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Numismatics is more than just coins, paper money, tokens and medals--it's people. To perpetuate and enshrine the names of the most important numismatists of all time, the American Numismatic Association established the Numismatic Hall of Fame at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The brainchild of Jack W. Ogilvie, a Hollywood film writer and editor who served as ANA historian from 1950 to 1970, the Numismatic Hall of Fame was created in August 1964. A constitution and bylaws were drafted that year, and the first inductees were named in 1969. The next group was enshrined in 1970, with subsequent honorees inducted every two years thereafter.

As trustee of the Numismatic Hall of Fame, the ANA ensures that the intent and purpose of the shrine is preserved without bias or prejudice. Prior to each induction year, nominations are accepted from the membership. After review by a five-member Hall of Fame council, the names and qualifications of the nominees are passed on to a 25-member elector panel. Candidates receiving 13 or more votes are inducted; those receiving less than 13 votes (but more than five) are reconsidered in the next election. Members of the council, the ANA Board of Governors, and ANA appointed officers and staff are ineligible to serve as electors.

The Numismatic Hall of Fame at ANA headquarters features photographs and brief biographies of a selection of the enshrinees.

Inductees by Year