The numismatic community is mourning the loss of an exceptional collector, scholar and expert of Greek and Roman coins.
Terence (Terry) Philip Cheesman, of Edmonton, died Jan. 10 “after a short illness.” He was 72.
“Terry’s passions were history and numismatics,” states his obituary. “He will be remembered as a respected and well-known scholar, author, collector, and lecturer in areas of ancient Greek and Roman coins, as well as an avid supporter of numismatic programs in academia. He had a wide circle of friends in the global numismatic community. His spirit, kindness, passion, and knowledge will be missed.”
Born in Edmonton, where he lived his entire life, Terry graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics. Soon after, he began his career as a letter carrier for more than 30 years with Canada Post.
Terry joined the Edmonton Coin Club (now the Edmonton Numismatic Society) in January 1981, as member No. 222. He won the Wray Eltom Award for “outstanding commitment and service to the active operation of the society” in 2001. His service to the club included 30 years as a director. He also wrote extensive, researched articles for the club’s award-winning publication, The Planchet.
The expert collector and numismatist generously loaned many of his precious Hellenistic coins for the Nickle Galleries exhibition, “The Birth of Portraiture: Alexander the Great and His Successors,” held Feb. 2 to April 30, 2023, at the Calgary-based museum, located at the heart of the University of Calgary campus.
Terry was also one of seven guest speakers at the April 29-30, 2023, “Power, Identity and Alexander the Great Numismatic Symposium.” He gave an informative presentation entitled “Ancient Coins and Portraiture of Alexander the Great.”
Terry was also highly regarded for wearing fashionable scarves. At a recent gathering of the Edmonton Numismatic Society, members honoured Terry’s memory and contributions to the club and numismatics by wearing some of his scarves.