By Numismatic Literary Guild ……
Entries are now being accepted for the Numismatic Literary Guild’s (NLG) 2017 Writers’ Competition. The contest covers a broad spectrum of categories, including books on numismatic subjects; newspaper and magazine articles and columns; online websites, articles, columns and blogs; numismatic newsletters; auction catalogs; and TV, radio and audio-visual presentations.
To be eligible for consideration, entries must have been published, posted, broadcast or presented between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. Entrants must be NLG members.
Entries must be received by June 19, 2017.
Rules for several categories have been modified to reflect the growing importance of online numismatic writing. However, the numbering system for categories has been retained from last year to avoid confusion by entrants and judges. This is one more reason to read the rules carefully before submitting entries.
Winners will be announced at the 2017 NLG Bash, which will be held on the night of Thursday, August 3, in the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel during the 2017 World’s Fair of Money. Award plaques bearing the official NLG logo will be presented to winners during the Bash.
Because of sharp increases in shipping costs plus cumbersome security regulations, winners who live in foreign countries, other than Canada and Mexico, will be given certificates and cash awards instead of plaques. First-place winners will receive $50 apiece, entrants cited for Extraordinary Merit will receive $25 each and both will get award certificates suitable for framing.
Complete rules are posted on the NLG’s website, www.nlgonline.org.
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2017 NLG Writers’ Competition Rules
Please read the following rules carefully, and follow the directions scrupulously. The judges will do their best to correct obvious mistakes involving the numbering, but entries that fail to conform to the rules (including correct numbering) will be subject to disqualification.
Entries will be accepted only from members of the Numismatic Literary Guild who are in good standing. To be eligible for consideration in any of this year’s categories, entries must have been published, posted on the Internet, broadcast or presented between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. Except where noted, three (3) copies of each entry must be submitted, and each copy must be accompanied by a cover sheet listing the category and other information spelled out in the rules.
No entrant may submit more than one (1) entry in any single category (the same entry also may be included in the portfolio competition, however).
In categories with only one entry, judges may decide that no award will be given, or may substitute Special NLG Recognition for the regular NLG Award.
The judges reserve the right to change the category in which an entry can compete, if they believe such change is necessary to assure equity for all participants.
No entries will be returned under any circumstance.
All judges’ decisions are binding and final; confidentiality of all judging is absolute.
All entries must be received no later than June 19, 2017. Entries should be sent to the contest coordinator at the following address:
Scott A. Travers
c/o Sal Germano, SGRC Inc.
625 Lafayette Ave
Hawthorne, NJ 07506.
The address is the same as last year.
As in the past, entries in a number of categories will be judged by editors and other well-qualified individuals outside the numismatic field. This will not affect the manner in which entries are submitted, but it’s all the more reason to take special care in preparing a complete cover sheet, as required, to accompany each copy of each entry. This will make the judges’ job much easier and ensure that each entry is considered in the proper category.
Each cover sheet must include the following information or it will be disqualified:
- CATEGORY NUMBER
- ENTRANT’S NAME & ADDRESS
- PUBLICATION
- PUBLICATION DATE
- TITLE OR HEADING
- AUTHOR (IF OTHER THAN ENTRANT)
BOOKS
1. BOOK OF THE YEAR
The work having the greatest potential impact on numismatics: Criteria include overall reader appeal; research quality; photographic, printing and graphic excellence; and cover and typography where applicable. Books submitted in the specialized categories may be considered for Book of the Year as well.
BEST SPECIALIZED BOOK on:
2. United States Coins
3. World Coins
4. U.S. Paper Money
5. World Paper Money
6. Tokens & Medals
7. Numismatic Investments
8. Museum & Exhibition Catalogs
U.S. NUMISMATIC MAGAZINES
Coins, COINage Magazine and similar periodicals, including special monthly editions of Coin World. Double issues are excluded.
BEST ARTICLE OR SERIES OF ARTICLES
Three (3) copies of articles dealing with:
9. Coins
10. Tokens & Medals
11. Paper Money
12. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) copies EACH of three (3) selections from ongoing column.
13. BEST ISSUE
Three (3) copies of the issue submitted by the publisher or editor. Criteria include overall numismatic appeal, features, departments, graphics, journalistic and editorial excellence as applicable.
WORLD NUMISMATIC MAGAZINES
World Coin News, The Celator, and similar overseas publications.
BEST ARTICLE OR SERIES OF ARTICLES
Three (3) copies of articles dealing with:
14. Coins
15. Tokens & Medals
16. Paper Money
17. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) copies EACH of three (3) selections from ongoing column.
18. BEST ISSUE
Three (3) copies of the issue submitted by the publisher or editor. Same criteria as Category 13.
LARGE-CIRCULATION AND OTHER NON-PROFIT OR CLUB NUMISMATIC PUBLICATIONS
National publications, including The Numismatist and The ANS Journal, and others with a circulation of 2,500 or more.
