I was not surprised to learn that the ANA was removing the name of Farran Zerbe from their highest award. I looked through The American Numismatic Association Centennial History (1991) to refresh my memory.

The 1909 presidential election was hotly contested. The outgoing president, Farran Zerbe, supported his vice president, Dr. J. M. Henderson, in the election. The opposing candidate was Frank C. Higgins who was supported by dealer Thomas L. Elder.

This was reported in the ANA History, page 210.

Zerbe and Elder traded their opinions and insults in the pages of The Numismatist. Elder was particularly critical of the gold-plated trinkets Zerbe sold at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. He struck satirical tokens (DeLorey 70 & 71) critical of the Zerbe LPE pieces.

This was in the ANA History, page 212.

I suspect there could be other comments critical of Zerbe found in a thorough search of back issues of The Numismatist.

While the name change does not surprise me, I wonder why it took from January until September to make the announcement if the decision was made at an open meeting.

The ANA will be looking for a new name. The E-Sylum could be a good place for commentary and discussion.