 

I know what you're wondering: Did Potichke get a receipt? Yes. Yes he did: 

 

He also got a letter. Be sure to note the really cool letterhead they were using in 1894: 

 

And now, a look at a few more of the items donated: 

 

 

 

This is what a membership card looked like in 1909. 

 

 

Above two photos: The front and back of a postcard to George Heath from Karl W. Hiersemann.

 

 

 

 

Above three images: The envelope and a letter to Heath. 

 

The official return envelope used by The Numismatist. The postmark is 1899. 

 

 

In 1905, The Numismatist cost $1 to receive for an entire year. 

 

Want to subscribe? Here are two subscription forms and the envelope they would have gone into. 

 

 

The front and back of the greeting message from the 1962 convention.