Members of the numismatic community have pledged $122,450 to the Bob Lecce Memorial Fund, which will be used by the American Numismatic Association for the advancement of numismatic education.
Lecce, who died on July 10, was an ANA life member who, along with his son Richard, operated a business that specialized in rare-date and hard-to-find gold coins and modern commemoratives. A former ANA Summer Seminar instructor, he was widely known for his integrity, honesty, professionalism and respect for his customers.
“No matter how busy he was, he always took time to answer questions and offer helpful advice to young numismatists,” said fellow coin dealer Joel Rettew, whose efforts helped launch the fund-raising drive.
Former ANA President Barry Stuppler, who coordinated the fund drive, said he and the Board will work with Richard Lecce to identify or develop a program to encourage numismatic education among young adults.
“This fund will provide a significant investment to help the ANA refocus its efforts on education in the coming years,” said ANA President Tom Hallenbeck. “We thank everyone for their generosity in Bob Lecce’s memory.”
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 30,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