19. BEST ARTICLE
Three (3) copies of articles dealing with any subject related to numismatics (ONE Award).
20. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) copies EACH of (3) selections from ongoing column.
21. BEST ISSUE
Three (3) copies of the issue submitted by publisher or editor. Same criteria as Category 13.
SMALL-CIRCULATION AND OTHER NON-PROFIT OR CLUB NUMISMATIC PUBLICATIONS
State, regional and local publications and others with a circulation of less than 2,500.
22. BEST ARTICLE
Three (3) copies of an article dealing with any subject related to numismatics (ONE Award).
23. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) copies EACH of (3) selections from ongoing column.
24. BEST ISSUE
Three (3) copies of the issue submitted by the publisher or editor. Same criteria as Category 13.
NUMISMATIC NEWSPAPERS
25. BEST SPOT NEWS STORY
… or continuing coverage of a developing story in numismatics.
BEST ARTICLE OR SERIES OF ARTICLES
Three (3) copies of articles dealing with:
26. Coins
27. Tokens & Medals
28. Paper Money
29. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) copies EACH of (3) selections from ongoing column.
30. BEST ISSUE
Three (3) copies of the issue submitted by the publisher or editor. Same criteria as Category 13.
NON-NUMISMATIC NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
31. THE MAURICE M. GOULD AWARD FOR BEST COLUMN
Entries may be submitted by publisher, editor or columnist of any coin column appearing regularly in any non-numismatic newspaper or magazine of any size circulation.
32. BEST ARTICLE
Three (3) copies of an article dealing with any subject related to numismatics.
INTERNET WEBSITES
BEST ARTICLE OR SERIES OF ARTICLES
Three (3) copies of articles dealing with:
33. Coins
34. Tokens & Medals
35. Paper Money
36. BEST COLUMN
Three (3) print-outs EACH of three (3) selections from ongoing online column.
37. BEST ONLINE NEWS WEBSITE
This category is for websites that disseminate general news and other information about the coin hobby. Three (3) copies of the website home page and all posted stories linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor. Criteria include overall numismatic appeal, features, departments, graphics, journalistic and editorial excellence as applicable.
38. BEST DEALER WEBSITE
This category is for websites that are used to buy or sell coins, offer supplies or sell books or other forms of information related to numismatics. Three (3) copies of the website home page and all posted items linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor.
39. BEST NON-TRADE WEBSITE
This category is for websites maintained by coin clubs and other non-commercial organizations and individuals devoted to the coin hobby. Three (3) copies of the website home page and all posted items linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor.
40. BEST BLOG
This award recognizes the best interactive blog that communicates information and personal commentaries about the numismatic hobby. Please submit hard copies of three (3) complete blog entries.
41. BEST NON-NUMISMATIC PRESS WEBSITE
This award will be presented for the best numismatic website produced by a non-numismatic news organization. Editorial content from members of the hobby press is acceptable. Three (3) copies of the website home page and all posted stories linked to it at the time the copies are made, submitted by the publisher or editor.
42. BEST NUMISMATIC SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
The award will be presented for the best numismatic-themed page or feed posted on a social media site such as Facebook, Instagram or Google Plus. Entries will be judged based on the quality of articles, link outs and graphics posted. Audience engagement also will be considered by the judges. Entries must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of their posting, plus information required by NLG rules.
43. BEST SOFTWARE OR APP
Best presentation of new numismatic-related software or mobile application published in CD-Rom, DVD, App Store or any other electronic format or electronic delivery system. For physical media, only one copy of the work need be submitted. For digitally distributed software or apps, one copy must be provided or, if the entry is distributed on the Android or Apple store, written instructions must be provided about how to locate and download the app. Each entry must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of first use, plus information required by NLG rules.
AUCTION CATALOGS
Three (3) copies of each catalog entered. Criteria include cover design, overall eye appeal, format, graphics and layout, in-depth research and quality of description. Entries may be submitted by auction firm, auctioneer or cataloger. ONLY ONE CATALOG FROM EACH AUCTION FIRM will be considered in each category. Multiple entries in either category will be disqualified.
44a. Coin and currency auction catalogs
44b. Catalogs for auctions of books and exonumia
COMMERCIAL PUBLICATIONS
45. LEE MARTIN FOUNDER’S AWARD
For Best Investment Newsletter: Criteria include overall reader appeal, quality of research and writing, and graphics as applicable. Submit three (3) copies EACH of three (3) issues – total, nine (9) items.
46a. BEST DEALER-PUBLISHED MAGAZINE OR NEWSPAPER
Criteria include overall reader appeal, quality of research and writing, and graphics excellence. Submit three (3) copies EACH of at least three (3) different issues – total, nine (9) items.
