The Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing is presented annually to a researcher, author or journalist in recognition of his or her career contributions to numismatics and is judged on the recipient’s body of work.

First conferred posthumously in 1999 to its namesake–a newsman’s journalist–the award is sponsored by Krause Publications. The recipient is selected in a cooperative process by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), American Numismatic Society (ANS) and Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG).

The 2003 recipient of the award for excellence in numismatic writing is ANA Executive Director Emeritus Edward C. Rochette. The award was presented at the Association’s 112th Anniversary Convention Awards and Installation Banquet in Baltimore, August 2.

Truly an institution, both in the realm of the ANA and hobby journalism, Rochette first made his mark in numismatic publishing in 1954, when he suggested Numismatic News publisher Chet Krause needed something “to break up the ads on his front page.” Rochette proposed to draw cartoons and was paid $5 for each. “The Numismapest,” became a standard feature of Numismatic News for several years.

While Rochette worked on the staff of Times Publishing Company in Webster, Massachusetts, and later became editor of a trade publication, his business and personal relationship with Krause grew. In 1960 Krause asked him to pull together a special issue of Numismatic News to mark the 1960 ANA convention in Boston. For his efforts researching, selecting and editing the entire issue, Rochette received credit as “guest editor,” and soon after was offered a job as associate editor.

In 1966, Rochette joined the ANA staff as editor of The Numismatist, a position he filled with enthusiasm and good humor until 1972, when the Association asked him to tackle other challenges. He served as ANA executive vice president before retiring in 1986; served on the Association’s Board of Governors, including terms as vice president and president between 1987 and 1993; and was recalled to service as executive director from 1998 through 2002.

Always the writer and editor, Rochette penned a regular coin column syndicated nationwide by the Los Angeles Times for many years, bringing the pleasure of coin-collecting to the general public. In April 1987, The Numismatist introduced a new monthly feature under his byline entitled “The Other Side of the Coin.” Now in its 17th year, the column remains a favorite of readers.

In addition to his writing and editing for numismatic publications, Rochette has written several books, including Making Money: Rogues and Rascals Who Made their Own, The Other Side of the Coin, Medallic Portraits of John F. Kennedy and The Romance of Coin Collecting.

Over the years, Rochette has received many honors, including induction into the Numismatic Hall of Fame and presentation of the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award for Distinguished Service, and this year has been named Numismatist of the Year.

The current editor of Numismatist, Barbara Gregory, says, “Ed Rochette is perhaps the hobby’s most colorful and talented storyteller–an articulate, imaginative writer who transforms humdrum hobby history into ‘numismatic adventure.’ So adept is he at his craft, that he makes the entire process look easy.”

In bestowing upon Edward C. Rochette the Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing, the American Numismatic Association, American Numismatic Society and Numismatic Literary Guild express the sincere appreciation of their members.

Originally Release Date: August 2, 2003

ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872

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