John T. Abbott has been honored by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors for his assistance leading to the convictions of two people involved in the theft of numismatic material.

A coin dealer from Birmingham, Michigan, Abbott also was cited for his efforts in stopping the potential loss of nearly $50,000 in gold bullion.

As part of the ANA Reward Program, established to help step up the apprehension and prosecution of thieves who steal numismatic property from Association members, the Board of Governors approved giving Abbott $1,000. Abbott generously donated the reward money, along with additional funds, to further ANA educational programs.

"Depending on the value of the property stolen and the severity of the crime, the ANA Reward Program gives a cash reward of up to $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in numismatic-related crimes," says ANA Executive Director Christopher Cipoletti. "The ANA is proud to honor members like John Abbott for their efforts in addressing numismatic crimes."

In March 2000, Abbott was able to return coins stolen from another Michigan coin dealer after the perpetrator sold the coins to Abbott, then attempted to break into the Michigan dealer's store and steal the same material. The robber was sentenced to a prison term of 5-25 years.

Later that same year, Abbott assisted in the arrest and ultimately the conviction of a man for bank fraud, but not before Abbott and another dealer lost more than $230,000. The perpetrator was buying gold coins knowing he had insufficient funds in his bank account.

The third incident occurred in 1997, when Abbott received an order for more than $22,000 in gold bullion from a Tallahassee, Florida, bank official. After Abbott received the check, he contacted the bank for verification and was told the check had been stolen. Abbott worked with the FBI and Florida law enforcement officials in the apprehension of the perpetrator, and advised other coin and bullion dealers of the scam.

For more information about the ANA Reward Fund, contact ANA Executive Director Christopher Cipoletti at 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279; phone 719-632-2646; fax 719-634-4085; or e-mail Cipoletti@money.org.