Geoffrey Bell's legacy lives on through Ferguson Foundation Numismatic Research Portal

The J. Douglas Ferguson Historical Research Foundation is honoured to announce a major $250,000 donation, pledged over the next five years, in memory of the late Geoffrey Bell-a cherished numismatist, dealer, auctioneer, and educator. This generous gift will support the continued growth of the Foundation's online research portal, ensuring Geoff's passion for knowledge and history endures for future generations.

Offered through Brian Bell and the Bell family, the contribution will directly fund the expansion of the Foundation's Canadian Numismatic Resources website, which will be renamed the Geoffrey Bell Canadian Numismatic Resources (GBCNR) in recognition of their support.

Geoffrey Bell, a long-time director and past chair of the Foundation, held the Ferguson Foundation close to his heart. "The Ferguson Foundation's numismatic website was a project Geoff strongly believed in," said Foundation Chair Robert Forbes. "It is wonderful that his family wishes to honour him by sponsoring its development and expansion. The Foundation is deeply grateful for this generous donation and the opportunities it creates for the website's future."

The Bell family is moved to see Geoff's legacy carried forward through this meaningful gift, dedicated to advancing Canadian numismatic research for generations to come. As Brian shared, "For Dad, collecting was never just about the items-it was about the stories they told and the knowledge they sparked. Each rare find ignited his curiosity, and he took great joy in sharing what he learned with others through his writing. Supporting the continued growth of the Geoffrey Bell Canadian Numismatic Resources (GBCNR) is not only a tribute to his passion but also a heartfelt way for us to keep his spirit alive in the community he loved so much."

Bell, who passed away in July 2024, was a monumental figure in Canadian numismatics. Driven by insatiable curiosity and infectious passion, he created a lasting legacy as a devoted collector, inspiring educator, and trusted mentor.

What began as a small coin shop in Moncton, N.B., in 1986 has blossomed into a remarkable family legacy. Together with his son Brian and daughter-in-law Dawn, Geoff helped establish Geoffrey Bell Auctions, which has become a pillar of Canada's numismatic auction scene. Over the years, the company has handled some of the country's most treasured collections, reflecting Geoff's deep passion for paper money, historical medals, and the stories they tell. Most recently, this legacy has grown even stronger with the addition of a third generation-Geoff's grandson, Malcolm Bell, who has proudly opened The Coin Vault, carrying forward the family's enduring love for numismatics.

Beyond his professional achievements, Geoff was deeply committed to the wider numismatic community. He served two terms as president of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA), was named an RCNA Fellow in 1998, and received the prestigious J. Douglas Ferguson Award in 1987-the highest honour in Canadian numismatics-for his outstanding contributions to research and education. Just last year, 2024, he was awarded Honorary President of the RCNA.

Geoff's influence extended well beyond titles and awards. A gifted educator and dedicated public school teacher, he inspired countless collectors through his wisdom, mentorship, and encouragement of new voices in the hobby. His visionary leadership helped shape the Ferguson Foundation's mission to preserve Canada's numismatic heritage and make it accessible to all. Today, those values live on through the Bell family's generous gift-a lasting testament to his passion and legacy.

The Foundation's website, the Geoffrey Bell Canadian Numismatic Resources (GBCNR) serves as a vital digital repository of historically significant Canadian numismatic publications and archival material. It supports researchers, collectors, and historians by making key documents freely available and searchable online. With the Bell family's sponsorship, this resource will continue to expand and stand as a living tribute to one of the hobby's most dedicated figures.

To learn more about the Foundation's work, visit jdfergusonfoundation.ca or contact Robert Forbes, Foundation Chair at rforbes1948@gmail.com.

To read the earlier Canadian Coin News article, see:
Geoffrey Bell's legacy lives online(https://canadiancoinnews.com/geoffrey-bells-legacy-lives-online/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
WEBSITE: CANADIAN NUMISMATIC RESOURCES(https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n49a08.html)
CANADIAN NUMISMATIC RESOURCES SITE ANNOUNCED(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n07a10.html)