I have written to Bill Gibbs of Coin World complementing his dedication in answering your readers about his feature article "Influential People In Numismatics"

Yes, many of the people, some 60, were professional dealers, who havecontributed immensely to numismatics and its growth. We professionaldealers have shops and offices about the USA, all will open doors forthe public to see our displays and at the same time answer their questions."What is coin I found worth... What do the grades mean, I have an earlierdate of one in your showcase, is it rarer, How do I start a collection for myself or my children, How do I store coins, Is there a series we could start with coins in circulation, or must we always have to buythem from dealers like you, Are there books to read to get started,"and probably a thousand more general questions, all usually answered with courtesy and information, all provided

Yes, I am duly proud and honored to be considered among the"top ten influential people in numismatics" !!!

Many of the professional dealers help start collections and alsoservice the more advanced collector, to try to finish or completea series of coins they start out assembling. They issue price lists,auction catalogs, both public and mail bid, write in various publications, lecture at coin shows and conventions, and alsoattend with part of the inventory they have to show and sell at the same shows and conventions, many times a month, nationwide,and also overseas.

The professional dealer buys and sells, and helps create a marketto accommodate the collector, and general public. He spends most of his mature life providing a service to the collector, while endeavoring to make a living from his avocation.

So because they spend most of their time serving their hobby,as they contribute to the growth and interest in numismatics,they become known for their "influence" in the hobby.

I have been a professional numismatist over 70 years and knowingthe hobby and numismatics like I do feel capable of making theevaluations I have just made. As I am 93 years old in June, I haveobserved those around me and admire virtually all of them.I work mostly at home these days and enjoy trying to help each day as best that I can, interest in my beloved hobby,Numismatics !!

That to me is why the most influential people are termed"influential" and that is why we are honored by the recent"Coin World Monthly" as we have been selected.

I hope this answers the numerous questions "why" somany professional dealers are considered "the Most Influential."

Pete writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
ON INFLUENCE IN NUMISMATICS(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n18a11.html)
COIN WORLD ON INFLUENCE IN NUMISMATICS(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n20a08.html)