John Highfill, one of the most influential voices in American numismatics and a tireless promoter of silver dollars, died on June 15 at the age of 82.
Best known as the founder of the National Silver Dollar Roundtable (NSDR) and author of the 1,200-page Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia, Highfill dedicated nearly five decades to advancing the hobby. He organized more than 100 educational seminars, served on the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors, and was a founding member of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets, now the National Coin & Bullion Association.
Highfill began his numismatic career in 1976 with the launch of the Oklahoma Coin Exchange. He joined the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) in 1986 and was widely known as a passionate, knowledgeable, and generous member of the dealer community. In 2021, the Central States Numismatic Society honoured him with the Q. David Bowers Award for his lifetime of contributions to U.S. numismatics.
“My heart is broken, and I am leaning on the love and strength of those around me,” wrote his wife, Marlene Highfill, in a message to friends and colleagues. “I am so deeply grateful for the prayers and kind thoughts that already have been shared.”
“Throughout his long career, John always helped advance the hobby and was humble and kind to everyone,” said John Feigenbaum, PNG executive director and Greysheet publisher, who extended condolences to Highfill’s family.
Before entering the coin business, Highfill worked in the music industry and served as vice-president of ABC Records, working with artists such as Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, and Kenny Rogers. In one memorable episode, he arranged an armoured car to help Donny Osmond safely escape a crowd of thousands of adoring fans during a Las Vegas appearance.