Out of the Shadow: The Golden and Silver Ages of Comics in Numismatics

Presenter: Robert Penn

“Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” “With great power comes great responsibility.” Or perhaps: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” These timeless catchphrases, born from the earliest days of pulp, comic, and radio adventures, have echoed far beyond their pages and broadcasts—transcended into lasting emblems of strength, virtue, and the American spirit. This presentation explores the origin stories of comics in numismatics, uncovering how coins, tokens, and medals reflected the popular culture of their time—and how they continue to inspire collectors today.