John ‘Johnny’ Rowe III, a member of the ‘golden era’ of numismatics and is credited for building two of the greatest coin collections of the latter 20th century, died on March 4, 2023. He was 86.
In a tribute posted on the website of the Profession Numismatists Guild (PNG), friend Kevin Lipton wrote, “Johnny’s love for our business was unwavering and beyond belief, as he could be found at nearly every ANA (American Numismatic Association) convention since the ’50s, with one of the longest tiered badges to prove it.” Rowe was also a PNG member since 1961.
“He is credited with having built two of the greatest coin collections in the second half of the 20th century.” Lipton wrote. “More specifically, his close relationship with Amon Carter Jr. allowed him to amass a collection of coins and currency that would fetch well over $100 million if sold today, including but not limited to the finest 1794 dollar recently sold for more than $10 million. More so, his work with John Merrill amalgamated one of the greatest collections of rare gold and territorial issues ever assembled!”