First annual Al Kreuzer Memorial Award recognized recipients’ outstanding contributions to help combat counterfeit coins, currency
Philip N. Diehl, Michael R. Fuljenz and Chandra Kreuzer-Zell Rudd were the first recipients of the annual Al Kreuzer Memorial Award, which was handed out during the ICTA’s banquet in Denver on Aug. 2.
Kreuzer-Zell Rudd, Fuljenz and Diehl—who’s president of U.S. Money Reserve and chair of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA)—were recognized at the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money for their devoted work with the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF). The ACTF’s main mission is to educate law-enforcement authorities and policymakers about the rising threat of counterfeiting, mobilize law enforcement to prosecute counterfeiters and provide expertise and other resources to those involved at all levels of their distribution networks.
“My priority as ICTA’s chairman has been to mobilize federal law enforcement agencies against coin counterfeiting to protect American consumers and defend the integrity of our nation’s coinage,” said Diehl. “It’s an honour to have these efforts recognized by my colleagues.”
INDUSTRY ‘WATCHDOG’
Known as the “watchdog” for the rare coins, paper money and precious-metals bullion communities, the ICTA maintains a favourable regulatory climate throughout all 50 U.S. states and provides a medium through which its members may confer, consult, and cooperate with and educate governmental and other agencies to achieve solutions to problems affecting their businesses.
Diehl previously served as the 35th director of the U.S. Mint and was named chair of the ICTA board of directors last year. His experience equipped him with a unique skill set to aptly build and guide the ACTF in its formative year. He’s is considered one of the most accomplished U.S. Mint directors in history, and as president of one of the world’s largest private distributors of U.S. and foreign government-issued gold, silver and platinum legal tender products, he’s widely considered a credible and trustworthy source for the precious metals market.
AL KREUZER MEMORIAL AWARD
The Al Kreuzer Memorial Award is named after Alan “Al” Kreuzer, a long-time California coin dealer who founded and operated Alan Kreuzer Rare Coins and Collectibles, in Castro Valley, Calif. He’s remembered for his instrumental role in identifying counterfeit coins in the Bay Area.
Kreuzer’s daughter, Chandra Kreuzer-Zell Rudd, received the award in recognition of her efforts to help launch the task force. Kreuzer-Zell Rudd donated $50,000 USD to the ACTF in honour of her father—a donation that “greatly propelled the beginning work of the ACTF,” according to the organization.