Noted numismatist and educator, Charles H. Wolfe, Sr., dies
Charles H. Wolfe, Sr., 97, a noted numismatist and educator who sponsored a best-in-show exhibit award for young numismatists, died January 4, 2000.
A life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), Wolfe spent a lifetime as a teacher and administrator, with brief stints as a newspaper reporter.
“Charles Wolfe was a great promoter of numismatic education, especially for young collectors,” says ANA Executive Director Edward C. Rochette. “His early work lives on today in the many activities designed for young numismatists.”
A specialist and a dealer in ancient, early English and medieval coins from 1943-87, Wolfe joined the ANA in 1955 and served on the board of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) in the 1970s. An instructor in ancient numismatics at the ANA Summer Seminar, Wolfe first sponsored the Association’s YN best-in-show exhibit award, as well as a YN exhibit award from ancient and medieval material in 1979.
Wolfe was honored by the ANA in 1981 with the ANA’s Medal of Merit and in 1986 with the Association’s highest award, the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award for Distinguished Service. In presenting the latter award, then President Florence Schook said one of Wolfe’s outstanding characteristics is “his willingness, at any time, to share his considerable numismatic expertise.”
Born in the northern Ohio community of Port Clinton on October 27, 1902, Wolfe recieved a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and journalism from the University of Michigan in 1923 and a master’s degree in mathematics from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1941. He taught mathematics, science and journalism in schools in Port Clinton, Lakeside and Delaware, Ohio, as well as both universities he attended. He also served as superintendent of schools in Port Clinton and Lakeside.
Wolfe worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers in Detroit, Mi. and Fremont, Sandusky, and Lakeside, Ohio. As publicity director for the Lakeside Association and editor of the summer Lakeside News from 1929-56, he interviewed many celebrities, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and aviator Amelia Earhart.
In addition to the ANA and PNG, Wolfe was a member of the American Numismatic Society and the Society of Certified Professional Numismatists, and a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society. He was also a member of the Mathematical Association of the America and the Masonic Lodge.
Wolfe married Dessie L. Baker in 1924 and following her death, married Lillian F. Zepp in 1976. He is survived by his wife; a son, Charles H. Wolfe III; two stepsons, Leslie M. Gresham and Willard W. Harmon; a stepdaughter, Alice L. Apt; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Services were scheduled for Saturday, January 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. Arrangements were handled by Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home in Port Clinton.
Originally Release Date: January 7, 2000
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872
Email: pr@money.org