46b. BEST PRICE GUIDE NEWSLETTER OR MAGAZINE
This award is for a regularly issued newsletter or magazine that lists prices for coins and includes market commentary. Judges will consider the comprehensive nature of the listed prices, regularity of updates and accuracy of the valuation basis. Submit three (3) copies EACH of at least three (3) different issues – total, nine (9) items.
BEST ALL-AROUND PORTFOLIO
47. Collection of writings and/or photographs and related items demonstrating numismatic writing ability and versatility. Organization and presentation will count as heavily as volume. Only one (1) copy of portfolio need be submitted; other copies of items included in portfolio may also be submitted in other relevant categories at entrant’s option.
BEST WRITER IN NLG NEWSLETTER
48. NLG Newsletter editor alone selects winner. Criteria include writing skill and style, numismatic or organization support, content to inform the member readers. No entries accepted; editor alone decides.
AUDIO-VISUAL
49. RADIO (broadcast or online)
Best news story, feature report or continuing series involving numismatics. Entries must include standard-size CD, URL link or audiocassette of story or feature report or three (3) selections from continuing series, accompanied by written statement citing date(s) of broadcast, call letters and location of radio station, as well as information required in overall NLG rules. Interview segments no longer qualify for this category.
50. AUDIO
Best audio program involving numismatics, but non-broadcast. Includes audio tracks from numismatic slide shows, educational tapes, audio newsletters and other presentations. Entries must include standard-size CD or audiocassette, written statement citing date(s) of first use, plus information required in overall NLG rules. Interview segments no longer qualify for this category.
51. TELEVISION
Best spot news story, feature report or continuing series involving numismatics. Entries must include standard-size CD or videocassette recording of television broadcast or three (3) selections from continuing series. Entry must be either DVD, CD or half-inch VHS or ¾-inch professional videocassette, and must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of broadcast, call letters and location of station, plus information required in overall NLG rules. Interview segments no longer qualify for this category.
52. VIDEO – NON-COMMERCIAL
Best non-broadcast slide film, movie film or videotape presentation involving numismatics made for educational purposes. Entry must include audio as well as visual materials – either written script or soundtrack of DVD or CD, film, audio or video cassette used in presentation. Entry must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of first use, plus information required by overall NLG rules. Interview segments no longer qualify for this category.
53. VIDEO – COMMERCIAL
Best non-broadcast slide film, movie film or videotape presentation involving numismatics made to promote a company or product. Entry must include audio as well as visual materials – either written script or soundtrack of DVD, CD, film, audio or video cassette used in presentation. Entry must be accompanied by a written statement citing date(s) of first use, plus information required by overall NLG rules. Interview segments no longer qualify for this category.
SPECIAL MEMORIAL AWARDS
54. JAMES L. MILLER MEMORIAL AWARD
This award, honoring the co-founder and longtime publisher of COINage Magazine, recognizes the best numismatic article to appear in any medium, including both numismatic and non-numismatic magazines, newspapers and Internet websites. Submit three (3) copies or print-outs of an article dealing with any subject related to numismatics. Criteria include overall reader appeal, research quality and writing excellence. Articles submitted in this category also may be submitted in other applicable categories.
55. CLEMENT F. BAILEY MEMORIAL AWARD
This award was endowed by Jim Miller of Miller Magazines in memory of an especially beloved member of the numismatic writing community and NLG founder, Clement F. Bailey. This award recognizes excellence among new writers in numismatics whose first published writings in this field appeared in hobby publications during the previous year. Nominees are supplied solely by numismatic publishers.
56. THE RIBBET
This award recognizes service to the hobby and to the NLG. The winner is selected by the previous year’s recipient.
57. THE CLEMY
The winner of this award, the Guild’s highest honor, is chosen by the previous year’s recipient(s) from a list of nominees provided by the NLG Board of Directors.
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NLG reserves the right to limit the number of plaques for any given entry, with the number to be determined at its discretion. NLG will provide plaques only for the persons named in an entry when it is originally submitted. Winners living in foreign countries, other than Canada and Mexico, will receive certificates and cash awards, rather than plaques. This change was necessitated by sharply higher shipping costs for plaques sent to foreign addresses, plus burdensome security regulations. The cash awards will be $50 for first-place winners and $25 for entrants whose work is cited for Extraordinary Merit. Both will receive certificates suitable for framing.
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About the NLG
The Numismatic Literary Guild, founded in 1968, is an organization made up of several hundred writers, authors, editors, publishers, photographers, catalogers, curators and other individuals from around the world who are engaged in publicizing and promoting numismatics through writing and related skills.
The Guild holds a Symposium each year on timely issues affecting its members and stages the annual Bash – which, besides the award presentation, features a lavish buffet and hobby-related skits and song parodies. The NLG also publishes a newsletter.
Membership information can be found at the NLG website.
