DONOR PURCHASES JOHN FORD MATERIALS FOR ANA LIBRARY

(Colorado Springs, CO) -- His name - already synonymous with numismatic literature, research and education - is well-known throughout the American Numismatic Association and the numismatic community.

Dwight N. Manley, California-based sports agent, collector and numismatic hobby promoter, contributed $250,000 to the organization's expanded Library in October 2003 - the Library that now bears his name.

On June 1, 2004, that legacy was extended through the purchase and donation of nearly $30,000 in numismatic literature from the John Ford sale for the ANA Library's permanent Rarities Collection.

ANA Executive Director, Chris Cipoletti sees the donation as further evidence of Manley's intense dedication to the numismatic hobby. "We are fortunate and proud to have earned the respect and confidence of Dwight and Sahar Manley. Their notable, significant gifts to the Library have strengthened the Association. They are true representatives of the spirit of the ANA in its mission to educate and encourage the study and collection of money and related items."

Acquired with the help of ANA Governor Don Kagin who attended the June 1 John Ford Numismatic Auction on the Association's behalf, more than 24 lots were added to the library's collection at Manley's direction.

"It was a great opportunity," Kagin said. "At Dwight's request, we worked with librarian Nancy Green to develop a prioritized wish list of A, B and C materials -- and were able to fill some existing holes in the collection."

Materials purchased included a number of sought-after 19th century auction catalogs. These publications often feature the handwritten names of purchasers and prices paid in the margins.

"Collectors like to know the provenance of their most valuable coins. These catalog listings often include notes on the names of purchasers," Green said, adding that many auction publications provide a wealth of research data.

In addition, the Library acquired a copy of one of the top works on Early American Cents, annotated by noted numismatist, Walter Breen.

"All the materials will be used for numismatic research by collectors at our facility," said Green, noting that all materials purchased at the Ford Auction will become a part of the ANA Library's collection - and may only be reviewed on the premises.

George Kolbe, compiler of the John Ford auction catalog, conducted the sale in conjunction with Stack's, generating more than $1 million in numismatic literature sales.

"When we were recognizing their generous donation to the Library last October, I mentioned to Dwight and Sahar about some of the wonderful materials coming up for bid from the John Ford Collection. They agreed that it was a great opportunity to acquire books out of circulation for 40 years," said Kagin.

Manley, who admits he bought the first and finest set of original The Numismatist magazines, also offered at the Ford Collection auction, finds his contributions to the ANA's Library personally satisfying.

"I think anything I give to the ANA is a great investment," he said. "The Library is important to me. I used it as a young numismatist during Summer Seminar and got lots of enjoyment out of learning there. I believe it should be a world-class resource to the members, and hope this is one step toward achieving that goal." ####