The American Numismatic Association (ANA) recently announced its annual Numismatist of the Year award will go to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) Research Director David W. Lange.
Lange is one of the best-known researchers and writers in American numismatics, having authored nine books and hundreds of articles on various aspects of the hobby. An ANA member since 1978, Lange has also taught numerous courses at the ANA’s annual Summer Seminar at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. His contributions to the ANA were previously recognized in 2009, when he received the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’m truly honoured to be recognized by the ANA with such a significant award,” said Lange. “When I joined the association in 1978 as a young adult, it was with some uncertainty as to what it would offer me, but my only regret has been that I was not introduced to it in childhood.”
Besides his involvement in the ANA, Lange has been an active participant in a number of other hobby organizations. He’s a former president of the Pacific Coast Numismatic Society, the California State Numismatic Association and the New Jersey Numismatic Society, and he’s a member of a host of other numismatic groups.
One of NGC’s longest-serving employees, Lange has served as research director since 1994. His contributions to NGC include the development of its VarietyPlus variety attribution program and catalogue, the NGC Photo Proof service and a plethora of educational articles published on the company’s website.
“My fascination with coins began as soon as I learned to read, and it’s been a wonderful journey of discovery,” added Lange. “I’m pleased to be able to give back to the hobby as a Summer Seminar instructor for the past 20-plus years and as a columnist for the ANA’s journal since 1988.”
ANNUAL AWARD
The Numismatist of the Year award honours a person from the numismatic community who has shown long-term leadership to the 25,000-member ANA as well as numismatics in general. The ANA has bestowed its Numismatist of the Year award—one of its highest honours—each year since 1995. Past recipients represent a “who’s who” of numismatics and include NGC Chairman Mark Salzberg, who received the award in 2006.
“I am so proud that our own Dave Lange has been honoured with this important award,” said Salzberg. “Over the course of the 23 years that we have worked together, I have witnessed first-hand the extent of his knowledge and his commitment to the hobby. Congratulations, Dave!”