NumismaTalks Live Webinar

The American Bank Note Company Archives: Monetary History and a Rich Research Opportunity

October 23, 2025, 12pm MT

The American Bank Note Company international archives holds a wealth of information about bank note production around the world. Held by the ANA Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library, this collection includes information about paper money design, production, and shipment as well as internal correspondence by ABNCo staff. Some of this correspondence gives insight into the economic and political situations in countries that have achieved independence from former colonial powers. This presentation will include information about the types of documents, research opportunities, and points of access that are available as the ANA library staff and volunteers catalog and digitize these files.

Akio Lis joined the ANA as library manager in 2021. He was awarded the ANA Young Numismatist of the Year in 1998 and received an internship with the ANA library in 2003. After moving to Colorado Springs in 2005, Akio volunteered with the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library and worked with young numismatists (YNs) during Summer Seminar in the production of the YN fundraising auctions. Akio brings to the role of library manager a deep interest in history and research, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the ANA library holdings. He has worked to increase accessibility and recognition of the holdings of the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library and continues in the long tradition of growing this necessary numismatic asset.